The game started brightly with the men in green utilising the pace in the pitch and their electric forwards to stretch the opposition defence and make early inroads to the attacking third. However it was Old Bordenians who drew first blood as a turnover against the run of play found their forward unmarked in the heart of Lewes’ defence, who finished calmly from close range. Lewes didn’t panic and continued to find success down the right-hand flank with work from vice-captain Tapping and mercurial full-back Fox.
With patience and a sustained period of pressure, the game plan paid dividends. Spruce drove in smartly to the bi-line pulling the ball back to new signing Sam Gill who netted under pressure to bring parity. The first half drew to a close with the away side feeling they had the momentum.
As the second half got underway it was more of the same as Lewes enjoyed the lion’s share of possession. Continuing to take the game to Old Bordenians and exposing their defenders. Some “robust” challenges left the home side two men down and Lewes without a skipper, reeling from a head-on collision. Tensions mounted as a string of failed corner conversions left the Lewes side increasingly frustrated and unable to pull away.
Some crucial saves from Lewes coach and Goalkeeper Andrew Isaacs prevented the home side stealing the points and eventually the game played out a 1-1 draw. After consistent pressure and decent patterns of play Lewes could be disappointed with the result. A lack of clear cut chances and killer instinct in the D was the difference.
With the green machine off the mark, and a crucial point chalked up, the signs are promising. Lewes head into a tough battle against in-form Wimbledon next week with a boosted forward line returning.