Crawley 2’s came into this game after a mixed start to the season hoping to get things back on track after last week’s defeat.

They started very brightly, motm Jonny Lewis-Brown, Reece Banton and Karl Bass linking up well in the opening stages and creating a few early chances but without the required end product. The breakthrough did come soon after, a Bass aerial finding skipper Scott Gibbons in the D, who smartly turned and nutmegged the keeper with some improvisation for Lewis-Brown to turn home at the back post. They continued to press and Gary Marlow and Gibbons both had further chances but couldn’t increase their lead.

Lewes started to work their way back into what was fast becoming an intriguing game of hockey. Ollie Robinson, Chris White and Ian Berry all working hard to keep the Green onslaught at bay. Unfortunately White was adjudged to have fouled a shooting player and conceded a penalty flick. Keeper Craig Spooner almost got to it, but the Lewes player just managed to squeeze it under him to restore parity.

Crawley looked to go again, brothers Liam and Jack Mulcahy looking to build the play and Oli Hendon putting in a shift in the engine room. The breakthrough did come after some good build up play, Bass slamming a ball into the D and Gibbons converting through the keeper’s legs with a deft touch to give the boys in maroon a 2-1 lead at the break.

The second half started with Lewes probing for an equaliser, but solid defending from Matt Park, Berry, White and Robinson kept the lead intact. Crawley again looked dangerous on the counter attack. Banton and Lewis Brown always looking dangerous on the ball and both working hard to regain possession when they were without it. The smart midfield play saw Hendon released down the left and his cross-come-shot evaded the keeper who was distracted by Marlow’s dart across the front post to see the lead extended to 3-1.

The game was frantic and fractious and saw green cards for White and Lewis-Brown as the game became stretched and even left the umpire asking what’s wrong with you people? Crawley then should have had the game all wrapped up when Gibbons unselfishly squared the ball to Marlow, but he somehow couldn’t convert at the far post with the goal gaping. Crawley were then almost made to rue that miss as Lewes finally were rewarded for their endeavours but the 2’s managed the last few minutes of the game expertly to see out an important 3-2 win.

Next week the 2’s have a late game away to Worthing as they hope to build up some momentum.