Lewes show their class against Mens 2s

CRAWLEY 2s 1 - 9 LEWES 2s

Crawley came into this game know that it would be a very tough game against a team who were playing in the league above last season against their 1st team. Captain Chris Rockingham was sitting the game out on the side line with an injury but rallied his troops to work as a team and just do the basics well.

The game started as expected with Lewes applying all of the pressure on the Crawley goal but unable to convert any chances. Crawley were trying to break away with Paterson and Jarvis on the wings but not able to convert that pressure into opportunities. Lewes then one a short corner in the 15th minute and expertly finished it with a drag flick in the bottom left hand corner that the post-man was unable to keep out. Lewes then built on this goal and forced a number of good saves from in-form goalkeeper Chris White. However a number of good team moves by Lewes saw them score another 2 goals before the break.

Crawley spoken at half time about keeping possession of the ball and not to dive in on the players. Crawley regrouped and started creating chances only to force 3 top quality saves from shots from Josh Haworth, Kane Paterson and James Murphy. Lewes then went up the gears and Crawley went to sleep for 15 minutes and conceded 5 goals in quick succession. After a few stern words from the sideline Crawley pressed on were playing for their pride and Theo Hillman won a PS after being deliberately fouled when through one on one with the goalkeeper. The birthday boy stepped up and expertly converted the PS. Lewes had time to convert one more PC before the full time whistle blew.

Chris Rockingham commented afterwards: "Today we came up against a side who were playing in the league above against our 1s and made it to a national final last year. Whilst we have improved as a team Lewes showed their class today. The team spirit is still strong and we look to next week against St Francis where we always have very good encounters."

Team: Chris White, James Ortyl, Ian Berry, James Fuller, Alex Coote, Russell Hales, Tom Jarvis, Kane Paterson, James Murphy, Josh Haworth, Gary Marlow, Theo Hillman, Chris Rockingham

MOTM: Josh Haworth
DOTD: Theo Hillman