High-flying Lewes dig deep to beat spirited Horsham

Lewes got off to a good start, dominating possession, without creating any clear cut chances.

Fifteen minutes in, Lewes won a short corner and Alex Lloyd despatched the ball with aplomb into the bottom corner to put the hosts ahead.

Matt Hickman then scored a brilliant solo goal beating three defenders before unleashing an unstoppable reverse stick hit from the top of the D, through the legs of the keeper, and Lewes were two goals to the good.

Horsham began to create their own chances and, with a slice of fortune, a deflected Greig Baillie effort got the visitors back in the game just before half-time.

Lewes knew that a fast start to the second half was needed if they were to keep Horsham at bay.

The visitors’ cause wasn’t helped by some aggressive tackling, which inevitably led to a yellow card.

Lewes made their superior numbers count. Great work down the right-hand side by forward Rea saw him pick out Harry Heitman at the back post, who finished well to restore Lewes’ two-goal advantage.

The game got scrappy and further cards were brandished by the umpires for both teams.

It was Horsham who took advantage of this by scoring a well-worked deflection at the back post to give them hope with ten minutes remaining of the half.

Lewes did have the chance to score again as Spruce was taken out by the Horsham keeper when through on goal.

However, the resulting penalty flick was well saved - with Lewes feeling aggrieved the keeper was still on the pitch to make the save.

This led to a nervy final five minutes, but Lewes were able to see the game out.