The last game of March saw fifth place Lewes play hosts to Hailsham occupying a place above them. With Ryan McBride missing due to injury, the front line saw Chris Ward partner Paul Young, and Jason Edwards moved into midfield with captain Sam Long slotting back into defence on his return to the side.

Lewes started the game much the brighter with plenty of possession without fashioning a clear-cut chance. After half an hour a nasty collision between Chris Ward and the Hailsham keeper saw the striker retire from the game with suspected knee ligament damage to be replaced by Dean Lipscombe.

Lewes continued their pressure and five minutes before the break great work between Kevin Bradburn, Gary Maclean and Rob Neal following a deep corner ended with Bradburn delightfully curling the ball into the far top corner of the net from the edge of the box.

The second half started much as the first with Lewes taking control of the game but making few clear cut chances, and when they did the Hailsham keeper was equal to the task, firstly denying Paul Young and later Dean Lipscombe, both in one on one situations.

.Midway through the half saw a lost cause chased down by Paul Young and Matt Watts. causing a Hailsham defender to hurriedly square his pass to Dean Lipscombe. The lively striker accepted the gift and slotted the ball easy into the corner of the goal as the keeper desperately tried to recover his lost ground.

Two goals to the good, Lewes then soaked up the inevitable onslaught by Hailsham as they strove to get back into the game. The Lewes defence stood strong except on two occasions, when Tom Rand made two excellent saves to thwart the Hailsham offence. The Rooks were unlucky not to add to their tally on the counter attack with Rob Neal hitting a post, the keeper tipping a Sam Long effort over the bar and Jason Edwards firing just over. The final five minutes saw Hailsham also hit the post but by this time it was evident that the brace of goals would be enough.

So with March producing a record of five wins, one draw and just one defeat against League leaders Eastbourne Borough, Lewes have placed themselves nicely in fourth spot. If the Reserves continue this good form then a final placing as third or even runners up is not beyond expectation. The only concern is the ever increasing injury list which may prove their undoing in the final month's run in.

Next up is the rearranged fixture away to Selsey this Wednesday evening (Thanks a lot County League fixture Secretary when the England game is on!!).

Reserve Section - Premier Division Pld Pts Eastbourne Borough 24 55 Burgess Hill Tn 23 51 Horsham YMCA 28 49 Lewes 26 46 Hailsham 26 44

Kevin Bradburn was welcomed back after illness to replace captain Sam Long who had not recovered from an ankle injury. Chris Ward replaced Gareth Green, who had limped off against East Preston.

Chichester has never been an easy place to visit but the behaviour of their players, coupled with the poorest most inept referee display by Mr Kevin Stone was a recipe for the sort of loutish behaviour that is only expected after thugs have been on a Saturday evening fuelling of alcohol.

Two incidents of note in the first half was the booking of Ryan McBride for a late tackle and a disallowed Chichester goal for offside. The Lewes youngsters were intimidated by foul play, off the ball assaults and group bullying by their hosts. This allowed the home team to control the game.

A roasting at half time saw Lewes take the field with a more determined attitude and on the hour a cross-field ball by Steve Metcalf found Matt Watts who lashed the ball past the keeper. This prompted even more unsavoury play by Chichester, none more so when Gary Maclean was clearly kicked in the face whilst he lay on the floor. Yet again Mr Stone chose to ignore the offence and added insult when he awarded the hosts a free kick nearby.

It came as no surprise that Chichester finally equalised, a fine strike from twenty-five yards despite Gavin Manthorpe getting a hand to the ball. Chichester went on to hit the bar as they pushed forward but the Lewes bench displayed to the League Observer who was in attendance the weakness of the referee when they challenged for the final whistle, stating 50 minutes had been played but knowing fully well that possibly a further 5-7 minutes should have been added.

In the end, a share of the spoils was a good result. The Sussex County League should take steps to bring this Chichester side to task rather than pass the buck to a weak referee who was intimidated and maybe afraid that he would end up on the wrong end of a thumping. That said, in the future and at higher levels the Lewes players will undoubtedly have to face similar intimidation and they must ensure that they do not allow a repeat of a spineless first half performance.

Special mention should be given to the veteran of the side Kevin Bradburn who had a massive game and led by example. Next up Lewes entertain Hailsham on Saturday 29th March ko.3pm. Hopefully Hailsham will not try the strong-arm tactics that they displayed at an early season game at their place. If they do, at least the Lewes youngsters have had their dress rehearsal against ‘Chi’.

Lewes lined up with one sole first team player, Gareth ‘Nasher’ Green. In goal Tome Rand replaced Gavin Manthorpe and Jason Edwards slotted in for the unwell Kevin Bradburn. Paul Young partnered Ryan McBride up front as Chris Ward was rested.

The standard of refereeing by Mr Kevin Stone was under the spotlight within the first minute when a blatant push in the penalty area on Paul Young as he was about to strike the ball went unpunished. Thankfully the ball bobbled to Ryan McBride who calmly side-footed in from 12 yards.

Thereafter the first half was played out as a keenly fought contest without either side fashioning a clear opening. On the hour Lewes went close when McBride turned and fed Matt Watts whose shot was well saved. Indeed as the game went on Lewes always looked the more likely to score and McBride should have added a second when he failed to capitalise on a one on one with the East Preston keeper.

The keeper made two further inspired stops when he turned another Matt Watts effort around his left hand post and tipped over a close range McBride shot. East Prestons resistance was apparently breached minutes later when a corner clearance was thumped back goalwards by John Popely. Dean Lipscombe got a touch and the ball found the East Preston net only to be disallowed for offside. A strange decision bearing in mind a defender was standing on the post at the time.

This stroke of fortune encouraged the hosts to press forward and with ten minutes to go they should have equalised but for awful finishing when a simple header was placed wide of the Lewes upright with the keeper beaten. A change of formation to 5-4-1 was called for and Lewes held out to the final whistle. A well deserved three points in a keenly fought contest only spoilt by a poor referee.

After their fine run of wins the Reserves played host to the league leaders, Eastbourne Borough, who had had a fine 4-0 victory over County Three side Storrington during midweek in the Intermediate Cup Semi final. Kevin Bradburn was back to replace Dave Soutar and Paul Young stepped up from the bench to replace Gareth Green, Soutar and Green both earning recalls to the first team squad.

Fielding an adventurous 3-4-3 formation, Lewes started the brighter and having caused the Boro defence some early anxiety the pressure paid off when in the 9th minute Ryan McBride crossed to Paul Young whose shot was parried by the keeper leaving Chris Ward to take advantage of an easy tap in.

Boro’s reply was almost immediate helped along by some awful defending. Lewes gave up possession cheaply in midfield then failed to make three tackles before the ball found its way into the Lewes net.

A corner on the quarter hour provided Lewes’ next chance when Iain Wood shot just wide following a corner. The game then became ragged and the Lewes midfield went AWOL. During this scrappy phase a harmless Boro punt forward was mis-controlled by Bradburn, the ball went back to keeper Gavin Manthorpe who went to control with his foot but was then forced to pounce on the ball due to a sniffing Boro forward. Never an intentional back-pass but the man in black adjudged it to be a free kick that was firmly dispatched into the net.

Boro were inspired thereon forcing a change of Lewes formation to 3-5-2. They gave further warning by hitting the Lewes bar on the half hour and it came as no surprise when they stretched their lead prior to half time. The only Lewes effort in that period was a turn and volley by McBride that was superbly tipped over the bar.

The second half began with controversy when a through ball was chased and jumped for by McBride challenging and outjumping the Boro keeper. The ball fell to Paul Young who slotted home leaving the Boro keeper laid prostrate and the rest of the team arguing a foul on their keeper. After a lengthy delay the game restarted.

Almost immediately Lewes defending were caught out by a diagonal ball, the Boro forward gleefully running on goal and accepting the gift. The rest of the game became an even match between the two sides - however every Lewes attack seemed to be thwarted by the referee Mr Barron, who failed to award a single free kick to Lewes during the last half hour of the match causing disbelief and incredulity to all.

The final result of 4-2 was far from being a disgrace. But for a dodgy referee decision leading to Boro’s second and some sloppy defending by Lewes the contest was closer than the score-line suggests. Boro will deservedly go on to win another League title and the Lewes youngsters will hopefully learn how to defend when they have added to their tally.

This week sees the Reserves visit East Preston on Wednesday night ko7.30pm and then travel to Chichester City Utd next Saturday. Both games are ‘must win’ if Lewes are to ensure a top four finish.

After the disappointment of the postponed match away to Selsey on Saturday the Reserves were keen to take to the field again with the hope of improving on their recent good performances. Two changes to the side that comprehensively beat Hassocks the previous week were Dave Soutar back from first team duties to replace the sick Kevin Bradburn and Gary Maclean slotting into midfield with Chris Ward pushing forward to partner Ryan McBride and Gareth ‘Nasher’ Green.

 

Lewes got off to the perfect start with two goals within the opening three minutes. Firstly a misplaced back-pass by the under pressure Littlehampton defence was pounced upon by Nasher Green whose shot rebounded from the post to Chris Ward who accepted the gift. A minute later a free kick by Metcalf was swung into the box and the unmarked Ryan McBride guided the ball into the bottom corner leaving the hapless Adam Brodrick in the Marigolds net wrong footed.

As is often the case in such circumstances Lewes went to sleep and stopped their industry in midfield and in the 11th minute Littlehampton sliced through the Lewes defence with their best move of their match and walked the ball into the Lewes net sounding sirens that they were not about to lay down and make life easy for their visitors.

The reply was emphatic, with Lewes responding from the restart. The ball was worked out to the right wing, Matt Watts crossed deep to the far post, McBride headed against the bar and Nasher Green slotted home the rebound for Lewes’ third. Thereafter the game was pretty even until Littlehampton won a penalty on the half hour when an innocuous punt forward coupled with Gavin Manthorpe's hesitation to come and clear resulted in him doing a Cinderella, late for the ball, and clipping the forward who had nicked the ball away from his grasp. The conversion reduced the deficit back to a single goal.

Minutes later the turning point of the game occurred when Littlehampton centre half Dan Waller maliciously hacked down Chris Ward off the ball and with no reason. The referee having been blindside to the incident consulted the ‘Littlehampton’ linesman. After a brief conversation Waller was shown red. To compound Littlehampton's problems Lewes regained the two goal difference shortly after with Watts again turning provider with a near post cross. McBride stooped low to beat goalkeeper and defender to head in amongst the flailing boots. Half time 2 – 4 to Lewes.

The second half saw Littlehampton work harder to frustrate Lewes’ game and on the hour Watts and Ward were replaced with Rob Neal and Paul Young. Lewes began to dominate proceedings and were rewarded in the 68th minute when Sam Long delivered a long pass for McBride to chase. Out muscling the defenders he ran into the 18yrd area and delivered an unstoppable shot despite Brodrick’s vain attempts to complete his hat-trick.

It was hard to see Littlehampton coming back into the game - however Lewes keeper Manthorpe and centre half Metcalf combined to show that their hours of circus school training had not been in vain when they laughably conjured up another Littlehampton goal with Metcalf heading back and over the again hesitant Manthorpe and into the Lewes net. Despite Metcalf’s protestations that the Littlehampton attacker got the final tap I had it confirmed with the attacker himself after the game who stated the ball had in fact crossed the line. Still good news for Metcalf and Manthorpe was that Gerry Cottle was present at the game and summer contracts for his travelling circus are expected to be offered!!!

Two minutes later Iain Woods's cross to the near post found Nasher Green who side footed home. 3 – 6. On the 75th minute Jason Edwards, back from a long injury lay off, replaced Soutar. Within minutes Lewes were reduced to ten men. McBride picked up his second yellow card and was sent for the early shower. Why the second yellow was produced confounded both dug outs but this seemed to herald a rash of bookings by the referee who started dishing them out like confetti!!.

Ten minutes left and Lewes continued to exploit their now exhausted and increasingly ragged opponents. Firstly Iain Wood broke free but failed to convert his one on one, however Paul Young accepted the tap in. Minutes later Rob Neal and Nasher Green played a one two down the right wing with Neal’s cross finding Young who delightfully lobbed the keeper from ten yards out.

Still time for another - Wood played a reverse pass to Young whose near post cross was converted by Nasher Green for him to complete his hat-trick. Before the whistle signalled the end Young missed an opportunity for his hat-trick however with his first taste of football for 2003 following his winter skiing job he will be happy with two goals from 30 minutes of football.

So that was it! A quiet Wednesday evening in sleepy Rustington against Littlehampton. And to think some of you stayed in to watch the box!!!!

Wednesday 5th March

Lewes Reserves 6 Hassocks Reserves 1

Lewes played hosts to the only team yet to be beaten in the league so far this season. Despite having played a handful of games less than others Hassocks have taken points off some of the top teams and are well poised to challenge should they continue their good form.

Lewes fielded Lee Newman and Gareth ‘Nasher’ Green up front with the ever impressive Ryan McBride. Matt Allen whilst kitted up for a game had to be withdrawn at the 11th hour due to Sussex County registration problems.

Out of the blocks like sprinters, Lewes tore into Hassocks, pressuring them into giving away a cheap free kick. Green swung it in and McBride having come off the back of his marker headed in the first.

Chance after chance was created but it wasn’t until the 25th minute that the lead was doubled. A defensive punt up field caused Hassock’s defence to turn and then be out-muscled by McBride, and he stabbed the ball through to Newman, who took the ball on and passed it by the keeper into the bottom corner.

Minutes later Lewes should have increased their lead when a header from a corner bounced off the Hassocks bar only for the ‘Fifty Pence piece’ head of Chris Ward to miss from close range. However Just before half time Ward won a crunching tackle and fed the ball forward to Green down the right flank. A perfect cross found Newman, who controlled the ball but allowed the onrushing Dean Lipscombe the opportunity to increase the lead with a well taken strike.

The second half saw Hassocks come out more determined and after a sliced clearance attempt the ball was passed behind the Lewes defence where an unmarked Hassocks attacker pulled one back. Lewes dug deep and reacted accordingly with an increased urgency in their play. Only a great point blank save by the Hassocks keeper, Martin Sapley denied Green an inspirational piece of skill when he took a cross, juggled the ball, hooked it over the defender and smashed a shot goal ward.

The keeper made a couple of other impressive saves but the Hassocks defence could stand no more and inevitably Lewes’ fourth arrived just after the hour when simple passing between Iain Wood and Dean Lipscombe set up Lee Newman on the edge of the box. He turned his marker for the umpteenth time of the night and dispatched an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner.

Two minutes later Newman turned provider when he backheeled into the path of McBride who stabbed the ball past the hapless Sapley. Shortly after Sapley injured an ankle but was in truth probably relived to hand his jersey over to a team-mate before he strained his back further by recovering the ball from his net.

Iain Wood was unluckly not to score when Newman set him up for a 25yard strike that fizzed just over the bar - however little can be said for his later effort when he was closer to demolishing the new stand than worrying the Hassocks goal.

In the 75th minute Steve Metcalf, who had once again turned in master class of sweeper position uncustomary gave the ball away near the edge of the Lewes box. Quick to recover, he punted clear to Ward who controlled and put in Newman who left the defenders in his wake, rounded the keeper and slotted home.

A shell-shocked Hassocks team welcomed the referee’s final whistle and surrendered their position as the league's only unbeaten team. Indeed the score-line could have run into double figures but for some good saves by Sapley in the Hassocks goal. Newman and Green showed their class all night long and their performances should give JQ plenty to think about. McBride complimented them admirably with an excellent display of a target man play coupled with unstinting work-rate in tackling back.

Every Lewes player was on top of their game but they should be aware of their next game away to Selsey this weekend, not because of the team Selsey may field but because of their own complacency!

Friday 1st March

Lancing Reserves 2 Lewes Reserves 3

After a couple of disappointing performances Lewes visited another lowly slide anxious not to slip on another banana skin. Early on Lancing took the lead and the Lewes heads went down for ten minutes or so.

Lewes then took control of the game but it took until just before half time for Ryan McBride to ensure the teams went in level. After the interval Lewes were again slow out of the blocks, and allowed Lancing to take the initiative regain the lead.

Rattled by this, Lewes set their stall out and improved their work rate outplaying Lancing in every position. Midway through the half we equalised when Chris Ward finished neatly.

To round things off Ryan McBride popped up again to score his second and guarantee the three points that Lewes deserved. March being a busy month, with 24 points to play for, a win sets the team up after a couple of uncharacteristic performances.

Saturday 22nd February

Lewes Reserves 1 Pagham Reserves 2

With Ryan McBride missing, Dave Soutar started up front, and John Popely made his first start slotting into centre midfield.

The first half was a dour affair with Lewes failing to get going against a poor Pagham side. However it was Pagham who took the lead when they broke from midfield and strolled through the defence to score. The nearest Lewes efforts came late in the half when Kevin Bradburn rose to head just wide from a corner and then a deflected cross almost deceived the Pagham keeper and sneaked in at his near post.

In the second half Gavin Manthorpe made two excellent saves to limit the self inflicted damage, and Soutar had an opportunity to claw a goal back but he blazed the ball over the bar from six yards out.

Lewes continued to play poorly until Mike Beirne and Dave Osland replaced Iain Wood and Dean Lipscombe. The urgency and passing became crisper but few clear cut chances were made until the 75 minute, when John Popely split the Pagham defence with a through ball from which Soutar scored.

Dave Williamson immediately replaced Popely and Lewes pushed three forward in an attempt to win the game. Other than Steve Metcalf having to clear a ball from the Lewes goal line all the pressure was put on the Pagham defence. A clear handball by a Pagham defender went unseen by the referee and the penalty appeals went unheard.

Lewes thought they had scored in injury time when Soutar shot from the edge of the box. The Pagham keeper parried and was then forced to kick a clearance away from the advancing Williamson. The resultant kick hit Gary Maclean who was also converging on the keeper but when Williamson converted the loose ball, the referee decided he was offside.

Again Lewes pushed forward and again the referee missed a blatant handball by the same Pagham defender who cleared the ball up field. The lone Pagham striker collected it, cut in from the right and struck the ball into the bottom corner of the Lewes net leaving Manthorpe with no chance.

Hardly time to restart, the referee called a halt to the proceedings and Lewes had been mugged. Solace could only be found in knowing that the second half performance had been far better than the first and that Lewes had gone down trying to win the game when the easy option would have been to have closed up shop when Soutar had equalised. Now a weeks break before the Reserves visit Lancing and a chance to get some bodies back from the injury list.

Wednesday 19th February

Lewes Reserves 1 Sidley Reserves 3

Off the back of two successes against the top two teams in the division the Reserves entertained Sidley on a cold Wednesday night. In the absence of Gary Maclean Steve Metcalf moved into the midfield and John Crumplin took over his role as sweeper.

Lewes got off to a disastrous start when they failed to defend a free kick allowing Sidley space to rise unchallenged and head home. A reply was almost immediate when the ball sat up for Dave Soutar who volleyed against the Sidley bar from 30yards. After ten minutes Matt Watts limped out of the action to be replaced by Jorge Alted. Worse was to come for Lewes fifteen minutes later when Alted injured a knee and had to be replaced by Mike Beirne.

As if things were not difficult enough for Lewes more bad luck was to follow. Firstly, Lewes keeper Gavin Manthorpe uncharacteristically completely missed a clearance kick gifting the onrushing Sidley player the chance to walk the ball into the unguarded net, and then two minutes later failure to mark on the edge of the penalty box following a Sidley corner gave the visitors the chance to shoot on goal. Manthorpe made a fine parried save but the Sidley forwards reacted quickest to slot in to make it 0-3 at half time.

The second half saw Lewes control the game and work far harder than they had in the first. Late on Dean Lipscombe was replaced by Mike Beirne as Lewes pushed three forward trying to pull back a goal. With ten minutes to goal Lewes scored what proved to be nothing but a consolation when Ryan McBride bundled the ball into the net from a goalmouth melee. So a disappointing result in a game that was lost in the first half. To make matters worse four players received injuries with little time to prepare before this Saturdays visit to the Pan of Pagham.

 

Friday 14th February 2003

Burgess Hill Reserves 0 Lewes Reserves 3

Having beaten last weeks table toppers YMCA, Lewes made the trip to Burgess Hill who had replaced YMCA in the division’s number one spot. Missing Rob Neal (hamstring) and Matt Beeston (transferred to Shoreham FC) from Saturdays line up the team welcomed back Dave Soutar from illness and Dean Lipscombe stepped up from the bench to start. Burgess Hill fielded a youthful line up who were looking to continue Lewes’ dismal away form.

The visitors immediately set out their stall, closing down the Hillians midfield pressing them into their own half. Within five minutes after some slick passing McBride was set up for a one on one but placed his shot just wide of the post. The neat ten yard pass and move complimented with fifty yard cross field balls to the wide men of Lewes saw the opening exchange capped off with Lewes capitalising from a throw-in from the right wing. Thrown to McBride who turned his marker and crossed to the front post where Ward, unworried about losing his ‘pretty boy’ looks, stooped low amongst the failing boots to head in a well deserved goal.

Five minutes later Burgess Hill almost drew level with a good header that crashed against the Lewes bar. After a lull in the frenetic pace Lewes again upped the tempo. From a deep free kick on the right Metcalf swung the ball into the box where McBride rose highest to steer the ball into the top corner of the net allowing us to close the first half with 2-0 advantage.

The second half began as expected with the Hillians making the running. In the 54th minute a Lewes attack came to nothing, but from the resultant goal kick the ball was planted firmly back onto the Hillians defence and Ward latched onto the ball, outstripped the defence to slide the ball wide of the keeper into the net.

As the half continued the Lewes wide men dropped in to mark their opposite numbers who had given up defending. With five at the back Lewes did not look like conceding with Manthorpe forced into only one real save. Whilst Burgess Hill did penetrate to the by line on a few occasions there were always Lewes bodies to snuff out any danger.

Indeed Lewes looked more likely to score on the counter attack with the front two of Ward and Mcbride working tirelessly and going near with a couple of shots well saved by the Hillians keeper. The last ten minutes saw a couple of changes for tiring legs and to run down the clock whilst encamped in the hosts’ half. The referee, who despite a couple of strange decisions had let the game flow, signaled the end of the ninety minutes and heralded the first away victory of the season and the second ‘top of the table’ scalp of the week.

If the team can play like this consistently then they should fear no one. With a couple of games in hand there is the opportunity to lift themselves up into a challenging position. Next week sees them at home twice. Firstly on Wednesday night against Sidley ko 7.30pm and then on Saturday against Pagham ko 3.00pm. With the first team hosting Bognor on Tuesday next week sees a bumper package of football at the Dripping-Pan.

Lewes: Manthorpe, Metcalf, Long, Bradburn, Wood (Popely 85min), Maclean, Soutar, Ward, Lipscombe, McBride, Watts (Alted 80min)

Saturday 8th February 2003

Lewes Reserves 1 Horsham YMCA Reserves 0

With the abandonment of last weeks fixture Lewes were given an early opportunity to atone for the debacle of their last games result, a 7-1 defeat at league leaders Horsham YMCA.

On a sticky Dripping Pan the hosts set about their task and forced YMCA onto the back foot by closing down early and setting the pace of the game. The game developed into a midfield battle with neither team fashioning any clear cut chances but Lewes had a few longer range efforts blocked. The first real chance, a free kick outside the box, came to Lewes, but it was hopelessly spurned.

However on the half hour mark in an almost identical position, Steve Metcalf stepped up to strike an unstoppable shot over the wall into the top corner leaving the YMCA keeper getting marks for a nice dive but little else. With five minutes of the first half remaining, Chris Ward was forced off with injury and YMCA forced Manthorpe into a block save whilst the Lewes defence momentarily went to sleep.

The second half continued in the same vain as the first. Lewes defending stoutly and broke quickly, looking the more likely to score and causing the YMCA keeper into a fine save from a goal bound free kick from just outside the box. (Apologies to the taker but I was switching on the floodlights at the time so I missed who struck it).

As the half wore on YMCA began to inject more urgency into their play. Manthorpe made a number of timely saves and but for a couple of dreadful efforts YMCA would have equalised. Still Lewes continued to counter attack well and most of the 4 minutes of injury time were played out in YMCA's half.

The full time whistle was greeted with a handful of cheers and YMCA trooped off more than a little shell-shocked having been out fought and out played by a Lewes side that had put to bed the previous games result.

Lewes: Manthorpe, Metcalf, Long, Bradburn, Wood (Popely 65min), Beeston, Maclean, Neal, Ward (Lipscombe 40min), McBride, Watts (Bierne 80min)

Saturday 18th January 2003

Lewes Reserves 1 East Preston Reserves 1

Lewes Reserves welcomed the return of Matt Beeston in his first game of the 2002/3 campaign having recovered from a dislocated shoulder. Also running out was Dave Soutar, having covered admirably in his recent first team appearances.

Lewes quickly got into their stride and spurned a couple of half chances forcing East Preston back. Against the run of play and with their first real effort on the Lewes goal a speculative long range effort deceived Manthorpe who made a hash of the save, dropping the ball into the net.

Lewes replied with a renewal of their pressure and in the 21st minute Neal released Ward who held off a challenge and slotted past the keeper. The game slipped into a midfield battle thereafter until half time.

The second half saw Lewes attack with renewed vigour and other than a couple of corners the Lewes goal came under no threat. The East Preston goal came under siege with their keeper pulling off a string of saves. When beaten the woodwork came to the rescue, first from a shot by Ward against the post and secondly when Watts jinked through the defence and crashed a shot against the underside of the bar.

Lewes pushed on to the end but to no avail and the scores remained all even. So the first game in three weeks and the display was all there except for the finishing. Two points dropped but hopefully if the team reproduces displays like this, then there is little doubt that points will be amassed.

Lewes:- Manthorpe, Metcalf, Long, Soutar, Beeston, Maclean (Alted), Neal, Watts, Ward (J Boddy), McBride, Wood (Lipscombe

Saturday 14th December 2002

Lewes Reserves 4 Selsey Reserves 0

A long journey back to Selsey was probably the most enjoyable part of the day for Lewes' opponents. The omission of Rob Boddy, due to work, allowed Spaniard Jorge Alted to take a place on the bench. Otherwise it was familiar faces all round.

Lewes started off brightly and took the game to their visitors. The pressure paid off in the 13th minute when John Boddy was recklessly challenged leaving the referee with no option other than to award a penalty. McBride stepped up to convert. Within ten minutes Lewes extended their lead. Good play between Boddy and McBride led to the latter crossing a perfect ball to Paul Young who had the simple task of heading in to an almost unguarded goal.

With the Selsey manager being booked and sent into the stand the first half deteriorated into petty squabbles that seemed to cause Lewes to lose concentration for about ten minutes, during which time Selsey carved out their only real chance of the game. However Gavin Manthorpe adequately dealt with the effort.

The second half saw Lewes quickly out of the blocks and it came as no surprise when McBride latched onto a Boddy through ball and calmly converted with Young also adding his second of the game five minutes later.

Substitutions allowed a chance to experiment with a 4-3-3 formation with Edwards slotting into left back, Ward replacing Boddy and Jorge Alted getting his first run out in the middle of the midfield. Other than giving away an only corner the Lewes defence gave their keeper a near day off.

So Lewes wrapped up their home games of 2002 with a win at a canter. Particularly impressive were Iain Wood in midfield and the combination of McBride and Young upfront, although this was a good team performance with the second half producing good passing, movement and an increase in workrate.

Saturday 26th October

Lewes Reserves 7 Littlehampton Reserves 0

A lull in the recent bad weather saw a strong Lewes side containing a handful of first team players take the field against a Littlehampton side that has struggled so far this season. Lewes immediately looked a class above their opponents and carved out two good chances that went begging before Littlehampton fired a shot from 30 yards that crashed against the bar leaving Rand flapping at thin air. Luckily the ball became trapped under our 'keeper before he collected safely.

On the quarter hour a Davis cross found Green at the far post who slotted home from close range. The first half continued with Lewes pressing Littlehampton back without ever looking likely to add to their tally. However Long took a knock to the calf and was replaced by Watts, who filled in at centre half.

The second half began well and after five minutes Driscoll weaved through the Littlehampton defence before letting fly with a shot that was parried into the path of Byerley, who tapped in. Within two minutes Arojodun ran clear and passed inside to Gedling who unleashed a shot into the top corner. In the 67th minute probably the best move of the game led to goal number four. Byerley held up and laid off to Gedling, who spread the ball out to Lipscombe, and his cross forced the keeper to parry straight to Davis, who had a simple tap in.

Two further substitutions followed with Neal replacing Lipscombe on the right and Boddy coming on up front for Arojodun. With ten minutes to go Watts and Neal snuffed out a rare Littlehampton incursion into the Lewes penalty box. Neal fed the ball down the line to Davis who in turn threaded a ball through to Byerley who sprung the offside trap and rounded the keeper for his second of the day.

Still there was time for two further goals. The first came when Neal collected a pass from Boddy and drove the ball from about twenty five yards across the keeper and inside the far post. Boddy also created the seventh and last goal of the day by chipping to the far post to Green, who weaved his magic before passing the ball into the net.

The 7-0 scoreline could well have been more and will help the Lewes goal difference. Next up, a Friday night visit to Pagham.

Lewes: Rand, Clark, Long (Watts 35min), Soutar, Driscoll, Gedling, Lipscombe (Neal 67mins), Davis, Arojodun (Boddy 65mins), Byerley, Green.

Tuesday 8th October

Sidley Reserves 3 Lewes Reserves 1

An unfortunate result for a Lewes side well below strength due to work commitments and an ever increasing injury/sickness list, whilst Sidley fielded a number of first team players. The opening quarter of an hour saw both sides vying for possession with Lewes probably edging it, and then Watts swung in a corner, Soutar outjumped the tall Sidley defence and headed down to Iain Wood, and he swept the ball into the corner of the net.

Lewes continued to press and dominated with swift passing and movement but failed to make any clear chances. As the half drew to a close Sidley began to force their way back into the game however the Lewes defence resisted with Manthorpe having to make only one real save during the first half.

The second period started with us attacking but making only one half chance, when a deep cross cleared the Sidley defence with the Lewes attack clear but they were found wanting having not anticipated the lucky break. A renewed determination by Sidley saw them spring a couple of quick attacks and when Lewes failed to clear the ball to their own a high looping shot cum cross found its way under the bar levelling the scores.

Sidley continued to press Lewes back and force them into hurried clearances that only invited further pressure. It came as no surprise when they took the lead after seventy minutes. A double substitution ensued with Scott replacing Boddy and Williamson taking over Watts who had sustained a bad knock to the knee.

Still Lewes found themselves on the back foot failing to string passes together and with about ten minutes left Sidley made it three. We tried in vain to pull themselves back into the match with Soutar shooting just over the bar from outside the box, and then forcing a poor headed clearance that fell to Williamson, who volleyed what looked like a certain goal forcing the Sidley keeper into a fine save. (I could write a whole paragraph about the volley but promised the boys I wouldn't!!)

The game finished with Lewes continuing their dismal away record but put into proper context it was a creditable performance by a below strength side playing against a team consisting of a number of regular County one boys. Sidley on the whole deserved their three points however the winning two goal margin flattered them.

This weekends' match is due to be away at Old Varndeanians providing players can return from the injury list. The next home game will be the following weekend against Worthing United in the Reserve Challenge Cup. (Exact date to be confirmed)

 

 

Friday 20th September

Lewes Reserves 5 Chichester City United Reserves 2

With players missing or injured again, Waldo (Williamson) and Stadler (Osland) from the Muppets had to name themselves on the bench, both praying there would be no injuries! Starting brightly against a more mature side and with a couple of chances going begging Lewes fell behind to a sloppy set piece goal. Heads went down and Lewes found themselves at times unable to string three or more passes together as Chichester pressed and harried.

The turning point in the game came around the half hour mark when the referee red carded a City player for violent misconduct. Hoorah, a referee brave enough to do the right thing at last! The game became scrappy until five minutes before half time when Lewes began to pass and move and put Chichester under pressure. On 43 minutes a cross from the right caught the City defence rushing out and Soutar made a late run to volley a fierce drive into the net. One apiece at half time was probably a fair reflection.

Hoping that Lewes would take advantage of the extra man we couldn't have got off to a worse start when again slack defending left a City player to rise unchallenged in the box to head home from a corner. This seemed to snap Lewes into life and at last the boys began to pass the ball about and make City do the chasing. No surprise that ten minutes later Byerley ran through and slotted the ball past the keeper levelling the score. With more urgency in their play Lewes continued to make the extra man tell. Getting men behind the ball and breaking with speed, Lewes pressed on and with a shot blocked and bouncing out Boddy took on the rebound and let fly a venomous shot leaving the keeper with no chance.

A few minutes later appeals for a goal went unheeded by the referee when it looked like a Lipscombe shot had crossed the line. Keeping to their task, with five minutes left McBride found himself through and slotted the ball past the keeper making it four for Lewes and leaving himself time to add another when using his strength he turned a defender and slotted another into the net, rounding off a fine performance by the team.

Had it not been for four or five superb saves by the City keeper and the City linesmans raising his flag more than a train guard at Paddington, Lewes may have hit double figures. So a good win showing strength of character. The youngsters are learning quickly as older teams try to intimidate that they will get the wins if they employ their footballing skills. It would be unfair to single out any one player, this was truly a team performance.

Lewes team : Manthorpe, Metcalf, Elliott, Bradburn, Watts, Soutar, Wood (Scott 65), Boddy, McBride, Byerley, Lipscombe. Unused subs: Williamson, Osland

Friday September 13th

Eastbourne Town Reserves 3 Lewes Reserves 0

With only one fit striker and four changes from the previous week, the trip to last season's East Division Champions Eastbourne Town was always likely to be a stiff challenge. Immediately Eastbourne pressed Lewes into their own half and but for the woodwork and a couple of saves by Rand, Town would have opened their account earlier than the quarter hour mark.

Disappointingly the goal came from sloppy defending rather than slick pass and movement that had the Lewes midfield and defence in knots.Town's exciting youngster Sean Brockwell tore Lewes apart and it came as no surprise when he once more sped past the Lewes defence to score from an acute angle to make it 2-0. Indeed it was five minutes before half time before Lewes started to string a few passes together and muster a few half chances.

The second half saw a more determined effort by Lewes and they held more possession and territory without threatening the Eastbourne goal b whilst Town still looked the more likely to score. It came as no surprise when they added a third to their tally on a counter attack which effectively signalled the end of the contest. More bad news for Lewes was the sight of Tope Arojodun, their only recognised striker being withdrawn with a groin strain, the same ailment affecting the other absentees.

In truth this was a mismatch. Eastbourne displayed by far the best football that Lewes have encountered so far this season with Brockwell impressing with tremendous speed, movement and dribbling skills, a display that will be relayed back to Jimmy Quinn. The only plusses to be gained from the display was the continuing emergence of Sam Long, who turned in yet another strong faultless display and Matt Watt's best display of the season who appeared to be everywhere.

This weeks game is another Friday night affair. 7.45pm at home to Chichester City United (Don't know why they don't add Athletic Wanderers Albion Academicals onto their title as well !!)

Lewes team: Rand, Metcalf, Edwards, Bradburn, Elliott, Long, Watts, Soutar, Arojodun (Wood 75), Maclean, Lipscombe.

Friday September 6th

Lewes Reserves 3 Shoreham Reserves 0

1 Tom Rand

2 Steve Metcalf

3 Dave Soutar

4 Jon Elliott

5 Sam Long (capt.)

6 Rob Neal

7 John Boddy

8 Tope Arojodun

9 Jamie Sneddon

10 Warren Byerley

11 Jason Edwards

12 Dean Lipscombe

14 Dave Williamson

15 Iain Wood

Damp blustery conditions greeted the reserves first home game of the season against Shoreham who like us had been promoted last season, from the West Division. Missing the influential Bradburn, Elliott deputised at centre half with Sam Long taking over the role of captain.

Kick off saw Lewes playing into a stiff wind from the clubhouse end and the opening fifteen minutes saw both sides enjoying equal amounts of possession, the best chance falling to Byerley forcing the keeper into a good save and Sneddon going close with a header just past the upright. Lewes began to press more and dominate the midfield with Long and Neal continually getting the better of their three opposites for Shoreham. Just after the half hour mark Sneddon converted a corner with a well placed header to open his account for the season.

Lewes continued to have the better of the play with Arojodun breaking clear only to shoot wide from distance when he had time to take it in closer. As the first half drew to an end and with Boddy and Edwards wisely tucking into the middle of the park to protect the lead Arojodun was again played in to sprint free and fire the ball past the keeper. The whistle blew shortly after for half time.

A more determined effort in the first couple of minutes by Shoreham pressed Lewes back into defensive mode but Shoreham were caught with a classic sucker punch as Metcalf launched a seventy yard clearance behind the Shoreham defence for Byerley to outstrip them and then coolly lob the keeper. Thereafter followed Shoreham's best spell of the game with their veteran Taylor pulling the strings however they never worried Rand and Lewes were always ready to hit on the counter attack.

Changes saw Arojodun (groin strain) be replaced by Lipscombe and then later Iain Wood make his debut replacing Boddy. With ten minutes remaining the old Cart Horse came on for Byerley who had turned in yet another display of tireless running. Other than a couple of glimpses from his yesteryears Williamson seemed to 'shore up the Shoreham defence' with misplaced passes straight to his opponents. Big thanks to coach Paul Newman for reminding him that Lewes wear red!!

Moments later referee Angela Bennett signalled the full time whistle. So the opening game at the Pan welcome Lewes' first win of the season. The performance showed a marked improvement from last week. The defence were solid and untroubled, the midfield won their battles with Long and Neal in particular impressing and the forward line sharing the spoils at a goal apiece.

Next week's match is away to last seasons East Division winners Eastbourne Town on Friday 13 September.

Friday 30th August

Hailsham 1 Lewes 1

1.Tom Rand

2 Sam Long

3 Steve Metcalf

4 Kev Bradburn

5 Ryan McBride

6 Rob Neal

7 Dave Soutar

8 Matt Watts

9 Jamie Sneddon

10 Warren Byerley

11 Dean Lipscombe

Subs 12 John Boddy

14 Jon Elliott

15 Dave Williamson (not used)

August saw the last of three away games on the trot as Lewes visited Hailsham, a hard bumpy pitch being the only aspect that spoilt the prevailing conditions. Lewes started brightly however it quickly became apparent that a mature Hailsham side would prevent the chance of much football being played as they began hacking down the Lewes players. Byerley spurned an early chance when his first touch let him down six yards out, the goalkeeper smothering the ball well.

Lewes continued to press but Hailsham continued their cynical challenges that were compounded by a referee, Alan Brooks, who whilst awarding free kicks would not brandish his yellow card. After fourteen minutes and against the run of play Bradburn allowed himself to be turned and the Hailsham forward ran on and scored a good strike from 20 yards out past debutant Rand into the top corner.

The first half was played out with more assaults occurring without the referee taking control. Lewes' passing game deserted them and they tried long passes in vain until the last five minutes when they penetrated to the attacking third but did not challenge the Hailsham goal.

The second half saw Lewes come out and immediately set about their shortcomings of the first half. Just a few minutes had elapsed when Lipscombe broke free down the left and whipped in a cross that was judged to be unfairly stopped by use of the arm. Penalty and the defender Damian Smith to be booked? No just a penalty! Up strolled Byerley to calmly slot the ball to the Hailsham keeper's left.

This was the signal for Lewes to start pushing home but the intention was met by further cynical hacking as the game continued to swing from end to end. Boddy replaced Sneddon 15 minutes into the half and immediately made an impact with delightful moments of skill leaving three and four Hailsham players kicking thin air on two occasions. Indeed Boddy should have increased the lead when he beat the offside trap but weakly aimed his shot into the keepers arms. Byerley similarly broke free only to lose his footing looking more like Bambi on the frozen pond than a striker who had netted four in two games.

With fifteen minutes to go Elliott went into the centre half slot with Soutar pushing into midfield. Later Boddy blazed a shot over the Hailsham bar. Hailsham on one of their few attacks of the second half should have wrapped up the points when Rand misjudged a cross and a forward arrived unmarked at the far post only to head the ball into orbit. Lewes finished the stronger but weary of the sucker punch kept the defence and midfield solid to consolidate a point.

The match finished none too soon as the referee had allowed too many unsavoury instances to go unpunished. So August closed with a disappointing draw to double their points tally from three games. There are however encouraging signs for the rest of the season and a welcome fixture at home at last to kick off September.

7.45pm Fri 6th v Shoreham at the Dripping Pan.

 

Reserve Section - Premier Division P W D L F A W D L F A Pt GD

Three Bridges 4 1 1 0 11 5 2 0 0 7 1 10 12

Hassocks 4 2 1 0 8 4 1 0 0 5 1 10 8

Burgess Hill Town 3 2 0 0 6 2 1 0 0 3 2 9 5

Horsham YMCA 4 1 0 0 4 1 1 1 1 7 5 7 5

Hailsham Town 3 1 1 0 4 3 1 0 0 2 1 7 2

Eastbourne Borough 3 1 0 1 4 3 1 0 0 4 2 6 3

Shoreham 3 2 0 1 4 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 -2

Eastbourne Town 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 3 2

East Preston 3 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 2 4 6 3 1

Peacehaven & Telscombe 3 1 0 2 9 11 0 0 0 0 0 3 -2

Littlehampton Town 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 8 3 -4

Pagham 3 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 1 3 8 3 -6

Lewes 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 5 7 2 -2

Sidley United 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 -1

Lancing 3 0 0 2 2 5 0 0 1 1 4 0 -6

Chichester City United 4 0 0 2 3 6 0 0 2 3 7 0 -7

Selsey 2 0 0 1 1 5 0 0 1 3 7 0 -8

Friday 23rd August

Three Bridges Reserves 4 Lewes Reserves 4

Once more a trip on the road up the A23 to Three Bridges. Lewes fielded a side that had four changes to the previous week with Ryan McBride and Tope Arojodun making their first appearences for the club. Also elevated from the youth team was Jon Elliott at centre half. Setting their stall out with three forwards Lewes immediately went onto the offensive and played football with great fluency outpassing and outmoving their opponents. Ryan McBride, playing in the unfamiliar role of central midfield, bossed the game, winning ball after ball and spreading play. Matt Watts crashed a thirty yarder against the bar and it was no surprise when Warren Byerley ran on to a flick on and thumped the ball into the net in the 11th minute.

Lewes continued to dominate and Byerley added a second within ten minutes. On the half hour the referee awarded Bridges a penalty when he adjudged a push. Blazed over the bar, justice was seen to be done.A few minutes before half time Bradburn strode forward from defence and then slid a pass through the Bridges back four for Arojodun to run onto a cooly place the ball wide of the keeper into the net. The whistle went shortly after and those that were there had seen the best football seen from the reserve side this season.

The second half was not to be more of the same. Instead, Bridges came out with guns blazing and played the sort of game expected from a more mature team. Direct and physical they bullied their way back into the game after 50 mins when they pulled one back. A couple of minutes later Lewes made it 4 -1 with Byerley jinxing his way in and out before slamming the ball over the goalkeeper into the net. Midway through the half Lewes were caught with sloppy play when failing to clear the ball Bridges clawed two back in the space of a couple of minutes. When Sneddon was taken out by a late challenge by the goalkeeper the referee deemed it to have been a fair challenge and not a penalty. Had the roles been reversed it is doubtful the striker would have escaped with a yellow.

The onslaught continued and then with two minutes left and Lewes defending with naviety they allowed Bridges to equalise at the far post. The referee called time and Lewes had let a three goal cushion slip. Many teams will be beaten at Bridges this year and the youngsters will have experienced a physical hammering of which many teams will try to repeat. Missing an experienced mature head in midfield and without extra young legs to come on in the second half the result should be viewed in context. Two points dropped perhaps but valuable lessons learnt for players and management staff.

Saturday 17th August

Eastbourne Borough Reserves 2 Lewes Reserves 0

The Reserves kicked off the season away to Eastbourne Boro on a fine sunny day ideal for football. A lively start by Boro produced a solitary effort during the first fifteen minutes, however Lewes then took hold of the game and after fashioning a couple of openings, began to dominate in terms of possession and territory playing a delightful passing game. Unfortunately we did not convert any of a number of good chances.

Against the run of play Boro won a free kick about twenty five yards out that was converted with a firm direct kick, Manthorpe getting a hand to it but being unable to stop it finding the top corner. The game swung from end to end until half time. The second half saw a determined Lewes come out and take the game to their hosts but yet again a string of chances went begging. Boro weathered the onslaught and the game switched to the Lewes goal and Boro won a couple of corners. With the heat beginning to take its toll, a lack of concentration in marking and a general mix up allowed Boro to stretch their lead with a sloppy goal.

The next ten minutes saw a period where neither team took control until the last ten minutes when Lewes pressed relentlessly. Boro defended resolutely with a number of saves forced to be made by their keeper until the whistle ended the match. Boro are unlikely to face a sterner test this season and will not relish the return trip to the Pan. Any other day the result could have been 5-2 in Lewes' favour.

An important lesson the side learnt was that against the better sides that the Reserves will face this year, they need to convert chances into goals. Otherwise it was a good workout showing much promise for the rest of the season. No one player deserves a mention above the others, however good news for the first team squad is that Joe Clark looks well on the way back to full fitness. A cracking game of football for spectators but full of frustration for the bench.

Dave Williamson (Reserve Team Manager)

LEWES  F.C.

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29 March 2003