Cool Poul

A LAST-GASP goal from Danny Poulsen lifted Lewes out of the doldrums on Sunday as the relegation-threatened Sussex side ended a run of three straight defeats.

The result must have left absent manager Paul Benoy sweating on a dreaded 'vote of confidence'. Benoy has missed two games this season with Lewes notching their only two victories of the campaign during those weekends!

To say Lewes left it late would be a gross understatement as Poulsen's smash and grab came with just a few seconds left on the clock.

But it seemed to be yet another afternoon of misery for Lewes as they found themselves 3-1 down at half time as goals from Hanspal (2) and Jandu cancelled out Will Champness' sixth minute penalty corner after Luke Hurle had been upended in the D.

Champness then missed from a penalty flick following a foul on Tim Garner midway through the first half, and when the normally reliable skipper pushed another flick wide early in the second period, the writing looked to be on the wall.

But Lewes displayed commendable spirit and were back in the game on 55 minutes as Poulsen converted a penalty corner off the keeper's pads.

An identical goal on the hour mark from Marnix Achterberg brought Lewes on level terms with just ten minutes remaining, and the stage was set for Poulsen to elevate himself to hero status among the Southdown faithful to stun the visiting Indians.

LEWES: Wilkinson, Collins, Champness, Bettesworth, Ibbotson, Lloyd, Standing, Van Tromp, Hurle, Achterberg, Wright, Poulsen. Subs: Hooker, Garner. MOM: Danny Poulsen.

'Confidence was very low after the poor run so this result was vital. Our approach to the game was excellent and the boys gave a very gutsy performance. Hopefully we've now turned the corner,' said acting manager, Clive Stillman.

It was a terrific weekend all round for the club as all the mens teams were victorious.

Lewes 2nds fielded an impressive mix of old heads and new faces against Holcombe. Captain Jon Hooker soon slotted home a low drag flick before Martin Stillman turned on a sixpence before putting Lewes 2-0 up. However, Holcombe hit back with two dubious goals after some generously exotic umpiring, but the captain once again slotted home another drag flick from a short corner to put Lewes ahead. 'Pikey' was on hand to finish the job properly and to seal the 4-2 victory.

The 3rds played a hard fought game against Old Holcombian, winning 2-1 with Rory Jervis making a fine save from a penalty flick.

The 4th XI beat Brighton 3-2 with goals from Justin Green (2) and Pete Flemming.

The 6ths battered Brighton 7-0 with Al Tenquist (3), James Copplestone, Roy Dempster, Sean Rowlands and Chris Rea on target, while the Priors notched their fourth consecutive win in the Sussex Veteran League, beating Brighton 5-2 with goals from Paul Spruce (3), Charlie Wycherley and Smith.

Lewes Lions are top of the Sussex Development League after they beat Mid Sussex with Dave Roberts (2), Tom Newman, Joe Davis and Simon Birch on target.

Louise Pie scored for the ladies 3rd team in a 1-1 draw with Eastbourne in a friendly.