National Over-60s cup final hopes alive for Lewes Town
Lewes Town won one and lost one in their southern group for the National Over-60s Cup.
They now await the final game of the group where a win for Kent could still see Lewes Town through to the final against Merseyside.
Lewes Town 1-2 Maccabi Masters
Lewes Town fell to an unlucky defeat against London’s Maccabi. In a close first half Maccabi took both their chances while Town couldn’t force theirs home.
The second half was a different affair as Maccabi sat back and Town sent wave after wave of attack under the Newhaven sun. Mark Stafford looped a goal back, but despite numerous chances the Maccabi keeper made a series of saves and the final score was 1-2 to Maccabi.
Kent 1-3 Lewes Town
A trip to Paddock Wood saw a feisty Kent side and a strong Lewes Town line up play a fiercely competitive and close contest.
The sides went in 0-0 at half time and both sides were playing well. Kent had the better chances due to some uncharacteristic defensive blunders from Town. James Rock in the Lewes Town goal made a number of crucial blocks.
In the second half as Kent tired Kev Healey and Mark Armitage took control of midfield for Town and over 15 minutes took a three goal lead. First Ryan Gayler curled an unstoppable shot from 18 yards, followed by two chances where Hugo Youngman’s determination to get to the ball first resulted in a brace.
Kent came back and got a deserved goal, but Dave Bioletti’s pace at the back frustrated their forwards.
Maccabi will go through to the final with a draw or win against Kent, however if Kent win by less than four goals then Lewes Town go through.
On Sunday (March 1), England Over-60s come to Newhaven FC for a warm-up game for the Home Nations Championship and play against Lewes Town Over-60s. Kick-off 12.15pm.