Lewes went out of the Cup at the semi final stage in a disappointing performance at Broadbridge Heath. Horsham, a league lower than Lewes but pushing for promotion, deservedly won a close match and will face Eastbourne in the final at the end of April.

Lewes were still missing four players through injury and unavailability and their defence struggled throughout to cope with the direct approach and speed of the hosts’ forwards. Horsham forced five penalty corners in the first half but Lewes goalkeeper Josh Pewter made a number of outstanding saves to keep the scoreline goalless. At the other end James Fuller saw his reverse stick shot saved and Ben Cooke was wide with an effort when well placed. One penalty corner was easily saved as Lewes struggled to get into a pattern of play.

In the second half Lewes got back into the game forcing the Horsham defence back but their clearing aerial balls always seemed to cause panic in the Lewes defence. After ten minutes Lewes gave away possession and after a breakdown the ball was drilled into the Lewes circle and a deft deflection went high into the goal to put Horsham 1-0 up.

Lewes upped their game and enjoyed periods of possession but Alex Baxter had two efforts from close range well saved and two penalty corners again came to nothing. Horsham then broke with ten minutes remaining and a shot fortuitously defected off a defender’s stick to loop over the diving Pewter and into the empty goal. Lewes continued to press and a shot was cleared off the line in the closing stages but Lewes could have few complaints with this defeat.

A few positives for Lewes were the return from injury of defender Pete Thomas, another steady performance at centre back from Harvey Waller and the fact they have a competitive game played before the league starts again on Saturday away at third placed Spencer. Lewes will need to start picking up points soon to pull away from the relegation zone.

Report by Paul Spruce