Sunbury and Walton Hawks Men’s 1st XI suffered a frustrating 3-2 defeat at home to Lewes in a game that saw them relinquish a 2-0 lead under increasingly difficult circumstances.

The Hawks started brightly, asserting dominance early in the match. Their efforts were rewarded around the 9th minute when Harvey Nelson showcased his sharp finishing, slotting home a well-worked team goal to put the hosts ahead. Momentum remained firmly with the Hawks, and just a couple of minutes later, Ben "Littlefair" doubled the advantage with a precise strike, leaving Lewes reeling.

However, as the game progressed from there, momentum began to shift. A combination of factors, some within the Hawks’ control and others seemingly beyond it, allowed Lewes a route back into the contest. A key moment in the 28th minute saw what can only be described as an unexpected impact of decision-making, disrupting Hawks’ rhythm and affording Lewes an opportunity to apply pressure. The visitors capitalised, pulling one back just before the break.

The second half saw a continued battle, with Hawks looking to reassert their authority. However, despite their best efforts, their attacking play, rhythm and momentum was frequently halted or disrupted, often in ways that left players and supporters alike questioning their misfortune. Lewes, growing in confidence, took full advantage of these factors, and levelled the game after a decision against full back Rob Stevenson, that left him visibly bemused.

Despite a determined push from Hawks, their progress was continually stifled, and the final turning point came in the dying minutes, with Lewes netting the decisive third goal. While there was no doubting the visitors’ resilience, one couldn’t help but feel that the game’s flow had been influenced extensively. But the Hawks must learn to control the controllable, and find ways to grind out results, even when factors beyond the two teams on the field come into play.

The Hawks will need to take heart from their early display, and need to finish strong with 3 games left to play. Armed with the knowledge that, when allowed to play their game, they are a formidable side, they will look to return to winning ways away to Horsham next week. Rob Stevenson refused to comment after the game, “If I speak, I am in big trouble.”

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