In brilliant Autumn sunshine at Southdown Club, Saxons pressed from the start and created several chances before finally opening their account.
Ed Stroud tricked his way into the D before his firm shot hit a defender's stick on the way past the goalkeeper on 9".
Despite Saxons' early dominance, the hosts held firm and hit back themselves on 14" during a break. Neither side could make any headway for the remainder of the half.
Saxons flew out the blocks again in the second half and took the lead with a penalty corner skilfully deflected in by Paul Merison on 41".
Teenage talent Sanjay Methun then scored his first senior goal on 47" finishing of another penalty corner.
But Lewes fought back again and two quick goals levelled the scores at 3-3 to leave the game on a knife-edge.
Woodford, who had come off the bench, then grabbed the headlines when he collected Sol Buckner's cross to calmly slot past the Lewes goal keeper on the hour.
Saxons welcome Eastbourne IV to Horntye Park tomorrow for a 4.30pm push back.
Squad: Heath, Cole, Coleman, Hooton, Tryphonos, Kemsley, Merison, Buckner, Methun, Stroud, Cox, Woodford, Whitaker