Lewes FC

Team:
1 Lee Hook
3 Neil Jenkins
4 Matt Smart
5 Ben Austin
6 Marc Pullan
7 Pat Harding
8 Paul Armstrong (8)
11 Matt Crabb
13 Jay Lovett
28 Ashley Barnes
29 Dan Smith

Substitutes:
9 Andy Atkin for Barnes (85)
15 Nathan Crabb
18 Simon Wormull
21 Mo Harkin
27 Jeff Goulding for Smith (85)

Team:
1 Rikki Banks
2 Anthony Barness
Seb Wallis-Tayler
4 Danny Cullip (C)
6 Chris Breach
7 Michael Standing
8 Joe Keehan
9 Chamal Fenelon
19 Davis Wheeler
30 Aswad Thomas
34 Joseph Tabiri

Substitutes:
5 Thomas Graves
16 Stefan Cox for Standing (55)
21 Frederick Foreman for Fenelon (74)
29 Dea Ruddy
36 Louis Clark

Booked:

The 1st of the festive fixtures arrived with the 2 East Sussex sides looking for 3 points against local rivals. Last season the pressure was intense with a title to be fought for; this year the pressure was different; a fight for survival. 'The Sports' have greater cause for optimism; 16th, whilst Kevin Keehan's side; improving of late; were 1 off the bottom in 23rd. Simon Wormull started on the bench with Pat Harding filling the vacancy Darren Baker's suspension created.

Matt Crabb's low free-kick was saved in the opening moments and Lee Hook's only save of the 90 minutes was on 5 when a wide cross drifted dangerously goal wards; a tip behind resulting in a corner. Boro then began to dominated 2 dangerous deliveries from the right stretching 'The Rooks', Harding firing high and both Dan Smith and Anthony Barnes guilty of failing to hit the target. Joseph Tabiri was strong in the Boro penalty area but MOM Ben Austin defended stoutly. A fabulous through ball from Barnes set Smith away and his long run was only ended with a desperate challenge. Smith was again unfortunate when his cross from the left was tipped onto the bar by Rikki Banks in the away goal. On 29 minutes the home side secured the points when Barnes was hauled to the ground by the excellent Danny Cullip; Paul Armstrong following up his own penalty for 1-0.

With the score on the board Boro maybe relaxed a little and Lewes had a decent spell with Tabiri and David Wheeler having bright moments but the half-time whistle arrived with no further score.

Lewes started the 2nd 45 as they ended the 1st; Chamal Fenelon and ex 'Sport' Joe Keehan missing the target. Barnes led Boro back into the ascendancy; inches away from a left wing cross and Banks turning a powerful left foot strike onto his post on 69 minutes. Barnes was a real handful and to many in the crowd appeared to win a penalty when fouled again by Cullip. Matt Crabb's strong run was halted by the 'Rooks' skipper on 78 minutes and Smith's fabulous left wing cross at pace was met by Barnes; the covering defender somehow deflecting the effort behind for another corner. Substitute Stefan Cox shot high 82 minutes but in truth the lead was rarely threatened.

Lewes manager Kevin Keehan thought the referee was the difference between the sides. The only goal of the game was a result of a penalty decision but when his keeper saved the spot kick none of his players were following up; 3 Boro players looking to slot home the rebound. Hook was only tested once and but for better final balls and sharper finishes the score line could easily have been greater for the home side. No doubt Lewes will be looking for revenge in a few days but for now another 3 points as Boro climb towards their 'total' are warmly welcomed.

Words - Lee Peskett