LOWESTOFT 3:1 LEWES

It wasn’t the start to the season that Lewes were after, as Lowestoft Town overcame an own goal and a sending off to strike an early blow in the Championship race.

The two pre-season favourites clashed head-on at Crown Meadow but it was the hosts who looked most assured as the Rooks showed that they are still a few games from justifying their reputation with the bookies.

Lewes took to the pitch with a completely different team from the one which played the last game of last season at Boreham Wood, against the side who lost to Tunbridge Angels in the Ryman Premier Play-Off semi final.

The Trawlerboys made the better start, with Lewes defender Max Hustwick forced to block Joe Francis at the far post following a well-worked move down the right.

However, out of the blue, the Rooks took the lead in the 6th minute thanks to a wayward backpass from Lowestoft skipper Greg Crane, who lofted keeper Andy Reynolds from the edge of the area.

Maybe it was the new ball that the teams were playing with but the game was littered with over-hit passes and shots, although none had the significance of Crane’s early attempt.

Dominic Sterling was unlucky not to double the Lewes lead when his header from a corner grazed the cross bar and Ian Draycott’s clever turn and shot from a throw-in went close, but the hosts were soon level.

After a period of sustained pressure which included Crane’s half volley inches wide, a notable attack saw Andrew Cave-Brown pull Town level after 27 minutes.

A bizarre incident six minutes confused players and spectators alike, but referee John Magill was adamant that Crane should be dismissed after something he had said to the official.

The decision unsurprisingly upset the home fans and they were baying for revenge, with Lewes skipper Steve Robinson the fall guy when he was booked for a challenge on Andrew Fisk.

Lewes were unable to capitalize on their player advantage and like the weather, things took a turn for the worst in the second half as the sun gave way to rain.

Within seconds of the restart, Lowestoft were ahead when a strong run from the impressive Francis saw him deliver an accurate cross to Lubo Guentchev and with stand-in keeper Steve Williams exposed, the midfielder guided the ball home from close range.

It was a body-blow to the Rooks and Lowestoft were content to contain the visitors for much of the half, making light work of the fact that they had ten players.

Williams tipped sub Adrian Forbes shot away but at the other end, Lewes chances were few and far between. Michael Malcolm had the best of them when his shot was inches away from equalizing before Wade Small’s 30 yard daisy-cutter had Reynolds scrambling to gather the ball.Five minutes of injury time looked to be to the visitor’s advantage but with the Rooks pressing up the pitch, a breakaway in the fourth minute allowed Chris Henderson to tap-in on his debut, ending a miserable afternoon for Lewes and the fifty travelling fans making the long trip to Suffolk.

Lowestoft

Reynolds, Cave-Brown, Gaughran, Crane, Smith, Guentchev, Mitchell, Fisk, Francis (Henderson 79), Nolan (Forbes 57), Forshaw (Ainsley 46).
Subs: Frew, Okay.
Red card: Crane 34
Booking: Forbes 72; Fisk 74

Lewes

Williams, Hustwick (Kamara 56), Ciardini, Somner, Steve Robinson, Sterling, Adelakun (Cade 68), Lee, Small, Malcolm, Draycott (Booth 62).
Subs: Pringle, Stuart Robinson.
Booking: Steve Robinson, 37

Referee: John Magill. 

Att: 762

James Boyes