Lewes boss Steve King lamented a “bad day at the office” for his side after they were defeated 4-0 by league leaders AFC Hornchurch at the Dripping Pan.

In the first 20 games of the season, every Lewes side has won every game played at the Dripping Pan. This all changed for the 21st however as the Rooks looked surprisingly lethargic and unsure against the Urchins’ robust and direct style of play.

The first half was a stalemate, with neither team able to wrestle the advantage. AFC striker Martin Tuony had a great chance in the 9th minute to pounce on a poor backpass from Max Noble but Lewes keeper Fabian Speiss plucked the ball from danger on the edge of the area.

Lewes striker Michael Malcolm had a similar chance 15 minutes later following Christian Nanetti’s delicate nod-on, but Urchins keeper Joe Woolley ensured that the outcome was identical.

Three minutes after the break, Hornchurch went ahead when Steve Robinson conceded a lame penalty just inside the area after his challenge on Lewis Smith, which Tuony converted.

The Rooks were smarting and upped the ante, with Nic Ciardini exchanging passes with Malcolm, only to see his dangerous cross in front of goal disappear out of play.

Robinson was the unfortunate victim of an even harsher penalty decision in the 64th minute as he was adjudged to have fouled Tuony in the area, with the striker doubling the lead from the spot.

The ball seemed to spend more time in the air than on the pitch, but Hornchurch were effective and disciplined, breaking down the infrequent Lewes attacks in the final third with ease and giving keeper Woolley an easier afternoon than he could have hoped for.

In the 78th minute, the Urchins capitalised on a defensive mix-up between Hamilton and Spiess who both misjudged a looping cross at the far post, allowing Smith to score the third for the visitors.

Hornchurch substitute Jonathan Hunt scored a fine fourth goal with a well-struck free kick in stoppage time to send the majority of the Ryman League’s largest crowd of the day home feeling utterly miserable - for a change.

Lewes:

Speiss, Hamilton (Sterling 79), Ciardini, Somner, Robinson, Hustwick, Noble (Cade 83), Nicholas, Malcolm, Booth, Nanetti (Draycott 83)
Unused: Fenwick

AFC Hornchurch:

Woolley, Hayles, Anderson, Styles, Noel, Glover, Eyong (Thompson 61), Curley, Tuony (Hunt 76), Smith McSweeney 85), Spencer
Unused: Black, Gayle

Ref: D Spain

James Boyes