21/3/09

Lewes' losing run continued at Barrow this afternoon, with a 2-0 defeat against the Bluebirds.

A handful of brave supporters made the mammoth trip to Cumbria, but had barely settled before on-loan Rochdale striker Lee McEvilly headed Barrow ahead on his debut in the seventh minute.

The Rooks task was made even more difficult when Chris Breach was show a red card after bringing McEvilly down as he sped towards goal, but Rikki Banks saved the subsequent penalty, one of many important saves the Lewes keeper made during the afternoon.

He was unable to prevent a second goal just after an hour though, when a wayward header from Danny Cullip fell to McEvilly and his shot was parried only as far as Lee Hunt who followed up the loose ball at the far post.

Lewes ended the game with six players who have featured in the youth team during the season, but caretaker manager Steve Ibbitson spoke afterwards of his admiration for his players.

"They kept battling. We asked them to hold it and try to keep it tight for the second half and in the hope that we might be able to nick a goal but it wasn't to be."

"I'm really proud of the players, we had a lot of youngsters come in today who have been asked to do a man's job and some of them are only boys, but they've played like men, they've tried to play football and been brave."

"We just need a break, I'm sure it will come but we'll just keep battling."