13/4/09

A fine Lewes performance didn't get the result it deserved at Stonebridge Road on Easter Monday against Ebbsfleet United.

With former manager Kevin Keehan taking in his first game since his resignation, the Rooks' first half display was a good as any this season, and they had a number of chances to take the lead with Chris Breach, TIm Rivers and an eye-catching Luke Rooney all going close.

A Rooney drive from 25 yards was parried to safety by keeper Lance Cronin four minutes from half time and from the resulting corner, Josh Jirbandey volleyed in from an acute angle at the near post.

With the Rooks looking set to take the lead into the break, the referee harshly judged Chris Breach to have fouled on the edge of the area when it looked to have been the opposite way round, but Rashid Yussuff brought United level when his free kick rebounded off the wall and he slotted the loose ball past keeper Rikki Banks.

Lewes were forced to replace Joe Keehan at the interval due to a persistant ankle injury and moments after the restart, the impressive Chris Breach was forced to follow suit when he was carried off with a badly sprained ankle.

Both changes seemed to unsettle the Rooks and Ebsfleet were able to capitalise, taking the lead after Lewes conceded yet another penalty following a foul by Sam Fisk, which Guiseppe Sole despatched past Banks.

Lewes were unable to reply as Ebbsfleet closed the game down, but with Lewes finishing the match with seven teenagers against the FA Trophy holders, Caretaker Manager Steve Ibbitson was very pleased with his side's performance.

"I'm proud of the players, they battled very well against a very good side," he said. "I was pleased with the result on Saturday but I was more pleased with the performance today. We played, got the ball down and matched them for long spells."

"We go on from here, we've got a nice trip to Northwich which I'm looking forward to and we are aiming to win our last three games."