03/10/09

Blue Square South's draw specialists met this afternoon at the Dripping Pan - and the outcome was inevitable.

Both sides have drawn six matches this season, although Staines' better league position comes courtesy of three wins which Lewes have yet to match.

Former Lewes striker Scott Taylor was bound to play a part in his first visit to the Pan since he left for Staines almost a year ago, and he appeared on cue to volley the Swans into a fifth minute lead.

Lewes looked lacklustre and produced little of note during the first half when they were aided by a strong wind. The midfield battle was being won by the visitors and they should have made more of their opportunities before the interval.

The Rooks received a massive boost two minutes after the restart when Dan Royce was brought down and Fred Foreman finally converted a Lewes penalty, with the side having missed two spot kicks in their previous three matches.

Where Lewes looked lost in the first half, suddenly the tables had turned and it was Staines' turn to suffer a creative crisis, even though they had a goal disallowed for an infringement.

Lewes grew in confidence and could have snatched a famous win in injury time but sub Louis Pople blasted his chance to be a hero wide of the post.

Overall it was a good performance from Lewes and the team now turns their attention to next Saturday's trip to Wealdstone for the next round of the FA Cup.