31/10/09

Lewes were denied a certain last-minute penalty at Park View Road, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Welling United.

Referee Mr Harris decided not to award the spot kick despite Welling captain Jack Parkinson's high tackle on Andy Pearson as he burst through.

Angry Lewes players surrounded Mr Harris but the official had made his mind up, except for booking Kane Louis and Jack Walder for dissent. The unrest spilled over at the final whistle as Ryan Storrie received his second booking for remarks he made to the referee and he was subsequently shown a red card.

After the euphoria of the Bishops Storford victory, hopes were high in the Lewes camp that another win could be achieved against a struggling Welling side, but it was the home side who had more chances in an often dour match.

In an unusual occurence, both goalkeepers saved first half penalties within minutes of each other. Rikki Banks dived to his left to keep out Dean Cracknell's 17th minute effort, and three minutes later, Welling keeper Charlie Mitton got the better of Dan Royce from the spot.

Lewes continued their recent run of good defensive displays, but rarely offered much to challenge their Welling counterparts.

United made the breakthrough with seven minutes left when former Eastbourne Borough midfielder Louis Fazackerley pounced on a loose ball to put Welling into an arguably deserved lead, but with a second penalty denied to Lewes, the Rooks slumped to their seventh defeat of the season.