06/10/09

Lewes U18's steered past Hastings United in the FA Youth Cup second qualifying round at the Dripping Pan this evening.

Even though they were the better side, the Rooks made heavy work of their Sussex opponents and the first period ended  goal-less, despite Jamie Crellin hitting the bar on the stroke of half time.

Harvey Storer had a great chance to put Lewes ahead after half time but blasted his shot at the Hastings keeper, and the Rooks survived a scare at the other end when Hennam struck narrowly wide and Barratt had a goal disallowed for offside.

Lewes were spurred into action and Ross Sutton, playing with a bandaged head following last week's injury in the FA Cup replay at Leatherhead for the Senior side, maurauded down the left wing and slotted the ball under the diving keeper to put the hosts ahead in the 64th minute.

Chances came and went for Crellin, George Jones and Arron Hopkinson, but a winding move from Jones mesmorised four defenders and allowed him to play in Tim Rivers who doubled the Rooks lead.

Hopkinson earnt a penalty four minutes later and despite an unsavoury flashpoint between him and Barham, Rivers managed to keep his cool and convert the 73rd minute spot kick.

Lewes will entertain Dartford or Maidstone United in the Fourth Qualifying round in a fortnight, with the winner of that tie securing a place in the first round proper.