21/11/09

A late, late goal from Jack Walder secured a 1-1 draw at Eastleigh on Saturday in the 3rd qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

The equaliser came with virtually the last kick of the match in the fourth minute of additional time at the end of a game played in appalling conditions at Stoneham Lane.

The replay, which will see the sides meet for the third consecutive game, is scheduled for Wednesday night, kick off 7.45pm.

Having faced sustained pressure, Lewes went behind in the 29th minute when Ryan Timms brought down Anthony Riviere for a penalty which was scored by Peter Adeniyi.

It capped a first half in which the visitors struggled to cope with the conditions and an improved performance from the Spitfires compared the previous week’s league encounter.

The chances of a young Rooks side being overrun by the hosts looked likely but Lewes dug in and the second half was a different story, as the rain reached almost monsoon-like conditions.

Defensively, Lewes remained strong, aided by some last ditch defending and another fine performance from goalkeeper Rikki Banks, and their task was eased a little when Steve Cook, on loan from Brighton, saw red in the 73rd minute for a late slide in to Tim Rivers as he broke clear on goal.

Although they had their own opportunities as Lewes pressed forward, Eastleigh were having to defend more yet the equaliser seemed set to elude the Rooks as the final minute of four additional minutes began.

Lewes won a corner and with Banks running into the area to cause havoc, the ball fell to Walder and he somehow directed it past keeper Steve Arnold.