26/12/09

Lewes supporters were treated to the most improbable Christmas present this afternoon with an amazing 6-2 thrashing of second-placed Dover Athletic.

The result lifts Lewes out the bottom three for the first time since August, but it was the manner of the victory which was as impressive as the result itself.

Lewes really struggled in the opening stages, conceding a second minute James Rogers goal and then going two behind in the thirteenth minute to Frannie Collin.

There was only one winner at this stage with Lewes looking so wretched, but suddenly the players decided to start playing, and Joe Keehan's fine 18th minute volley got them back into the game, with most supporters as surprised as Keehan himself when the ball sailed past keeper John Whitehouse.

Dover capitulated and had no answer to the rampant Rooks, with Steve Brinkhurst scoring a great 33rd minute equaliser from 25 yards and creating problems in the 41st minute when his cross was turned into his own goal by Ollie Schulz.

Most Lewes fans reached half time in disbelief that their team had managed to equalize, let alone take the lead against a Dover side which has spent the season at the opposite end of the table to the Rooks.

However, the formbook was completely ripped up after the break, with Joe Keehan notching a hat trick after goals in the 62nd and 66th minute, just reward for a magnificent display.  Four minutes from time, David Wheeler scored a sixth goal as the Rooks notched up an astonishing Boxing Day win.

Lewes face Dover again on New Year's Day and are sure to face a tough challenge from the Whites after this afternoon's performance.

Before then, the Rooks travel to seventh place Thurrock on Monday in the league, kick off 3pm.