20/2/10

A physical Chelmsford City side were too much for Lewes this afternoon as the Rooks lost their first game at the Dripping Pan since November.

City moved into second place with this result but like so many of the sides challenging for promotion, their game is one of expediency, moving the ball upfield to their tall striker Robert Edmans as efficiently as possible.

Despite giving a debut to 16 year old youth team player George Jones, Lewes had a disappointing afternoon and weren't hepled by the officials who failed to spot Steve Clarke handle the ball in the area from Lewis Hamilton's cross.

The referee was on hand though in the 38th minute to dismiss Marlon Patterson after he cynically ended David Wheeler's advance on goal, but despite the man advantage, Lewes went in to half time a goal down after Edmans' near post in the 45th minute.

Lewes supporters have constantly had to watch Wheeler get scythed down this season and this afternoon saw possibly the worst challenge of all when Ricky Holmes' reckless and dangerous tackle from behind a minute into the second half sent the winger spiralling to the ground, but only earnt the aggressor a yellow card.

The Rooks had little to offer and rarely worked the City keeper. City themselves made few clear-cut chances, but doubled the lead in the 67th minute when skipper David Rainford scored from the second attempt after his free kick rebounded off the wall. Report

With none of the bottom seven sides winning this afternoon, Lewes didn't lose any ground but all eyes will be back at the Pan next Saturday for the visit of Worcester City who are one place and two points ahead of the Rooks.