05/4/10

Lewes boosted their chances of league survival with an Easter Monday win over Bromley at the Dripping Pan.

When the two sides met in August, a physical Bromley side brushed aside the Rooks' challenge, running out 3-0 winners, but the visitors were a shadow of their former selves, with Lewes even afforded the luxury of a 20th minute penalty miss.

A fine run down the wing from loan signing Steven Brinkhurst gave him the space to send in a 10th minute cross which David Wheeler turned in at the far post with the help of defender Ryan Dolby.

Jack Walder was fouled by Wes Daly for the penalty but Joe Keehan's weak spot kick was easy for keeper Wes Foderingham, with Marcus Cassius almost scoring immediately at the other end from the clearance.

With Walder and Chris Breach firing on all cylinders in the middle of the park, Lewes looked comfortable for their half time lead, with Walder going close in the second period and Keehan hitting the post.

Lewes keeper Rikki Banks couldn't afford to have the whole afternoon off though and he made a good save from Ryan Hall and was then relieved to see Anthony Barness spare his blushes when a defensive mix-up allowed the ball to temptingly trickle in front of goal before the skipper made a welcome clearance.

Keehan was involved in a couple of late moves, one of which saw him unlucky not to be awarded a penalty after a shove in the back from sub Rhys Stephen, and the hard-working Robert Gradwell shooting wide late on.

Lewes manager Steve Ibbitson was pleased with his team's Easter efforts after the game, remarking "I'm quite happy with three points. I did think we could have two points and be undefeated before the Woking game, but overall I'm pleased with the three points today." Report

With Worcester losing at home to play-off chasing Bath City, the gap to safety is back to five points, with two games in hand for Lewes.

Next weekend, the mother of all six pointers takes place at St George's Lane when Lewes travel to Worcester for a game which could shape both sides' season.

For anyone thinking of making the just-over-three-hour trip, the team would be extremely grateful for your support so let's see if we can get as many Rooks fans to the Lane as possible on Saturday for this massive fixture.