24/4/10

The Great Escape has actually happened. Lewes, seemingly down and out only a few months ago, ensured another season of Blue Square South football with a 2-1 win away at Hampton & Richmond Borough.

The Rooks won their second consecutive game on the road, having not won an away game all season before the victory over Worcester City two weeks ago, and a fine run of form which saw them take thirteen points from their last six matches helped to squeeze Lewes into 19th place at the expense of City.

With so much at stake, this afternoon's game at the Beveree certainly wasn't a vintage one and the sides went in goaless at halftime, with Worcester leading Eastleigh 2-1. Lewes manager Steve Ibbitson must have had some particular words of encouragement for his players during the interval as two quick goals saw them take the lead immediately after the break.

On-loan striker Rob Gradwell crossed from the byline three minutes into the half for Joe Keehan to score from close range through a crowded area, whilst only two minutes later, quick thinking from Gradwell himself allowed him to nick infront of the defence, round keeper Matt Lovett and roll the ball into an empty net in front of the largest travelling contingent of Lewes fans for two seasons.

They could hardly believe how the game had changed but Hampton offered little at the other end. News soon began to filter through that Worcester had increased their lead though, and Lewes nerves jangled in the 67th minute when Dave Tarpey pulled a goal back for the Beavers.

As the game entered the final period, supporters found out that Worcester were 4-1 up meaning a tense ending was in store. However, Hampton offered little further threat and once the referee blew his whistle, to the delight of the 150+ travelling fans, management and players, a season which threatened both relegation and extinction was finally consigned to history with Lewes beating the drop. Report  Photos