04/9/10

There was little for Lewes to cheer about on Non League Day with a miserable defeat by Hampton & Richmond at the Dripping Pan. ReportPhotos

The highpoint for the home fans was BBC commentator Jonathon Pearce reading out the half time raffle numbers, but the current injury crisis enveloping the Dripping Pan meant that the Rooks faced an uphill struggle from the start.

Six first team players watched from the sidelines, with loanees Ollie Rowe and Kane Wills in the starting line-up and former Rooks Steve Elliott and Dan Beck on the bench.

The visitors went ahead in the 33rd minute when Scott Manning was the last person to touch Barrie Matthews’ corner, scoring the second Lewes own goal in consecutive home games.

Simon Wormull’s fine free kick levelled the score in the 55th minute, but despite a brief ten minute period, Lewes were unable to make further headway and some lax defending eleven minutes from time failed to clear a Hampton free kick, which saw Man of the Match Charlie Moone grab a deserved winner.

Lewes go west next Saturday, with an away trip to Eastleigh, who climbed to 7th place this afternoon following a 1-0 win at Dover.