Men's football news
Written by: Joe
Lewes FC Men were unable to make early chances count, as two strikes late in the first half proved enough for Horsham to gather all three points during Saturday’s Isthmian Premier League encounter at the Dripping Pan, reports Christopher Coleman.
Ethan Kaiser brought down Lucas Rodrigues to concede a penalty in the 37th minute, which Horsham captain James Hammond converted. Reece Meekums’ curling effort five minutes later left Lewes with too much to do in the second half.
The Rooks had a couple of good chances to go in front before the penalty, including a speculative overhead kick from skipper Danny Bassett, as well as a great chance for Marcus Sablier in the middle of the Horsham box.
Lewes were short of chances in the second half as Horsham saw the game out, with the only good opportunities for the Rooks being a double chance for Matt Warren and Calvin Ekpiteta in the 88th minute, and then debutant Lewis Finney’s chance sailing just past the post, which ended up being the last act of the match.
The result keeps Lewes in 13th place due to Wingate losing at Dartford, while Horsham stay in fifth. Craig Nelson’s men go again on Tuesday with the rescheduled match at Whitehawk, which was called off at half time on New Year’s Day with the tie goalless.
More than 1,300 fans packed the Pan for the Sussex derby, with Horsham bringing a healthy number of away followers too., Horsham came into the match having just beaten Hendon by four goals, while Lewes were looking to find some form again and to try and build on the first game of the new year – a hectic 2-2 draw against Cheshunt.
Pitts made three changes from that game, with Parish Muirhead, Eddie Allsopp and recent departure Gianluca Botti, who joined National League South side Tonbridge Angels this month, being replaced by Tolu Ladapo, Warren and recent arrival Finney, who was looking to build on his 24 goals this season for Haywards Heath. The Rooks’ other new signing, Hassan Jalloh, started on the bench.
Lewes’ first chance of the game fell to Calvin Ekpiteta, but his shot only found the hands of the Horsham keeper. The hosts then got very close to an opener through Ladapo, whose snap shot whistled just wide of the near post, right after a potential penalty shout was waved away.
Bassett went for the spectacular minutes later after a great dribble and cross from Ladapo, but his bicycle kick sailed just over.
Horsham weren’t short of chances, with one of the best falling to Rodrigues from a corner. His header didn’t trouble Toby Bull in the Lewes goal, and Charlie Hester-Cook curled a shot wide.
The Rooks’ best chance of the first half came in the 26th minute, when a cross came to the feet of Sablier, but he couldn’t get his shot on target. Lewes were made to regret not taking their early chances when Kaiser brought down Rodrigues to give the away side a penalty, which Hammond converted, smashing it into the bottom left corner.
Horsham made it two before half time, with Myles-Meekums’ curling effort finding the top right corner. The momentum swing was in full force, and the Rooks suddenly had a mountain to climb.
Lewes brought on Izzy Jones at half time for Peter Ojemen, as the Rooks sought a route back into the game. However, the early highlights of the second half would be bookings, with Warren and Hester-Cook being cautioned in quick succession, while Sablier also went in the book not long after.
Jalloh got his debut with a little under 25 minutes to play, coming on for Ladapo, in a double substitution that saw Jerry Puemo also come on in place of Kaiser. Lewes’ first big chance of the second half didn’t come until 88 minutes when Warren took a pot shot from outside the box, which was parried out to Ekpiteta – but he couldn’t convert from close range.
There was one last chance before full time, but Finney’s touch and volley sailed just past the top of the post, which was the last action of the game
Lewes’ next game is the rearranged game away at 19th placed Whitehawk. All fans who attended the abandoned game on New Year’s Day can use their ticket again to gain entry to The Enclosed Ground.
Words: Christopher Coleman