Men's football news
Written by: DanielL
Aidan Elve reporting from The Dripping Pan
Lewes men beat Dulwich Hamlet 2-1 thanks to a Devonte West first-half brace in the Isthmian League Premier Division fixture on Saturday.
The hard-fought victory followed a difficult run of form for the Rooks, who put an eight-match winless run to bed in front of more than a thousand fans at The Dripping Pan.
Lewes started strongly in the first half, creating lots of chances and appearing confident, despite their recent form.
Charlie Walker epitomised this confidence when his shot from outside the box was saved by former Lewes goalkeeper Toby Bull in the 7th minute.
Shortly after, a combination of Tyler Christian-Law and Walker led the press, leading to Dulwich defender Tom Chambers being dispossessed. The ball fell into West’s path and he calmly struck into the net for the first goal of the game.
The Rooks continued to exhibit dominance on the pitch – Bobby Unwin’s pace being a threatening factor down the right wing.
In the 24th minute, Christian-Law was involved again as he switched the ball wide into Unwin’s path. Unwin cut inside well and delivered a beautiful cross to the back-post, where West flew in and headed the ball into the back of the net.
Dulwich’s number nine, Danny Mills, was the visitors’ biggest threat in the first half, coming close to scoring on a couple of occasions, before he jumped highest at a corner and headed the ball in from the back post.
Lewes went into half-time confident, having scored twice and leading the game, despite conceding at the end of the half.
When play resumed, the Rooks continued to create chances, forcing some good saves from Bull.
However, Dulwich grew into the game more and more as time went on, though a determined Lewes defence threw everything on the line, with Ryan Bernal, Parish Muirhead, Christian-Law and returning Rook, Jerry Puemo, all making notable blocks.
Goalkeeper Louis Rogers was also on top form, making superb saves when required.
Dulwich’s number 10, Luke Wanadio, was a threat on the left wing – having a shot whistle just wide of the post in the 80th minute and missing another good chance in the 86th.
Lewes eventually rode out the storm and won the game 2-1.
Speaking afterwards, Lewes men’s first team manager Craig Nelson said: “We needed it [the win] and I feel that’s credit to the boys, because they’ve been working hard and stayed lively; you wouldn’t think that we were on the run that we were on if you turned up in the changing room or in and around training, so I’m really happy for them.
“Devonte’s been unbelievable. He’s a great kid and he’s going to have a massive future. We’re just happy he’s here scoring goals for us.
“We were speaking to him about him being a difference maker and I feel, over the last couple of games – even though we haven’t been playing well – he’s the one that the boys want to give the ball to, to hopefully get us a win and today he’s done that.”
Speaking on the determination his team showed, Nelson said: “They did what they needed to do to get over the line and sometimes it doesn’t need to be pretty.
“Credit to them for being resolute and staying determined to try and get over the line, because we’ve done a lot of work with them behind the scenes about mental resilience, 1-v-1 duels and putting their bodies on the line to make sure we don’t concede – and today was the epitome of that.”
Lewes: Rogers, Kpakpé, Burchell, Puemo (Hamstead 82′), Bernal, Christian-Law ©, Muirhead (Allen 74′), Bassett (Nunn 90+5′), Unwin, West (Roberts 90+2′), Walker (Janneh 88′)
Subs not used: none
Booked: none
Dulwich Hamlet: Bull, T. Chambers (Cook 75′), M. Chambers, Adewunmi, Bonnett-Johnson, Payne (Kassarate 82′), Clunis © (Mico 68′), Raymond (Baugh 74′), Talla, Wanadio, Mills (Smith 74′)
Subs not used: none
Booked: none
Attendance: 1150
Referee: Jordan McRitchie