Lewes match report
match report by Phil Murphy
After seventeen days of relentless World Cup action, FIFA’s flagship competition took a day’s rest and let the Isthmian rightfully take centre stage. Unfortunately for K’s it was Lewes who ran out 3-1 winners on an icy night in Mitcham that couldn’t have seemed further from Doha.
Spencer Knight’s side suffered a pre-match blow when Declan Skura pulled up in the warm-up. His replacement, O’Shane Stewart showed some nice touches in the opening exchanges, while Joe Taylor fired an early warning-shot across goal for the visitors.
This Rooks, whose promotions hopes were severly dented by K’s last season, haven’t quite hit the heights this season, but they didn’t have to wait long to break the deadlock. After just seven minutes Bradley Pritchard converted from close-range following some neat play down the right-hand side.
Moments later Tolfrey got down to save smartly at the near post from Taylor as the visitors took charge.
Tony Russell’s side doubled their lead when Tom Champion found himself in space at a corner. The midfielder had all the time in the world to pick his spot and guide a header into the corner, leaving Rob Tolfrey with no chance.
Half-Time: Kingstonian 0-2 Lewes
K’s started the second half with renewed purpose and within seconds Lee Lewis forced a smart save from Lewis Carey, following a surging run from midfield.
Stewart blazed over from close-range after a scramble in the box and a lively run from Ogunseye had K's fans on their feet but came to nothing as Knight’s men continued to persevere.
The visitors however still retained a threat and as the hour approached a blistering run from the lively Razz Coleman De-Graft made an opening for Joe Taylor who uncharacteristically shot over.
With just under 15 minutes remaining K’s were granted a lifeline. Iker Leon’s free-kick rebounded into the path of Jacob Bancroft at the edge of the box. The recent signing kept his composure to place a measured strike into the top corner and notch his first goal in K's colours.
Frustratingly for K’s any hopes that the goal may spark a comeback didn’t materialise. The Rooks looked comfortable in the final exchanges and were happy to keep possession in the Kingstonian half and let the clock tick.
Lewes had a goal disallowed for offside late on before Tyrique Hyde ultimately put the game beyond doubt in the dying seconds with a smart finish to give the East Sussex side a deserved three points.
Kingstonian: Rob Tolfrey, O'Shane Stewart, Dwight Pascal, Jack Strange, Michael Abnett, Tyrese Owen, Sean Bonnett-Johnson, Lee Lewis, Kwesi Ntim, Jacob Bancroft, Joshua Ogunseye.
Subs: Isaiah Jones, Iker Noguera Leon (for Lee Lewis, 74m), Geneiro Maragh (for Dwight Pascal, 87m), Declan Skura.
Lewes: Lewis Carey, Johnville Renee, Jamie Mascoll, Will Salmon, Tom Champion, Alfie Young, Ayo Olukoga, Bradley Pritchard, Razz Coleman De-Graft, TQ Addy, Joe Taylor.
Subs: Jack Skinner, Jenson Davies, Tyrique Hyde (for Bradley Pritchard, 83m), Deon Moore (for Joe Taylor, 76m), Ryan Gondoh (for TQ Addy, 60m).
Goal scorers: Bradley Pritchard (8m, 0-1), Tom Champion (28m, 0-2), Jacob Bancroft (77m, 1-2), Tyrique Hyde (90+1m, 1-3)
Attendance: 231
