Lewes manager Paul Benoy believes the future looks bright for his side after they produced their best performance of the season to beat Brooklands 3-2 in National League Division Two.

After failing to win since the opening day of the season, Lewes ended their drought thanks to Adrian Bettesworth's winner seven minutes from time.

The result against a strong Brooklands side, who started the day in third place, lifted Lewes two places to eighth and Benoy is confident they are on their way up.

He said: "It was definitely our best result of the season because we managed to sustain our level of performance for the whole match rather than playing well in periods.

"Although the results might not show it we have been getting progressively better as the season has gone on and I am now confident we can start moving up the table."

Lewes certainly had to battle for their first victory in nine league games as the visitors refused to accept defeat. Wayne Bennett opened the scoring in the 14th minute from a Will Champness cross but the lead lasted just seven minutes when Jez Bodey equalised.

The home side went ahead again six minutes after the break when Beejay Ranger latched onto Bettesworth's pass to score his first National League goal.

Carl Wright was then harshly shown the yellow card for a tackle and while he was off the pitch Peter Flanagan levelled. Bettesworth restored the advantage in the 63rd minute when he deflected Renwick Irvine's free hit into the goal but the drama was far from over.

With five minutes to go Wright was sent off for his second yellow card despite the protests of the Brooklands captain to show some leniency and goalkeeper Mark Wilkinson had to make some important stops near the end as the visitors piled on the pressure.

"They kept coming back at us but we never gave up," said Benoy. "We were under a lot of pressure towards the end but we managed to hold on for a very good result."