A second half brace by loan signing Dean Clark secured a hard-fought victory for the league leaders against a determined and well-organised Ashford side.

The first third of the match was even but as half time approached the Rooks turned the screw, and the pressure continued after the interval.

The breakthrough arrived on 64 minutes when Junior Kadi curled in a cross from the right flank and Clark arrived late at the far post to sidefoot past Ashford goalkeeper Tony Wells.

Moments later the visitors were offered a way back into the game when they were awarded a controversial penalty.

However, after a delay of several minutes, Ross Davidson blasted the spot kick over the bar.

The home side doubled the lead almost immediately courtesy of a deflected Clark shot from a Kirk Watts cross.

A late effort by Lewes substitute Theo Kissi was disallowed for offside but the setback did not prevent a tenth consecutive home victory for Steven King's men.