There was no dream start for Steve Ibbitson as Lewes went down 1-0 at home to Kidderminster.

The new caretaker manager sprang no surprises in his first selection after taking over from Kevin Keehan.

Ibbitson opted for a 4-5-1 formation with Rhys Henry playing as a lone striker.

David Wheeler and Stefan Cox returned in the wide roles of a five-man midfield which was misssing the injured Michael Standing.

The Rooks fell behind after 19 minutes and although they finished strongly they rarely looked like forcing an equaliser.

The game had been pretty uneventful until Kidderminster went ahead but it was a simple goal when it came, Matthew Barnes-Homer crossing low from the right for Justin Richards arriving at the back of the six-yard box to drill home.

The only other chance of note in the opening 45 minutes was a great opportunity for Kidderminister's Russell Penn four minutes before the break from Chris McPhee's but he planted a free header straight into Rikki Banks' midriff, although the goalkeeper should take credit for his reactions.

Within two minutes of the restart Banks made another good save from Barnes-Homer after the ball broke kindly to him in the penalty area.

Banks was doing well and he made another smart save from Dean Bennett's 30-yard cracker.

When Lewes finally got their passing going they created a decent opening, David Wheeler's cross-shot going just past an upright.

But the hosts were thankful to Banks again on 58 minutes for another good save from Penn who had been played in by Darryl Knights.

The Rooks responded with Henry screwing a shot well wide after being teed up by Joe Keehan.

Ibbitson made his first change on 68 minutes, throwing on the attack-minded Fred Foreman in place of Chris Breach.

With 14 minutes to go Tim Rivers and debutant Ross Sutton joined the fray to make it four of this year's youth team on the pitch.

Rivers gave them more of a presence up front but they could not break down a resolute visiting defence.

At least the performance was recognised by a crowd of 385 who applauded them off the field at the final whistle.

Lewes: Rikki Banks; Anthony Barness, Danny Cullip, Guy Butters, Sam Fisk; David Wheeler, Chris Breach (sub Fred Foreman 68), Joe Keehan, Shaun Wilkinson, Stefan Cox (sub Ross Sutton 76); Rhys Henry (sub Tim Rivers 76). Subs not used: Grant Hall, Ryan Storrie.

Kidderminister: Adam Bartlett; Keith Lowe, Martin Riley, Mark Creighton, Lee Baker; Russell Penn (sub Martin Brittain 72), Dean Bennett, Darryl Knights (sub Brian Smikle 72), Chris McPhee; Matthew Barnes-Homer (sub Stefan Moore 63), Justin Richards. Subs not used: Michael Carr, Luke Jones.

Referee: Darren Sheldrake (Surrey).