10:20am Thursday 26th November 2009
By Howard Griggs
Lewes made it a double celebration as Dan Royce's first-half strike sealed a 1-0 FA Trophy replay win at home to Eastleigh.
Having survived a winding-up petition in the High Court earlier in the day, the Rooks banked themselves £4,000 prize money and a first round trip to Hampton and Richmond with only their third home win of the season.
Manager Steve Ibbitson believes progress off the field can be matched by progress on it.
He said: “We have a good squad here. We still need to add a couple more players. If we can get a little bit more investment in the club and maybe get another striker and another midfield player we will not be far off.
“Hopefully we can push up the table because it is desperately important that we stay in this league.
“I think we are in a false position because we aren’t a bottom three side but we have got to start scoring more goals.”
Lewes made one change to the side that had drawn 1-1 on Saturday with the fit-again Andy Pearson returning in place of Ryan Timms, although there was also a tactical switch with David Wheeler starting on the left flank up against Albion loanee Steve Cook.
Wheeler swapped to his natural position on the right after 18 minutes and within two minutes the England Schools international laid on the first goal.
The 18-year-old scampered clear before crossing for Royce coming in from the left to fire home his first goal for Lewes.
As the half wore on Lewes began giving the ball away too cheaply but they survived half chances from Danny Smith and Tom Jordan, son of Joe.
Eastleigh boss Ian Baird made a double change at the break and a third soon after but his side still lacked inspiration.
Anthony Barness went close to a second for Lewes on the hour with a shot which just cleared the crossbar.
As the half wore on Eastleigh got up a head of steam as Lewes seemed incapable of holding on to the ball. Richard Gillespie had a couple of headed efforts, Rikki Banks saved at the feet of Anthony Riviere and then produced the save of the match to deny Gillespie from six yards.
Lewes have re-signed striker Chamal Fenelon, who warmed up with the players beforehand.
Lewes: Banks; Barness, Pearson, Breach, Sutton; Royce, Walder, Keehan, Wheeler; Louis (sub Storrie 72), Rivers (sub Peauroux 87). Subs not used: Chamberlain, Foreman, Pople.
Eastleigh: Arnold; S.Cook, Jordan, A.Cook, Challis (sub Goodhind 46); McAuley, Riviere, Smith (sub Taggart 54), Adeniyi; Gillespie, Forbes (sub Brown 46). Subs not used: White, Matthews.
Referee: Mr P.Kelly.
Attendance: 211.
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