Lewes were grateful for their French connection as they extended their unbeaten run last weekend.

Julia Louis-Joseph came off the bench to lash home a stoppage time equaliser as the Rookettes fought back from 2-0 down against West Ham United to draw 2-2 at the Dripping Pan.

It was the 21-year-old’s first goal since joining Lewes from French second division outfit Croix Blanche Angers during the summer along with her sister Euzhan.

Boss John Donoghue was delighted for Louis-Joseph and believes there is plenty more to come from the left winger as she settles into her new surroundings.

Donoghue said: “Julia came over early in the season with her sister and another girl from France and got in contact with the club. We helped them find accommodation with one of the club’s supporters but it must be very tough for them.

“They’ve moved to a new country and are trying to find their feet both on and off the pitch. Their English is not as good as it could be so that doesn’t help so it will have done Julia the world of good to get her first goal.

“It was a terrific strike from the edge of the box and hopefully that will give her confidence a boost because she is a very attacking-minded player and has good potential.”

The Rookettes were grateful to Louis-Joseph for salvaging a point having twice been hit with sucker-punches by the Hammers.

The visitors led 2-0 against the run of play by half-time but Tash Wells pulled one back nine minutes before the end before Louis-Joseph’s dipping effort over the goalkeeper.

The vagaries of the fixture list mean Donoghue’s side take on West Ham again this weekend with the Lewes boss keen for his side not to have to come from behind again.

Donoghue added: “We dominated the game but unfortunately sometimes when you are attacking and don’t put your chances away the opposition can punish you.

“They had two chances and scored them both but the way we came back to get something out of the game highlights the character there is in the team.

“In many ways it was a better performance than the previous week (3-1 win v Forest Green) but you have got to take your chances. We know how they play now and we will have to take a look at how we set up this week to take advantage.”