Departing manager Peter Boyse believes Lewes have a bright future despite their relegation from division one of the National League.

Boyse, who took over as manager six years ago when Lewes got into the National League, announced he was stepping down after a 3-2 defeat at Beeston which condemned them to division two.

Lewes went into the game knowing nothing less than victory would save them from the drop.

Boyse, meanwhile, had already made his decision a few weeks ago and was ready to step aside whether Lewes stayed up or not.

It has been a tough season for the club following the loss of several key players from last year's squad. The most notable were the manager's two sons, Jeremy Boyse, who emigrated to Australia, and younger brother, Alistair, who surprisingly gave up the sport.

Boyse said: "We knew from the start it would be difficult, having lost so many players. We had to rebuild a side to play in a competitive league and we did compete. It went to the last game but it wasn't to be.

"I decided my time had come. I had been doing it since we got into the National League.

"It is a great pity to go out on a relegation note but I had decided some months ago and it wasn't going to change my mind."

Beeston took a two-goal lead inside 12 minutes but Lewes fought back to level by half time.

Lewes' first came on 22 minutes when Jo Hill deflected a free hit to Luke Hurle to score and five minutes later Stuart McConachie made it 2-2 from another short corner.

With Lewes pressing forward, the home side broke with ten minutes to go to score the winner.

Boyse said: "We gave it a really good shot and put on an extremely good performance but it wasn't to be."

Despite the loss, which means Lewes will be facing Sussex rivals East Grinstead in league action again next year, Boyse believes the club can bounce back.

He said: "There are some positive things. The attitude after the game was good despite the disappointment. We hope to keep much of the side together and try to rebuild from there.

"The experience some of the youngsters have gained this year will hold them in good stead and I don't see why we can't fight our way back again."

Will Champness is expected to remain as captain next year and a new manager will be appointed in the summer.

Lewes: Wilkinson; McConachie, Champness, Standing, Bettesworth; Hill, Owen, van Tromp; Hurle, Edmonds, Wright. Subs used: Stubbs, Hooker.