Lewes appear to have unearthed a gem in Lee Newman.

The teenage striker scored his 14th goal of the season in the Boxing Day draw with Horsham.

And there is more to come from the lively frontman according to Billy Nixon, the Lewes No. 2.

Nixon, running the side against Leyton Pennant today as Jimmy Quinn was away, said: "He is a great prospect. He is a bit skinny and a bit lightweight but very nippy on his feet.

"His attitude is spot on and he trains like a dog.

"I am not saying he will be picked up by a big club but he will be maturing into an even better player."

Newman could get an extended run in the side if rumours linking Dominic Shepherd with a move to Worthing prove to be true.

The Lewes squad is stretched to the limit at the moment. Andy Johnson was injured against Hemel Hempstead last Saturday and could be sidelined for a few weeks with a knee problem.

Stuart Hack is already out while Justin Harris has just started a four-match suspension.

Paul Thomsett was also banned for today's game while Shepherd and Matt Beeston were struggling with illness. Nixon said: "We are still second in the league and rolling along but it is getting harder because of the injuries."

Reece Head is expected back at Lewes soon after a short loan spell with Dr Martens League side St Leonards.

Meanwhile, Horsham boss John Maggs has praised his side for their part in the Boxing Day draw at Lewes.

The Ryman League rivals shared a 1-1 draw, with both sides having chances to snatch victory.

Maggs admitted: "There some fierce tackles flying about, which I wasn't too happy about.

"It was a very physical contest but I thought we played the decent football that there was. Lewes are a physical side and they will be thereabouts."

Midfielder Gavin McGowan has been released to Bromley but Ryan Andrews is likely to return to the squad for the New Year's Day clash at home to Molesey.