STEVE IBBITSON admitted Lewes would have been in grave danger if they had not had a youth team to call on.

In a season overshadowed by financial problems which has led to many senior players leaving, the Rooks have been able to call on youth.

Ten of this year’s under-18s side have featured in the first-team squad this season, most of them in recent weeks, and a further four former youth products have also tasted action.

Youth team skipper Ryan Timms was handed his league debut at right-back in the bottom-of-the-table clash at Northwich on Saturday when Lewes were without six first-team players, five of whom would have started.

Anthony Barness, Chris Breach, Joe Keehan and Geoff Banks-Smith were ruled out by injury, David Wheeler was on English Schools duty and Luke Rooney had to pull out due to a family illness.

The absences meant left-back Andy Wilkinson, who was a member of last year’s youth team, was asked to play a holding role in midfield, and midfielder Jay Tidey was on the bench for the first time.

Lewes were so short of numbers they could only name four substitutes, with ten of their 15 players on duty being teenagers.

Caretaker boss Ibbitson said: “With the people we had missing it was a very good performance. We had lots of kids in there and we used everybody in the squad we had available. We did as well as we could have done.

“Without the youth team the club would be in total disarray and we wouldn't be able to finish our fixtures off.

“We have two home fixtures left. People say to me you will be pleased to see the end of the season but I won’t. I am looking forward to the last two games and will be trying to win.”

Ibbitson expects to have Wheeler and Rooney back for tomorrow's game with Kettering and is also hoping Barness and Keehan will be fit.

Considering the side they had at Northwich, a defeat is not surprising but Ibbitson felt the scoreline was harsh.

He said: “Northwich have got a number of players back, their finances are slightly better and if they had that side all season there is no way they would be going down. They deserved to win but we didn’t deserve to lose 3-0.

“At 1-0 at half-time we quite fancied our chances. We started to get on top and then they scored to make it 2-0.

“We decided to have a go and put another player up front. It was a gamble and we conceded a third goal.”

Northwich, who are also relegated, started well and went in front in the 31st minute when defender Simon Grand headed home a Joel Byrom free-kick.

Lewes fought back well after the turnaround without creating too many chances, although Ryan Storrie had a shot saved by Ryan Clarke.

Josh Jirbandey also forced Clarke into action before Jonny Allan killed the game off with a second Northwich goal 13 minutes from time.

The same player scored a third on 83 minutes as Lewes committed men forward.

It is not all doom and gloom for Lewes and the performances of Wheeler and Matt Whitehead in Friday's 2-0 English Schools under-18s win over Scotland in front of the Sky Sports cameras at St Mirren gave everyone a lift.

Wheeler’s display was lauded by co-commentator Davie Provan, the former Celtic and Scotland winger, and Ibbitson was delighted.

He said: “They both did well and we are delighted they are in the squad as we are for James Norwood (Eastbourne Town) and Simon Johnson (Eastbourne Borough). It is great for Sussex football.

“Matt Whitehead is only 16 and has another year to go with England. Ross Sutton is also 16 and if they come and have a look at one or two of our lads we might have more in there next year.”

Northwich: Clarke, Joyce, Meadowcroft, Grand, Brown (sub Mullan 41), Elam, Byrom (sub Farran 84), Bailey, Horrocks, Allan, Burns (sub Riley 78). Subs not used: Richards.

Lewes: Banks 6; Timms 6, Jirbandey 7, Cullip 7, Fisk 7; Storrie 7, Standing 7, Wilkinson 6, Foreman 6 (sub Bell 72, 6), Cox 6; Rivers 6 (sub Sutton 63, 6). Subs not used: Tidey, Hall.

Referee: C. Harwood.

Attendance: 487.