Steven King hailed the spirit of his Lewes players after they stormed back to the top of Blue Square south.

Late goals from Tom Davis and Gary Holloway helped the Rooks to a 3-1 victory away to play-off hopefuls Newport County which lifted them back above Eastbourne Borough.

Borough had climbed above Lewes when they beat Eastleigh last Tuesday but they missed a chance to extend their lead as they went down 1-0 at home to Cambridge City.

That opened the door for King's men and they responded with a superb display yesterday.

Manager King said: "That was probably the best performance of the season, barring Bishop's Stortford away. Even their manager said we had pummelled them.

"We had eight one-on-ones in the first half and that was away to Newport who had only lost once at home all season. It is a tough place to go but we showed we have something about us.

"The togetherness was fantastic. My players gave their all and I have told them they have got to do that every week if they want to be successful. It is no good giving me a nine out of ten performance one week and then six out of ten the next."

However, King has also urged caution as the title race hots up.

He said: "I am not going to get carried away. Eastbourne could go top again next week. The lead will keep changing hands, I'm sure of it, and it will go all the way to the wire. All we can do is take care of oursleves."