The tension generated by the men’s tumble down the table in recent months affects fans in different ways.
Take Supporters Club stalwart and former club general manager, Duncan. He couldn’t take it anymore, had to get away from it all, took himself and the family off for a six-week schlep around Vietnam. Although he said the Harvey’s tastes a bit funny out there:
Others choose to run into the burning building. Zac Liput flew all the way over from Texas to be at the game, along with his pal Paul. And not only did he brave the terraces, he faced down one of Barry Haffenden’s shirts too. Not all heroes wear capes.
So, there was a bit riding on this one. Win and we could erase any slight (and they were slight) doubts about being involved in the relegation dust-up. Lose and, well, we’d all be looking up cheap flights to Vietnam.
Alas, the first half was (to put it politely) not a classic. The official highlights video rather glosses over the first half, but we’ve secured exclusive footage for those who want to watch it back:
The second half was a sizeable improvement from the get-go, with both sides showing much more attacking intent.
The Rooks almost nosed themselves ahead early in the second period. Worthing loanee Ollie Starkey did great to get into the box and cut inside his man. His pull back looked dead set to arrive at the feet of the onrushing Matt Warren (making a rare start in midfield), but Rhodell Gordon (by far their best player) scooped it away before Matty could connect.
No matter, because the lead arrived minutes later. Marcus Sablier looked like he’d lost control of a ball pinged to him by Ethan Kaiser. But not only did Sablier win the ball back, he deftly dinked it past two midfielders then put through a gorgeous daisy-cutter into the path of Danny Bassett who took a great touch before finishing with his left.
The points might have been more securely wrapped up late in the game, when sub Shae Hutchinson was sent racing away down the left and had his legs swiped away by the Hendon keeper, who was marooned in no man’s land. There were yells for a red card, but it was so far wide that (and note this down for the history books) ref David Spain made the correct decision by brandishing the yellow.
Still, the relief was there for all to see at full-time, with Pitts leading the post-match fist-pumping in front of the Philcox. Thirteen points clear of danger with ten to go, perhaps that win was just enough to release the pressure valve and let us enjoy the rest of the season. Those of us in the same continent, that is.
Lewes: Bull, Jones (Meeres), Kaiser, Spinks, Ojemen, Warren, Muirhead (Antonio), Sablier, Starkey (Hutchinson), Ekpiteta (Unwin), Bassett
Unused sub: Ladapo
Supporters Club man of the match: Back in the side after a little spell keeping Pitts company on the bench, Ethan Kaiser did magnificently dealing with all the long balls Hendon threw at him. Honourable mentions for Spinks and Starkey too.
Video highlights from Your Instant Replay:
Boyesy’s brilliant photos:
