Lewes FC snatch dramatic late point against AFC Hornchurch

Lewes FC’s home campaign started in controversial fashion as they came back from 2-0 down at The Dripping Pan.

The visitors, AFC Hornchurch, started brightly and took the lead in bizarre fashion in the 8th minute. A free kick was swung in from the left with the referee’s whistle seemingly being blown just after it had been taken. As the ball arrived in the box, Lewes goalkeeper Rikki Banks, gathered the ball and then proceeded to place it in front of him preparing to take a free kick. Smart work from the AFC Hornchurch centre half, allowed him to knock it into the empty net.

Think Dion Dublin on Shay Given all those years ago…

Frantic scenes followed as the Lewes players surrounded the ref and manager Garry Wilson ended up half way up the pitch to try and understand the situation.

Just after the half-hour mark, AFC Hornchurch doubled their lead thanks to some good work on the left again resulting in a low cross to the back post and an easy tap-in for 2-0.

It remained that way until the 72nd minute when out of nowhere Lewes were handed a lifeline. A low cross found it’s way to Nicky Wheeler who calmly placed the ball into the top corner. Momentum shifted and Lewes were in the ascendancy pilling on the pressure in search of an equaliser.

And they were rewarded in again controversial fashion. A free kick from Wheeler into the box seemed to go harmlessly out of play only for the referee to give a penalty for something he had seen in the build-up. No-one seemed to be quiet sure what the infringement was but the Lewes players had surly felt that justice had been done.

Up stepped Luke Blewden to hammer home the spot kick for his second goal in two games to give his side an unlikely point with just moments remaining.

If all home games are like this for The Rooks, then the fans will be in for an emotional roller coaster this season.