Rooks Reverse Wands' Magic

Rooks Reverse Wands' Magic

- Tom Sharp

PROUD Lewes boss Darren Freeman hailed his side’s‘magnificent effort’ after they ended former Bostik South leaders Cray Wanderers’ 24-game league unbeaten streak to climb back to the top of the table.

Two goals in the opening nine minutes from Omarr Lawson and a Jamie Brotherton penalty ultimately put paid to Cray’s glory run, although Charlie MacDonald’s goal midway through the second half set up a thrilling finale which saw Cray pair Mitchell Nelson and Barney Williams sent off.

The Sussex side, ironically the last – and only – team to beat Wanderers in the league, flew out of the blocks when Lawson latched onto skipper Frankie Chappell’s low through ball and calmly slotted beyond keeper Nick Blue with just 45 seconds on the clock.

Things got worse for sluggish Cray eight minutes later when Nelson tripped the impressive Brotherton inside the area.

The forward duly dusted himself down and stroked home the spot-kick to strengthen Lewes’ grip on the game.