BISHOP’S STORTFORD 1 BLUES HERO THE ROOKS
BISHOP’S Stortford completed an outstanding week when they snatched the most dramatic of victories at play-off rivals Lewes, despite being down to ten men in the closing stages.
Stortford followed up last Saturday’s six-goal demolition of Merstham with a stunning three-nil victory over runaway league leaders Worthing on Tuesday.
And Ben Marlow’s stunning stoppage-time winner at the Dripping Pan yesterday left Blues four points clear of thirdplaced Enfield, with six games left
Lewes were dealt a blow in the warm-up with Ollie Tanner damaging his knee, leading to a last minute reshuffle for the already injury-depleted hosts.
Stortford had an early effort ruled out through offside. But Lewes made the running in the opening quarter and the visitors could have been a man down in the 15th minute when Joe Taylor was fouled as he bore down on goal.
Razz Coleman De-Graft was a constant threat down the right flank and twice cut in, forcing a superb save from Blues keeper Jack Giddens, as the hosts finished the first half well..
Five minutes after the break, the Rooks had a good shout for a penalty when Carlse’s cross appeared to strike a Bishop’s Stortford hand in the box.
But, at the other end, a late offside flag denied the visitors the lead for a second time.
The tempo dropped in the last twenty minutes as both teams seemed to settle for a draw, whilst the yellow card count grew with some petty fouls.
And on 79 minutes, the inevitable red card appeared, Jack Thomas receiving a second cautionin 11 minutes, for pulling back Michael Klass.
But, two minutes into stoppage-time, Lewes keeper Lewis Carey under hit a goal kick and the ball fell to Marlow thirty-five yards out.
The Blues man still had plenty to do. But he did it, half-volleying the ball past Carey’s despairing dive.
The result leaves Lewes four points adrift of the play-off places. But it was an impressive eighth consecutive clean sheet for Giddens and a happy end to Blues’ happy week.
STAR MAN: Casey Pettit (Lewes)
ENTERTAINMENT: