ROOKS’ BIG MOVE TURNS THE TABLES ON HORNETS
LEWES caused a surprise in this Sussex derby, beating a Horsham side that had been unbeaten in seven matches.
The Rooks manager Tony Russell is hoping this is a turning point for his side who on their day, he believes are as good as anyone in the division.
In an entertaining first half the Hornets started brightly, with Lee Harding having a sot deflected over and James Hammond’s free-kick going wide.
However, the Rooks slowly got into their stride and took the lead in the 20th minute when Kalvin Lumbombo Kalala crossed and Ayo Olukoga’s shot from the edge of the area deflected in. Originally the assistant referee waved for offside, but was over-ruled by referee Stephen Hawks.
This only stung the Hornets into life, and the equaliser came just eight minutes later when Ajakaiye scored from close range from a cross from Charlie Hester-Cook.
On 30 minutes Ajakaiye had a shot saved by Lewes’ Nathan Harvey, however the away side restored the lead on 38 minutes when a mix up in the box let Chris Whelpdale in, and the former Posh midfielder rounded the former Lewes keeper Lewis Carey to make it 1-2.
Russell’s team talk, refering to their consistency and the fact that if they didn’t improve there would be further recruitment seemed to work as the Rooks limited the Hornets to minimal chances in the second period, the best coming when Lee Harding hit the inside of the post from 20 yards in the 76 minute.
However, the away side increased their lead right at the end when substitute Archie Tamplin slotted home after a pass from Olukoga, after a three on one break.
The Hornets boss just wanted to draw a line under yesterday’s defeat stating, “We’ve been on a good run and eight unbeaten so just need to go on a good run again.” He added, ‘We can’t be too critical, we just need to reset and go again.”
The result leaves Horsham in sixth place with a game in hand and lifts Lewes one place in midtable.