Karl's cracker puts Rooks back on track

Midfielder Beckford has produced a number of wonder strikes since he came to the Dripping Pan in August though manager Steve King believes he still has to produce the goods with his workrate.

No matter, three points sent the Rooks into sixth spot in the table with 14 points and will have provided a much-needed boost to confidence for tomorrow's important FA Cup second qualifying round tie at Leyton.

Craig O'Connor had the ball in the net for Thurrock on 11 minutes but it was disallowed for offside while John Robinson fired into the side netting at the other end a minute later.

The Rooks went ahead on 13 minutes when Leon Legge rose at the far post to power home a corner.

Thurrock equalised on 24 minutes when the hosts broke quickly and Steve Harper's cross was slotted home by O'Connor from the edge of the penalty area.

Thurrock's Dave Collis was fortunate not to be red-carded when as the last man he felled John Robinson.

Lewes went ahead five minutes before the break when Paul Kennett's cross from the left was headed powerfully goalwards by Jean-Michel Sigere and in off Collis.

Sigere had another chance just before the break but Sigere fired wide.

Both teams tightened their defences after the break, with Thurrock equalising on 57 minutes from the penalty spot after a foul on Terry Bowes.

Four minutes later came Beckford's superb free-kick to give Lewes a 3-2 lead and the Rooks were content to soak up the pressure in the final half-hour which was blighted by a 20-man brawl after substitute Amos Foweya and goalkeeper Glenn Knight had clashed.

Lewes: Wilkerson, Lovett, S Robinson, Legge, Sangare, Hooper, J Robinson, Kennett, Beckford, Farrell, Sigere.

The reserves are away to Burgess Hill tonight (Friday) in the Alliance Reserve Division, kick-off 7.30pm.

The Lewes under-18s beat Horley 9-2 in the Southern Youth League on Monday. The goals were scored by John Peter (three), Sam Sowter (two), Clive Snell, Steven Elliott, Gary Brinkhurst and James McKenzie.

On Monday, September 26, Lewes are away to Worthing in the FA Youth Cup, 7.30pm.

Their next game at The Pan is on Monday, October 3, against Godalming in the Southern Youth League Cup.

Last Sunday the Lewes under-14s played their first league game of the season against Denton and South Heighton, winning 5-1 and putting on a superb display.

Tom Miles scored two, with one each from Sam Compton and Oli Denyer and a debut goal from David Beasley.

Man of the match went to goalkeeper Callum Archer-Dennis, who was rock solid.

On Sunday the under-14s are at home to Fishergate Flyers in the league.