A second-half goal from Jonte Smith helped Lewes to an impressive 2-1 victory over ten-man Hastings United in a competitive derby game played in blistering heat at the Pilot Field reports Tom Harper.
Darren Freeman made four changes to the side that had drawn 2-2 with Sittingoburne just two days earlier, with Steve Brinkhurst, Matt Hurley,
Liam MacDevitt and Smith replacing Harry Reed, Gus Sow, Reece Williams-Bowers and Shomari Barnwell in the starting line-up.
The game was turned on its head after 36 minutes, as Ollie Rowe was shown a straight red card by referee Lee Dyson for a two-footed challenge on Smith.
The Rooks took the lead after 56 minutes through Smith, who just got ahead of his marker to flick an excellent Williams-Bowers cross from the left across Pelling and into the bottom corner to send the impressive contingent of travelling supporters into raptures behind the goal.