 Smith Celebrates Scoring IslandStats.com
Darren Freeman made one change to the side that had drawn 2-2 at Merstham in their previous game, with Ronnie Conlon returning to the side in place of Dee Okojie.
Lewes were down 1 – 0 after 21 minutes as their goalkeeper Chris Winterton did well to keep out a low Andre McCollin effort, but was unable to prevent Dan Bennett finishing the rebound into the roof of the net.
Lewes were level with their first real chance of the game after 34 minutes, as Smith capitalized on a poor defensive header to send an instinctive effort past Rob Tolfrey and into the bottom corner. The Lewes goal led a charmed life for the remainder of the half, with Winterton forced into action to deny Joe Turner and Pico Gomez.
The final chance of the half fell to Lewes though, as Smith was only able to guide a close-range header from a Leon Redwood corner over the bar.
Kingstonian regained their lead with the first real opportunity of the second half just before the hour, as Turner got free down the left and cut the ball back for substitute Mitch Pinnock to finish into the roof of the net at the far post.
In the final minutes, Kingstonian were unable to clear their lines and after a Conlon shot from the edge of the area hit a defender and looped towards goal, Badger sent an excellent header over Tolfrey and into the back of the net to level the score.
Lewes pushed for a winner during stoppage time, but were unable to find one and despite securing what would normally be a pleasing point away from home against a side pushing for the play-offs, had relegation to the Ryman South mathematically confirmed.
The players were deservedly applauded off the pitch at full-time, with the impressive contingent of travelling supporters recognizing that performances and results since the start of 2016 have been a big improvement on the first half of the season and that this form replicated over the entire campaign would have seen the club finish above the relegation zone.
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