Video: Jonte Smith Scores For Lewes FC
Bermuda’s Jonte Smith scored twice for Lewes FC as they recorded a 3-3 draw against local rivals Bognor.
The club’s match report said, “Lewes were forced to settle for a draw despite taking the lead three times against local rivals Bognor in this competitive Sussex derby at the Pan, reports Tom Harper.
“Bognor were unbeaten heading into the game and made a bright start, with Lewis Carey only able to parry a long-range Mason Walsh strike before making a fine double-save to deny Bradley Lethbridge on the rebound.
“Lewes made the most of this by taking the lead with their first real attack after nine minutes, as Chad Field could only turn a dangerous Luke Blewden cross from the right into his own net under pressure from Jonte Smith.
“Bognor were looking dangerous going forward themselves though, an equalised after 19 minutes, as Harvey Whyte rolled the ball into an empty net after an initial close-range effort from Lethbridge came back off the post with Carey beaten.
“The Rooks took the lead for a second time four minutes before the break, as Magee misjudged an Omarr Lawson corner from the left, allowing Smith to head in off the post from close range, despite the best efforts of Calvin Davies on the line.
“Bognor rallied quickly and levelled the scores on the stroke of half-time, after the referee adjudged Carey to have fouled Jimmy Muitt in the area, despite there appearing to be minimal contact at most, as the two players looked to reach a long ball forward.
“Muitt dusted himself down and sent Carey the wrong way from the spot to make it 2-2 at half-time.
“It was Lewes who should arguably have taken the lead just after the hour, but Smith could only put a low Conlon cross from the left wide.
Match highlights of Lewes vs Bognor
“Lewes continued to look dangerous on the break though, and spectacularly took the lead for a third time after 71 minutes, as Smith latched onto a long ball forward from Frankie Chappell and sent a superb half-volley from the right-hand side of the area across Magee and into the far corner.
“Bognor were not to be denied a third equaliser however, as Lethbridge controlled a long ball forward on the left-hand side of the Lewes penalty area, held off Chappell and unleashed an unstoppable half-volley which flew across Carey and in off the far post to level the scores once again.
“Both sides seemed keen to push for a winner during the closing stages but were unable to create any chances of note, with both forced to settle.”
