Jonte Smith Scores In Victory Over Hastings
Bermuda’s Jonte Smith scored for Lewes FC as they recorded a 2-1 victory against Hastings United.
The club’s match report said, “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.
“Lewes got off to the perfect start by taking the lead inside the first minute, as a low shot from Bouwe Bosma was turned into his own net by a Hastings defender after the hosts had been unable to clear a Jamie Brotherton free-kick.
“This goal gave the Rooks plenty of confidence and they nearly doubled their lead minutes later through MacDevitt, as his mis-hit cross had to be pushed away by Josh Pelling in the Hastings goal.
“The hosts looked comfortable on the ball themselves though, and equalised from the penalty spot after just nine minutes, with Billy Medlock sending Chris Winterton the wrong way from the spot after Ansu Janneh had been tripped in the area at the end of a purposeful run.
“The game was turned on its head after 36 minutes, as Rowe was shown a straight red card by referee Lee Dyson for a two-footed challenge on Smith.
“After a lengthy stoppage while Smith received treatment, Malins sent a diving header from the resulting free-kick taken by Bosma into the side-netting at the far post.
“The Rooks nearly made the most of their numerical advantage with the final kick of the first half, but saw Brotherton hit the post with a close-range effort after the Hastings defence had been unable to clear a dangerous Brinkhurst cross.
“Despite being down to ten men, the hosts started the second half brightly, with Janneh just failing to get on the end of a cross from Medlock when any contact would almost certainly have seen the midfielder score.
“It was Lewes’ turn to go close minutes later, as Smith just missed the target with a far-post header from a Bosma cross.
“The Rooks continued to push for a second goal and 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.”
In a tweet following the match, Smith said, “Great to be back playing after injury and scoring the winner in the local derby.”
