Keehan watched on Tuesday as his struggling Rooks side put on an encouraging display away to high-flying Histon, coming just seconds from their first win in the Blue Square Premier before a heartbreaking equaliser cost them two valuable points.

Just hours before, the Lewes Board had issued a statement backing the under-fire boss and pledging to find extra cash to help boost his squad.

The statement read, "Following a scheduled meeting on Monday evening, the Board of Directors met with Kevin Keehan on Tuesday to discuss the season so far.
"It was agreed by all parties that results have been disappointing and that some changes will be required to improve the team's poor form.

"As a result, Kevin Keehan is looking to strengthen the playing squad in key areas and equally, the Board of Directors are looking to raise more funds via commercial activity.

"The Board of Directors remain confident that Kevin Keehan will be able to move the Club forward and that he realises the enormity of the challenge that faces Lewes FC at this level.

"Following regrettably inaccurate speculation on both the radio and in print about this season's budget, the Board of Directors wish to confirm that the playing budget for this season is approximately 35 per cent less than it was for last season. There will be no further comments from the Board on this subject.

"The Board of Directors continue to plan for a long-term and sustainable future for the Club and hope that results improve in the near future.

"It is worth reflecting that the club and supporters have enjoyed remarkable success in recent years, finishing within the top four places in eight out of the last 10 years and progressing from Ryman Division Three to the Blue Square Premier in the space of seven seasons.

"We will be continuing to support Kevin Keehan and his team in this difficult season and hope that all supporters of Lewes FC will do the same."

Keehan said, "I was happy with the statement the Board put out. They had to make a statement because there was so much talk about the situation. They needed to try and make some clarifications, including about the budget.

"They have made it clear that they're not happy with the results - but none of us are. It's a process we've all got to go through."

Talking of the changes made during the summer, Keehan compared the Rooks's situation to teams such as tomorrow's opponents Oxford, who are facing a financial crisis.

"They (the Lewes Board) had to get their house in order. There was a risk in that. But there are a lot of clubs that are going to have big problems this year financially. It's not going to be easy for us but we have put a sensible slant to it. It's not going to be easy for a lot of clubs at this level. I'm 100 per cent sure after Christmas clubs are going feel the pinch – maybe even go into administration.

Of the late goals that the Rooks have conceded against Woking, Altrincham and Histon this season, he said, "They've cost us a lot of points.

"The first half we started well (against Altrincham). We played some good football but the final ball wasn't good enough.

"They then got into it but we never looked like conceding until the last 15 minutes. Rikki (Banks) had made some good saves."

It was galling, therefore, that Banks was yet again culpable for the last Alty winning goal. Banks's season so far has been characterised by outstanding performances marred by isolated mistakes which have cost the team dearly.

And Keehan said, "It (the ball) was going out. Obviously Rikki didn't know realise that but from where I was standing I could see it was going a good three or four yards wide of the post. The ball's bobbled away from him and the forward's put the rebound in.

"It was disappointing because we ended up battling so much we forgot to play.

"To be fair on Tuesday we played some good stuff like we did earlier on in the season.

"(Nineteen-year-old loan signing from Brighton) Sam (Gargan, right) scored a good goal with his first touch, which was great. But he actually had two easier chances after that. He shaved the post and the keeper made a good save.

"But we defended well, even after going down to 10 men (following Danny Cullip's dismissal). Whereas before we would have probably crumbled we put our backs to the wall and really battled.

"In the end to go down to 10 men – and especially losing Danny – it was pleasing that we dealt with everything for so long.

"But then Seb (Wallis-Tayler) got on the wrong side of his man and the equalised in the 90th minute.

"If we'd taken one of our chances to make it 2-0 it wouldn't have been a problem."

With two near wins and three of their four points gaine on their travels, the Rooks performances away from home have certainly been better than at the Dripping Pan. When asked why this might be the case, Keehan replied, "I can't really answer that. Certainly the last couple of games since the Rushden game have been better. Maybe it's been easier for them because the expecation isn't there.

"There were hardly any away fans at Altrincham and only 10 or 12 at Histon so maybe they could play without that little bit of pressure.
"Against Barrow we were really poor, that was disappointing and in the Rushden game we let ourselves down because we did well to start with. But that causes unrest in the crowd, although I think a lot of it was orchestrated in the Rushden game.

"(Because of that) the younger players there might feel th pressure more than the experienced players. We have just got to go out there and build on what we did on Tuesday.

"We're playing a big team (Oxford on Saturday); we've got to go out and match them. But the players will improve, I've no doubt.

"They (Oxford) had a great result on Tuesday. They're under pressure but when you've got a fan base of 5,000 and a team with a history, someone might just step in and help out.

"They are a decent side with good players. They have probably been a bit low on confidence but that will have been lifted on Tuesday. We have got to go out and match the for effort, then we've got a chance."

Keehan was yesterday hoping to finalise the signing of left back Justin Gregory. The Lewes boss said of him, "He's been there and done that at this level for many years, for Stevenage and Farnborough, and played for Farnborough against Arsenal at Highbury.

"He's got a good pedigree. I have known him for a lot of years. There's a question of fitness but he's naturally fit."

Of loan signing Gargan, he said, "He hasn't played for three weeks through an injury. He's got lots of quality and always scores goals. He's a big lad and likes to win the ball in the air."

Lewes's other big forward, Chamal Fenelon, has about another week left on his loan deal to Tonbridge Angels."

Lewes FC have flatly denied rumours circulating on fans' forums that the club had applied to join the Ryman League next season. Meanwhile, the Members Club is to change its name to the "Official Supporters Club of Lewes FC" in order to "distinguish themselves from the Trust", a club spokesman revealed.