Rooks hit by defensive injury crisis
LEWES have been hit by an injury crisis just one week before the start of the season.
But the lengthening list of players on the treatment table is having an unexpected benefit in unearthing some great new talent from the reserve and under-18s sections of the club.
They had no fewer than eight players missing from their pre-season friendly at Blue Square Bet Premier neighbours Eastbourne Borough on Wednesday night.
Scott Manning scored their goal and both the 3-1 defeat against opponents from one division above and their performance were quite respectable considering the Rooks had their entire back-four out injured.
Central defenders Chris Breach (strained neck) and Marc Pullan (knee ligament), right back Lewis Hamilton were all unfit to play, while left back Sonny Cobbs is still recovering from his operation for appendicitis three weeks ago.
However, manager Steve Ibbitson remained positive in a difficult situation. He revealed: "Every cloud has a silver lining.
Former Wycombe Wanderers School of Excellence trainee Charlie Leach, 16, made his debut at right back and did very well.
"I was impressed and Charlie may well force his way into the squad for some matches, although it is more likely to be on the bench as he is only 16 which is very young to play in the Conference South."
Ibbo added: "We are disappointed we have this ridiculous injury list at this stage. But it has given us the chance to look at our youngsters and they haven't let us down."
Other players out include Anthony Barness, who has a groin strain and central midfielders Jamie Crellin, who has a back problem and Jack Walder, who damaged his knee falling off scaffolding at work.
On top of this David Wheeler is away doing charity work in Ghana.
Last Saturday, Lewes gave a good display at home to Blue Square Bet Premier club Hayes & Yeading, narrowly losing 2-1 after taking the lead through Rob Grabwell.
Ibbitson described the game as "A good run-out" although his plans were thrown into chaos when three of his side dropped out with injuries during the the warm-up.
They were: Hamilton, Barness and Lewis Ide, while Crellin picked up a knock during the game.
The Lewes boss will therefore have to dip deep into his reserves for their next match to be played tonight (Friday) away to Eastbourne Town.
However, he feels reluctant to play too many youth players as Lewes' Under-18s team have a prestigious game at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, kick-off 12 noon.
He said: "The under-18s will be looking forward to this game, so I will try not to use them against Eastbourne."
Thankfully they have no more friendlies scheduled for next week, leaving a whole seven days for the walking wounded to heal and for Ibbitson to work on set-pieces.
Lewes then kick-off their season on Saturday, August 14 with a trip to Staines Town, who narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season.
The Rooks then host their match of the season on Wednesday, August 18 when Thurrock visit the Pan.
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Weather for Lewes
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 0 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -5 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
