Lewes FC will be plotting how to improve upon the disappointment of a 1-1 draw with Maldon & Tiptree as they experience a rare weekend without action.

Due to Enfield Town’s progress in the FA Trophy, the Rooks’ planned fixture this weekend has been rescheduled to Tuesday 10th November.

It gives Craig Nelson’s side their first blank weekend of the season, with plenty to ponder after an Isthmian Premier draw with an out-of-form Maldon side.

After Harry Mills’ 25th-minute penalty put Lewes ahead at The Dripping Pan, a scrappy 37th-minute equaliser from Charlee Hughes ultimately gave the Jammers their first point since mid-September. The Rooks are still third in the league despite the dropped points.

placeholder image — Craig Nelson | Picture by James Boyes

Nelson said: “Not good enough, in my opinion, because I feel we had enough chances to put it to bed.

“It's unfortunate in terms of the way we conceded, but for me, [we were] too selective in our tempo and intensity to implement ourselves into the game.

“It feels like a loss because I think it was a good opportunity to not just stay in the hunt, but to continue our winning streak and that momentum.

“It's another game we felt like we could win, and looking at the balance of it, I feel we should have got three points. But we don't deserve it if we don't put the ball in the opposition's net.”

While the Rooks struggled to kick on after Mills’ goal, with Maldon enjoying strong spells either side of half-time, the game’s decisive phase came in the final 30 minutes.

Lewes launched countless waves of attack and, rejuvenated by several substitutions, threw bodies forward to find a winner.

However, everything denied them, from Maldon’s solid defending and debutant Bradley Robinson’s goalkeeping to the post and crossbar.

“For me, the energy came a little bit too late, where it becomes a part of the game where you're like, ‘We have to score now’, and in those moments, sometimes you don't keep cool heads to fashion out chances,” said Nelson.

“It becomes a little bit erratic. I felt we did well to sustain attacks, but we need to try to put the icing on the cake to get over the line.”

On a positive note, Lewes’ week off will help their injury situation as captain Andrew Briggs and experienced defender Tom Bender recover from lay-offs.

Nelson admitted after the Maldon game that both players were set to miss another four to six weeks, potentially placing their returns in mid-December.

Ten games await the Rooks between 31st October and 12th December, with new signing Kurtis Cumberbatch set to slot into midfield for that run in Briggs’ absence.

Lewes return to action next Saturday (Oct 31) at home to Wingate & Finchley, currently ninth, kicking off at 3pm.