Lewes manager Craig Nelson said his side were “really, really, really good” as they secured back-to-back wins for the first time since December 2025.

Goals from Josh Spinks, Danny Bassett and Noel Fisher turned things around after former Rook Ryan Gondoh’s early opener for AFC Whyteleafe last Saturday, with a sturdy second-half performance also frustrating the visitors.

This led to second bookings for Aaron Goode and another ex-Rook, Peter Ojemen, before Fisher’s 88th-minute finish wrapped up the three points.

With seven points after four games of the nascent 2026-27 season, Lewes can be pleased as they sit in 9th place.

Lewes celebrate one of the goals that saw off Whyteleafe | Picture: James Boyes

placeholder image — Lewes celebrate one of the goals that saw off Whyteleafe | Picture: James Boyes

“After going behind, the boys were excellent,” said Nelson. “There were 15 minutes in that game where they had a foothold of it, and then when we got the goal back, we were really, really, really good.

“Wholly looking at the game, in and out of possession we were really good. The boys put in a shift, and it's great to get another three points.”

For Nelson, a return to The Dripping Pan afforded a quick opportunity to right the wrongs of a 4-0 opening day defeat to Enfield Town.

With only one goal conceded and five scored since that outing, they have used that feeling of disappointment as motivation.

Craig Nelson talks to the team after the win over Whyteleafe | James Boyes

“The conversation with the boys was about a response here, because they owed our fans one, and we said off the back of that, ‘You then owe the club one’,” said Nelson.

“Consistency is going to be key to stringing any form together, and then we want to make sure that we finish where we want as a group. Then, we can look back and be proud of where we sit.”

Lewes now approach a daunting Bank Holiday weekend, with a trip to Aveley followed by a home fixture against Eastbourne Borough.

Both will be promotion favourites this season after the Essex side finished 2nd in the Isthmian Premier Division last year, while Borough return to Step 3 after 22 years away. The two sides have begun their campaigns well so far, both sitting on seven points like the Rooks.

Elsewhere, Lewes have been handed their draw for the FA Cup First Qualifying Round, with Cray Wanderers scheduled to come to The Dripping Pan on Saturday 5th September.

Having exited the competition at the First Qualifying Round in each of the past two seasons, the Rooks will be keen to improve on this occasion.