Uxbridge visit will test Lewes in FA Trophy

The Rooks, who have never gone further than the Trophy’s Third Round, head to the Southern League Premier Division South leaders seeking an early upset.

Uxbridge have only lost one of their opening 11 games in all competitions, playing in the same division as Chichester City and several former National League sides.

On Tuesday night, they pulled off an upset in their FA Cup Second Qualifying Round replay away at Farnborough.

The Reds won 2-0 at the National League South side, having led until added time in a 2-2 draw last weekend.

Uxbridge’s squad also features former Lewes attacker Eddie Alsopp, who has scored once this season.

Lewes come into the tie looking to atone for a surprise 3-1 defeat to Cheshunt last Saturday.

The Rooks made the trip to Hertfordshire in confident mood, but they were tamed by a clinical Ambers performance.

Raul Da Silva, ex-Rooks striker Tommy Wood and Sam Granville all netted before Lewes finally got on the scoresheet with Mackenzie Richardson’s 93rd-minute consolation.

Speaking after the match, manager Craig Nelson said: “We carved out so many clear-cut chances to go ahead.

“But credit to Cheshunt - they were better in our box than we were in theirs. We can't keep missing chances like that and expect to win games.”

With all three Cheshunt goals coming from aerial duels, including two from set pieces, Lewes also lost out from an area that has previously been profitable for them this season.

Nelson said: “It’s disappointing because we highlighted what their strengths would be, and for me, we have to do better in our box.

“Obviously, we're missing one or two that are really good in the air, but we still had enough to be combative. We’vr got to do better and take a little bit of pride in defending our goal.”

Lewes continued to miss defender Tom Bender, absent through a calf issue, in the clash, while new signing Harry Mills missed out with a groin strain. Danny Bassett was also out.

Tyrese Owen deputised in central defence alongside the returning Josh Spinks, but it was far from an ideal start to their partnership.

Regardless of any personnel changes to come this weekend, Nelson accepted the team’s overall performance has to improve.

Nelson said: “We spoke about it when we lost previously - how quick we can bounce back - and we did.

“It'll be a tough game. They’re flying. We want to go there, assert ourselves, be on the front foot and get through to the next round.”