Both teams live to fight another day following a tight game at the Bev.  The Beavers will have to travel to the South Coast on Wednesday evening as they attempt to make progress in the FA Trophy.  With the forecast for freezing conditions by mid-week the carol ‘In The Bleak Mid-winter’ comes to mind!!

Hampton welcomed back Ian Hodges to the starting line up and was very much to the fore with Craig Dundas in the opening exchanges.  It was Dundas in the 6th minute, who first tested the visiting keeping, Rikki Banks.  But as in the league encounter a few weeks ago the Lewes custodian was equal to the task.  In fact it was a combination of Banks and the off side flag that kept the home side at bay during the opening period.  On 15 minutes Stuart Lake lofted a pass over the Lewes defence towards Hodges, but it was just out of his reach.  This was the pattern for most of the 1st half, with The Beavers not quite finding their range.  David Wheeler was proving a real handful to the Hampton back line, with his pace and trickery.  Both Matthews and Wells were booked for upending the Lewes speedster.  Wheeler then turned villain when he was cautioned for a foul on Smith.

Hodges come back lasted only 39 minutes and Dev was forced to replace him with Michael Charles.  During the closing stages of the first half Charles was looking dangerous, without getting a clear sight on goal.  Despite having the bulk of possession, Hampton was unable to convert the advantage.  So the sides went into the break goalless.

The 2nd half started with both sides having early chances.  Foreman, for Lewes, turned on the edge of the area and hit a shot straight at Lovett.  Shortly after, Charles was bought down right on the edge of the area.  Wells lined up the free kick, but it was dealt with by Banks.  Charles was again in action on 52 minutes when he cut in from the left but his shot was comfortably dealt with by Banks.  Charles was in lively form and on 58 minutes he forced Banks into another fine save.  Lewes we gradually taking control and the Beavers’ faithful were getting edgy.  Wheeler was continuing to cause trouble with his speed and only a fine tackle by Scarborough prevented him from closing in on goal.  Lovett in the Hampton goal was now seeing more action.  Chamberlin hit a shot through a ruck of players that Hampton keeper did well to keep out.  Lovett, who received the November’s player of the month award just before kick off, was staking a claim for this month’s trophy with a string of fine saves and interceptions.  Dean Wells was marshalling the troops in front of him.  As the game entered in final 10 minutes Wells threw himself into the path of a shot by Brinkhurst.

Dean Inman replaced Collier in midfield in a bid to stem the Lewes attacking tide.  Yaku also entered the fray in closing stages.  And it was Yaks who saw the final piece of action, when in added time he turned and shot wide.  So it’s all to play for at the ‘Dripping Pan’ on Wednesday, weather permitting.  If Hampton play to their potential progress to round 2 is within their grasp.