The first half proved slow for goals, but did not lack for excitement. Dennon Lewis rained ball after ball down upon the Lewes box, but we failed to feel the rub of the green as effort after effort eluded a friendly head. After a strong 30 minutes, Lewis paved the way for trialist Harry Forster. Our defence is owed credit for their showing, with inch perfect tackles from Sayers and Philpot robbing Lewes of their strength on the counter. Glenn Morris too held a firm lip throughout the first half, keeping a clean sheet before making way for Max Foulkes to step in between the sticks for the second half.
In another pre-season outing where managed minutes played a factor, a persistent Josh Barrett was finally able to add his name to the score sheet with an excellently taken effort in the 52nd minute. Lewes fought their way back into the game through a spot kick in the 62nd minute. Glenn Morris stared down the taker and found the ball with a stretched hand – but Danny Bassett’s strike proved too sweet.
Trialist Todd Alcock recaptured the game for the Wanderers with a stinging effort from outside the box in the 84th minute. Alcock’s scorcher proved the decisive moment, as the final whistle pulled the curtains over a hard fought game with a pleasing 2-1 result for the Wanderers.
Fans should be pleased that the new fitness regime helped ensure no outstanding injuries for the Wanderers on the day. While the game did not lack for physicality, it ultimately proved a fruitful venture for all involved. The team now look to turn around quickly to Tuesday evening – where we make the London bound journey to Dulwich Hamlet for a 7:45 kick off.