Sprucie scores winner in retirement game thriller

In a hard fought encounter Lewes dominated to start with and Martyn Stillman scored after fifteen minutes latching onto a poor pass out of defence by Brighton rounding the last defender and slotting home. Brighton dug in and it needed some good saves from goalkeeper Chris Sharpe to keep the lead intact but they were rewarded just on half time when they equalised from close range as the hosts defence left players unmarked.

Lewes camped in Brighton's half at the start of the second half and a lovely move involving Danny Poulsen and James Coplestone saw Ben Godwin free in front of goal and he slipped the ball under the goalkeeper to regain the lead. This was short lived as again Brighton equalised with a well taken effort a minute later. Lewes knew only victory would keep their title chances alive and the scene was set for veteran Paul Spruce to bring time down on his 47 year history at the club by scoring the winner in the last five minutes deflecting in Will Champness's short corner strike to the delight of his team mates.

Chichester are a point ahead with two games remaining and are unlikely to slip up with Lewes having their final game on Saturday at Eastbourne.