The Ryman Premier League has come around again for another season of excitement. This match was to be Witham Town's first ever game in the Ryman Premier after being promoted from the Ryman North last season. The sun came out to brighten up the occasion, although the Witham pitch could have done with a watering (and some levelling) as the teams played out a 1-1 draw on a bumpy surface.
Lewes could have been a goal up within the first twenty seconds, Nick Wheeler played a one two pass with Luke Blewden before smashing the ball towards the top of the goal from a tight angle, forcing a superb reflex stop from Martyn Guest in the Witham goal.
Lewes looked solid at the back for the majority of the game, Alex Malins in particular having a good game, his ability to head the ball, making the right decision, got Lewes out of a couple of potentially sticky situations. Gary Elphick was making his debut for Lewes and put in a good performance. Steve Brinkhurst had to fill in at left back for Lewes with Sam Cole suspended from the end of last season. Brinkhurst did not disgrace himself and showed he can be versatile when called upon.
As is often the case when Lewes have visited Essex sides, Witham through themselves in to every challenge, playing fiercely and often aggressively. Brad Stropher was cautioned first for a lunging challenge on Nick Wheeler in which he appeared to jump over the ball but fortunately not catching Wheeler full on, meaning the Lewes winger escaped what could have been a nasty injury.
Witham continued to play rough through the half and only a couple of minutes after Stropher had his name taken, his partner at the back, Lee Townrow, also had his name written in the book. This time the challenge was certainly worthy of at least a yellow card as Ross Treleaven crossed the ball in from the right hand side an extremely late challenge by Townrow caused Treleaven's knee to swell up so much that he needed to be taken off. Nathan Crabb replaced Treleaven on twenty minutes, despite Crabb not playing a minute of pre-season, suffering from an injury himself.
There were very few real chances for either side during the first half, Lewes just edging the play but not being able to cut through the Witham defence. Every time Lewes looked like creating a chance a foul by Witham quickly put an end to any danger, with Fraser Logan wasting the majority of set pieces by looping the ball in to the area, making it easy for the Witham centre backs to head the ball away.
There was yet more controversy in the first half to come from Witham's tactics as Lee Townrow, having already been cautioned caught Terry Dodd late in a challenge that nine times out of ten would see a yellow card produced. However, in the words of sidelined captain Jack Walder, the referee "bottled" the decision and settled with giving Townrow a talking to for the offence.
Debutant Byron Napper was filling the hole left by Jack Walder who is still recovering from an injury suffered at Thamesmead towards the end of last season. Napper put in a brilliant performance, tackling all over the pitch and breaking up the Witham play, hassling his opponents. Fraser Logan showed his versatility, playing alongside Napper in midfield while Jack Dixon sits out his four match ban from a red card at the end of last season.
Witham should have taken the lead in the first half as Ryan Blackman found his way in to the penalty area down the right side of the pitch, his initial shot forced Rikki Banks in to a fantastic stop, however the rebound fell back to the man in white however he managed to smash the ball over the goal and out of the ground from the six yard box.
Despite the pitch not allowing Wheeler to play to his advantages, he was still causing the Witham defence mayhem as he danced his way down the left wing. Lewes fans were treated to some brilliant link up play between Wheeler and Blewden, one such occasion nearly seeing Wheeler score a chance similar to that in the first minute. Guest again providing another key save from a curling Wheeler effort from just outside the area.
Luke Blewden and Terry Dodd's partnership is still very much a work in progress, however, the two are starting to learn each others strengths. Terry Dodd worked as a target man, holding the ball up trying to feed Blewden or Nathan Crabb through on goal. Blewden worked tirelessly as usual running the channels.
Approaching half time it was looking more and more likely that a Lewes goal was only a matter of time and it nearly came when a long ball by Byron Napper found its way to Nathan Crabb who managed to control the ball expertly on the bobby pitch. Crabb's shot was stopped well by the keeper down low, denying Lewes a half time lead.
The second half started as the first one ended, with Lewes pushing for a goal. However, the game was cagey with many niggling fouls and long balls as neither side wanted to lose on the opening day of the season.
Despite their growing dominance, Lewes had to wait until the 68th minute to take a well deserved lead. A Witham corner was headed away by Ollie Rowe and met by Byron Napper. Napper, making his debut for the club after signing from Horsham, charged down the right wing before playing a ball across the box. The initial cross was too long, however Nick Wheeler was on the left to meet the ball before cutting inside and chipping the ball towards Terry Dodd in the six yard box. Dodd controlled the ball with his chest before firing at goal. The ever present Guest parried the first shot, however, Luke Blewden hit the ball home from close range, continuing his goal scoring form in to the new season.
Witham's chances in the second half were reduced to corners, however, they did earn a lot of them, with Lewes seeming more than willing to kick the ball out to give Witham a chance from the set pieces. Byron Naper gave away a corner in the 75th minute and the pressure told as Lewes lost striker Lewis Godbold, allowing him a free header which he planted past Rikki Banks, equalising for Witham.
For the final 15 minutes, Witham grew in confidence, their goal boosting their morale and it showed. They almost took the lead not long after equalising, Leon Antoine heading the ball just wide of the Lewes goal. However, despite late pushes from both sides, the match finished in a draw, the sides sharing the points on the opening day of the season.
Goals: Witham: Lewis Godbold (75) ---------- Lewes: Luke Blewden (68) Assist: Terry Dodd
After the game Lewes manager Garry Wilson criticised the Witham pitch saying: "The pitch condition didn't help us, it was difficult"
When asked about positives Lewes can take from the game, GW replied: "I think the new lads coming in to the team did well. Byron Napper had a smashing game for us today and one or two others that have just come in. It's going to take a little bit of time and I think a point away from home is still a good point. The first games of the season are really difficult games."
"Ross Treleaven has quite a big swollen knee now so I think he might struggle for a week or two."
With two tough games coming up for Lewes against AFC Hornchurch and then Billericay, GW remained positive: "We are at home and I think we can play against anyone at home, they will both be hard but I think we will look to get our first three points on Wednesday night. Every game is a challenge in many different ways but they are there to be beaten and we would love to get the three points on Wednesday."
Garry Wilson also conformed that new Lewes signing Henry Muggeridge currently has his foot in a cast and needs to go to hospital to have a scan on his ankle to see the state it is in before an estimation can be given as to when he will be available to play.
Lewes Ratings:
Rikki Banks 7
Alex Malins 8
Gary Elphick 7
Ollie Rowe 7
Steve Brinkhurst 5.5
Byron Napper 8
Fraser Logan 6.5 (George Branford 6)
Ross Treleaven 5 (Nathan Crabb 6.5)
Nick Wheeler 7
Terry Dodd 6.5
Luke Blewden 8 (Elliot Romain 5.5)
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