Lewes are today celebrating their first Sussex Senior Cup success for four years.
Steven King's ten-man Rooks needed extra-time to beat Ryman division one side Horsham at Priory Lane, Eastbourne.
Goals from Roscoe D'Sane, Lee Farrell and Jean-Michel Sigere gave Lewes victory after defender Djoumin Sangare had been sent off after just 22 minutes.
In a cracking final, Horsham proved worthy opponents and Lewes boss King paid tribute to them afterwards.
He said: "We beat them 6-0 in pre-season but they are much better now. They have improved tremendously over the course of the season.
"They were bang in form and flying, so we did well to play almost all the game against them with ten men."
Rival boss John Maggs, who had led Horsham to their first final in 27 years, praised the effort of his players and was in no doubt the best team lost.
He said: "Of course we are disappointed but we can't be too down on ourselves after a performance like that.
"We were tremendous and were definitely the better side. We have had such a good season and I have invited all the players back for next year.
"We proved again that on our day we can cope with some of the best teams around, especially in Sussex."
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