There were four goals in four remarkable minutes at the end before Lewes eventually overcame a spirited Molesey side 3-2 at the Dripping Pan.
The Rooks dominated the first half but only had a 28th-minute penalty from Jon Palmer to show for their efforts after Danny Davis had been felled by Joe Bruce.
The second half was a much more even affair and but for some poor finishing the visitors might have equalised.
Molesey goalkeeper Julian Dale had an excellent game and thwarted Lewes on several occasions, but six minutes from time he was beaten by a powerful strike from Gareth Green only for the crossbar to come to his rescue.
The late rush of goals started on 87 minutes when Lewes substitute Dominic Barclay netted with a shot on the turn before Richard Brady pulled one back for the visitors a minute later.
Both defences were now in disarray and Lewes scored their third in the 89th minute courtesy of a wonderful 25 yard bending effort from Paul Kennett.
There was still time for Lewes nerves after Dante Alighieri beat Lewes goalkeeper Russell Tanner with a rising shot in stoppage time, but the Rooks held on to lift themselves into second position.
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