An improved second-half performance by Lewes was still not enough to give them a first win in Blue Square south as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Chelmsford City, writes James Boyes.

The Rooks went behind in the 14th minute. City had a trio of shots cleared off the line in quick succession but the last led to a corner which fell to Anthony Cook to shoot home.

David Wheeler nearly levelled in the 20th minute when he headed wide from a corner but two minutes late City doubled their lead when Danny Hockton tapped in at the far post.

Daniel Bunce picked up a booking for a two-footed challenge on Dan Beck just before half-time and he was sent off on 58 minutes after collecting a second yellow for a foul on Wheeler.

Wheeler danced through the City defence to pull a goal back on 76 minutes and almost equalised late on but keeper Craig Holloway kept out his shot.

Lewes: Banks, Timms (Hall 43), Sutton, Pearson, Chamberlain, Breach, Wheeler, Crabb (Pople 59), Beck, Peauroux, Storrie (Royce 77). Subs: Foreman, Walder.