Guernsey battled hard but the wait for an away win in 2016 goes on after a narrow 1-0 defeat at Lewes at The Dripping Pan in the first meeting between the two sides on Saturday.

Jamie Dodd made his 200th appearance for the club, with Tony Vance making just one change – Marc McGrath’s recent form earning him a place in the starting line-up with teenager Thomas Dodds getting a well-deserved rest by dropping to the bench.

However, Dodds’ rest didn’t last long as he was called upon to replace Dom Heaume early on. The forward went off with a cut to the head.

That came after an early chance at either end, with Chris Tardif tipping away Jamie Brotherton’s shot and McGrath failing to make a clean connection on a half-chance.

McGrath then tested Rooks keeper Chris Winterton, forcing the stopper to block with his feet just after the half-hour mark.

‘Crusher’ was in the thick of the action as he started a counter-attack, but he couldn’t get a telling touch on Rihoy’s cross to open the scoring 

Ross Allen fired straight at Winterton with less than five minutes to go in the half.

But Jack Dixon nearly had the last say of the half for Lewes, but he fired wide from six yards.

The hosts had two early chances after the break to show their intent – and they proved to be a warning sign as they took the lead with 49 minutes gone. Their build-up play was neat with Jamie Brotherton applying the finishing touch.

The Green Lions responded positively though, and Craig Young nearly found an instant equaliser but his shot was deflected wide. Just two minutes later, Ryan-Zico Black nearly scored what would have been a stunning equaliser direct from the corner but the goalkeeper got a hand to it and it bounced off the post and across the goalmouth but unfortunately no Green Lion has on hand to tap in. 

Tardif was out quickly to get a vital touch on the ball to prevent the home side from doubling their lead.

The Sarnians were knocking on the door but not finding a way through. Their second-to-last chance of the game was their best as McGrath looked to chip Winterton, but the stopper saved brilliantly. Allen then fired into the side netting.

Tardif even came up for a corner right at the end but the ball was cleared and the Green Lions dropped to 17th in Ryman South.

The rest of the league’s results were as follows: Chatham Town 0-1 South Park, Chipstead 1-2 Greenwich Borough, Cray Wanderers 3-0 Molesey, East Grinstead Town 2-0 Sittingbourne, Herne Bay 1-0 Corinthian-Casuals, Ramsgate 5-2 Whyteleafe, Three Bridges 0-3 Dorking Wanderers, Tooting & Mitcham United 0-2 Hythe Town.

Lewes: Chris Winterton, Steve Brinkhurst, Matthew George, Lloyd Harrington, Stace Freeman ©, Tom Vickers, Arinse Uade (Alex Laing 76’), James Hammond (Lloyd Cotton 87’), Jamie Brotherton (Dunlan Culley 62’), Jack Dixon, Charlie Coppola. Not used: Ronnie Conlon, Trevor McCreadie.

Goals: Brotherton (50’).

Guernsey: Chris Tardif (c), Simon Geall (Jack Domaile 69’), Jamie Dodd, Josh Steel, Alex Le Prevost, Marc McGrath, Dave Rihoy, Ryan-Zico Black, Dom Heaume (Thomas Dodds 10‘ (Jacob Fallaize 77’)), Ross Allen, Craig Young.

Booked: McGrath.