Lancers have now lost our opening two league games plus an early exit from the FA Cup. We will get a second bite of the FA Trophy Cherry after the FA announced our tie with Southall will be replayed.
There was a welcome return for one of last season’s standout stars as the popular Knory Scott came into the XI after re-signing from Eastbourne Town to loud acclaim from the Culver Road faithful.
Scott was one of three changes from the side that lost to Southall as Shay Leahy and Ahmed Belgarne were restored to the side in place of Tyrese and Lewis Lembikisa with Docherty also dropping to the bench. After two brief substitute cameos, Belgarne came in to line up from the start for the first time.
Robinson had an early sighter but the steadfast visitors set the tone for what was to follow when Robbo was thwarted by a superb tackle from centre-back Calum McGeehan.
Newly promoted Erith, with four points from their opening two games, took the lead in the 18th minute for a lead they were ultimately never to relinquish.
Taylor’s close control saw him spin in behind the Lancers defence and ping a pass over the top to the onrushing Dythe at the back post to fire in a volley.
Dythe’s cross-shot drifted over the bar after another quick passing move but Lancing finally got a foothold and went close shortly before the half hour.
Robinson and Noel Fisher linked up to good effect as the former found the latter who tested Taylor with our first shot on target in the 29th minute.
Erith’s interpretation of the ‘dark arts’ was earning the ire of the Culver Road crowd with the leniency of referee James Kerten only adding to their inclination.
A series of niggly fouls and cynical stoppages did just enough to disrupt the Lancers rhythm and allow Erith to manage the game effectively.
Taylor saved well to keep out the effervescent Belgarne and opposite number Lorenz Ferdinand denied James Dyer at the other end.
Half time Lancing 0-1 Erith Town
Ten minutes after the restart, Lancers were handed the chance to erase the Erith advantage when Rahman Kareem lazily halted the run of Robinson.
The forward looked to have simply lost his balance under the contact but referee Kerten ignored the visitors protests to point to the spot although our chairman, who was close to the incident, thought it was a clear penalty and a good decision by the referee.
Robinson dusted himself down but his penalty lacked both power and placement and provided a comfortable save for Taylor.
Often, instead of having a go from distance Lancers would opt to try and pass their way into the box but Erith were canny to this plan and kept us at arm’s length.
Ferdinand tipped over from Dyer and then denied the same player again shortly afterwards before sub Sutherland was the latest Lancer to try and end our open play goal drought. His daisy cutter from distance brought a comfortable save out of Taylor.
Try as we did, Lancing huffed and puffed but were unable to find the leveller our overall play probably deserved.
Four straight losses to start the season isn’t ideal but we keep plugging away in the hope our fortunes will turn around soon.
Lancing will host Southall in our replayed FA Trophy tie on Tuesday then Sussex rivals Burgess Hill the Saturday after next.
Lancing line up: Ferdinand; Matthews, Spicer, Bull (c), Gibson; Andall – Gibbons, Leahy, Scott; Fisher, Robinson, Belgarne. Substitutes: Sutherland (Belgarne 58), Lembikisa (Fisher 70), Berry (Matthews 85), Docherty, Hoarty
Attendance: 212
