Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
Lewes beat Hastings United 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at The Dripping Pan. Nathan Fisher scored the opener in the 16th minute before a second goal after the break sealed it.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow It Unfolded
Lewes dominated the opening exchanges and took a deserved lead in the 16th minute. Fisher latched onto a through ball inside the Hastings box and finished calmly to make it 1-0 — his first goal of the pre-season campaign.
The Rooks carried that lead into half-time, having created the clearer chances against a Hastings side that struggled to find rhythm in the final third.
Lewes doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. A goal in the 58th minute — the scorer not recorded in the official data — made it 2-0 and gave the hosts breathing room.
Hastings rallied and pulled one back in the 68th minute. Walker capitalised on a defensive lapse to reduce the deficit, setting up a tense final 20 minutes. But Lewes held firm to secure the win.
The Turning Point
The second goal in the 58th minute proved decisive. Hastings had defended reasonably after the early setback, but the quick strike early in the second half forced them to chase the game. Walker's response showed character, but the damage was already done.
Key Performers
Nathan Fisher (Lewes) — Took his goal clinically in the 16th minute and led the line well throughout. His movement caused problems for the Hastings backline all afternoon.
Callum Walker (Hastings United) — The only bright spark for the visitors in attack. His 68th-minute finish gave Hastings a route back into the match and ensured a nervy finish for the hosts.
Lewes defence — After conceding a consolation goal, the backline regrouped effectively to see out the win without further alarm.
By the Numbers
The match was a tight, typically pre-season affair. Lewes' first-half dominance translated into a 1-0 lead at the break, and the quick second goal early in the second half effectively settled the contest. Hastings' reply through Walker meant both teams scored, consistent with the 67% BTTS rate in this fixture historically. The 2-1 scoreline matched the most likely outcome predicted by pre-match models.
From six meetings since 2022, Lewes now have three wins, Hastings one, and two draws. The Rooks are unbeaten in the last five encounters.
What It Means
This was Lewes' first home pre-season friendly of the 2026/27 campaign, following a 1-0 win at Rusthall on 11 July. The Rooks face a tougher test next: Gillingham visit The Dripping Pan on Tuesday 21 July, followed by Dorking Wanderers (25 July) and newly-promoted League One side Bromley (1 August).
Hastings United, who compete in the Isthmian League South East, continue their own pre-season build-up with further friendlies before the competitive campaign begins.
Verdict
A professional pre-season workout for Lewes. Fisher's goal and the early second-half strike gave them control, and although Hastings fought back through Walker, the Rooks never looked like surrendering the lead. Promising signs ahead of stiffer tests against EFL opposition.
Match Events
Key match events between Lewes and Hastings United — 3 goals and 0 cards recorded during the match.
Rivalry since 2022
Lewes vs Hastings United Head to Head Results· 6
Lewes and Hastings United have met 6 times — Lewes won 3, Hastings United won 1, with 2 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2022. Lewes leads the head-to-head with 3 victories from 6 meetings. A combined 14 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.33 per match (9 for the home side, 5 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 4 matches (67%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 3 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Lewes are currently unbeaten in the last 4 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–3 in 2024.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 21 Jul 2026