Zeiko Lewis netted his fifth goal of the season to guide the Charleston Battery to a vital 1-0 home win over group leaders Tampa Bay Rowdies at Patriots Point on Friday night.

The Bermuda forward scored the game winner near the hour mark after latching onto Mauro Cichero’s defence splitting pass and beating Evan Louro, the Tampa Bay goalkeeper, with a low shot at the near post.

“It’s always a great feeling getting the game winner, especially with a big three points on the line,” Lewis told The Royal Gazette.

The win extended Charleston’s unbeaten streak, stretching back to July 31, to eight games and more importantly moved them to within three points of Tampa Bay’s lead at the top of the Group H standings with a game in hand.

“That win puts us within distance of the top spot, which we are aiming for,” added Lewis, whose game winning exploits earned him man of the match honours. “The team had a great showing from defensive to offence.

“We are happy with the win and we refocus, regroup and get ready for the next one.”

Charleston, who had a goal ruled offside, dominated but were unable to convert until Lewis ultimately pounced.

“They’re [Tampa Bay] tough to break down because they’re a good defensive team,” Mike Anhaeuser, the Charleston coach, said. “But we really created a lot of chances and I think we played well.”

Meanwhile, Nahki Wells’s Bristol City edged Coventry City 2-1 in their Sky Bet Championship season opener at Ashton Gate on Saturday.

Jamie Paterson gave the home side a dream start when he opened the scoring 20 seconds into the match with a close range finish.

But Coventry pressed on and were eventually rewarded as Matt Godden grabbed a 33rd minute equaliser to send the teams into the dressing level at the half.

However, just when it seemed as though both teams would have to settle for a share of the spoils Tomas Kalas, the Bristol City captain, headed an 82 minute winner from a corner to complete the host’s perfect start to the league campaign.

Elsewhere, Dale Eve featured for 65 minutes as Spennymoor Town continued their Vanarama National League North preparations in promising fashion with a 4-2 victory away to Lancaster City in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

The Bermuda goalkeeper made a number of smart saves to keep his clean sheet intact as Glen Taylor struck twice to put the visitors in command.

Jack Norton replaced Eve and almost immediately the home side reduced the deficit, before they found themselves just six minutes later.

However, Moors soon regained their composure and secured victory with goals from Mark Anderson and Frank Mulhern in the final ten minutes to put the result beyond doubt.