16/8/09

Lewes assistant manager Jason Hopkinson spoke admiringly about his players after their 2-2 draw at Newport County and revealed the secret behind an improved performance – extra training.

The Rooks came within four minutes of taking all three points back across the border, but the effort the players put in, particularly after the defeat against Braintree on Tuesday, didn’t go unnoticed.

Hopkinson said: “We didn’t compete on Tuesday; we thought we could go out and just play but I’ve told them that we need to earn the right to play.”

“Today we did the ugly stuff well and we played. The best two goals of the game were our goals. We moved the ball well, we tweaked it slightly and changed the shape a little.”

“I’ve not been available all week but I had them back in for training last night to do a bit of shape work. It was not an ideal situation, but I was keen to get them and and it’s paid dividends today.”

“We’re absolutely gutted about the result but we did play. We competed, and put our foot in when we needed to. Jack Walder is not quite fit but he made a difference today. He does the ugly stuff well, nothing outstanding or flashy, but he allows players like David Wheeler to play.”

“It’s about getting the pieces of the jigsaw to fit together. We’ve got a young side, but the boys learn a lot from players like Danny and Barney. They are all willing but we’ll get better. We’re possibly a couple of weeks behind where we want to be but we’re chuffed to bits with them today.”