Men's football news
Written by: DanielL
Written by Aidan Elve and Stan Lahood
Lewes men’s first team assistant manager Bryan Nzinga said the Rooks need to focus on ‘keeping it simple’ after losing 2-1 at Potters Bar Town in the Isthmian League Premier Division fixture on Good Friday.
Two first-half goals from forward Nana Kyei gave the hosts a strong advantage going into half-time.
The Rooks were better in the second half, but could only manage a consolation goal in the 95th minute of the game through Danny Bassett.
Speaking afterwards, Nzinga summarised: “I think in the first half we started off with good energy.
“We nearly scored after 30 seconds and the momentum was with us, but that final third quality was slipping away.
“Lots of balls were played in behind, but with the wrong weight of pass and going off the pitch, which led to moments of frustration – and I think the boys were making sloppy passes, unforced errors and moving the ball too slowly.”
When asked about how to cope better regarding the frustration the players were experiencing during the game, Nzinga said: “Our natural answer is to take care of the ball.
“If we can’t gain momentum in terms of seizing our opportunities, we need to keep it simple and grow back into the game, building our confidence up.
“We haven’t got enough time to feel sorry for ourselves in those moments.
“Self-talk is really important; leadership needs to be better to give the players motivation, but we need to take care of the football better too.
“Leaders may make mistakes, but what they do is galvanise themselves and spread the message across the group.
“I think that’s really important in those moments; our natural way is to be positive with the ball in possession and that’s how we regain our focus and momentum.”
Nzinga added that he wants players to ask themselves ‘what if?’ to be better prepared for upcoming phases of play.
“For example, if we have possession of the ball and good control, what happens if we lose it?
“There needs to be individuals thinking ‘I need to drop the line’, ‘I’m ready to run’, ‘am I in a position to affect [the opponents] if we give the ball away?’
“Our security behind the ball needs to be better to stop the transitions happening and allowing the opposition to play through with ease; we have to be better in those moments and those are the moments that are letting us down.”
Bank Holiday derby
The Rooks have a short turnaround until their next fixture on Bank Holiday Monday in a Sussex derby against Whitehawk.
Nzinga stressed the importance of the Lewes home crowd getting behind their local team.
“My message to the fans is to come and support. When we get The Dripping Pan going, when we’re warming up and fans are there encouraging us, it plays a massive part.
“We’re all aware how big a game it is, not just because the three points are important, but for what it means for the people that live here and the competition.
“Football is all about competition and rivalries, and I think this is what will get people out of their houses.
“We have to bring the fight, we have to bring the competitiveness, on and off the ball, to be in a position to create and score.
“We created enough chances in this [Potters Bar] game and the last game [vs Canvey Island] to leave with something.
“What we need to be better at in the Whitehawk game is putting those chances away; I think having people like Charlie [Walker] and the rest of the boys firing will be a massive help for sure.”