Men's football news
Written by: Joe
Lewes manager Tony Russell says playing two games in three days is never easy but that his troops will put aside thinking about Monday’s home tie with Hastings and focus firstly on Saturday’s clash at Corinthian-Casuals.
The Rooks travel to Tolworth for a crunch 3pm game against last season’s 14th-placed finishers, before hosting Hastings two days later.
Lewes drew 0-0 with Corinthian-Casuals back in February, while Saturday’s opponents took three points from the Dripping Pan last November.
And the boss is seeking to extend the Rooks’ unbeaten start to the 2022/23 Isthmian Premier League season, having beaten Bishop’s Stortford last weekend.
“It was a victory we thoroughly deserved, and will do wonders to team spirit and our mindset, that we can overcome a really good side [like Bishop’s Stortford],” says Russel.
“We’ve a double header this weekend. It’s never really ideal when you’re playing Saturday and Monday, with such a short space in-between. And two very different games as well.
“Corinthian-Casuals score a lot of goals but also concede a lot of goals. We’ve watched some stuff on them – the videos and scouting reports – and they’re very attack-minded, which can sometimes leave them a little bit short.
“We’ve got to manage that and pose our own threat the other way.
“I know their manager really well. He’s a nice bloke and he’ll have them fired up. They’re very athletic and they’ll come at us and commit bodies. So we’ve got to scramble well – but I think there are opportunities for us to score as well.”
Lewes sit second in the table heading into the fourth game of the season. And while fans can look forward to two games in three days over this bank holiday weekend, for Russel it’s about taking things one step at a time.
“These are completely different games. Two really tough matches but the squad is in a good place,” he adds.
“We’ve got to back that up after a decent start without being spectacular. We’ve got to make sure this weekend we put our best foot forward and look after every single game individually, so all our energies are on Saturday. Only after that will we think about Hastings on Monday.”
Tickets
Corinthian-Casuals vs Lewes tickets can be bought on the gate of the United Business Group Stadium for £12 adults, £8 concessions, £5 students and £1 U-12s.
Meanwhile, fans can still buy Lewes FC tickets online for our clash with Hastings at 3pm at the Dripping Pan on Monday.
Photo: James Boyes