Women's football news
Written by: Joe
Lewes FC interim manager Craig Gill says his new players set a benchmark in the midweek draw with Crystal Palace and expects a strong display against Charlton on Sunday.
Assistant boss Jesus Cordon led the Rooks during the 1-1 draw with Palace in the Conti Cup.
And while Lewes went on to lose the subsequent penalty shootout that would have secured a bonus point, Gill saw plenty of positives from the display.
The new boss has now had time to work with the players in training and is looking forward to setting the team out at the Dripping Pan against Charlton on Sunday.
“I was really enthused by the performance of the team and of individuals on Wednesday night, which has set a standard now for the players to not only retain but to improve upon,” said Gill.
“We’ve worked on this in training during Thursday and Friday, and looked at our game model heading into the Charlton match on Sunday.
“Training has been extremely well received by the players, the staff have been great and they’ve really helped me in these early days.
“I’ve tried to impart my own philosophy on the team without changing things too much, and I think you’ll find that we’re very positive against Charlton and very much on the front foot.
“We want to take the game to Charlton and are looking to secure a positive result.”
The opposition
Lewes last played Charlton in March, where the Rooks earned a 1-1 draw at the Oakwood Centre thanks to Ini Umotong’s equaliser early in the second half.
The last time Lewes hosted the Addicks was back in December 2020. Goals from Magen Mackey and Sam Quayle put the game beyond Charlton, despite the visitors halving the deficit through Lois Heuchan.
Charlton sit fourth in the FA Women’s Championship heading into this fixture and have won their last three league games on the bounce, which includes an impressive 4-0 away win at Watford.
However, they come into this clash having lost to Tottenham 1-0 in the Conti Cup on Wednesday evening.
Gill fired up to meet fans
As for Gill, the new boss admits that he is looking forward to overseeing his opening Lewes match at the Dripping Pan, particularly as it is a chance to meet the fans for the first time.
“I’ve heard that there’s a great fan base in Lewes and they generate a lot of noise, which helps the players from a motivational perspective,” he added.
“Also I’m looking forward to working with the players because I know there is huge potential in this squad.
“I’ve been brought in to work with and coordinate our performance analysts, strength and conditioning work, our sports science and physiotherapy. We’re trying to provide the best service we can for each player so they can deliver the optimum in training and on match days – and hopefully this will be reflected in team performances.”
Lewes vs Charlton tickets
There are still tickets on sale for the game on Sunday, which kicks off at 2pm at the Dripping Pan.
You can buy Lewes FC tickets today and save time and money at the turnstiles.
Ticket prices on the gate are as follows:
Adults – £12 general admittance (£1 cheaper online)
Concessions – £8 general admittance (£1 cheaper online)
Kids (under 16) – free!
Beach hut for six people – £99