Women's football news
Written by: Joe
Lewes interim manager Craig Gill wants the Rooks to go out with a bang against Liverpool on Sunday and finish the season on a positive note.
The club is expecting a big crowd at the Dripping Pan for the last game of the FA Women’s Championship campaign, against a Liverpool side that last week lifted the championship trophy.
Lewes can secure an eight-place finish in the table with at least a point during Sunday’s 2pm kick off, which will be Gill’s last before he departs the club.
And the manager is hoping for a big display to thank our supporters for their backing this season.
Last game in charge
“It’s important for the players and staff that we finish the season as strongly as we can. We’ll be going all-out on the front foot to take the game to Liverpool, and try and get a positive result,” says Gill.
“Obviously it’s the last game of the season so we have supporters of both teams will come down to the Dripping Pan and make it an occasion to remember.
“I’m really looking forward to it personally. It’s my last game in charge before I depart, so I’m looking forward to finishing on a positive note. Although more importantly it would be great if the players could get a positive performance for all the hard work they’ve put in since I’ve been here.”
‘Useful preparation’
Lewes head into Sunday’s clash having suffered a third straight defeat last weekend, when going down 1-0 at Coventry.
That kept Coventry’s hopes of survival alive, but for Gill the past week has all been about preparing the team for a top-of-the-table opponent.
“All of the staff and players have worked hard this week to rectify the areas that we needed to work on from the Coventry game last Sunday,” says Gill.
“The players again applied themselves superbly well in training.
“We had a good workout and managed to get an 11 vs 11 on the Dripping Pan pitch, which was useful in preparation for the Liverpool game on Sunday.”
Focus on Liverpool
Liverpool secured their promotion to the Women’s Super League weeks ago, and are naturally seeking to end the season on a high. The Reds beat Lewes 2-0 on Merseyside back in October, with both goals coming from Leanne Kiernan.
Kiernan boasts Championship 13 goals for the season, while Katie Stengel has five to her name. The team is now on a 20-game unbeaten run in the league and manager Matt Beard recently discussed the feat with the Guardian.
“I’m incredibly proud of the players and the staff,” he said. “This isn’t an easy league to get out of but we have a great group of people here and we’re all there for each other.”
Liverpool lifted the Women’s Championship trophy if front of their home fans at Prenton Park last weekend, after their 6-1 victory over Sheffield United.
Discussing Sunday’s match against Lewes, Beard told Liverpool’s club website: “We’ve got one more game, which we’ll be focused on, and we want to finish the season on the run we’re on.”
‘There are areas we can exploit’
As for Gill, he and the team have had a chance to review the Reds’ recent performances. And the boss believes there are areas that his Rooks side can exploit on Sunday.
“Obviously Liverpool come here as league champions, having been promoted a few weeks ago. They’ve received the trophy already but we will pay them their due respect and give them the guard of honour they deserve,” says Gill.
“But we appreciate the fact there are areas we can exploit. We’ll have to temper that with the fact they’ve conceded very few goals this season.
“They’re strong both defensively and offensively. Of course a club the size of Liverpool, with the resources they have and the players they have at their disposal, you probably expected them to win the league this season.”
Lewes FC vs Liverpool tickets
Lewes FC tickets for the game, which kicks off at 2pm on Sunday, are available to buy now online (at a discount). Away fans can also buy their tickets online too.
Ticket prices online are as follows:
Adults – £11 general admittance online (£12 on the gate)
Concessions – £7 general admittance online (£8 on the gate)
Kids (under 16) – free!
Beach hut for six people – SOLD OUT