Men's football news
Written by: Joe
Lewes FC Men’s manager Craig Nelson insists his players need more focus in games, as the Rooks’ second-half domination against Potters Bar on Saturday was undone by a stoppage-time winner for the visitors, reports Christopher Coleman.
Lewes conceded only four minutes into the clash, as well as during stoppage time at the end of both halves.
Nelson said: “I think the first half was quite even, but sloppy from us in terms of the times of the goals that we conceded; really early on and really late on.”
Lewes had most of the chances in the second half and it eventually paid off when Lewis Finney scored in the 89th minute to level the scores at 2-2. However, the hosts couldn’t hold on during seven minutes of stoppage time.
“In the second half we dominated all of the game, and should do better with the chances we had,” said Nelson. “The boys just have to remain focussed. I think they had three shots on goal and scored three goals.”
The Rooks had been on a decent run of form, being unbeaten in four games, and had kept a clean sheet in the last two – including against high flying Cray Valley PM.
“They will be kicking themselves as a unit,” Nelson added. “They won’t be happy because of how well we have been doing over the last couple of games defensively, but we have just got to stay focussed, the game is not finished until the ref blows the final whistle.”
Lewes’ responded to going a goal behind early when Shae Hutchinson tapped home from close range on 41 minutes. The cross from Hassan Jalloh fell to Hutchinson’s feet after a flowing build-up – and Nelson praised the way in which the goal came about.
“It is what we work on relentlessly, it was actually a very well worked goal and the boys will be proud of getting a goal of that nature,” said Nelson. “Filling the box is always going to be in our favour if we can get good service into the area, so it was a great goal for Shae, but a good team goal as well.”
Nelson also revealed what he said to the players after Finney’s late equaliser, where the Rooks sought a winner and almost got it through Tolu Ladapo’s blocked shot on the line two minutes into stoppage time.
“We needed to go and get another one, because the momentum was with us,” the boss said. “I feel, even their goal as late as it came, was against the run of play. I think we dominated all of the second half, and when we’re on top, if you score in those moments, the likelihood is that the momentum will stay with you to try and go and get another one.
“I felt that we could have, it was just a shame that we ended up giving a free kick away and then a corner, and then they got their momentum swing and scored off the back of it.”
Lewes’ next game is away to Billericay Town, who are currently on the same points as league leaders Dartford, but have played a game more, and are coming off a 3-0 win against bottom-of-the-table Bognor Regis Town.
When asked about what he expects from the game, Nelson said: “Well I wish I had a crystal ball, because then I’ll be able to tell you now, but for us we have just got to prepare for it. Billericay are a good side; they have been really strong since we played them earlier in the season.
“For us, we just have to go there and disrupt their momentum.”
Words: Christopher Coleman