Men's football news
Written by: Joe
Lewes manager Tony Russell has called on fans to keep the noise coming and give the players the extra boost they need to reach the Isthmian Premier League playoffs.
More than 600 supporters were out in force on Tuesday to watch Lewes beat Margate 2-0 under the lights, and numerous bouts of ‘olé!’ spurring the boys on.
The victory came off the back of Saturday’s 2-1 win at Folkestone, which means Lewes now sit fifth in the table with five games remaining.
Saturday sees Wingate & Finchley rock up at the Dripping Pan in the first of a Lewes double-header for the men’s and women’s teams this weekend.
And Russell has a message to our supporters heading into this crunch contest.
“I thought the fans were outstanding on Tuesday. That’s what I’m talking about with our support!” says the boss.
“You must understand that anyone who writes a negative comment on social media, the players read it. It makes my job harder. I’d say 99.9% of fans are unbelievable! But when you’re so vulnerable…
“I could hear the ohs and ahs as the boys passed the ball around on Tuesday. It’s so good. And the boys talk about this in the dressing room.
“We’re so fortunate to have a fan base like we’ve got. So I need your help just as much as the players need my help. We’re all relying on each other.
“So please come in your numbers, be vocal and when we’re flat, lift us. We’ve got a chance to do something this season and we need everyone to help out.”
‘Let’s be positive and go forward’
Bradley Pritchard’s goal helped Lewes to a 1-1 draw at Wingate & Finchley back in November, and Saturday’s opponents are unbeaten in three of their last five outings.
And Russell is wary of the dangers of what Marc Weatherstone’s team could bring to the Dripping Pan.
“Even though we’re playing at home they’re a very dangerous side,” says Russell. “I’ve watched them a few times this season and, while they’ve lost, they probably should have won.
“They’re very ‘off the cuff’. They’ve got some great individuals and on their day they’re going to be a problem.
“There might be a bit like Potters Bar in them – if you’re not on it then they’re dangerous. They’ve got pace out wide, a boy up front who can hold the ball up, legs in midfield.
“They’re a decent side – but we’re not concerned about that. Everything we speak about now is the fact we’ve got five games to go, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got. We’re going to go forward, do us and see where that takes us.
“Because last Saturday when we lost to Bishop’s Stortford, we were as flat as a pancake and thought we’d blown it. But we’ve got half a chance now. Let’s just be positive and go forward.”
Lewes FC vs Wingate & Finchley tickets
Lewes FC tickets for the game, which kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, are available to buy now online (at a discount).
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 – £99 SOLD OUT
Photos: James Boyes