Women's football news
Written by: Joe
Lewes interim manager Craig Gill says a week’s worth of training following the defeat to Liverpool has the Rooks in a strong position heading into Sunday’s Women’s Championship clash with Watford.
The Rooks were downed on Merseyside thanks to two Leanne Kiernan goals in the first half, and were unfortunate not to claw back a point from the trip.
Up next is Sunday’s 2pm kick off at the Dripping Pan and Gill believes the spirit of the dressing room hasn’t been dampened despite the previous loss.
“It’s been very positive on the back of the defeat to Liverpool,” said Gill. “We played well enough to get a result and had we taken our chances then it would have been a different outcome. The positivity has been brilliant and we’re just focusing on Watford now.
“The last two days of training has been very good. We worked on defensive things on Wednesday, so high-intensity work in small numbers, in small areas and working on strength in particular. That went well – they worked very, very hard.
“Then today we worked on team shape and our game model in an 11 vs 11 after a half-pitch practice. Again the players applied themselves superbly well.
“The girls have come into training every day with a great attitude – as they have every day I’ve been here to be honest.
“That’s what I like about this group of players. They’re very conscientious and very professional in their outlook. And they’ve exercised and performed very well.”
Focus on Watford
Sunday sees Lewes come up against a Watford side that is yet to win in the Women’s Championship this season.
However, the Hornets earned a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace last time out and their head coach Clinton Lancaster has been doing his homework ahead of their visit to the Pan.
“I watched their game against Charlton and they did very well,” the Head Coach revealed. “They’re hard to break down and well organised defensively. The girls they’ve got up front are quick, so no doubt they will cause us some challenges and some problems this weekend, but we have to be prepared for that, which we will be.”
On his own troops Lancaster added: “We’ve been working on a few things. That includes our movement when we’ve got possession and looking after the ball a little bit better, so hopefully we’ll put that into practice this weekend.
“The most important thing I want to see is we put in a good performance, that we work hard and show the character we did on Sunday. If we’re 1-0 up, 2-0 down or whatever, it’s important that we show that character and keep pushing and working hard to get those three points.”
Great atmosphere
The clash will be Gill’s second in charge of the team at home, and he is looking forward to delivering another strong performance in front of the Rooks’ vocal fanbase.
“My first game at home was Charlton and the fans were great throughout, especially the band who managed to find a rendition of Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau,” Gill said.
“Being a proud Welshman that struck a chord with me!
“(I’m expecting) more of the same really – the support has been fantastic. We know it gives the girls a lift and we hope to see many more fans down here again on Sunday.”
Lewes vs Watford tickets
Lewes FC tickets for the game, which kicks off at 2pm on Sunday, are available to buy online (at a discount) or on the gate.
Ticket prices on the gate are as follows:
Adults – £12 general admittance
Concessions – £8 general admittance
Kids (under 16) – free!
Beach hut for six people – £99