Club news
Written by: Jack
Tony Russell says his side have got to be better defensively in order to regain a consistent run of form.
Speaking ahead of the Bank Holiday Monday fixture, Tony reflected on the Boxing Day defeat to Hastings.
“Coming off Boxing Day, we’re a little bit disappointed, frustrated, we thought we done enough in that game, especially first-half.
“Goals change games, they’ve scored a deflected free-kick and then the game becomes hard because they’re putting 11 men behind the ball and we’re having to force passes.
“That leaves us susceptible to counter-attacks and it’s frustrating because the way we’re defending at the moment has not been good enough.
“Their two goals have come from a long diagonal which was not dealt with and resulted in free-kicks that we haven’t dealt with.
“So it’s been a frustrating week we’ve been training and working on our defending, set-plays etc. so we’re trying to put things right.”
Tony though is not wasting time dwelling on the defeat and is looking forward to another Sussex derby on Monday.
“Going into the Bognor game, styles make fights as the saying goes and it’s the same in football. I think us and Bognor on a pitch is always going to be a good game because of the two manager’s philosophies.
“When you have two managers that both want the ball, someone’s got to give. We’re both prepared to commit bodies to go and get the ball.
“That leads to a lot of turnovers in possession and when that happens, it leads to a very good game, almost basketball-esq.”
Our last game against Bognor at the Pan provided exactly that in the FA Trophy back in November, and Tony expects more of the same.
“I see no change in that, we’re fully-prepared for it, we’re doing an extra session this week. There’s a couple of things Bognor did in the last game that we’re looking to round-off.
“We were in a couple of days ago and will be back in tomorrow, so that’s all we can do we have to keep working hard, working harder.
“But as a spectacle I think it’s going to be a very good game, there will be a lot of chances, very open, and set up a very good game of football.
“I hope to see big numbers down at the Pan, I know they’re going to be entertained and I really look forward to seeing everyone.”
Lewes FC vs Bognor Regis Town tickets
The match on Monday is at 3pm. You can buy Lewes FC tickets for the game online and skip the queue at the gate. Online ticket prices are as follows:
Adults – £12
Concessions – £8
Kids U16 – Free
Beach Huts – £110
Photo: James Boyes