Men's football news
Written by: Jack
The Rooks are straight back into league action again tonight as Brightlingsea Regent come for take two of their trip to the Dripping Pan following the postponement of their previous visit.
This follows an impressive 1-0 victory over fellow playoff-hopefuls Enfield Town on Saturday and Tony was delighted with a “professional performance”.
“Enfield was a different game to what we’re usually involved in, a different tactic and performance that was needed against that opponent.
“I’m sure the fans would have seen a different side to us. We spoke about Enfield, their threats, and how good they are, one of the highest scorers in the league, powerful, good players.
“So, we felt we had to control the game with the ball, and keep them away from our goal. If they wanted the ball from us, they had to drop deep to get it from us which was pushing them away from our goal.
“It meant there was two boxes jabbing a lot, not too many oo’s and ahh’s but a very controlled and professional performance from the boys. It’s what we asked of them and they delivered it.
“I think it’s testament to the players that they executed that. We played for 95 minutes and they had one shot on target which was a deflected free-kick that Lew saves.
“To limit a team like Enfield to that was brilliant. It did mean of course that we couldn’t play our open, expansive way, creating lots of chances.
“So, maybe for entertainment value it wouldn’t be one that lives long in the memory but we’ve been made to pay in the past, playing these good teams with our expansive football, the Hornchurch game at home for instance, Aveley, Horsham, Billericay, we’ve conceded goals on too many ball turnovers.”
The game might not have been pretty at times but Tony was really happy with how his side dictated the play.
“We wanted to make sure we were compact and that it was hard for them to get the ball, hard to get to us, and I thought we done that.
“Scored a great goal, Jaydn into JT, little flick, and Deon obviously at pace, so quick when he gets going, you can’t stop him when he’s like that, he’s such a good player.
“It’s a great goal and after that we spoke at half-time how they’d have to come and score so let’s make them try and come through us and if they over-commit, then we’ll pick them off and score more.
“They never really came at us enough for us to need to do that, I thought it was a pretty comfortable afternoon and professional performance, really pleased.”
Bad news from the Enfield game is that another couple of injuries were picked up, something Tony hopes to solve as soon as possible.
“Unfortunately we seem to have picked up a couple of injuries from it which always seems to be the case after a home game.
“With only 14 senior players, that takes us down to 12 so the last few days have been pretty hectic, me and Vinsey have been working extremely hard alongside John to get some players in.
“We secured a couple last night, the forms are being processed this morning but until we get confirmation, I can’t talk too much.
“We’re pretty confident though that there will be a couple of new faces in the squad that we’re really excited about. There’s one more situation we are monitoring to see if it unfolds, but not ideal, it’s the story of our season. We have been firefighting with injuries a lot but we’re excited about the new boys coming in.”
Tony said similar when we were due to play Brightlingsea before and the message is still the same that they need to respect the opponent.
“It’s easy to look at the league table and assume, from fans to players, and that’s the most dangerous thing playing teams from the bottom of the league, having the expectation you’re going to win.
“They’re a good side who deserve our respect, we drew with them away, they’ve picked up points, we’re going to have to be at it.
“We had a session last night, looked at them, they’ve got a big centre-halves, 6ft3, 6ft4 centre-halves, a threat from set-plays, pace in the final third, so they have threats.
“I also said to the players that you had to be really disciplined against Enfield but Tuesday you can let the handbrake off more and be a bit braver, move the ball quicker.
“Get the balls into the final third, and let’s have some oo’s and ahh’s and lots of shots in. We’ll be nice and positive in team selection, and our mindset, that’s the message.
“We want to be positive, go forward, drive the game and let’s continue our good home form. But we’re also giving Brightlingsea the respect they deserve.
“We can’t expect things to happen we have to make things happen and that’s by players doing the right things, and supporters being vocal.
“We look forward to seeing everyone later, it’s going to be a chilly one so wrap up!”
Lewes FC vs. Brightlingsea Regent tickets
The match tonight is at 7:45pm. 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