Men's football news
Written by: Joe
Lewes FC Men’s manager Craig Nelson says his team “needs to keep believing” after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Horsham, reports Jayden Broderick.
Two goals towards the end of the first half were enough for Horsham to walk away from the Pan with all three points.
“In those moments where we were on top, to concede is a sucker punch and it’s hard to take. However, we did say to the boys you’re going to need 90 minutes of focus, and in those moments, we’ve got to do better,” says Pitts.
“We had a chance to clear the ball before the penalty and, in the transition, we need to do a little bit better to manage it.”
Defeat means it’s now seven games without a win for Lewes, a run stretching back all the way to the end of November.
“We just have to keep believing, you don’t turn into a bad team overnight. We’ve had injuries but it’s no different to what any other team goes through,” says the boss.
“They have to believe the way we’re playing is the right way, because when we’ve got it right, we’ve been unbelievable this season.
“When you go through winning games, the momentum carries on and you keep on winning. When it goes the opposite way, it’s hard to get out of it, so it’s about making sure we provide them with support and make sure mentally they are prepared for Tuesday.”
Lewes head to Whitehawk on Tuesday for a rearranged fixture that was postponed at half time on New Year’s Day due to the conditions.
Finney: ‘I’ve enjoyed the experience’
Meanwhile, new signings Lewis Finney and Hassan Jalloh made their debuts Saturday.
Finney has joined Lewes after a prolific start to the season in front of goal with Haywards Heath Town FC.
“I’ve never played here (the Dripping Pan) personally, and walking out to the pitch and seeing the crowds when we were coming out was brilliant. Obviously, the result has gone against us, but I’ve enjoyed the experience today,” says Finney.
“I haven’t played the level (step three) myself before, but I’ve got a lot of experience in the lower leagues and I’m one of the older ones in the squad now, so if I can add anything or help the team in any way possible, that’s a success for me.”
Finney and Lewes will next travel the short distance to East Brighton as they face Whitehawk in the rescheduled match on Tuesday, before welcoming Bowers & Pitsea to the Pan next Saturday.
Lewes FC vs Bowers & Pitsea tickets are on sale online at a discount compared to the gate.
Words: Jayden Broderick