‘Embarrassing and disrespectful’ – Nelson laments 6-1 Lewes FC defeat
Lewes manager Craig Nelson said the manner of a 6-1 home defeat to Aveley was “embarrassing and disrespectful” for those involved at the club.
It was the Rooks’ second big defeat in the space of a week, following a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Folkestone Invicta.
While the routs came against the Isthmian Premier Division’s two best sides, there were glaring errors that rightly concerned Nelson.
“We didn't stand up and weren't counted in that game,” said Nelson. “We go ahead with a fantastic goal from Devonte [West], but we were making it way too easy for them to get chances.
“I don't remember one of their goals being a well-worked goal. We're conceding way too many chances, especially at home, where prior to the last two games - in the previous three - we hadn't conceded at all.”
A mitigating factor to Lewes’ latest defeat was the absence of two key defenders, with Jamie Watson and Jack Burchell absent through injury.
New signings Ansu Janneh - in his second spell with the club - and George Nunn were involved, but having been recruited in midfield and attack, they arrived just as issues cropped up in different areas.
“Jamie didn't get through his fitness test, which meant we had to make changes at the back,” said Nelson. “Me and my team have to go and look at who we can get in over the next week to shore it up.
“Unfortunately, we may have to go into a different way of playing where, when we play against teams like that, we owe them respect.”
Before recruiting new players, however, Nelson was clear that the existing squad’s mental strength had to improve.
“If we end up losing that game and fight when it's 2-1, it’s totally different,” said Nelson. “We can't allow it to go to four or five, and then at the end six, because it's highly embarrassing and disrespectful, not only to us as a management team, but to all of the paying fans that come here and all the people behind the scenes that work so hard for this club.”
Nelson added: “I think some player accountability is needed because it's not good enough from a personal level. Then, it's getting back to the training ground and setting up to ensure that it doesn't happen again.”
Lewes visit Cheshunt this Saturday (kick-off 3pm) before a trip to Whitehawk on Tuesday (kick-off 7:45pm).