Pressure is on for Rocks to get better of Lewes

BOGNOR boss Jamie Howell admits the pressure is on for a home win in the Boxing Day derby versus Lewes.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Dec 2015, 16:40 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Craig Robson could partner Chad Field if Sami El-Abd is ruled out / Picture by Tim HaleCraig Robson could partner Chad Field if Sami El-Abd is ruled out / Picture by Tim Hale
Craig Robson could partner Chad Field if Sami El-Abd is ruled out / Picture by Tim Hale

The Rocks have taken only one point from their past five league games – although they are still well up with the pack in eighth place in the Ryman premier.

But Howell knows fans will be getting worried if they don’t start repeating their fine FA Cup and FA Trophy form in the league.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lewes arrive at Nyewood Lane on Boxing Day (3pm) in bottom place but buoyed by a win over Farnborough last Saturday.

Howell expects them to be stronger than their lowly position suggests, saying: “They have strengthened and have shown signs of improvement. They’re fighting for their lives.

“There will be expectation of a victory from our fans and I want them to come to games expecting us to win.

“There is a bit more pressure because we’ve not picked up many points lately, but if we don’t beat Lewes, or Burgess Hill a week later, it would be a setback rather than a disaster.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Howell felt the Rocks played well in Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Billericay on a difficult surface without getting the lucky breaks. He said the Trophy win at Maidstone a week earlier perhaps took it out of his players more than some realised.

“We’re looking a little tired at the moment which is not surprising given how many games we’ve played. Results in the league aren’t great but overall it’s been an excellent first half of the season.”

Defender Sami El-Abd is a doubt for Saturday with a groin problem that forced him off at Billericay, so Chad Field could partner Craig Robson at the back. Midfielder Gary Charman needs a check to ensure he is over concussion.

But forwards Stuart Green and Alex Parsons have both recovered well from injuries.

STEVE BONE

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Follow the Rocks-Lewes action live at www.bognor.co.uk on Boxing Day

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking sports news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

Share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Related topics:LewesFA Trophy