‘We had to suffer’ – Lewes FC manager praises side for breaking winless run
Lewes manager Craig Nelson says full praise should go to his players after they broke an eight-match winless run to beat Dulwich Hamlet.
The Rooks endured the toughest spell of their season over the previous two months, but thanks to Devonte West’s brace at The Dripping Pan, they picked up a vital three points.
It keeps their buffer over the relegation zone at 10 points, and with seven matches of their season remaining, the result may well have secured their safety.
Nelson said: “We've done a lot of work behind the scenes around mental resilience. We spoke about one-versus-one duels and putting bodies on the line. And today was the epitome of that.
“For me, it's all on them. We can only keep turning the screw and making sure they're together. So, I'm really happy for them.”
Throughout the Rooks’ recent run, there had been moments to be proud of, without quite doing enough over the full 90 minutes.
The three preceding games – a 1-0 defeat to Cray Valley PM, a 3-0 loss to Billericay Town and a narrow 2-1 defeat at Brentwood Town – had given reasons to believe change was around the corner.
Nelson said: “We needed [a win], and I feel that's credit to the players, because they've been working hard and have stayed lively. You wouldn't think we were on the run we were, if you turned up in the changing room or in and around training.
“We knew at points we were going to have to suffer to come out with three points, because Dulwich are a good side. But I’m really proud of two good goals and being able to hang on in at the end.”
After an outstanding run of performances without huge rewards, it was perhaps fitting that Lewes’ match-winner was forward Devonte West.
The 21-year-old netted his seventh and eighth goals of the season in the first half against Dulwich, extending his comfortable lead as the Rooks’ top goalscorer this season.
Nelson said: “We were speaking to him about him being a difference maker.
“Over the last couple of games, even though we haven't been playing well, his goal at Brentwood was unbelievable. He's the one that the boys want to give the ball to, to hopefully go and get us a win. And today, he's gone and done that.”
This Saturday, Lewes visit 6th-placed Dartford, who have only lost once at home all season. Kick-off is at 3pm.