‘We owed them one’ – Lewes boss enjoys emphatic derby win over Whitehawk
Lewes’ survival in the Isthmian Premier Division could be confirmed this weekend when they head to Cray Wanderers.
On Easter Monday, the Rooks secured a confident 3-0 win over Sussex neighbours Whitehawk thanks to goals from Devonte West, Alfie Allen and Bobby Unwin.
Coupled with defeats for the four sides now below them, their biggest win since 13th December has put Lewes in a position of almost guaranteed safety.
“There are certain games in the season that you mark up and go, ‘these ones mean a little bit more’, regardless of where in the league table either team is,” said manager Craig Nelson.
“At their place, we didn't give our fans enough to get behind. So the players had to feel what it means to be a part of the fixture, regardless of the result, which hopefully gave them a little bit of momentum and spirit.”
With Nelson and his staff placing a huge emphasis on the derby, it was important the Rooks delivered on the pitch. Lewes had lost their last five matches against fellow Sussex sides since a 3-0 win over Burgess Hill in August.
“I've mentioned it before in previous interviews about being connected with where we're from,” said Nelson. “People sacrifice their time to come and watch us. They pay to watch, so let's make it our value. I think it's important to connect with people that are from here as well, and we did them proud. In possession, out of possession, everyone was solid. Hats off to everybody.”
Following a 2-1 Easter Friday defeat at bottom side Potters Bar the importance of victory was not lost on anyone at Lewes.
In the context of disappointment in their February trip to Whitehawk, when they suffered a 3-1 defeat, the Rooks were also out to restore local pride.
“We owed them one,” said Nelson. “At times it was tough. But I thought we were excellent in transition, and executed the game plan really well. I thought the players managed the waves of what they threw out really well.”
All that remains for the Rooks to be absolutely certain of survival are two points, with Canvey Island and Hashtag United already certain of relegation and 20th-placed Cray Valley PM currently eight points behind Lewes with three games left.
This Saturday, the Rooks visit 7th-placed Cray Wanderers, knowing either a win, or Cray Valley slipping up at Hashtag, could seal the deal.