Lewes 2 Hashtag United 1

[spur]

A massive crowd of 1702, taking the season's average to well above 900, saw a fourth consecutive win and a rise to 7th in the table for Tony and Joe's last home match in charge. A last appearance too, we understand for the popular Bradley Pritchard, who scored our equaliser this afternoon, and - it was announced at the end - has been inducted into the Rooks' hall of fame, whatever that may be. Who knows how many of the players will be following our management team out of the door once the Italian Job is over?

The three points were looking very hard to come by when we went in at the interval a goal down. The visitors took the lead just before the half hour (a headed flick after yet another raid down their left) and for much of the game Nathan was much the busier keeper. The impetus changed once we had equalised midway through the second half. We'd had trouble creating chances, but now Sablier deftly threaded a ball to Kalvin on the left and Bradley buried his cross.

Nathan still had heroics to perform, but we at last found something like Tuesday night's form and began to wear Hashtag down. The winner was, in fact, a reprise from Tuesday: Ola worked his way across the area from the right and unleashed an unstoppable volley which won him the MoM award.

So thanks to this squad for the memories, and on to the next bare-knuckle ride. COYR!

[agl]

Shame they don't use the same play off system as the league above, where 2-7 qualify. Would be going into the last game on a knife edge.

[heathfieldrook]

I didn't hear it announced that Bradley is leaving.

[spur]

No announcement about Brad, but that's the word on the street, as they say. (Or used to!)

[pj]

Apr 20, 2024 19:45:31 GMT spur said:

No announcement about Brad, but that's the word on the street, as they say. (Or used to!)

I'll be surprised if we see any of the current squad retained. I feel another completely fresh start coming.

[agl]

Apr 20, 2024 19:45:31 GMT spur said:

No announcement about Brad, but that's the word on the street, as they say. (Or used to!)

Make him manager.

[3cooksbridge]

An enjoyable end of season match.

Brad could be a good manager or an assistant going into next season and be an influence in encouraging some of the squad to stay for next season?

[heathfieldrook]

Not sure about Brad being manager, would like to see him as player / coach

[stuartnoel]

Brad is 39 this year and has a number of different roles in football these days, which takes up his time. He’s unbelievably fit but says himself he will struggle to dedicate the time to travel, train and play as much as he has done previously. I suspect his future will be on the administrative side of the game rather than in the dugout. He may well have a season or two left at a lower level closer to where he lives in SE London

[cm92]

Apr 20, 2024 20:03:33 GMT pj said:

Apr 20, 2024 19:45:31 GMT spur said:

No announcement about Brad, but that's the word on the street, as they say. (Or used to!)

I'll be surprised if we see any of the current squad retained. I feel another completely fresh start coming.

I agree with PJ I suspect most of the squad will leave this summer, however I think/hope keeping Whelpdale is a real possibility as he lives in the Brighton area where he relocated a few years back hence joining Eastbourne from Chelmsford

[Barry Collins]

Supporters Club match report here: lewesfcsupporters.club/lewes-2-vs-hashtag-utd-1-loving-the-run-in/

[pj]

[agl]

Apr 20, 2024 21:55:52 GMT cm92 said:

Apr 20, 2024 20:03:33 GMT pj said:

I'll be surprised if we see any of the current squad retained. I feel another completely fresh start coming.

I agree with PJ I suspect most of the squad will leave this summer, however I think/hope keeping Whelpdale is a real possibility as he lives in the Brighton area where he relocated a few years back hence joining Eastbourne from Chelmsford

Nothing more than a whisper, and second hand at that, but I heard a suggestion that Whelpdale might be going to Burgess Hill.