Pressure is on for Rocks to get better of Lewes

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

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.

BOGNOR boss Jamie Howell admits the pressure is on for a home win in the Boxing Day derby versus Lewes.

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.

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.”