Record goalscorer Lewis Chambers comes out of retirement after weeks to rejoin United Counties League Newark Town
Newark Town have welcomed back record goalscorer Lewis Chambers - after a short-lived retirement.
Chambers returned as a second-half substitute in a 4-2 defeat by United Counties Premier Division North high-fliers Eastwood on Saturday.
The 29-year-old, who’s scored well over 100 goals for the club, announced over the summer he’d be hanging up his boots.
But he’s had a welcome change of heart and the timing couldn’t be better with Newark light up front due to injuries and holidays.
“He’s decided retirement’s not for him,” said boss Luke Parsons. “He contracted me to say he was missing it.
“He didn’t think he was going to but he was.
“I said there was a spot available if you are thinking of getting involved and he snapped my hand off.
“We needed strengthening in that area and there’s no better person who knows the club, especially when he’s your all-time top scorer.
“He was instrumental in getting the club to Step 6 and I think he averaged a goal a game at Step 6 over two seasons to get us promoted to Step 5.
“He took a step away for what turned out to be a few weeks.
“It’s a big plus when you get a player back like Lewis.
“He only played 25 minutes for us on Saturday but he looked pretty sharp.
“I thought he looked in better nick than he did this time last season when he came back from his injury.
“He’s missed pre-season so to get him up to full pace is going to take time but to get him on the pitch for 25 minutes is a bonus.”
Chambers is in contention for Newark’s FA Vase first qualifying round tie at home to AFC Mansfield on Saturday (3pm).
The Blues made the second qualifying round last season, beaten 7-6 on penalties by eventual semi-finalists Lincoln United.
It’s a chance for Step 5 teams to reach Wembley and Newark are targeting a long run in the competition.
“Who knows what might have happened had we won that game last season?” said Parsons.
“Lincoln United are local to us and look how well they did, so why not us?
“It’s a genuine opportunity to play at Wembley.
“You obviously need a bit of luck along the way with the draws but it’s a kind of a free hit for everybody.
“We actually played AFC Mansfield in the last game of pre-season.
“We had half a side out and they had a couple missing as well.
“We both chucked a few different formations in there to throw people off guard but we know they’re a strong side.”
Newark go into the tie after back-to-back league defeats.
Ryan Smith gave them an early lead against Boston United on Wednesday last week but their opponents pinched a 2-1 win.
Josh Randall and Harvey Grice struck as the Blues twice fought back from a goal down against Eastwood but the visitors edged back in front before adding a fourth in the final seconds.
“I was disappointed on Wednesday because I thought we were the better team,” said Parsons.
“We created the most chances, we just got done by a bit more experience and they knew how to see the game out.
“I felt we could have got something out on Saturday, too. I understand why we lost because Eastwood are a really good team and really experienced.
“They’ve got three or four ex-pros in their team and you can tell the difference in that mindset, that touch, that movement.
“Their front three were really dangerous, probably the best front three in the league.
“We’ve had chances we’ve not taken and they’ve had chances which ended up in the back of the net.
“We’ve hit the post, we’ve had a few scrambles in the box and a couple of cut-backs where if the pass is right, it’s a tap-in.
“We’ve also had a free header at the back post where it’s kind of come off the wrong side of our player’s head and gone to the keeper.
“Once you’re pushing for that equaliser in the last five or 10 minutes, they’re going to pick you off eventually and they scored with the last kick to seal the victory.
“But it’s good we’re competing with these teams that are fancied to win the league. That’s a pleasing factor.”
Newark host Harrowby on Wednesday (7.45pm).
