Newark & Sherwood manager Romaine Graham wants to see players’ character against United Counties League Premier Division North leaders Lincoln United after FA Vase penalty shoot-out defeat
Manager Romaine Graham is urging his Newark & Sherwood United side to show what they’re made of during a tough run of matches.
They will look to respond after last weekend’s FA Vase exit when they host United Counties League Premier Division North frontrunners Lincoln United this weekend.
Newark & Sherwood also play second-placed Eastwood CFC within their next five matches and Graham said: “We’re in the middle of a monster run of games that will go right the way through to December. We have got to be at it.
“But I enjoyed these runs as a player. It gives you a chance to show what you’re made of.
“As a player, I’ve won this league and, if you’re going to be successful, you need to be up for the fight.
“We have got a few missing on Saturday, although we will still be strong.
“We fancy our chances against anyone at home but we have got to be right at it.”
Newark & Sherwood came from behind twice to draw 2-2 at home to divisional rivals Clay Cross Town in their FA Vase first-round tie thanks to goals from striker Kieran Cummings and defender Jamie Williamson, only to lose 5-4 in the resulting penalty shoot-out.
Graham reflected: “I have watched some of the footage back - and it was there for the taking.
“I thought we were very good in the first half. But we just didn’t really capitalise and kind of let them score. When it comes to penalties, it’s always a lottery.
“We have got them in a couple of weeks’ time in the league [on November 2] so we’ll look to get our revenge against them then.”
Graham had remained confident his team would progress past Clay Cross Town even after the game finished level following 90 minutes, having won a shoot-out 5-4 against Aylestone Park in the Sports Ground Development KO Cup seven days earlier following a 1-1 draw.
“I was massively confident,” he said. “I think for Ross Woolley, our keeper, it’s the first time he has lost in five shoot-outs.
“KC (Cummings) missed the third penalty - I’d have put my house on KC scoring from the spot - but he pulled his shot wide! Ross pulled off a great save but then we lost on sudden death.
“In terms of going out, it’s probably the best way to do it because we didn’t actually lose. But we’re still disappointed not to be in the next round.”
It is little surprise to see weekend visitors Lincoln United, last season’s FA Vase semi-finalists, at the top of the early table.
“They know what they’re doing at this level,” said Graham. “They had been operating at Step 4 - and above - for a few years until recently. So, they know what they’re doing, they’re a well-established team.
“It’s a great chance to see how far we have come, considering we were struggling last season when I took over and we’re now looking at the play-offs. But it’ll certainly be a massive test.”