Newark & Sherwood manager Romaine Graham on ending United Counties League Premier Division North losing run after beating Deeping Rangers
The mood lifted after Newark & Sherwood ended their losing run at the weekend.
United beat Deeping Rangers 2-0 at Harrowby on Saturday thanks to top scorer Kieran Cummings’ penalty and Marley Fearon just before half-time.
They’d lost their last four, including a 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture against Deeping the previous week.
But Romaine Graham’s side were worthy winners to consolidate their position in mid-table in United Counties League Premier Division North.
“It was a much-needed win,” said manager Graham.
“It was strange because Deeping played no different to what they did the week before, we just dealt with it better.
“We were comfortable. Hopefully we can kick on.
“We changed the formation, going back to 4-3-3, as a bit of a surprise, and just changed personnel.
“We went for more legs in the middle and more pace up top so it seemed to cause them problems.
“We had a scare right after half-time when they could have got in.
“It wasn’t the best game of football to watch in the second half.
“We still carved out a couple of chances but it was important we didn’t give anything away.
“With confidecne being low, if they did get one, the lads would have been up against it, so we kept them at arm’s length.
“A win just makes everyone feel better. It changes it from top to bottom.
“Everyone’s in a better mood, behind the scenes, management staff and the players, so we’ve just got to enjoy it.”
Kameron Campbell impressed after being handed a start up top on his birthday, while skipper Jamie Goddard missed out in midfield, having to settle for a place on the bench.
“Kam came in and did the job,” said Graham.
“I went for more presence up there.
“He caused havoc and used his strength. He’s done himself a favour in terms of selection.
“Kam’s been away for a bit, with work commitments and then lack of form, but he’s still been on the periphery so I thought I’d give him the nod. I needed to do something.
“Skip didn’t start but it was more because of the type of game I wanted to play. I wanted to get a certain type of player in there, a bit more pace, a bit more physicality, a bit more running.
“Nobody’s happy when they don’t start but Skip was fine.
“This is the reality - nobody is safe, for want of a better word, regardless of whether you’re my skip or vice-skip.”
Graham also praised the contribution of goalkeeper Nykah Liburd-Hines following a welcome clean sheet between the sticks.
He came to the club mid-season, taking the place of Ollie Cash, and has found his feet.
“He’s settled in,” said Graham. “It took him a while but in this last run of games he’s been quite good.
“He’s not really had a settled past. It’s always difficult when you’re a keeper.
“He’s been at clubs at higher levels but as a No.2 so he’s never had that No.1 spot consistently.
“I’ve just said it’s there for him and he’s started to show what he can do and gain the trust of the lads.”
