Redditch United boss sticks by keeper Danny Lewis
GARY Whild insists Danny Lewis remains one of the best goalkeepers in the Blue Square North – despite the howlers which sent Redditch to defeat at Farsley Celtic last week.
Despite two goals from Liam Francis and one from Andy Ducros, the Reds let slip a 3-2 lead to concede two goals in the final eight minutes to lose 4-3 and halt a three-match unbeaten run.
No.1 Lewis – one of the Reds’ most consistent performers – admitted his blunders had cost his side but manager Whild is certain the former Kidderminster Harriers and Solihull Moors shot-stopper will bounce back.
“Danny held his hands up for two of the goals – he said sorry to the lads afterwards. He was really annoyed with himself,” said Whild.
“But he has saved us on numerous occasions in the past. He is the hero, more often than not. We will put Saturday to bed and look to the next game.”
Whild says his side must learn – and learn quickly – from the harsh lessons of their defeat in Yorkshire last week.
“After we got hammered at Fleetwood, the response has been great,” said Whild.
“We won at Solihull, we drew against Blyth when we should have won and we had a good win in the FA Trophy. We’ve done well in those games and on Saturday we played well again and should have got something from the game.
“The players are learning all the time. Some of the players in the side have come up, not just from one level but two or three.
“The league they are in now is an unforgiving league. If you make a mistake you do get punished.”
Whild will have influential Jack Byrne back available for today’s Trophy first-round tie at UniBond Premier side Guiseley.
The midfielder returns after a one-match ban, but wide player Matt Blair misses out through suspension.
