The Verdict

Mickey Lewis on Dagenham Win

Assistant manager Mickey Lewis was pleased to see his side pick up all three points with a battling display against Dagenham on Saturday. Alfie Potter’s first half strike earned the U’s a win which drew praise from Mickey:


“It’s never an easy place to come, they were still fighting for the points and I thought it was a really professional performance away from home” he told Yellow Player. ”It rained all game and wasn’t the most pleasant of days but sometimes you have to dig in away from home. We had a couple of chances to make the game that bit easier, they probably only had one at the other end, but it was all about getting the result.”


The game saw Max Crocombe start in goal and keep his first clean sheet, a big positive and nod to the future.


“Max did really well” Mickey said with a smile. “He’s a confident boy and well thought of at the club. He has been on the fringe of things and had one game earlier in the season but eventually you need to see these players play. We talked about it in the week that you can’t throw loads of kids in, it has to be the right time for them and we felt that it was possibly the right time for Max. I think he proved that today.”


Further forward Scott Davies impressed in midfield, Deane Smalley gave 100% effort up front, while the battling qualities of Andy Whing drew special praise from Mickey, who was cast in the same mould as a player himself:


“All the boys worked really hard. Deano was a bit tired at the end but he is just back from a little knock and hasn’t played games, and Scotty did really well. It’s a real calming influence to have Whingy alongside you and I thought he was outstanding.”


United now conclude their home games on Saturday when they welcome Rochdale to the Kassam Stadium.


“We said there were three games left, nine points to play for, so now we have six more up for grabs” said Mickey. “As I said, we always prepare right and there will be nothing different for the last two matches.”

See the full interview, the thoughts of Alfie Potter and Max Crocombe and video highlights in Yellow Player right now.


Join us for the last home game of the league season this Saturday. Tickets are on sale from www.oufctickets.co.uk and by phone  from 01865 337533.