Report from Medway Messenger - Thursday 19th March 2020
Lordswood boss Darren Anslow accepts football has to come second for a change.
Games in the Southern Counties East are now suspended for the next few weeks over fears of the spread of coronavirus.
Anslow said: "As managers we give up our time for zero money and nobody loves the game more than us.
"We don't want to see games called off for no reason but football does have to take a back seat sometimes.
"I understand what people are saying about supporters attending games but from our point of view the players and staff have families.
"My attitude has changed from thinking it would blow over and I didn't know anyone affected by it.
"At the end of the day even if it is just one person affected, that is too much. Health is more important than anything.
"We can play catch up with fixtures, we would play three a week if we had to, not a problem, but I am not sure what will happen.
"I think people's health is the bigger picture. Sport is a game we all love and enjoy but the health of everyone around is more important."
Anslow's side have been picking up points regularly and came close against Sheppey United in their last game, losing 1-0 while down to 10 men. The Ites scored their winner while Marlon Patterson was sin-binned.
Lordswood have every chance of finishing in the top 10 this season and Anslow is pleased to see progress with his team.
He said: "We look alright and a top 10 finish would be a bonus but we are looking ahead to next season now, it's about nailing down what we want for next season.
"We have young kids who have been getting that experience and against AFC Croydon we were 1-0 down at the break but they took onboard our instructions and scored three in the second half.
"They listened to the information we told them against Sheppey and while previously I didn't think it was sinking in, I think now it is starting to click with some of them.
"There are players from development teams and academies who are now realising that pitches aren't always great and it is more physical.
"The penny is starting to drop, they are realising this is a bit different. It is good to see that some of them are now getting it and at the moment we are not doing too badly."
Lordswood head into the period of suspended play sitting 13th in the SCEFL Premier Division table but just three points off eighth.