Brackley Town's Danny is the top stopper
The Saints stopper recorded 28 clean sheets last term and his efforts were recognised with the Reusch Goalkeeper of the Year award at the 2022 National Game Awards.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBrackley missed out on promotion despite a second-place finish in the Vanarama National League North but Lewis is pleased to have his performances recognised.
“It’s nice to get recognised at a national level,” said Lewis, who along with midfielder Shepherd Murombedzi have become the first players to commit to the 2022/23 campaign with Brackley.
“On a personal level we kept 28 clean sheets which was more than I’ve ever kept in a season, I normally set my tally at maybe 15 so to keep 28 was fantastic.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“I’m sure in years to come, I’ll look at the award, look back and think what a fantastic season.”
Brackley conceded just 23 goals last season and Lewis praised the team in front of him, who he hopes the club can keep together for another tilt at the title.
“I’d like to say it was all down to me but not even just the defence, we work hard in the midfield and forwards as well - we defend from the front,” added Lewis.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Ever since I’ve been at the club, I’ve got such good defenders. There’s games where I haven’t had anything to do.
“Hopefully we’ll be strong again at the back and maybe score a few more goals next year.
“This is the time to go one better and just win it, not have the lottery of the play-offs.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFor Lewis, the award caps a fine season in between the sticks and the veteran ‘keeper points to a lot of hard work during the season as the key behind his success.
The stopper admitted he was surprised to have won the award given the strength of goalkeepers across non-league but was happy to have his efforts recognised.
“I was surprised when Matt (Badcock) got in touch,” added Lewis.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“There’s five or six in the Conference North, it’s a competitive area now, there’s a lot of experience throughout teams. There’s a lot of good keepers in the league.
“A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes. We’re part-time, we train two nights a week so we have to train hard.
“We do a lot of analysis work, watching the other teams, trying to gain little margins.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Hopefully we can kick on. I think 28 clean sheets was a one-off, I’ll be happy with 20.”
The Non-League Paper, is the only paper that covers Non-League football from top to bottom - from the National League down to grass roots. It is the recognised authority on non-league football. Available every Sunday, in newsagents and supermarkets nationwide, or subscribe online at www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com