Welcome to the Dripping Pan for today’s Bostik Premier League game with Worthing. Here is your complimentary e-programme.Â
CONTENTS
Click on the link below to jump straight to that section
DARREN FROM THE DUGOUT
This season, we’ll be interviewing Darren ahead of every game. Click Play below to hear his thoughts ahead of today’s game.
TODAY’S MATCH MUSIC
We’ve created a playlist of the music you’ll hear in the stadium before the match and at half-time. If you’re a Spotify user, you can listen to the songs on the playlist below. Today’s match music has been chosen by John Peel.
CHAIRMAN’S NOTES
Good evening and welcome to The Dripping Pan for one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the season, the return of the Sussex El Classico against our old friends, and rivals from down the A27, Worthing. I’d like to welcome the fans, players, management and officials from Woodside and hope you enjoy your short visit to The Pan.
On Saturday, I was chatting to Alec Foord about the game and he provided me with some very interesting stats about our encounters against The Rebels. Unbelievably, it has been over ten seasons since we last met competitively, in the semi-final of the 2006/07 Sussex Senior Cup with Worthing running out 2-1 winners. You have to go back even further to find our last league clash, back in 2003-04 with the Rooks winning 3-0 at Woodside in the old Ryman League Division One South. Considering we’ve rarely been one division apart, it is amazing that we have gone so long without playing each other competitively!
Our record against Worthing over the 114 games we have played doesn’t make too good reading for Rooks fans, with only 30 victories compared to 66 by Worthing – let’s hope we narrow that gap tonight in what promises to be a very tough game.
As you will have seen from the last few weeks line-ups, we are carrying a lot of injuries at the moment, which has meant Darren has had to dip into the talented reserves of the DS and Under18s. Sam Karl made his debut last Wednesday against Kings Langley and did very well indeed, although a knock he picked up ruled him out of Saturday’s win at Wingate & Finchley.
After tonight we face the prospect of heading to Bath City in the FA Cup on Saturday without James Hammond, Leon Redwood and Nico Cotton, all of whom picked up second yellow cards in the Kings Langley replay. The new system is simply unfair on so many levels – Nico’s yellow card was picked up in the first game against Molesey – five games ago! Even at major tournaments, yellow cards are wiped after three games to stop players being unfairly ruled out of the latter tournament games.
We’ve had to bring in replacements to cover for our injuries, although some like Ronnie and Marcus are close to returning. Unfortunately, we will lose Jonté again soon on International Duty. It is a just reward for our number nine who has been absolutely superb this season – Bermuda’s gain is our loss, unfortunately.
Our Under-18s recorded a fantastic 13-1 win last week against Shoreham in the Second Round of the Isthmian League Cup which, added to the 5-4 win for our table-topping DS side on Monday, underlines the Pan as certainly a place to see goals. Let’s just hope tonight they all fly in at the right end!
Don’t forget we have a coach running to Bath City on Saturday – for details see the website or Barry Collins tonight.
Finally, just a reminder that nominations for elections to the Board of Directors are now open, with the new election taking place on the night of the AGM on Thursday 26th October 2018. If anyone has any questions about the vacancies, or what life is like on the board, feel free to ask me or any other members of the board.
Come on you Rooks!
Stuart
RECENT MATCH REVIEW
Lewes 2 Kings Langley 1, FA Cup, 26th September 2018
Another replay, another win. The Rooks edge past our Second Qualifying Round opponents. Watch the match highlights from Your Instant Replay.
Wingate & Finchley 0 vs Lewes 1, Bostik Premier League, Saturday 29th September
Another great away win for the Rooks in North London. Watch Darren Freeman’s verdict on the game.
BEN LANE’S PRE-MATCH PODCAST
Our regular podder, Ben Lane, is back with a look ahead to the Worthing game
TODAY’S OPPONENTS: WORTHING
Formed in 1886, Worthing were founder members of the West Sussex Football League in 1896, winning the league on seven occasions. They moved to their current home at Woodside Road in 1903.
The club’s nickname “The Rebels” dates from when they resigned from the West Sussex League over a rule change, prior to becoming a founder member of the Sussex County League in 1920. Worthing won eight league titles between 1921 and 1940; in fact in the twenty inter-war seasons they only finished outside the top four on two occasions.
In 1948 Worthing joined the Corinthian League. When that was disbanded in 1963 they entered the Athenian League, and in 1977 they joined the newly expanded Isthmian League. Barry Lloyd’s arrival as manager in 1981 brought a double-promotion success, lifting Worthing to the Premier Division in 1983, where they finished runners-up in 1984 and 1985.
After Lloyd’s departure to Brighton and Hove Albion, however, the club slipped back down to Division Two, finishing bottom of Division One in 1991 with only 10 points and having conceded a huge 157 goals.
Former Northern Ireland international Gerry Armstrong was appointed manager in 1991 and in 1993 led the club to promotion back to Division One, which was followed two years later by a return to the Premier Division under John Robson, although Worthing finished bottom in their first season back in the Premier Division and were to remain in Division One until 2004 when league re-organisation saw them moved back to the Premier Division. They were relegated in 2007.
Worthing reached the play-offs under manager Alan Pook two seasons in a row in 2008 and 2009, and under Simon Colbran the following season, but failed to win promotion on each occasion.
Adam Hinshelwood’s first spell as manager from 2013 to 2015 was hampered by financial difficulties. However, Jon Meeney and Gary Elphick took Worthing to third place in 2016, winning promotion to the Premier Division with play-off victories by 7-0 against Hythe and 3-0 in the final over Faversham. A poor start to last season saw Adam Hinshelwood return as manager, lifting Worthing to a final finish of 16th.
This season Worthing have continued their good form. They have, like us, lost just one game in all competitions, and currently lie third in the table.
MEET THE SQUAD
Adam Hinshelwood – Manager
Adam signed professional forms for Brighton & Hove Albion and made his league debut in August 2002 in a 3–1 away victory over Burnley. He made more than 40 appearances in the Championship over the next couple of seasons becoming one of the youngest captains in Brighton’s history, and was selected for the England U-21 squad. After several ops on a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, Adam made five loan appearances for us during our spell as a Conference side, his good form prompting Brighton to recall him early. Adam was appointed Worthing Manager in December 2013. He is 34, and the son of ex-England under-21 and Crystal Palace player, Paul.
Lucas Cavagnari – Goalkeeper
Lucas is a former Brazil Under-20 international who made his debut in pre-season 2017 against Lewes. He was on loan at The Dripping Pan from Whitehawk in 2016/17 after arriving on these shores from his homeland via Spain. A fan’s favourite who was named Supporters Player of the Year last season.
Aarran Racine – Defender
Aarran started out at Southampton where he signed a professional contract in October 2008. After several years at St Mary’s he was released in May 2012. He is a player-coach who acts as Assistant Manager to Adam Hinshelwood.
Alfie Young – Defender
Alfie is a former youth team Captain at Watford where he signed professional forms without quite breaking into the first team. A popular member of the squad, Alfie was named Players’ Player of the Year by his teammates last season.
James Crane – Defender
James is a seasoned campaigner who joined Worthing after nearly a decade of service at Bognor Regis Town. Best known for being a goal-scoring left-back James has also been deployed up front. He spent some time at Heart of Midlothian, Reading, and Cypriot sides Famagusta and AEK Larnaca.
 Joel Colbran – Defender
Joel is in his second spell at the club after playing for their U18s. He returned last term, and scored his first senior goal for the club – and the only goal of the game – against Needham Market in April 2018.
Sam Rents – Defender
Sam made the first team ranks at Brighton and Hove Albion and was released in 2008 after 37 appearances. He spent the next three years at Crawley Town where, in his final season they were promoted to the Football League as Conference Champions. His career spans Hayes and Yeading, Gateshead, Sutton United, Margate, and Whitehawk, he rejoined Worthing for his second spell in October 2016.
Alex Parsons – Defender/Midfielder
Alex originally started as a professional at Bournemouth, debuting in League One in 2012, before various loan periods elsewhere. He signed with Bognor Regis Town before joining Worthing.
Danny Barker – Midfielder
Danny started his career at Brighton & Hove Albion where he captained their under-18’s and was promoted to their under-23’s. Unfortunately, after playing his first game against Newcastle United, injury cut short his time with The Seagulls and he joined Worthing last season.
Rhyle Ovenden – Midfielder
A former Wales U19 international Rhyle signed a professional contract at Watford in November 2015, going on to win the league championship with The Hornets U18s. He spent a brief spell with Whitehawk before joining Worthing.
Jesse Starkey – Midfielder
Jesse started his football life at Portsmouth before a move to Chelsea in 2006 where he earned a scholarship in 2012. Despite being a regular in their U18s he wasn’t offered professional terms and subsequently joined hometown club Brighton & Hove Albion in the Summer of 2013 where he spent almost four years. Signed for Worthing back in January.
Jared Rance – Midfielder
Jared is one of Worthing’s own who made his first team debut in October 2014. After a period away from the club he returned to the fold in early October last term.
 Darren Budd – Midfielder
Buddy started his career at Brighton & Hove Albion and made his first debut for us back in 2011 after joining that Summer from Whitehawk; his second coming against Lancing in The Sussex Senior Cup in October 2017. An experienced campaigner who has also performed for Bognor Regis (twice) Eastbourne Borough, Horsham (twice), Burgess Hill.
Joe Clarke – Midfielder
Joe joined Worthing in October 2017 from Southern Combination League side Selsey. He is described as a tall and fiercely competitive youngster.
David Ajiboye – Forward
David started with Brighton & Hove Albion up to and including their U23’s and made his last appearance for them at The Amex in The Sussex Senior Cup Final victory over Crawley Town back in May. A player with tremendous pace and quick feet, he’s reunited with his former youth team coach from The Albion, “Hinsh”.
 Callum Kealy – Forward
Callum is an Aussie goalscorer who was surprisingly released by The Albion two years ago despite impressing in their academy. A spell at Lewes preceded a move to Metropolitan Police last season, where four goals in eight games attracted the attentions of Aston Villa and Fulham, as well as his old club at the Amex. Unfortunately, a wrist injury put paid to any immediate plans to make it back into the professional ranks.
Ollie Pearce – Forward
Ollie enjoyed several years and bags of goals at Bognor Regis Town before making the move along the coast in the close season. He has also represented England Colleges.
20% OFF KAPPA GEAR IN THE CLUB SHOP
Are you a Lewes FC owner? You can get 20% off any of the new Kappa gear in the Lewes Club Shop. Go and see Barry at the top of the Philcox Stand to see what’s in stock now.
MEET MINNEAPOLIS CITY
In the first of a series of articles about some of the other clubs around the world we have a special affinity with, let us introduce you to Dan Hoedeman from Minneapolis City FC.
We’re Minneapolis City.
We’re a supporter-build soccer club that competes in the National Premier Soccer League in the fourth division of the United States’ convoluted “pyramid”.
We exist, in part, because of Lewes FC.
Soccer is a mess in the United States, with the governing body captured by the billionaire owners of Major League Soccer (a New York City corporation that owns and operates MLS teams as franchises). There is no movement between levels. That drives incredible unpredictability in the sport.
Minnesota’s first professional soccer team since the 1970s heyday of the old NASL was a team called Minnesota Thunder. Eventually, they went bankrupt. They were bought by a new group and became NSC Minnesota Stars. Then Minnesota Stars went bankrupt. Then they were bought by someone else and became Minnesota United. They competed in the new NASL which was, at the time, the second division in the meaningless pyramid. MLS threatened to move to the state, Minnesota United pitched to join MLS, and that entertaining backdrop to professional soccer is part of our origin story.
There was a gap for local players. There was nowhere for them to play between youth soccer and MLS.
There was a gap for fans. Gone were the days of a local club, with local players, a ramshackle stadium with freedom to roam, a community of people together building a club. There was just New York-owned corporate soccer.
The standard was higher. The branding was flashier. It was more stable.
But we missed the littleness of it all. The humanness. The community.
One of our founders (me!) spent time in Sussex. Ostensibly reading English at the University of Sussex but in truth trying (with an emphatic lack of success) to become a Jay DeMerit-like story, the real benefit of that time abroad was finding Lewes FC.
Thanks to the internet, I was able to follow along with the plucky little club even after I moved back to the United States.
I watched as the club was saved through fan ownership. I eventually became an owner myself and have my pins arranged neatly at my desk.
So when it was time to start Minneapolis City, and looking to create that community feeling, to inject some un-corporate feeling into an increasingly sold out sport, I looked to the south coast. While Minnesota law does not allow the exact same type of corporate arrangement as Lewes FC has, we created a model that was as close as possible.
The NPSL season is very short: May to August. It is that way to allow NCAA college soccer players to play in-between the bookends of their college season (as I said, the sport is a mess). This year, it included the fully professional former NASL teams New York Cosmos, Jacksonville Armada and Miami FC in addition to more humble clubs like our own.
The league is split geographically into conferences of 8 clubs. The top two move into regional play-offs which end in a national final. Miami FC, featuring Minnesota hate figure Jonny Steele (reportedly on $400,000/year), won the national final.
Minneapolis City had a good season too. We were undefeated in conference play, with 10 wins and 4 draws, and were the highest-scoring club in the country. All of our players were from a 20-mile radius around Minneapolis. As in past seasons, we expect to lose two to three players to the professional ranks before we commence play again in 2019. That’s something we’re happy about.
We’re also happy about our support. We have 200 rabidly supportive Members, with a further 50 out-of-town Members who support us from afar. We averaged over 400 fans per game, despite having to play quite far out of town due to the construction of our stadium. Our Members volunteer for us, evangelize for us, and make our home games a loud, colourful, weird and fun experience.
They are so into it because it’s theirs. It doesn’t just feel like theirs. It is theirs. Members vote on major issues. We have a Member Board that works closely with club management on every item of how the club operates to make sure that we never lose sight of who we are, that we never lose that community feel.
It was an accident that we were nicknamed the Crows.
Our home is in South Minneapolis where there is, for real, a “Mega Murder” of crows, and one game they happened to say hi. The nickname just happened organically from there.
That gives our story—which started with inspiration from the Rooks some 15 years ago—an almost too-good-to-be-true circularity. But could it happen any other way?
For a club inspired by the Rooks to take on the name the Crows always had to happen.
Plus, we get to sing our version of your “when the Rooks ____ on your car” song.
If you are interested in following the fortunes of the Crows or want to know more about their ownership model then head here or follow them on Twitter @mplscitysc.
The brilliant James Boyes took his camera to Wingate & Finchley. See the full album here.Â
STODGEBUSTERS ON TOUR
Our ever-cheerful stodge seekers take a day out in North London
Thanks to all these cup replays the games are coming thick and fast. Also, all these away games are playing havoc with our waistlines. Our day out at Wingate and Finchley wouldn’t help either as the designated dining establishment is a cracker. Well, it was the last time we were here.
This was proper away travel. None of this sitting in a car until reaching the club car park lark. This was train, tube and bus with a little walking too. We were fully armed with one-day travelcards and sweets as we boarded the 10.48 at Lewes bound for London Victoria on a lovely sunny day. An hour of relentless chat and banter later we descended down to the Underground for a quick hop to Euston, then onto the Northern Line to East Finchley. We like the hustle and bustle of the journey. We cross paths with supporters of many other clubs criss-crossing London on their way to games, and as the Lewes colours are not so recognisable as the capital’s Premiership giants, we do get some quizzical looks as they try to see who we support. There’s never any trouble though. We look far too scary for that.
The High Road outside East Finchley tube station is a busy, bustling shopping street with a choice of eating places. We were getting peckish. We hadn’t eaten anything for at least half an hour, so we made a beeline for the New Local Cafe which is a firm Stodgebuster favourite from seasons past. It was three healthy Full English breakfasts with tea, while Malcolm plumped for Liver and Bacon with coffee. Lovely stuff. We couldn’t fault a thing and a healthy tip was in order. We exited the cafe probably substantially heavier than when we went in. Good job the bus stop was close.
Literally 20 yards across the road was the bus stop. We needed the 263 to Barnet Hospital. Every ten minutes according to the timetable. It’s a 12-minute ride up the hill to Granville Road and a couple of minutes walk along to the… Maurice Rebak Stadium? They have changed the name of their ground since our last visit. What happened to Harry Abrahams we wondered?
We had time for a swift drink in the bar while we perused the team sheet. There were three unfamiliar names in the squad, two of them on the bench, obviously to cover the severe injury list.
It was time for the action. Or so we thought. The first 45 minutes was chock-a-block full of nothing of note from either side. Perhaps the best entertainment came from the Wingate manager who was highly critical of his team and the referee in a very vocal and animated manner. He reminded us of the infamous ex-Crawley manager Steve Evans. His language made a mockery of the signs warning about the use of foul language. You could hear him all around the ground. Someone must have had a word with him around the 20-minute mark as, thankfully, he was quite restrained after that.
It was a different story in the second half, made more enjoyable by the very late arrival of occasional Stodgebuster Turnstile Alan voicing his opinions very loudly, as usual, at the opposing players. He had made the mistake of driving and got held up in a chronic jam somewhere. But he soon made up for lost time. When the Wingate keeper failed to keep out Hammo’s header Alan soon let him know what he thought of the attempted save. The Wingate numbers 5 and 6 were also on the receiving end of some er….friendly banter.
Lewes were much better in the second half and were the better team. Prior to the actual goal, Jonte should have scored when he found himself unmarked at the far post 5 yards out, but his shot hit the post, came back and hit him in the face before trundling out for a goal kick.
Lewis Carey had to keep out a very late effort after a scramble in the box but Lewes were deserved winners. Three more points on the road and now up to eighth position in the table with a game in hand over most. We are proud of this team that has been assembled on a budget and they fully deserved the warm applause at the end. Again.
Back to the bus stop to do the same journey in reverse. We were just in time to see a 263 departing. Damn it. No worries though. A few minutes later along came another. Just like London buses actually.
We have discovered that the trick is to get back to Victoria in plenty of time to get a seat on the train. When the platform is announced there is a cavalry charge to get a seat. Invariably the train leaves Victoria full up so if one is getting on at Clapham or East Croydon, well tough luck. You’re usually standing. We timed it perfectly and had a choice of seats to enjoy the journey and polish off the rest of the sweets.
What a great day out with one’s footie mates. Lovely weather. Perfectly functioning transport. Good food. A Lewes win. A perfect day actually, although Gary the Badge was a bit peeved at Daniel Sturridge’s late equaliser for Liverpool v Chelsea in one of the minor leagues. He reckoned it was handball, a foul and more than a hint of offside about it.
Next for the Rooks: Worthing at home on Wednesday. That’s an old rivalry about to be renewed. A tough game for sure not made any easier by our injury list.
Next outing for The Stodgebusters: Bath City away in the F.A. Cup. We will be there in force. Come and join us on the coach.
SPONSOR A LEWES FC PLAYER
It costs only ÂŁ50 to sponsor a player or manager for home or away Kit. ÂŁ25 for training kit and boots. All funds raised go to Lewes FC Supporters Club, helping to fund Lewes FC throughout the season.
Contact: david.arnold@me.com or see David or Barbara on match days.
DARREN FREEMAN
HOME: REG FREEMAN
AWAY: DAVE LAMB
ROSS STANDEN
HOME: DAVID & BARBARA ARNOLD
AWAY: CATHY FELTHAM
STEVE BRINKHURST
HOME: RON PIDGEON
AWAY:
FRANKIE CHAPPELL
HOME: ED BRIGGS
AWAY: ED BRIGGS
TRAINING KIT & BOOTS:Â ED BRIGGS
NICO COTTON
HOME: JAMES BRIGGS
AWAY: JAMES BRIGGS
TRAINING KIT & BOOTS: JAMES BRIGGS
JAMES HAMMOND
HOME: ROOK, CANNON AND HORSE ASSOCIATES LTD
AWAY:
LUKE BLEWDEN
HOME: SUSIE ARLETT
AWAY:
TRAINING KIT & BOOTS: SUSIE ARLETT
LLOYD COTTON:
HOME: STUART FULLER
AWAY: STUART FULLER
TRAINING KIT & BOOTS: STUART FULLER
BILLY MEDLOCK
HOME: DAVE LAMB
AWAY: DAVE LAMB
HARRY REED
HOME: ANDY ROSSITTER
AWAY:
TRAINING KIT & BOOTS:
LEWIS CAREY
HOME: DAVID & BARBARA ARNOLD
AWAY:
TRAINING KIT & BOOTS:
RONNIE CONLON
HOME: NEIL FINNEY
AWAY:
TRAINING KIT & BOOTS: SUSIE ARLETT
JONTE SMITH
HOME: BARRY HAFFENDEN
AWAY: JASON FOULKES
TRAINING KIT & BOOTS:
OMARR LAWSON
HOME: TONY HARMAN
AWAY: YEOVIL JOHN
MICHAEL DOME-BEMWIN
HOME: DAVE EVANS
LEON REDWOOD
HOME: WILL & COLIN KEMP
STILL AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP: Stacey Freeman, Alex Malins, Ronnie Conlon or any player of your choice.
TODAY’S TEAMS
LEWES
| LEWIS CAREY | 1 |
| MICHAEL DOME-BEMWIN | 2 |
| LEON REDWOOD | 3 |
| THOMAS DAY | 4 |
| FRANKIE CHAPPELL © | 5 |
| JAMES HAMMOND | 6 |
| STEVE BRINKHURST | 7 |
| DAN DARBYSHIRE | 8 |
| JONTE SMITH | 9 |
| RONNIE CONLON | 10 |
| OMARR LAWSON | 11 |
| HARRY REED | 12 |
| NICO COTTON | 14 |
| SAMUEL KARL | 15 |
| MARCUS ELLIOTT | 16 |
| BILLY MEDLOCK | 17 |
WORTHING
| 1 | LUCAS CAVAGNARI |
| 2 | JOEL COLBRAN |
| 3 | JAMES CRANE |
| 4 | DARREN BUDD © |
| 5 | ALEXANDER PARSONS |
| 6 | DANNY BARKER |
| 7 | DAVID AJIBOYE |
| 8 | RICKY AGUIAR |
| 9 | CALLUM KEALY |
| 10 | ISAAC NEWTON |
| 11 | JESSE STARKEY |
| 12 | WILLIAM MILES |
| 14 | JOSEPH CLARKE |
| 15 | OLIVER PEARSE |
| 16 | HAYDEN SKERRY |
| 17 | JARED RANCE |
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
| Opponents | H/A | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bath City (FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round) | A | Sat 6th Oct, 3pm |
| Potters Bar Town | A | Sat 13th Oct, 3pm |
| AFC Hornchurch | A | Tues 16th Oct, 7:45pm |
| Folkestone Invicta | H | Sat 20th Oct, 3pm |
Full season fixtures, results and stats embedded below
Credits and legal info
The Bostik League strongly support recent FA statements that there should be a zero tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly, any form of discriminatory abuse, whether it be based on race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, faith, age, ability or any other form of abuse will be reported to The Football Association for action by that Association. (The FA 0800 085 0508/Kick It Out 020 7253 0162)
Lewes 2000 FC Limited. Registered in England and Wales with Company Registration Number 03790979.
Honorary Presidents Carol Joy and Terry Parris
Chairman Stuart Fuller
Directors
Charlie Dobres, Eddie Ramsden, Stuart Fuller, John Peel, Barry Collins, Jackie Gilligan, Ed Briggs, Jon Ruben
Club Secretary Barry Collins
Youth Secretary Kevin Brook
Operations Manager Duncan Thompson
Life Members
Mr and Mrs Brook, Vic Blunt, Pat Dartnell, Gary Elphick, Gordon Fowlie, Peter Hiscox, Billy Nixon, Derrick Parris, Terry Parris, Jimmy Quinn, P. Swaysland, Steve Ibbitson, Jason Hopkinson, Steve White, Martin Elliot, Kevin Fingerneissl, Kevin Powell, David and Barbara
Arnold, Roger and Cathy Feltham, Ethel Treagus, Roy Dartnell RIP, Ron Moore, Derek Southouse, Ray Smith, Ken Carter
Manager Darren Freeman
Assistant Manager Ross Standen
First Team Coach Tony Coade
Physiotherapists Paul Baskin & Debbie Adams
Performance Analyst Matthew Strong
Development Squad Manager Steve Eke
Development Squad coach Luke Carter
Development Squad/Under-18s sports therapist Chris Dumbrell
Under-18s Manager Dale Hurley
Under-18s Assistant Manager Craig Stevens
Under-18s coaches Jake Legrange and Johnny Buggy
Golden Rook Rob Read
Web Editor Stuart Fuller
Progcast Editors Paul Sheppard and Duncan Thompson
Progcast Designer Barry Collins
Club Photographer James Boyes