Welcome to The Dripping Pan for today’s Bostik Premier League game with Corinthian-Casuals. Here is your complimentary e-programme.
CONTENTS
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Order your Rooks Christmas jumpers!
Get your badges online or at the back of the Philcox
ALL THE BEST, RONNIE
On Monday, we learned the sad news that Ronnie Conlon had suffered a serious knee injury. Ronnie is as close to “one of our own” as you can get, having come through the Academy, Under-18s and Development Squad to become a first-team regular here at The Dripping Pan. He and his dad, Mickey, are part of our family.
Everyone at the club wishes Ronnie the speediest possible recovery and we can’t wait to see you back in the Black and Red.
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
Today’s stadium playlist has been specially curated by our resident DJ, John Peel (not that one). If you’re a Spotify user, you can follow the playlist and get a sneak preview of today’s music at the Pan.
JOIN THE LEWES FC VETS!
CHAIRMAN’S NOTES
Good evening and welcome back to the Dripping Pan. I’d like to extend a welcome to our guests from Corinthian-Casuals and hope they enjoy our off the field hospitality and a safe journey back to South-West London.
This is becoming quite a regular occurrence now. Tonight is our seventh home game in our last nine, all squeezed in within a space of just five weeks. That takes its toll on everyone – the players, the pitch and of course on you, the fans. It is an unfortunate by-product of our cup exploits that games are moved from Saturdays to midweek, and the league rules stipulate that we have to play rearranged games within a short time-frame. We appreciate everyone who continues to support us, even when the weather is foul as on Saturday when we beat Leatherhead.
The league is so tight at the moment that on Saturday at one point we went from 11th to 6th when James Hammond scored. As it stands at the time of writing, with our two games in hand we could go top….as, too, could Worthing and Haringey Borough! December could be a big month for us when we face seven games in 25 days. The Christmas break can’t come soon enough for the squad.
Some of you may remember the controversy in the summer when Whyteleafe were deemed guilty of playing an ineligible player in their FA Cup tie against Corinthian Casuals. Whyteleafe won that game but the result was “reversed” after the guilty finding by the FA. The major issue was that the same player had played in the tie against Saltdean United in the round before. Despite their efforts, their pleas to replay the original tie were rejected which in my eyes was wholly unfair.
Unfortunately, the FA set a precedent in making that decision and now we have suffered exactly the same fate. In our FA Youth Cup tie against Sutton United, which we narrowly lost – 3-2 – our visitors played an ineligible player, who also played in their next round victory against Clevedon Town, setting up a mouth-watering tie at home to Manchester City.
However, they were removed from the competition after Sutton United midfielder Kai Whitmore was found to be ineligible not only for that game but for the game against Lewes when he played the full 90 minutes. The FA’s view is that our game is irrelevant so, despite the Manchester City tie being two weeks away, plenty of time for us to play Clevedon Town, nothing will happen.
This to me is wholly wrong. We have been wronged by this decision, yet there is nothing we can do about it. Guess who isn’t on my Christmas card list this year!
On Sunday we made history here at the Pan when 1,958 fans were present to watch the Women’s Championship with Manchester United Women. The team played their socks off against a professional side who would give the best teams in the world a tough game and did themselves, the club and women’s football proud. The effort that went into ensuring firstly, that the game was on, and then such a success, was amazing and I’d like to personally thank everyone who played their part.
Get behind the team tonight – your support has been amazing this season and makes a massive difference.
Come on you Rooks!
Stuart
ROOKS CHRISTMAS JUMPERS… IN STOCK NOW!
Are you looking for a Christmas jumper for the office Christmas party? Look no further than the Club Shop, where we now have Rooks Christmas jumpers in stockings, sorry, in stock.
Stocks are limited so make sure you visit the Club Shop online and place your order or visit the club shop at the back of the Philcox stand. The jumpers are £30 each.
RECENT MATCH REVIEW
Lewes 1 vs Leatherhead 0, Bostik Premier League, 1st December 2018
The Rooks triumph on a wet and windy day at The Dripping Pan. Oh, and the ball definitely crossed the line for our goal. Definitely.
Here’s Darren Freeman’s post-match interview, too.
TODAY’S OPPONENTS: CORINTHIAN-CASUALS
Corinthian-Casuals were founded in 1939 from the merger of two clubs, Corinthians and Casuals, but managed only one game prior to the war. Corinthians were founded in 1882 and took football to the world, touring Europe and South America, where Corinthians Paulista of Sao Paulo were founded on their inspiration. The Casuals were founded in 1883 and won the FA Amateur Cup in 1936.
Corinthian-Casuals have made three noteworthy tours of Brazil in recent years to play their namesakes Corinthians. The first, in the 1988-89 season, saw Socrates turn out for both sides. There were further tours in 2001 and 2015.
After the war Corinthian-Casuals entered the Isthmian League, achieving a highest-ever finish of fifth place in 1954 and 1960. In 1954 they won the Surrey Senior Cup, and in 1956 they reached the FA Amateur Cup Final, drawing 1-1 to Bishop Auckland at Wembley before losing the replay 1-4 at Ayresome Park. They have retained their strict adherence to amateur status to this day, and are the highest ranking amateur team in English football.
For four seasons in the early seventies Corinthian-Casuals finished bottom of the league, suffering relegations in 1974 and 1978 in the expanded Isthmian League, and in 1984 were excluded from the league due to new ground-sharing rules. Entering the Spartan League the Casuals were relegated in their first season, but bounced back to the Premier Division by winning the Senior Division at the first attempt in 1986. In 1995 they won the Spartan League Cup.
Switching to the Combined Counties League in 1996, the Casuals finished runners-up in their first season, earning promotion back to the Isthmian League. In 2011 they won the Surrey Senior Cup for the second time, beating Leatherhead 2-0 in the final.
The Casuals acquired their own ground for the first time in 1988 following a merger with Tolworth that saw them move into the latter’s ground at King George’s Fields, Tolworth, in south-west London, shared since the start of this season with Kingstonian.
Having finished fourth in Division One South and lost in the play-off final on penalties against Dorking Wanderers 2017, Corinthian-Casuals suffered a similar fate at the end of last season, going down in a penalty decider against Walton Casuals. However, this time round there was a happy ending: they were promoted in any event as the Level 8 play-off final loser with the highest points per game following Thurrock’s resignation from the Premier Division. They currently lie tenth in the table.
MEET THE SQUAD
James Bracken – Manager
James already had a fantastic managerial record, steering Sutton United reserves to three consecutive Suburban League Premier title wins, when he left to join Casuals in May 2015. And we know what he’s accomplished since, when the club pipped us as Champions last season.
Danny Bracken – Goalkeeper
Danny began his career at West Ham before spells at Tooting and Sutton United. Since joining Casuals in 2011, Danny has established himself as one of the finest stoppers in the Ryman League and was crowned best keeper in Division One South in 2016.
Bradley Comins – Goalkeeper
Bradley was a last minute signing to help alleviate the goalkeeping injury crisis at Casuals. The 6’4” stopper was with James and a number of players at Sutton United’s successful youth side having joined from Crystal Palace.
Warren Morgan – Defender
It’s said, in the eyes of many supporters, Warren is the most impressive right-back to play for the club in years. Lightning pace, quick feet and a calm persona make Warren a dangerous threat going forward, yet a reliable defender when needed. Previous clubs include Sutton United and Carshalton Athletic.
Reece Hannigan -Defender
6’4” Reece is an imposing figure in the defensive line. Earned player of the year honours with UHV Jaguars – his University side in Houston, Texas. He’s returned home to his hometown of Sutton and hooked back up with James, his former youth Coach at Sutton United.
Terry Murray – Defender
Terry returned to Casuals in December 2017 having departed the previous summer to Phoenix Sports. A highly capable defender, Terry notched up 62 appearances in his first season at Casuals alone, winning Young Player of the Year award.
Jack Strange – Defender
Former Sutton United Youth Team Player of the Year, Jack won multiple honours with James Bracken’s youth side, including captaining the U’s for their Ryman Champion of Champions win in 2016. His performances at centre back have earned him ‘Young Player of the Season’ and ‘Supporter’s Player of the Season’ awards.
Juevan Spencer – Defender/Midfielder
Juevan is described as a skilful winger/full back with pace to burn. ‘Jev’ was formerly on the books at Kingstonian, AFC Wimbledon, Salisbury City and Whyteleafe. He used to score the odd goal, and has managed to notch one this season.
Josh Uzun – Defender/Midfielder
Josh is a product of Leyton Orient’s youth system and has the distinction of having played in every position for Casuals including goalkeeper. He is described as a dead ball specialist. In 2016 it was thought if you had a team full of Josh Uzuns you won’t be far off winning the league. That augurs well for tonight’s clash as Josh has only played twice this season.
Hamilton Antonio – Midfielder
What we think we know is that Hamilton has made 26 appearances for Casuals this season and has scored twice. Hamilton joined Casuals at the beginning of the 2017/18 season in order to bolster the midfield.
Hakeem Adelakun – Midfielder
A former Crystal Palace youngster, Hakeem is described as a powerhouse midfielder who was with Horsham last season.
Callum McAllister – Midfielder
Callum has put in 25 appearances for Casuals this season in all competitions since making his way from the reserves to the first team. Since gaining his place he’s rarely lost it, making a big impact and winning plaudits from supporters.
Jordan Clarke – Midfielder
Attack-minded Jordan made an immediate impact on his debut for Casuals back in 2015, scoring a vital winner in the FA Cup, and he has made a massive contribution to the side ever since. With his skill and pace Jordan is a crowd-pleaser.
Jack Tucker – Midfielder
Teenager Jack joined the Casuals from Eastbourne Town where he received Manager’s and Player’s player of the season plaudits last year.
Coskun Ekim – Midfielder
Coskun began his career at Tottenham Hotspur where he had a two-year contract before moving onto Turkish side Trabzonspor. Since returning to the UK, the midfielder has played for the likes of Hayes & Yeading and most recently, Bishop Stortford. Described as a player who knows how to use both feet! Bully for him.
Mu Maan – Midfielder
Casuals were delighted to welcome Mu back at the end of 2016. Mu had previously played for the club several years ago scoring eight times in 26 appearances. The attacking midfielder has played at a number of clubs including Leatherhead, Met Police and Dulwich Hamlet.
Ben Cheklit – Midfielder
In 2016 Ben was described as an exciting summer signing and the real-deal. A former Kingstonian youth player, the pacey winger was with James Bracken at Sutton United before moving to Belgium. Now he’s back but doesn’t seem to have featured since October.
Max Oldham – Midfielder/Forward
This pacy Californian can play as a winger on both sides or up-front. Max played in the USA for a number of years earning a call-up to the US development side in 2010, and counts Lewes and Grays Athletic among his previous clubs. Anyone here remember Max?
Warren Mfula – Forward
Warren has bagged 11 goals in all competitions for Casuals this season. A former Southern Counties East golden boot winner after netting 44 goals for AFC Croydon Athletic, Warren has stepped up to prove he can score at this level too.
Kevant Serbony – Forward
Described as a mercurial talent, Kevant originally joined Casuals back in 2015 and immediately impressed with his combination of strength and dazzling footwork. Scored a belter of a hat-trick against Redbridge in the FA Trophy, and then had brief spells at Hastings United and Walton Casuals.
Gabriel Odunaike – Forward
Signed by Manager James Bracken in 2017, Gabs helped guide Casuals to promotion. He has spent time with Welling United and more recently, Walton Casuals where he built up a fine goal-scoring reputation.
GET YOUR BADGES ONLINE OR AT THE BACK OF THE PHILCOX!
Lewes FC is blessed to have a pair of great badge sellers, and now you can buy online as well as in person at The Dripping Pan.
Badgeman Brian has a website selling rare Rooks badges and badges from other clubs. If you’re missing something from your collection, pay a visit to Skoorbadges or Brian’s eBay site.
If you’re more of a bricks-and-mortar badger, than Gary Blaber’s huge range of badges can be seen at the top of the main Philcox stand, just as you enter the ground. Brian and Gary both make generous donations to the 12th Man Fund from the profits they make, so you’re helping the club while building your collection.
BOYESY BEHIND THE LENS
Lewes Women took on Manchester United at the weekend, in front of a crowd of almost 2,000. Here are some action shots from a big day at the Dripping Pan from club photographer, James Boyes.
SPONSOR A LEWES FC PLAYER
It costs only £50 to sponsor a player or manager for home or away Kit. £25 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:
TRAINING KIT & BOOTHS: ETHEL TREAGUS
FRANKIE CHAPPELL
HOME: ED BRIGGS
AWAY: ED BRIGGS
TRAINING KIT & BOOTS: 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: LUCAS WARNER
TRAINING KIT & BOOTS: LUCAS WARNER
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
STACEY FREEMAN
HOME: ROGER WARNER
AWAY: ROGER WARNER
TRAINING KIT & BOOTS: ROGER WARNER
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: LUCAS WARNER
TRAINING KIT & BOOTS: SUSIE ARLETT
JONTE SMITH
HOME: BARRY HAFFENDEN
AWAY: JASON FOULKES
TRAINING KIT & BOOTS: LUCAS WARNER
OMARR LAWSON
HOME: TONY HARMAN
AWAY: YEOVIL JOHN
MICHAEL DOME-BEMWIN
HOME: DAVE EVANS
LEON REDWOOD
HOME: WILL & COLIN KEMP
If you wish to sponsor a player, contact David Arnold at the Supporters Club.
TODAY’S TEAMS
Teams will be published here when announced…
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
| Opponents | H/A | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bishop’s Stortford | A | Sat 8th December, 3pm |
| Brightlingsea Regent | H | Weds 12th December, 7:45pm |
| Margate | H | Sat 15th December, 3pm |
| Merstham | A | Weds 19th December, 7:45pm |
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 President Terry Parris
Chairman Stuart Fuller
Directors
Charlie Dobres, Eddie Ramsden, Stuart Fuller, John Peel, Barry Collins, Jackie Gilligan, Ed Briggs, Jon Ruben, Roger Warner, Galia Orme
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