Welcome to The Dripping Pan for today’s Bostik Premier League game with Brightlingsea Regent.Ā Here is your complimentary e-programme.Ā
CONTENTS
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Get your badges online or at the back of the Philcox
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 Pan for tonightās Bostik League Premier Division game against Brightlingsea Regent who are making their first ever trip to us. Weād like to extend a warm welcome to the fans, players, management and officials from Essex and wish them a safe journey.
We couldnāt have asked for a better start to December, with three wins out of three and just one goal conceded. We once again showed our strength in turning defence into attack on Saturday, beating in-form Bishopās Stortford. Our midfield were magnificent, carrying on their performance from last week against Corinthian-Casuals, and Iām sure Darren will have noted five of our last six goals have come from them. We have one of the best defensive records in the division, a strength that certainly led to our promotion last season. Darren will always tell you if you donāt concede you are almost certain to win. Wise words from the Gaffer.
Iād like to take a moment to recognise our fans who follow us away from home. It hasnāt mattered where we have travelled, what the weather has been like, and how we have played, the support has been unconditional and you are the real stars of the season. I know that following any team home and away isnāt cheap these days, but we from the board to the management and players really appreciate your efforts.
The top of the table is so tight at the moment and few probably expected Haringey Borough to be among the top sides. We certainly felt we could be pushing towards the playoffs before the season started and whilst weāve recorded some excellent results, especially on the road, we arenāt getting carried away. Nobody should underestimate the team spirit effect that some teams such as Haringey get that builds momentum, which is also evident in our own squad. Weāve kept a core of players for a number of years now and thatās really helped us. Thatās why itās always sad when we lose someone, such as Ronnie, to long-term injury.
Finally, Iād like to say a massive well done to Barry in the club shop and his team of helpers who have contributed to making it a record year for merchandise sales. I understand the Christmas crackers have already sold out, helped in no part by some excellent crowdsourced jokes (JontĆ©ās is still my favourite!).
Donāt forget, we are back here on Saturday when Margate visit us in our last home game of the year.
Come on you Rooks!
Stuart
LAST ORDERS FOR YOUR CLUB SHOP GIFTS!
If you’re looking to fill a few stockings with Rooks gifts this Christmas, it’s time to pull your finger out! We’ve still got stocks of Christmas jumpers (pictured above), cards, crackers and lots more.
FinalĀ ordering dates from our online club shop are:
International – Wednesday 12th December
UK – Tuesday 18th December
If you want to visit the club shop in person, the final Christmas opening hours are:
Wednesday 12th December from 6.30pm til Full Time*
Thursday 13th December from 7 – 9pm*
Saturday 15th December from 1pm til Full Time
Wednesday 19th December 7-9pm*
Saturday 22nd December 10am til 3pm*
*As long as match is on that day
RECENT MATCH REVIEW
Lewes 3 vs Corinthian-Casuals 0, 5th December 2018
Lewes put in arguably their performance of the season as they swept aside the Casuals. Highlights from Your Instant Replay.
Bishop’s Stortford 1 vs Lewes 2, 8th December 2018
Did we say performance of the season? The win at Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday ran it close
And here’s Darren’s reaction…
TODAY’S OPPONENTS: BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT
Brightlingsea United were founded in 1928 following the merger of Brightlingsea Athletic (originally established as Wesley Guild in 1908, before being reformed in 1921) and Brightlingsea Town (established as Brightlingsea Juniors in 1919). They initially played in the Essex & Suffolk Border League.
In 1972 they joined the Essex Senior League, winning the title in 1989 and 1990, and moved up to Division One of the Eastern Counties League in 1990. They finished as runners-up in their first season and were promoted to the Premier Division, only to return to Division One after finishing bottom of the Premier Division in 1993.
The club resigned from the league shortly before the start of the 2002ā03 season and took the place of their reserve team in Division Two of the Essex & Suffolk Border League, being relegated to Division Three at the end of the season. When Division Three was disbanded in 2005 the club was moved back to Division Two. That year the club merged with youth club Regent Park Rangers to form Brightlingsea Regent.
The newly merged club won Division Two at the first attempt and were promoted again the following season after finishing second, the first of a string of promotions in recent years. In 2011 they won the Essex & Suffolk Border League Premier Division to earn promotion to Division One of the Eastern Counties League. A third place finish in Division One in 2013 was enough to secure promotion to the Eastern Counties League Premier Division, and they also won the First Division Cup, beating Great Yarmouth Town 1ā0 in the final.
The following season Brightlingsea finished second in the Eastern Counties League Premier Division, earning promotion to Division One North of the Isthmian League. In 2017 they were promoted to the Premier Division having finished champions of Division One North. Last season they finished 20th (of 24 teams) and currently lie 19th (of 22 teams), having won their last two games, 3-2 at home to Burgess Hill and 1-0 away to Leatherhead on Saturday.
MEET THE SQUAD
Tom Rothery ā Manager
Tom moved from Needham Market to take the hot seat at Regent, 2018 being his first full season in charge of the team. Tom is described by his club as āa great manager who is always keen to learn with hard work and dedicationā. He had previously spent three and half years as Assistant Manager and head coach. Tom, like all great managers, is looking to improve Regentās league position although, sadly for him, not at the Rookās expense.
James Bradbrook ā Goalkeeper
James signed permanently from Needham Market after a very successful loan spell with the club last season. Still only 21, James brings stability and confidence to the back line as he looks to establish himself as a number one goalkeeper.
Ricky Griggs ā Defender
Ricky is described as an excellent technical player who used to be a tricky winger, and one of the best full-backs to watch going forward. Thatās a big claim on the same pitch as our stalwarts.
Jake Gould ā Defender
Jake won joint Managerās Player of the Year last season. He is highly thought of by his club, having worked his way up the Regent ranks. He is the record appearance maker for the club and, still at the young age of 27, Regent feel thereās plenty more to come from this powerful defender.
Josh Gould ā Defender
Josh returned to the club after travelling and soon became a lynchpin in the side that gained promotion to the Isthmian League. A solid defender, Josh is regarded as a key player in the Regent back line.
Matt Cripps ā Defender/Captain
Matt is in his fifth season at Regent and, still only 25, his calm and assured performances are integral to their team.
Morisi Gelashvili ā Defender/Midfielder
Mo signed in October and has notched 10 games, although only made his full debut in their 3-2 victory over Burgess Hill in December. Mo played professional football in his home country of Georgia, and joined the Regent after a spell at Bostik North side Tilbury.
Joe Yaxley ā Midfielder
Joe looks to have joined Regent in November from Brantham Athletic and has featured in a handful of games; more than that I cannot say.
Harvey Hodd ā Midfielder
Harvey was a key signing for Tom Rothery and is considered an excellent addition to their squad. A former Norwich City and Fleetwood Town player, Harvey can play a number of positions but said to be at his best driving forward. Heāll need a reverse gear this evening.
Harry Morgan ā Midfielder
A former Chelmsford player, Harry is said to possess good technical ability and looking to hold down a regular place in the Regent midfield.
Jake Clowsley ā Midfielder
Jake returned to the club last season after a short spell at AFC Sudbury. Described as āa tenacious player who always works hard for the teamā Jakeās versatility is important to Regent.
Jordan Barnett ā Midfielder
Jordan returned to his first club from Stanway Rovers after two seasons away. Jordan is described by Regent as āa fantastic player who can spray the ball around in the middle of the parkā. Steady on there.
Rocha Fosker ā Midfielder
Rocha featured for Tom Rothery a few times last season after making the step up from their Under 18s. Said to enjoy a battle, Rocha was loaned at Cornard United last season to help him get regular playing time.
Lewis Hargreaves ā Midfielder
Lewis is also registered with the Under 18s, described as an energetic midfielder with terrific work rate who gives 100%. He is thought of by his club as a boy with a big future ahead.
Harrison Banner ā Midfielder
Harry returned to Regent where he started in the Under 18s a few years ago after spells with Halstead Town and Cornard United. Said to be a hard worker who likes to run with the ball.
Billy Hunt ā Forward
Billy won multiple awards last season as he smashed in 24 league goals and was a huge part in Regentās season. Tom Rothery ensured he signed a contract as soon as he returned to Regent, and Billy justified the faith with his goals and performances; 10 in all competitions this term.
Aaron Condon ā Forward
Azza rejoined the Regent after departing for Coggeshall Town the previous Summer. In his earlier spell he scored 51 goals in 103 games. Itās claimed Azza can change the outcome of matches single-handed ā Frankie & co, stop sniggering and concentrate (only 4 league goals this term).
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 SkoorbadgesĀ 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
James Boyes’ brilliant photos from our win over Corinthian-Casuals
STODGEBUSTERS ON TOUR
Led by their stomachs, our Stodgebusters head to Bishop’s Stortford
After two excellent home wins the Stodgebusters were in a positive frame of mind for the trip to Hertfordshire. We knew this was going to be a tricky fixture as Stortford had been in fine form in recent weeks and had moved up to third in the table after an impressive run of results.
We did think about the train for this one but with the station a long walk from the ground decided against it. PJ picked the remaining Stodgebusters up at 10.30 in his trusty Galaxy and we were on our way. With the Dartford Tunnel awaiting us we cruised through Tunbridge Wells and were pleasantly surprised to find no hold ups with Christmas shoppers at Bluewater and Lakeside already well into their shopping spree.
We arrived in Bishop’s Stortford and parked in a multi-storey for two hours for just Ā£1.60. Brighton take note! A search on Google had found a suitable eaterie in the Bridge Cafe. None of us were tempted by the ‘ Mission Impossible’ which included two of everything and would probably come in at about 20,000 calories. At Ā£12 it was very tempting but none of us were THAT hungry. Gary and Roly went with a breakfast while PJ went with Ham, Egg and chips and Malcolm went for a health conscious Chicken Curry which came with rice and chips. He asked for just rice but got chips as well. It was good grub but Roly remarked he thought the food was thrown on the plate rather than placed on it. 7.5 on the Egon Ronay stodge guide was about fair.
A stroll round a shopping centre is not something the Stodgebusters are well known for but it was the quickest way back to the car and it kept us out of the rain.On arriving at the ground we had plenty of time for a drink in the huge bar and a chat with some fellow Rooks fans who had made the trip.
The referee must have had a pressing evening engagement as the game got under way a couple of minutes early. With their first attack the ball was in the back of our net and we were one down before all the other games in the Bostik League had even kicked off. The home team looked good early on although their 43-year-old ex-football league striker Jamie Cureton was hardly in the game.
During the first half we found out that Rooks fan Alec had somehow managed to lose his car keys. A call to the pub he had frequented earlier yielded no joy so Alec arranged for an announcement over the PA to ask if anyone had found them. When an announcement was made that they had been found Alec took off like Usain Bolt to reclaim them. We didn’t think he could move that fast as cries of ‘ Sign him up, Sign him up’ echoed around the ground. Sadly for him, the announcer got it completely wrong and the keys had not been found.
While all this excitement was going on Lewes had drawn level thanks to James Hammond and were starting to play some wonderful stuff. Chances came and went and we went in at half-time mightily impressed with what we had seen.
While we changed ends a family member was preparing for the drive around the M25 and up the M11 with a spare set of keys for Alec as the missing ones had not been found. As the second half got underway we still looked dangerous and we soon had the lead. Frankie Chappell got the final touch after a free kick was launched into the box.
Stortford piled forward in search of an equaliser but once again bodies were put on the line to keep them out. When the final whistle blew the players came over to celebrate with the visiting fans. This was a huge three points and was fully deserved. Up we went to second in the table and a good win on Wednesday against Brightlingsea Regent could put us top. We were 10th a couple of weeks or so ago and things are looking good at the moment.
One more away game to come before Christmas at Merstham on the 19th December and naturally the Stodgebusters will be there!
SPONSOR A LEWES FC PLAYER
It costs only Ā£50 to sponsor a player or manager for home or away Kit. Ā£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:Ā 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: SAM & JOE BARKER
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
TRAINING KIT & BOOTS: LUCAS WARNER
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.
BARRY COLLINS’ SEC’S LIFE
The Club Secretary on a last-minute dash to clear the pitch
Last Wednesday, 4pm. The rain thatās been forecast all day suddenly turns up. Of course it does, weāve got a match and we like nothing more than mopping a pitch for three hours.
Still, thereās no need to drag those massive sponges out of Rogerās lock-up. In a rare piece of board foresight, weāve ordered a Bowdry Machine that does the job much more efficiently. Thereās just one problem. We donāt know where it is.
A Bowdry Machine, for those who havenāt got a Diploma in Pitch Care, is a massive sponge wrapped around a roller. You trundle it across puddles, a metal bar squeezes the sponge and all the water empties into the drum itself. It makes match-threatening puddles disappear.
Alas, the only thing thatās disappeared at 4pm is the Bowdry Machine. Iād spent half of Tuesday ringing round suppliers, trying to find one who could get us a machine the next day. At the 18th attempt I found one, but of course weāre relying on couriers – which is like relying on Jacob Rees-Mogg to become world heavyweight champion.
At ten past four Iām on the phone to the supplier. āThe courier says heās delivered it,ā says the bloke at the pitch-care company. āThere was nobody there when he called so heās left it at the Coach Inn Boat House. I assume thatās a local pub?ā
Now, Iām not a local. Iām a DFBH – down from Burgess Hill. But in the ten years Iāve been coming to Lewes, Iāve never heard of a Coach Inn Boat House. It would be a spectacular crap and contradictory pub name in the first place.
Just to make sure, I check with Roger. If there is such a pub in Lewes, Roger would have nearly set fire to it. āNah,ā says Roger, who shakes his head and trundles down the terraces to fork the pitch.
And so I spend the next hour, in the sheeting rain, searching the house names of all neighbours, trying to ascertain if some kindly soul has taken in a 6ft roller. I confuse the hell out of the poor girl in the Botanical Florist next to the station, the only nearby shop that sounds even vaguely like the Coach Inn Boat House. Sheās a heartbeat away from calling the police.
I give up, soaked and beaten. Rogerās turning the pitch into a teabag with his fork, but the puddles are barely dissipating. And the refās due in half an hour. Weāre in a world of trouble.
I see Codge in the āboot roomā, the little shed-like lean-to by the steps that lead up to the dressing room and go to see how he is. I never get to find out, because when I enter the boot room I can barely see Codge over a massive cardboard box in the room. A cardboard box with the words BOWDRY MACHINE emblazoned across it.
I dance a little jig, destroy the box like a five-year-old with a Christmas present, and hand the magic machine to Roger, who immediately sets about soaking up the puddles, wearing a smile wider than the penalty box.
The rain has stopped and our pitch doctor has a new toy pic.twitter.com/xa48vFhF50
ā Lewes FC (@Lewes_cfc) December 5, 2018
But how did the courier confuse our dinky little boot room for the āCoach Inn Boat Houseā? I put it down as one of lifeās little mysteries until I come back down the steps just before the match starts and spot a sign on the door left over from the Man Utd game at the weekend.
āCOACHESā BOLT HOLE,ā the sign reads, marking the roomās dual purpose as a hideout for male coaches on match day, who canāt go into a female changing room.
Thatās an hour of my life Iām not getting back, all because of a courier who canāt read.
TODAY’S TEAMS
Teams will be published here when announced…
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
| Opponents | H/A | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Margate | H | Sat 15th December, 3pm |
| Merstham | A | Weds 19th December, 7:45pm |
| Bognor Regis Town | A | Weds 26th December, 3pm |
| Burgess Hill Town | H | Tues 1st January, 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 PresidentĀ Terry Parris
Chairman Stuart Fuller
Directors
Charlie Dobres, Eddie Ramsden, Stuart Fuller, John Peel, Barry Collins, 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 ManagerĀ 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 EditorsĀ Paul Sheppard and Duncan Thompson
Progcast Designer Barry Collins
Club Photographer James Boyes