Welcome to The Dripping Pan for today’s Bostik Premier League game with Wingate & Finchley. Here is your complimentary e-programme.

IN TODAY’S PROGCAST

Click on the links below to jump to the relevant section or just scroll through…

• Darren from the dugout
• Best wishes to Brinky
• Chairman’s notes
• Today’s match mascot
• Today’s match music
• The Worthing Wonder
• £100 raffle rollover
• Today’s opponents
• Sponsor a player
• Stodgebusters on Tour
• Today’s teams

DARREN FROM THE DUGOUT

Hear Darren’s thoughts on today’s game by clicking the Play button below:

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BEST WISHES TO BRINKY

We’re sure everyone at the club would like to wish Steve Brinkhurst the very best wishes, after it was revealed a knee injury will rule him out for the rest of the season. Brinky requires an operation on his knee, but will hopefully be back to join us for the start of next season’s campaign.

If there’s one plus side, it’s that he gets to spend more time at home with his new baby daughter…

All the best, Brinky.

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CHAIRMAN’S NOTES

Good afternoon and welcome back to the Dripping Pan for this afternoon’s game with our visitors from North London, Wingate & Finchley. I’d like to welcome their fans, players, management and officials and hope they have a problem-free journey home.

The last time we were here, Burgess Hill Town thumped us. It was a wake-up call for everyone, and Darren, Ross and Codge immediately looked to put the situation right. We’d managed to keep ourselves in the play-off spots, despite the top half of the table becoming separated only by a few points. The team’s response has been fantastic – a well-deserved draw at fellow play-off side Enfield Town and then last Saturday.

What a game we had at Worthing! The first game back in October had enough drama for a season but it was nothing compared to last Saturday’s game. Seven goals, two red cards and surely the goal of the season from Hammo with his free-kick from the halfway line. Once again we went about our job professionally despite injuries and absentees. Steve Brinkhurst is the latest Rook to be sidelined for a long spell after he picked up an injury before Christmas.

One other aspect that goes unnoticed by many (but not by Barry and I!) is our disciplinary record. Saturday was our third consecutive game without picking up a caution – as the season wears on that becomes more and more important as we don’t want to have players missing through suspension.

The support we had at Worthing was outstanding – up there with our brilliant win at Cray Wanderers last season – and you could see the way the players responded. We certainly can’t compete on budget terms with some of the teams in our league but we are streets ahead when it comes to our support, home and away.

Our attendances continue to grow, after 9 home league games this season we are up 15% on the same period last season (and 52% up on the last time we were in the Isthmian League Premier Division) which is amazing considering we’ve played 50% more midweek games. Thanks to everyone who comes and gets behind the team – I know many fans travel a long way to come to watch us and it’s on days like Saturday that it makes it all worthwhile!

I’d also like to give a special mention today to one of our club legends, Peter Hiscox, who can’t be with us today as he is in hospital but will be back here at The Pan soon. Thankfully, Peter saw the win last Saturday so goes into hospital in great spirits. We all send out best wishes to Peter and hope he has a speedy recovery.

Two weeks ago, our Under-18s lost in the semi-final of the Isthmian Youth Cup at Met Police. After winning the trophy last season everyone had hoped we could pull off back to back titles but it was not to be. They are still in the Sussex Youth Cup, facing a quarter-final tie against Southwick in a few weeks.

Don’t forget on Wednesday we are back here for the re-arranged Bostik League game against Margate, and that it is free admission for everyone. I’m sure there will be a few 12th Man buckets around the ground so if you do have any spare change, Darren will be eternally grateful as every penny goes towards his budget.

Get behind the boys this afternoon and let’s keep this fantastic season going.

Come on you Rooks!

Stuart

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TODAY’S MATCH MASCOT

Welcome to the Pan to today’s mascot, Austin Sparks, who will be leading the teams out at 3pm. We hope you and your family have a great day with us, Austin. Your family wanted to send you the special birthday message, below…

Wishing our little champion Austin Sparks who is 7 seasons old a very Happy Birthday. Have a fabulous day! Lots of Love, Mummy, Daddy and Blake xxxxxxx

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BECOME AN OWNER

It costs as little as £40 to become an owner of Lewes FC. For that, you not only get the inner glow of helping your local community-owned football club, but you get great discounts from dozens of retailers in the Lewes area and nationwide. You can join instantly by clicking the button below.

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TODAY’S MATCH MUSIC

Today’s match playlist is compiled by our very own John Peel (not that one). Click on the player below to listen to the tracks on Spotify.

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THE WORTHING WONDER

Worthing 3 vs Lewes 4, Bostik Premier League, 12th January 2019

A glorious reversal of the scoreline from the Sussex derby on Bank Holiday, the Rooks triumphed at Worthing – all helped by a wonder goal from James Hammond. Catch all the goals, cards and controversy with our video highlights.

And now watch Ross Standen’s thoughts on an amazing game…

And just for good measure, here’s a fine selection of photos from the game, taken by our brilliant match snapper, James Boyes:

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And before we let Worthing lick their wounds, their under-18’s turned up at the Pan on Thursday night to take on Dale Hurley’s under-18s. It didn’t end well for them…

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£100 RAFFLE ROLLOVER!

The £100 first prize for the raffle in the New Year’s Day game with Burgess Hill went unclaimed, so we’re rolling it over!

Other prizes in today’s draw include a bottle of 14-year-old Balvenie Single Malt Whisky, kindly donated by a supporter.

We will have at least four raffle ticket sellers in the ground today, so make sure to pick up a ticket or ten.

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GET YOUR BADGES!

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.

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TODAY’S OPPONENTS: WINGATE & FINCHLEY

Finchley can stake the claim to be one of the oldest football clubs in the country, having been founded way back in 1874. The peak of their success came in the early fifties: in 1952-3 the Finches reached the third round proper of the FA Cup with wins over Chelmsford City, Kidderminster Harriers and Crystal Palace (3-1) before going down at 2-0 at Shrewsbury Town.

Meanwhile north London neighbours Wingate – named after General Orde Wingate – were formed in 1946 as a Jewish football club with the remit of combating anti-Semitism. In 1991 the two clubs merged (Wingate having parted company with Leyton) and Finchley’s refurbished Summers Lane ground was renamed in honour of long time Wingate supporter Harry Abrahams. The merged club still retains something of Wingate’s founding Jewish identity, including the Star of David on the club’s badge and being able to ask for games falling on Yom Kippur to be moved.

In 1995 the new club, under the name Wingate and Finchley, won promotion from the South Midlands League to the Isthmian League third division. Promotion in 1999 took them up to the second division, but relegation followed a year later. League re-organisation placed them in Division One North in 2002, then the Eastern Division of the Southern League, before returning to Division One North of the Isthmian League in 2006 following a further major league re-organisation.

In 2010 the Blues finished third in the Ryman League One North, missing out on promotion after suffering play-off defeat to Enfield Town. However, this disappointment was amply made up for the following season. A repeat third-spot finish culminated in a 3-2 extra-time play-off final victory over Brentwood Town. This success was the middle leg of a remarkable treble that included lifting both the Ryman League Cup, with a 2-0 victory over Dulwich Hamlet, and the London Senior Cup, with a 3-1 win against Hendon.

In 2017 Wingate and Finchley finished fifth to qualify for the play-offs, but went down 1-2 at Bognor Regis in the semi-final tie. Last year they finished ninth, and currently lie 20th in the table.

MEET THE SQUAD

Shane Gore – Goalkeeper

Shane joined the Blues  in 2016 at the age of 34, following league and non-league spells with Chesham, Luton, Maidenhead, East Thurrock, Havant and Waterlooville, Stevenage, Wimbledon and Barnet -where he was an integral part of their 2004 Conference winning side. He has reached the second round of the FA Cup and his experience is invaluable.

Jake Hutchings – Defender

Jake was released by Torquay Utd as a17 year-old, going on to spend a brief five months at Heart of Midlothian which was the great Dave Mackay’s first love. He is described as a very good ball player and defender, although that can prove a dangerous combination. He has also played for Leiston, Grays Athletic and Merstham.

Ola Williams – Defender

Right-back, Ola, returned to the Blues in 2017 as a member of their treble-winning side from the 2010-11 season. The  27 year-old can play left or right side, with ability to go forward. Ola previously played with Boreham Wood, Harrow Borough, Hampton & Richmond and Billericay Town.

 Sean Cronin – Defender

Experienced central defender,Sean, at 32 brings international and league football pedigree having previously played for Cardiff City, and represented Wales at U18, U19 and U23 level. He has previously played for Grays Athletic, Hayes and Yeading, Neath FC, and won the Ryman League with Wealdstone.

Isaac Ebelebe – Defender

Isaac is a squad player who has made 17 appearances for the Blues this term and seems to be used mainly from the Bench.

Layne Eadie – Defender

Layne is a 25 year-old defender who has also played for Harlow Town and St Albans City. Blues fans take note that Layne considers Harlow fans the best of the lot…just saying.

Ahmet  Rifat – Defender/Midfielder

Ahmet is approaching his 12^th season with the Blues, playing centre-back or as a defensive midfielder.  Now 33, Ahmet represented England at Under-17 level, although regards winning the treble with the club in 2010/11 as his greatest achievement in the game.  

Joe Sharpe – Defender/Midfielder

At the age of 22, Joe is regarded as a no-nonsense defensive midfielder with ability at set-plays. He captained Great Britain in the Maccabi games.

Luke  Ifil – Defender/Midfielder

Wingate and Finchley say Luke adds pedigree and balance to the side. At 25, he is described as possessing tenacity, vision and technical ability in the middle of the park.

 David Manu – Midfielder

Previously of Interwood, North Greenford United and Uxbridge Town, speedy winger David joined the Blues in the summer after being watched for many years. He has ability on both flanks, the 22 year-old brings athleticism and guile to the Blues squad.

Chace O’Neill – Midfielder

Chace began his career with the pride of North London (not Arsenal) where he reached the U21s before being released. He has gone on to represent Staines Town, Bishop’s Stortford and Tooting & Mitcham. Having played at Spurs, the midfielder adds creativity and tenacity to the Blues.

Tommy  Tejan-Sie – Midfielder

Tommy, now in his sixth season at Summers Lane, is regarded by his club as dynamic central midfielder. Previously a scholar at Leicester City, he was previously a promotion-winner with Dagenham and Redbridge.

Rob Laney – Forward

29 year-old Rob is a long-time fans favourite, a hard-working frontman who was awarded Fan’s Player of the Year in 2014/15. Rob is described as a team player with an eye for goal, with all-important link-up ability.

Reece Beckles-Richards – Forward
23 year-old Reece joined Wingate and Finchley in the summer of 2016. Previously at Woking and Kingstonian, his quick feet and fast acceleration saw him called up to the Antigua and Barbuda national team for their 5-4 aggregate World Cup Qualifier win over St. Lucia in 2015.

Tim Monsheju – Forward

Having spent previous seasons at Heybridge Swifts, Witham Town, Grays Athletic and Chelmsford City, Tim arrived at Summers Lane with a wealth of experience.

 Lewis Putman – Forward

Lewis has a reputation as a prolific goalscorer with a wealth of experience, listing amongst his former clubs  Dorking Wanderers, Beaconsfield Town, Met Police, Hayes & Yeading, Slough Town, Aylesbury United, Wealdstone and Hendon.

Charlie Cole – Forward

Charlie joined the Blues in October last year from Essex Senior League club Takeley where he scored 59 goals in the 2016-17 season. He has also played for Billericay.

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JOIN THE LEWES FC VETS

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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

DAYSHONNE GOLDING
HOME KIT: HAIR FOR MEN, 16 MARKET ST, LEWES

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

CLUB SHOP MANAGER, BARRY HAFFENDEN
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY HAIR FOR MEN, 16 MARKET ST, LEWES

If you wish to sponsor a player, contact David Arnold at the Supporters Club.

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STODGEBUSTERS ON TOUR

At first it looked as though the Stodgebusters would be reduced by half for this Boxing Day clash in West Sussex. Both Roly and Malcolm thought they might have friends and family commitments to contend with during the festive period. Thankfully both of them declared themselves available and a full quota were ready for the journey on what is always a keenly contested affair against one of our local rivals.

With no trains running it was down to PJ and his trusty Galaxy to provide the transport again. An 11.30 departure from Lewes should give us ample time for our pre-match lunch before the game. Malcolm was picked up in deepest Hove after being spotted sprawled on a bench outside his abode and we were on our way. The journey passed with no problems expect for a short hold up near Fontwell as nobody had realised there was a race meeting on.

A bit of pre-Christmas detective work had found a Bognor eaterie that was open on Boxing Day. We arrived at the Syrup Cafe near the station and managed to park outside. It looked very impressive so in we went. Three omelettes and a prawn jacket potato were ordered and were more than acceptable, although PJ was not so impressed with the chips. As a regular at Mac’s Cafe in Brighton he considers himself as a bit of a chip connoisseur and he felt the Syrup Cafe’s offering were not up to that standard.

After parking in a nearby side street we made our way into the ground. £10 for concessions seemed a bit steep but it’s always been the same at Bognor. It was good to see a healthy amount of Rooks fans had made the trip. Amongst them was Golden Goal Ethel, flanked by her minders, presumably there to ensure she didn’t kick off any trouble with the home fans.  We were looking forward to a victory to close the gap on Haringey Borough. They are in a rich vein of form at the moment so a positive result was imperative.

It wasn’t long before we were ahead as a shot from Dayshonne Golding took a wicked deflection and flew past the Bognor keeper. The rest of the half saw Bognor have plenty of the ball but they didn’t really cause Lewis Carey any major problems. This was going well and we reached the interval ahead.

Things started to go wrong when Dayshonne was sent off after an incident near the touchline which not many people saw. This spurred the home side on and within a few minutes they were ahead. We feared the worst at this point and our early optimism was rapidly evaporating. We shouldn’t have worried though. This Lewes team is made of stern stuff these days and we had soon equalised with a wonderful strike from Kieron Pamment who is starting to look the business now. 

When a Bognor defender was sent off after Jonte was clattered yet again we seriously thought we could go on and win the game. Both teams were really going for it now and Jonte had a header crash back off the bar. The home team still looked dangerous and crosses were flying into the box but were being met by a solid wall of blue shirts.

After 5 minutes of injury time which seemed more like 15 the referee finally blew his whistle to end what had been a pulsating encounter. We had picked up a priceless point which had seemed highly unlikely after going 2-1 down and a man down in the second half.

The fans gave the team a generous ovation at the end which they thoroughly deserved. It had been an excellent advert for non-league football.

The journey home went without a hitch and as we drove past the Amex we wondered if the fans at the Brighton v Arsenal game were being as well entertained as we had been earlier.

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TODAY’S TEAMS

LEWES

LEWIS CAREY	1
THOMAS DAY	2
HARRY REED	3
OLUMIDE OLUWATIMILEHIN	4
FRANKIE CHAPPELL ©	5
STACEY FREEMAN	6
CHARLIE COPPOLA	7
OMARR LAWSON	8
LUKE BLEWDEN	9
JAMES HAMMOND	10
KIERON PAMMENT	11
MICHAEL DOME-BEMWIN	12
JONTE SMITH	14
CALLUM OVERTON	15
DYLAN GIFFORD	16

WINGATE & FINCHLEY

1	SHANE GORE
2	OLARINDE WILLIAMS
3	LUKE IFIL
4	SAM TRING
5	SEAN CRONIN ©
6	AHMET RIFAT
7	REECE BECKLES-RICHARDS
8	CARL STEWART
9	CHARLIE COLE
10	ROBERT LANEY
11	JAKE HUTCHINGS
12	ALIEU NTIE
14	CHARLIE RUFF
15	TIMOTHY MONSHEJU
16	ISAAL EBELEBE
17	TANASHE ABRAHAMS

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FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

OPPONENT	H/A	DATE
MARGATE	H	23rd Jan, 7:45pm
Harlow Town	A	26th Jan, 3pm
Potters Bar Town	H	2nd Feb, 3pm

Click here to see the full season stats and fixtures

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CREDITS AND LEGAL

“The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should be a zero tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly any form of discriminatory abuse whether it by reason of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, sex and sexual orientation 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).The Isthmian League and all Member Clubs in the League are committed to promoting equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and providing access and opportunities for all members of the community.”

Lewes 2000 FC Limited. Registered in England and Wales with Company Registration Number 03790979. Lewes 2000 FC Limited is 100% owned by Lewes Community Football Club.

Honorary President Terry Parris
Chairman Stuart Fuller
Directors Ed Briggs, Charlie Dobres, Karen Dobres, Stuart Fuller, Steve Keegan, Galia Orme, John Peel, Ed Ramsden, Roger Warner, Trevor Wells
Club Secretary John Peel
Match Secretary David Evans
Youth Secretary Kevin Brook
Operations Manager Warren Lane

Equality FC Campaign Manager Karen Dobres

Life Members
Mr and Mrs Brook, Vic Blunt, Pat Dartnell, Gary Elphick, Gordon Fowlie, Peter Hiscox RIP, 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 RIP

Manager Hugo Langton
First team coach Dale Hurley
First team physio Katie Joynes
Goalkeeping coach John MaCrae
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 Stuart Fuller
Progcast Designer Barry Collins
Club Photographer James Boyes