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

Bostik League and Respect logos

IN TODAY’S ISSUE

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DARREN FROM THE DUGOUT

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

CHAIRMAN’S NOTES

Good evening everyone and welcome back to The Dripping Pan. I’d like to welcome the fans, players, management and officials from Tonbridge Angels tonight and hope their relatively short journey home is problem free. We still have the hangover, in the best possible way, of our very successful Gin and Beer festival from last weekend so we hope you all enjoy indulging (at least for the non-drivers!) tonight. I’d like to thank everyone who was behind the organisation of the event which was a fantastic success.

Once again we face another club with promotion ambitions. As I write these notes, seven points separate Merstham in third from Bishop’s Stortford in 12th. With our depleted squad we’ve done really well to stay in the play-off spots, although in the last three games we have missed the chance to put some space between us and the chasing pack. In all three of those games we have created enough chances to take all three points but we’ve all of a sudden lost that clinical edge.

Last week we said goodbye to Jonté Smith as he left us to join Oxford United. It was our first experience in dealing with the chaos and madness of a transfer deadline day, but a deal was finally done late in the day and we wish Jonté all the best at his new club. He served this club really well averaging a goal almost every other game in his two spells with us, as well as continuing his international career with Bermuda. He is one of the politest people you could ever hope to meet and he will be missed by all of us at Lewes.

Fortunately, the Non-League transfer window stays open until the end of March and so we will look to bring in reinforcements. Darren acted very quickly in securing the services of Henri Wilder after the injury to Leon at Harlow and I expect we will see a few new faces over the coming week or so at The Pan.

I’m sure many of you will have seen our open letter to the FA calling for a fairer distribution of prize money from the FA Cup. Whilst we hear the arguments about TV audiences, commercial revenues and attendances, the huge disparity between the prize funds of the respective tournaments needs addressing.

The winners of the Men’s tournament this year, almost certainly to be an already cash-rich Premier League side, will get 144 times the amount the Women’s winners will. Nobody is expecting a massive change overnight but a steady move toward a fairer and more equal playing field is essential if the Women’s game is to grow in this country.

Due to the postponement of last Sunday’s SSE Women’s FA Cup tie, the tie has been re-arranged to this Sunday, with the winners facing a trip to either MK Dons or Liverpool in the 5th Round.  That means this weekend’s home game against Millwall has now been cancelled. However, our Under18s will be in action in the Quarter-Finals of the Sussex Youth Cup, hosting Southwick at 1.30pm here at The Pan.

Get behind the boys tonight and Come on you Rooks!

BECOME AN OWNER

It costs as little as ÂŁ40 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.

CLICK HERE TO BECOME AN OWNER NOW!

LUKE HITS A CENTURY

During our recent game with Harlow Town (don’t mention the score), Luke Blewden hit a personal landmark – 100 appearances for the Rooks!

Luke made his Lewes FC debut versus Bognor Regis on Boxing Day 2013, and has scored 27 goals in his two spells with the Rooks.

Well done, Luke.

IN MEMORY OF PETER JOHNSTONE

My father was Peter Johnstone. A lovely, kind man who will be missed by all who knew him. A local lad since the 60s, he supported as much as he could but probably not as much as he wanted! Laura Johnstone

THE BEER FESTIVAL FUN CONTINUES

We still have leftovers from the weekend’s Beer and Gin Festival to finish off. So if you’re not driving and want to sample a few choice ales, get to the Pan nice and early.

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.

KEEPING UP WITH THE KIDS

Youth Secretary Kevin Brook brings us up to speed with the youth teams

2019 has seen both our U23s and U18s continue their excellent form of 2018, with both teams recording impressive victories during January.

Our U23s currently sit second in the Isthmian Development South table and are currently unbeaten since late October. During this time they’ve hit seven past Three Bridges, six against Molesey and four against both Sittingbourne and Burgess Hill Town. Forward Dylan Gifford is in fine goalscoring form with seven goals in his previous six U23s matches, while former Academy striker Dan Harris has chipped in four goals in his past three starts, including the goal which secured a point away at unbeaten league leaders Tooting & Mitcham United on Monday.

Catch Steve Eke’s squad in action on Monday 11th February when they take on Herne Bay U23s at the Dripping Pan, 7.45pm kick off.

Dale Hurley’s U18s squad have been frustrated in recent weeks with postponements for the weather, but sit handily in fourth place in the Isthmian Youth table and within striking distance of the top. Last up was an impressive 5-0 home win over previously unbeaten Worthing, while January started with a thumping 6-1 quarter final Youth League Cup win over Aldershot Academy.

Unfortunately, the following week Met Police proved too the strong in the semi-final of the competition we won last season. We still have a quarter-final tie in the Sussex Youth Cup against Southwick to look forward to though. This will be played at the Dripping Pan this coming Sunday, 1.30pm kick off.

TODAY’S OPPONENTS: TONBRIDGE ANGELS

Tonbridge FC were formed in October 1947 and joined the Southern League in 1948. The club took out a lease on the Angel Ground, named after an adjacent public house, which had previously been a home to Kent County Cricket Club. A crowd of around 5,000 saw the club’s opening league fixture at home to Hastings United, and in the 1951-2 season Tonbridge recorded a record attendance at the Angel Ground of 8,236 for an FA Cup First Round tie against Aldershot.

Tonbridge reached two Southern League Cup finals, losing to Yeovil Town in 1955 and to Hereford United in 1957. Relegated from the Southern League Premier Division in 1962, promoted in 1964, relegated again in 1966, the club returned to the Premier Division in 1973. In the same season a crowd of 7,770 saw Charlton win 5–0 at the Angel Ground in the First Round of the FA Cup. Tonbridge won the Kent Senior Cup in 1975 while managed by former World Cup winner George Cohen.

Financial troubles hit the club and they went into voluntary liquidation in 1976. Re-formed as Tonbridge Angels FC they were forced to drop a division, and the club lost its Angel Ground to development. Former Tonbridge, Arsenal and Crystal Palace goalkeeper Tony Burns took over as manager for the 1980–81 season with the club moving into its new Longmead Stadium.

The 1988–89 season saw former Tottenham player Terry Naylor take charge, but he lasted just seven games, and the club finished bottom and suffered relegation to the Kent League. In 1990 Phil Emblen became manager, securing the Kent League title and promotion back to the Southern League in 1993.

League reorganisation in 2004 saw the Angels placed in the Isthmian League Premier Division. They were relegated in their first season but bounced back at the first attempt in 2006, defeating Dover Athletic 3-2 in the play-off final in front of a new record Longmead Stadium attendance of 1,863.

Under manager Tommy Warrilow Tonbridge finished in third place in the Premier Division in 2009, but lost in the play-offs to Carshalton Athletic. A year later they again reached the play-offs, and with victories over Harrow Borough and Lowestoft Town achieved promotion to the Conference South. Relegation back to the Isthmian League followed in 2014.

Steve McKimm took over as manager, and in 2016 Tonbridge finished fourth but lost to East Thurrock in the play-offs. A year later they missed the play-off places by a point, and last year finished 11th. After leading the table early in the season, Tonbridge dropped away, but have since climbed up to fifth in the table, having recorded impressive wins over Haringey Borough (1-0 at home) and Bognor Regis (3-2 away) in their last two games.

MEET THE SQUAD

Steve  McKimm – Manager

Steve was appointed Tonbridge Angels manager in May 2014 from Sutton Utd. Steve played with distinction as a central midfielder with Hayes, Kingstonian, and Ebbsfleet Utd before joining Sutton in May 2008. He guided the Angels to a Bostik (Ryman) Premier play-off semi-final spot in 2015/16 and the Emirates FA Cup 4th qualifying round in 2016/17.

Jonny Henly – Goalkeeper

Jonny moved to the Angels in August 2017 from Hemel Hempstead Town and was runner-up for the Supporters Player of the Year Award 2017/18. His previous clubs include Reading, Aldershot, Oxford Utd, Welling Utd and Ipswich Town, and he has also represented Scotland at U19 and U21 levels.

 Arthur Lee – Defender

Arthur signed from Hendon in July 2018, where he was club captain and led the side to the Bostik Premier play off final last season, only to lose narrowly to Dulwich Hamlet in a penalty shoot out.

Liam Smith – Defender

Liam is described as an exciting young prospect who broke into the Angels first team from the club’s successful youth system.  Said to show great maturity, he enjoys attacking down the flank when operating at full back.

Jack Parter – Defender

Jack was one of Manager Steve McKimm’s first signings in September 2017, a re-signing for the Angels after trying out with Welling in the National South. He is an ever present in their 1st team squad and  landed in Kent’s “team of the week” last week.

James Folkes – Defender

James returned to the Angels in June 2018 where, before a spell with Grays Athletic, he made 128 appearances over three years. He is a popular and versatile player who can operate in defence or midfield.

Craig Stone – Defender

Craig is an experienced player who can operate at full-back or in central defence. He moved to Angels in July 2017 from National League South side Eastbourne Borough, having previously been with Gillingham, Ebbsfleet Utd, Maidstone Utd and Dover Athletic.

Sonny Miles – Defender

Sonny came through the Angels youth system and captained the side with distinction for much of 2017/18 due to long-term injury to skipper Tom Parkinson. Said to be capable of scoring vital goals at set pieces, he spent  one season away from his mentor club with local rivals Maidstone Utd.

Tom Parkinson – Midfielder/Captain

One of Angels longest continuously serving 1st team players, Tom joined from Leatherhead in June 2014. He is usually employed in the heart of midfield but equally capable of performing in central defence. Tom was appointed 1st team captain in 2016/17 but unfortunately was out for much of last season with a broken leg.  He has previously played for Maidstone Utd and Ramsgate.

Jared Small – Midfielder

Jared impressed the Angels when playing against them for Harlow in 2017/18, and consequently signed in June 2018. As well as Harlow Town, Jared has previously played at Brentwood Town and Enfield Town. 

Joe Turner – Midfielder

Joe is a talented left-sided player who joined the Angels in August 2017 from Kingstonian. He enjoys playing just behind the strikers or as a wideman. Joe swept the board at last season’s player awards evening, winning Manager’s Player of the Year, Player’s Player of the Year, and Supporter’s Player of the Year which says everything about his value to the Angels.  

D’Sean Theobalds – Midfielder

D’Sean is described as a playmaker who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, but equally capable of taking up great positions off the ball. He signed from Leatherhead on Christmas Eve 2018, and previously played for Aylesbury United, Redbridge and Barkingside.

Adem Ramadan – Midfielder

Adem first came to Angel’s notice when he played for Phoenix Sports against them in a FA Trophy tie two seasons ago.  Adem is now back to full fitness following a major groin operation that put him out of the game for 18 months and is valued by the club as a lightning quick winger.

Tom Beere – Midfielder

Tom joined the AFC Wimbledon academy after a short spell at Millwall, having left Fisher Athletic when he was 15. Now 24, Tom has made 26 appearances for the Angels this term and returned a miserly 1 goal scored back in August.

Alex Read – Forward

Alex arrived at Longmead in June 2018 from Harlow Town with an outstanding pedigree of 178 goals in 278 appearances for the Hawks. But goalscoring is not the only part of his game, and he is valued for his ability to hold up the ball during a forward push.  

Chinedu McKenzie – Forward

Chinedu joined the Angels in January 2019 from Haringey Borough where he was part of the successful squad that reached the 1st Round proper of the 2018/19 FA Cup.   

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:
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.

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.

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

OPPONENTH/ADATE
Corinthian-CasualsASat 9th Feb, 3pm
Dorking WanderersHSat 16th Feb, 3pm
Carshalton AthleticASat 23rd Feb, 3pm

Click here for a full fixtures list

Click here for full season stats

TODAY’S TEAMS

Today’s teams will be published here when announced…

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