Welcome to The Dripping Pan for today’s Bostik Premier League game with Whitehawk. Today is our designated ‘People’s Game’, the day we say thank you to public-sector workers – police officers, NHS staff, social workers, firefighters, and anyone else who works for the state – by offering free admission. It’s a small gesture of thanks for the people who keep our society healthy, safe, educated and well-managed.
If you like what we’re doing here at Lewes FC, we’ll hope you’ll come back or maybe even consider becoming an owner.
If you’re a public-sector worker, please bring your staff identity pass (or similar) to the game and enter via the turnstiles. We hope you enjoy your day.
IN TODAY’S PROGRAMME
- Darren from the Dugout
- Chairman’s Notes
- Today’s Match Music
- Recent Match Review
- Today’s Opponents: Whitehawk
- Sponsor a Lewes FC Player
- Stodgebusters On Tour
- Today’s Teams
- Forthcoming Fixtures
DARREN FROM THE DUGOUT
Hear Darren’s thoughts on today’s game by clicking the Play button below:
If anyone has any questions for Darren, for women’s manager Fran Alonso, or for the club’s board of directors, join us in the boardroom from around 5:30pm, where we will be holding one of our regular Fans Forums.
CHAIRMAN’S NOTES
Good afternoon everyone and welcome to The Dripping Pan for this very special game against our neighbours and good friends from Whitehawk. I’d not only like to welcome the fans, players, management and officials from our
There are a few familiar faces here today. On the field we will see Henry Muggeridge, forever immortalised as a Lewes legend by THAT kiss with Ethel when he scored the winner for us at Brentwood Town four years ago, and it is great to welcome back Kevin Miller who served us so well for many years. Also here today is a group of former players, once again expertly marshalled by Terry Parris. Terry takes up the story from here.
“It is important that the club recognise the contributions made by others over the years. As a result of this we aim to get a number of veteran managers and players back once a season. We have chosen the Whitehawk game particularly, as they are our closest neighbours and we have made many friends over the years. Ray Smith and I have been busy in contacting people and this season we have more than ever, and we also welcome some of our Whitehawk veteran friends. Sadly, Terry Graves who was planning to
Let’s give the former players a huge round of applause when they appear on the pitch at half-time and thanks again to Terry Parris for organising the meet-up today.
Darren has also been busy adding to the squad as the Non-League registration window looms. After Mohammed and George joined us last week we added Ola Adeyemo from Walton Casuals. We’ve now got Alex Malins, Steve Brinkhurst, Ronnie Conlon and Leon Redwood all recovering from surgery – I’m sure their rehabilitation sessions are a bundle of fun, comparing scars! We wish them all speedy returns.
On Wednesday we hosted Tonbridge Angels and had to settle for a goalless draw. The turning point was obviously the penalty miss (I have to say though I thought it was a harsh decision) but we created the better of the chances in the game against a strong and physical Tonbridge side who are sitting in the play-offs. Some will see it as two points lost, rather than a point against a play-off rival which is my view.
One of the other hats I’ve worn for a few years is as a director with Supporters Direct. The organisation is now being merged with the Football Supporters Federation and it is fantastic to report that our very own Richard Irving has been appointed the new Club Network Manager for the organisation. Congratulations Richard!
On Sunday our Girls Under-16s side take part in the Club’s first final of the season as they head to Lancing FC to take on Mile Oak Under-16s in the Sussex County Cup Final,
Finally, I wanted to pay tribute to someone a bit closer to home for me. Nearly three weeks ago my young niece’s boyfriend lost his life in a tragic car accident in Lincolnshire. Jack Varah was just 18 years old and loved his football, being a fan of the Non-League game. When we met, our common language was football and his death leaves a huge hole in his family as well as in the life of my niece’s. RIP Jack.
Come on you Rooks!
Stuart
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.
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.
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.
RECENT MATCH REVIEW
Lewes 0 vs Tonbridge Angels 0, Bostik Premier League, 27th February 2019
This season’s two abandoned games have produced an eerie coincidence. The replays have resulted in goalless draws, with Lewes having a penalty saved in each game. Watch match highlights from Your Instant Replay below:
Watch Darren Freeman’s reaction to the game:
And James Boyes’ brilliant photos capture the agony and the, well, agony:
George Tuson-Firth makes his home debut 
Stacey watches an airborne angel 
Ready, steady, Mo! New boy Mohamed Diallo 
Tuson-Firth is downed by the Tonbridge keeper 
The ref points to the spot 
Ben Pope despatches the spot-kick 
But it’s saved and he loses the tussle for the rebound 
No penalty for this blatant tug on Wilder 
Ola Adeyemo makes his first appearance 
Omarr fires a shot late on
TODAY’S OPPONENTS: WHITEHAWK
Founded in 1945, Whitehawk have had two periods of unprecedented success: the first, between 1948 and 1952, when the Hawks were promoted four times to reach senior county level where they remained until 2010, and secondly when three further promotions in four seasons under Darren Freeman took them to the Conference South.
The club was founded in 1945 as Whitehawk & Manor Farm Old Boys FC. They finished champions of the Brighton, Hove & District Football League in 1951 and 1952, becoming the only team from that league to have won the Sussex Senior Cup (in 1951).
In 1952 they stepped up to the County League, moving to the Enclosed Ground in 1954, and changing their name to Whitehawk FC in 1960. In 1961–62 under manager Billy Thew, Whitehawk won the first of four County League titles as well as the Sussex Senior Cup, beating Eastbourne United 4–0 at the Goldstone.
Champions again in 1964 and 1984, Whitehawk won the County League for a fourth time in 2010 under Darren Freeman, thus gaining promotion to the Isthmian League. The Hawks also reached the semi-final of the FA Vase, losing 4-1 on aggregate to Wroxham of the Eastern Counties League Premier Division.
In their first season in the Isthmian League Division One South Whitehawk finished third, but suffered an end-of-season play-off defeat on penalties to Leatherhead. The Hawks finished as Isthmian League Division One South champions the following season, as well as lifting the Sussex Senior Cup after beating Crawley Down 2–1 at the Amex. The club achieved back to back promotions by winning the Isthmian League Premier Division at the first attempt in 2013 to earn a place in the Conference South.
After achieving three promotions in four years Darren Freeman was sacked in January 2014 and replaced by Steve King. In 2015 Whitehawk finished fourth in the Conference South, earning a place in the play-off final against Boreham Wood, which was lost 2-1 after extra time. Whitehawk completed the season with a 5–0 victory over Lewes at the Amex to lift the Sussex Senior Cup.
In 2015–16 the Hawks reached the first-round of the FA Cup for the first time, winning 5–3 against National League Lincoln City. In the second round the Hawks drew 1–1 at League Two Dagenham & Redbridge. In front of a record crowd of 2,174 at the Enclosed Ground, the Hawks lost the second-round replay 3-2, the match broadcast live by BT Sport.
In February 2016, the club parted company with King, and under new manager Argentinian Pablo Asensio the Hawks finished the season in style, but lost in the promotion play-offs to Ebbsfleet United. However, a poor start to the following season saw Asensio sacked, his place taken by a dizzying succession of managers, including, amongst others, former Eastleigh manager Richard Hill, who left after ten games to take up a scouting post at Aston Villa; former Crystal Palace goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman; and former boss Steve King in September 2017.
The upshot of these troubled couple of seasons was relegation in 2018 to the Isthmian League Premier Division, and the appointment of successful under-18 manager Jude Macdonald as first team manager prior to the new season. Three straight wins have lifted the Hawks off the bottom of the table to 19th, just above the relegation places.
MEET THE SQUAD
Jude McDonald – Manager
Jude was the highly successful Hawks U18 coach and manager for five seasons, winning an unprecedented treble in 2017 and the double in 2018. He also coached the Sussex Schools FA U18 team that won the nationals against Northumberland in 2016. Jude is Senior Lecturer in Sport at Greater Brighton Metropolitan College and was appointed Hawks first team manager in May 2018.
Melvin Minter – Goalkeeper
Melvin started his career at Hayes & Yeading before being signed by Brentford. He played 6 times for The Bees U21 before being released at the end of the 2013-2104. He has also played for Canvey Island, North Greenford United, AFC Hayes, Hendon, Farnborough, Hanwell Town, and Harrow Borough. He signed for the Hawks in July 2018.
Fintan Walsh – Defender
One of the millennial kids, Fintan was born in Worthing on 16 February 2000. He signed his first senior contract with The Hawks in June 2017 while still a member of their U18 side. In December 2017, Fintan was selected to captain the English Colleges FA team.
Aaron Goode – Defender
Experienced defender Aaron signed for the Hawks in June 2018 and scored on his league debut after just four minutes. Aaron was a youth player at Walton & Hersham and later at Kingstonian. He also had a year as a professional at QPR before joining Tooting & Mitcham. Made a debut for Hawks in August 2018.
Sinn’Kaye Christie – Defender
Sinn joined the Hawks on a month’s loan from Hastings United in November 2018. The deal was subsequently extended until the end of the season. Amongst other clubs he has also played for QPR (U23), Potter’s Bar, Leatherhead, and Merstham.
Henry Watson – Defender
Worthing-born Henry played for the Hawks U18 as a 16-year old before joining Worthing where he was first-team captain for a spell. He re-signed for the Hawks in January 2019 after leaving Burgess Hill.
Henry Muggeridge – Defender/Midfielder
Former Lewes favourite Henry signed for the Hawks in June 2018 and was made captain. Before joining the Hawks, Henry played under his Dad, Sean, the Crowborough Athletic Manager in the Southern Counties East Premier Division. As a youth, Henry started his career with Fulham, then Bristol City and Charlton Athletic.
Rhyle Ovenden – Midfielder
Rhyle was released by Brighton & Hove Albion at 16 and had a year as a professional at Watford. He has played for Wales at each age group from U16 to U20 and scored the winner in an U17 tournament in Russia in a 2-1 win over Iceland. Midfielder Rhyle re-joined the Hawks on loan from Worthing in January 2019.
John Paul Kissock – Midfielder
JP has played for the England national team at U16, U18 and C level. He was at Everton for 12 years before being released in 2009. Amongst his other former clubs are Hamilton Academicals, Southport, Luton Town, Macclesfield Town, Oldham Athletic (loan), Ebbsfleet United, Southport, and Welling United. JP made 33 appearances for Hawks in 2014-2015 and re-signed in January 2019.
Rob Deda – Midfielder
Brighton-born Rob was selected for Sussex U16 in 2016 while at Hove Park School, for the County U18’s in 2017 and 2018, and the full England Schools squad in 2018. A stand-out performer in the Hawks youth team, the centre midfielder signed for the first-team squad in October 2017. Having missed the first half of the current season with injury, Rob made his first league appearance against Worthing in January.
Eze Ebuzoeme – Midfielder
Starting his career with Millwall, midfielder Eze made one appearance for England U16 in 2014 against Belgium. In January 2018, after just five appearances at Hastings, Eze earned himself a deal at Getafe in Spain where he played for their reserve side in the third tier. He didn’t settle and returned to England after asking to be released from his contract. He signed for the Hawks in January 2019 from Hayes & Yeading in the Bostik South Central.
Ky Marsh-Brown – Forward
Chiswick-born Kyjuon-Jaeger Marsh-Brown joined the Hawks in September 2017, having appeared briefly for Bedford Town and Egham Town, following his release from Brentford FC Academy. Ky’s brothers, Ronayne and Kwai, have also appeared for The Hawks. Ky made his debut for England C against Ireland in 2018.
Duane Ofori-Acheampong – Forward
Duane made his Hawks debut in their 3-0 away win over Harlow last Saturday. Signed from Woking, the 26 year-old has also played for Braintree, Harrow Borough, Torquay Utd, Dover Athletic, and Dartford.
Lucas Rodrigues – Forward
Brazilian-born but Brighton-educated, Lucas Santos Rodrigues, is the Hawks’ longest serving player, having signed a senior contract in July 2016 after being an integral part of the U18 side. 20 year-old Lucas is studying to be a PE teacher at Brighton University; he made his Hawks debut in February 2016.
Nathaniel Pinney – Forward
Nathaniel came through the youth system at Selhurst Park, where he was a contemporary of Wilfried Zaha. He made one brief substitute appearance for Palace in the Championship, before being released in 2012. He was a major player at Eastbourne Borough, where he spent three seasons, 2014-17, scoring a goal every three games, including the one that won the Sussex Senior Cup against Worthing at the Amex in 2016. Nathaniel has played for millions of other clubs, and scored on his first debut for the Hawks at East Thurrock in 2017; re-signed for the club in November 2018 from Welling United.
Jason Williams – Forward
Starting as a youth player at Southend United, Jason went on to make 13 first team appearances for the Shrimpers before being released in 2017. He scored more than a goal every two games for Bishop’s Stortford in the Southern League Premier Division before ending last season at Kingstonian whom he left for the Hawks in July 2018.
Connor Tighe – Forward
21 year-old Connor was released by Brighton & Hove Albion in 2017. He re-signed for the Hawks in October following his departure from Burgess Hill Town where his goals did much to enable the Hillians to avoid relegation, ending the season as that club’s top scorer in 2018.
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.
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:
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
ROGER FELTHAM’S TRACTOR
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.
STODGEBUSTERS ON TOUR
After an enforced leave of absence, our fry-up-seeking supporters are back with a trip to Carshalton.
It had been a while since our last escapade. The Stodgebusters had been all geared up for the Corinthian Casuals game a couple of weeks ago earlier and were actually on the train when the astonishing news came through that the game was off. So we found ourselves standing on
Dejectedly we journeyed back to Uckfield, but we didn’t allow this major setback to ruin the day completely so we strolled up to the Courtyard Cafe for lunch. We needed to waste some time. If we got back home too early there could be a chance of our partners suggesting shopping, DIY or something equally onerous. So a long leisurely lunch it was. The Courtyard is a favourite haunt of Gary the Badge, but we couldn’t give him any stick for his recommendation as it was very good.
So it was onto our next awayday at Carshalton Athletic via The Galaxy Cafe. It was still utter carnage on the Brighton mainline so it was Plan B again: PJ driving the gang to Uckfield and picking up the 10.33 train from there.
This week we had the pleasure of Turnstile Alan joining us with his yellow jacket. Unusually, he was not away on holiday and had offered to drive to the game, but we had talked him into coming with us and enjoying the splendour of the train journey.
A couple of other regulars were on the train too. A change at East Croydon went well but we had to change again at Streatham. A few minutes before the Carshalton bound train was due the word that every Stodgebuster fears popped up on the info board. DELAYED. Then it got worse. CANCELLED.
As we all stood there looking at each other and cursing GoVia the question was what do we do now? The only information was an extremely annoying pre-recorded message telling us, many times, that our train, and the following services, were cancelled. Well thanks, we knew that! How about some helpful advice on how to get to Carshalton instead?
Alan helpfully reminded us that he did offer to
Twenty five minutes and twenty five quid later we were dropped outside the Galaxy Cafe in the High Street. At least it saved us the walk from the station and split five ways it seemed reasonable.
We have been to the Galaxy cafe before. It’s a very nice place with very pleasant staff who happily rearranged a couple of tables to accommodate the five of us. PJ went for bangers and mash which contained a small mountain of mash you could nearly ski down. Lasagne, pie and chips, omelette and a Full English were ordered elsewhere. After an extra round of drinks on the house we left a healthy tip and headed for Colston Avenue fully satisfied.
We have never had much luck at Carshalton. Nice ground but we couldn’t remember ever winning there. We weren’t that confident for this game either considering all the absences due to injury and main goal scorer Jonte having moved on to greater things.
It was all very even although the home side looked a little more dangerous up front and more likely to score. They had ex-Rooks favourite Peter Adeniyi in the middle of the park pulling all the strings. He is still a class act even though he hardly runs at all these days and he can really pick a pass.
Ten minutes into the second half and a free kick to Lewes was swung into the box where Stacey swivelled and crashed the ball into the net. We still weren’t overly confident of hanging on to the lead though as the Robins pressed again and sure enough they equalised with a
We trudged dejectedly back to the station discussing where it had all gone wrong and wondering where our next win is going to come from. We were down to tenth in the league from being top a few weeks earlier. At least the trains home were on time. So we thought.
You can usually count on GoVia to disappoint. And they did. Two minutes before our service was due that dreaded CANCELLED word popped up again on the information board. That went down like a lead balloon and was greeted with one or two expletives as we weren’t in the best of moods. Alan reminded us again that he had been willing to drive. With no helpful advice forthcoming we jumped on a Victoria train and eventually got back to East Croydon just in time for the Uckfield service.
What a bleedin’ day. Trains
The Stodgebusters will return at Corinthian Casuals.
TODAY’S TEAMSl
LEWES
| LEWIS CAREY | 1 |
| MICHAEL DOME-BEMWIN | 2 |
| HENRI WILDER | 3 |
| OMARR LAWSON | 4 |
| FRANKIE CHAPPELL © | 5 |
| STACEY FREEMAN | 6 |
| JAMES HAMMOND | 7 |
| MOHAMED DIALLO | 8 |
| BENJAMIN POPE | 9 |
| GEORGE TUSON-FIRTH | 10 |
| KIERON PAMMENT | 11 |
| DAYSHONNE GOLDING | 12 |
| CHARLIE COPPOLA | 14 |
| THOMAS DAY | 15 |
| LUKE BLEWDEN | 16 |
| OLAJUWON ADEYEMO | 17 |
WHITEHAWK
| 1 | MELVIN MINTER |
| 2 | FINTAN WALSH |
| 3 | AARON GOODE |
| 5 | YANNIS AMBROISINE |
| 6 | SINN’KAYE CHRISTIE |
| 7 | LUCAS SANTOS RODRIGUES |
| 8 | JOHN PAUL KISSOCK |
| 9 | DUANE OFORI ACHEAMPONG |
| 10 | HENRY MUGGERIDGE © |
| 11 | KYJUON-JAEGER MARSH-BROWN |
| 17 | NATHANIEL PINNEY |
| 4 | RHYLE OVENDEN |
| 12 | EZECHUKWN EBUZOEME |
| 14 | JASON WILLIAMS |
| 15 | HENRY WATSON |
| 16 | CONNOR TIGHE |
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
| OPPONENTS | H/A | DATE |
| Corinthian-Casuals | A | Tues 5th Mar, 7:45pm |
| Folkestone Invicta | A | Sat 9th Mar, 3pm |
| Brightlingsea Regent | A | Sat 16th Mar, 3pm |
Click here for a full fixtures list
Click here for full season stats
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