Welcome to The Dripping Pan for our Emirates FA Cup tie with Leatherhead. Here is your complimentary matchday programme, which we call the Progcast.

In today’s issue:

• Live match updates
• Darren from the Dugout
• Chairman’s Notes
• Today’s match music
• Recent match review
• Today’s oppponents: Leatherhead
• Sponsor your favourite player
• The unreal world of football shirts
• Stodgebusters on Tour

LIVE MATCH UPDATES

You can get full updates from today’s game, including team line-ups, goals and substitutons, in the panel below. It will automatically update throughout the game. Data supplied by FootballWebPages.

DARREN FROM THE DUGOUT

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

CHAIRMAN’S NOTES

Good evening and welcome to the Dripping Pan for the final part of the trilogy of games against Leatherhead.  I’d like to welcome the fans, players, management and officials from the Tanners and thank them again for their hospitality over the last couple of weeks in our visits to Fetcham Grove.

We could have only wished for another chance to play Leatherhead at half-time on Saturday when we trailed 2-0 but a very strong second half performance saw us leave slightly disappointed that we didn’t win the game. I can still hear the post vibrating after Hammo’s injury time shot smashed against it. An inch to the left and we would have been in the next round.

Tonight’s winners (and that means the potential for extra-time and penalties) will face Bowers & Pitsea in ten days time. The FA, for all of the criticism they get over certain things have made some positive steps in changing how prize money is shared in the qualifying rounds. So defeat tonight would not only deprive us of £4,500 in prize money but also at least £2,250 as that is the money given to the losers in the Second Qualifying Round. As a club we do not budget for anything above the losing pot for the first round we enter and so for every round we progress in, it is valuable cash in helping us run the club.

It was a fantastic sight on Saturday to see not only Harry Reed and Alex Malins on the subs bench but also Leon Redwood going through his paces before the game. With Brinky close to a return it seems that some of our injury woes are coming to an end. It was Alex’s first appearance in a Rooks shirt for what seems like an eternity but how good was it to see him play.  He’s always such a calm player on the ball and that was evident as he strode forward in the 75^th minute and delivered a perfect ball into Dayshonne Golding to equalise.

We’ve brought in a few new players to strengthen our squad and will continue to assess our strengths and weaknesses. We’ve not had the best of starts but we could and should have got something out of every game we’ve played and I am sure that will be the objective from now on. Whilst Folkestone Invicta and Haringey Borough have set an early pace, they are both beatable and we will continue to take heart that this season will be one where any one of a dozen teams could be promoted, which is why it is important we have a strong squad. That is why we have dual registered some of our younger players such as Tegan Freeman (to Saltdean United) so they can get some game time whilst we can also keep an eye on their progress.

Last week the club won a very prestigious award, sponsored by the United Nations for gender equality, called the HeForShe Inspiration Award which recognises the work the club has achieved to promote the message of equality both from a Men’s and Women’s perspective. This is a massive honour for the club, validation that our work is being seen on a global scale. Well done and thanks to everyone who contributes to our message on a daily basis.

On Sunday our Lewes Women drew 1-1 against Crystal Palace against a fantastic crowd of over 700 on a beautiful sunny day.  The result extends the team’s unbeaten start to the season and they head to new girls Coventry United next Saturday before returning to the Pan on the 22^nd September when Crystal Palace are the visitors again, this time in the Continental League Cup.

Unfortunately, I will be in the US tonight so will miss the game but I am sure Spooky will lift the atmosphere and cheer us on to victory.

Come on you Rooks!

Stuart

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.

RECENT MATCH REVIEW

Today’s meeting with Leatherhead comes after last weekend’s pulsating 2-2 draw at Fetcham Grove. Here are the match highlights from Your Instant Replay:

The Saturday before, we faced Leatherhead in the league, when we emerged 4-1 victors. Here are the highlights from that game:

Our legendary club photographer, James Boyes, captured the ecstasy of all four goals:

TODAY’S OPPONENTS: LEATHERHEAD

Leatherhead Football Club was formed by the merger of Leatherhead Rose and Leatherhead United in 1946, the new club moving into United’s Fetcham Grove ground – their current home – and joining the Surrey Senior League.

Leatherhead won the Surrey Senior League four times in a row, joined the Metropolitan and District League in 1950, and were founder members of the Delphian League in 1951. After seven seasons they moved on to the Corinthian League, and were its last champions in 1963 before joining the expanded Athenian League. They won Division One in their first season to gain promotion to the Premier Division and inaugurated their floodlights in a match against Fulham (who fielded a side that included George Cohen, Alan Mullery, Bobby Robson and Johnny Haynes). Leatherhead joined the Isthmian League in 1972.

In the 1974-5 season Leatherhead enjoyed a famous FA Cup run, dispatching Colchester United 1-0 in round two, while ‘Leatherhead Lip’ Chris Kelly’s goal defeated Peter Taylor’s Brighton and Hove Albion at the Goldstone Ground in round three. Leatherhead conceded home advantage to Leicester City in round four, and led 2-0 before bowing out 2-3. In subsequent years Leatherhead enjoyed further cup success against Football League opposition, beating Ron Atkinson’s Cambridge United and Northampton Town at the Grove. In 1978, Leatherhead reached the final of the FA Trophy, losing 1-3 to Altrincham at Wembley.

In the League Leatherhead suffered relegation in 1983 and 1990, climbing back to Division One in 1997 only to be relegated again in 2001. A year later league reorganisation placed them in Division One South. Mick Sullivan led them to a fifth-place finish in 2010, suffering play-off defeat but winning the Isthmian League Cup. A year later Leatherhead beat Dulwich Hamlet 4-3 in a play-off final that went to extra-time, gaining promotion to the Premier Division for the first time since 1983, but were relegated again the following season.

A third-place finish in 2014 and play-off success against Guernsey and Folkestone Invicta – the final decided on penalties – saw Leatherhead return to the Premier Division. Jimmy Bullard was briefly manager during the 2016-17 season, and was replaced by Sammy Moore who took Leatherhead to their highest placing in recent years, just missing out on a play-off spot on goal difference. He moved on to Concord Rangers in the summer and was succeeded by Nikki Bull. Last season Leatherhead again just missed out on the play-offs, finishing eighth.

Leatherhead have yet to win a game this season, and despite creditable draws at Horsham and Folkestone our recent 4-1 win there puts them bottom of the current league table, two points behind us. We returned a week later, this time having to come from two goals down at half-time to earn Saturday’s 2-2 draw that sets up tonight’s replay, the third meeting of the two sides in a week and a half.

MEET THE SQUAD

Nikki Bull –Manager/Goalkeeper

 Leatherhead turned to the experienced former Aldershot Town goalkeeper to lead them as their new player/manager in the summer of 2018. Nikki made nearly 400 appearances in total for Aldershot and then Wycombe Wanderers before dropping into non-league football with Margate, where he also had a spell as manager during their stay in the National League South.

Zaki Oualah – Goalkeeper

Popular 24-year-old goalkeeper now in his second spell at the club, Zaki signed in May 2017 and was a vital part of the Tanners squad that reached the 2^nd Round of the FA Cup. He re-signed in September 2018 after spells with Aldershot Town, Hayes & Yeading and Hendon, and a host of others.

Andrew Blake – Defender

Graduate from Tanners U21 side having previously played for Greenwich Borough, Andrew mpressed when called upon last season as either a right-back or centre-half.

Callum Driver – Defender

Callum is a right-back who came through the ranks at West Ham Utd. He made his Hammers debut in an FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest in 2014. After being released he had a short spell at Whitehawk before signing for Dartford. He joined Maidstone in May 2015 helping that club achieve promotion to the National League. He subsequently had spells with Hemel Hempstead and Welling Utd before re-joining Dartford in May 2018. He signed for the Tanners in September.

Misha Djemaili – Defender

Versatile young player equally at home at full-back or in midfield who was a member of the Essex County Schools side that won the English Schools Football Association U18 County Trophy in 2017. Previously with Ebbsfleet Utd’s academy side he joined the Tanners in February 2019.

Craig McGee – Defender

Craig came through the Academy and Reserves ranks at Sutton Utd before signing on at Fetcham Grove in January 2019. He established himself in the starting X1 towards the end of last season with a series of impressive displays.

Jerry Nnamani – Defender

Formally of Bromley, Crystal Palace and Sittingbourn, Jerry is a club legend having made over 350 appearances since signing for the Tanners in 2011. He is solid at the back, good in the air, and hugely popular with the Tanners fans.

Will Salmon – Defender/Club captain

Centre-half Will began his career with Aldershot Town before moving to AFC Wimbledon and then Ebbsfleet United in the Conference Premier in the 2009-10 season. Switched to AFC Telford and was part of their Conference North promotion-winning side, going on to make over 80 appearances before moving to Bath City in the summer of 2013. Also played at Woking and Met Police, he signed for Tanners in May 2018.

Charlie Dawkins – Midfielder

Charlie was a member of the Chelsea Academy. In 2017 he signed for Aldershot as a 15-year-old. The attacking midfielder signed for the Tanners in the summer.

Travis Gregory – Midfielder

Travis is a winger who started his career with the academies of Chelsea and Glasgow Rangers. Signed from Greenwich Borough in June 2018 he is a firm favourite with the supporters for his wing wizardry.

Charlie Hester-Cook – Midfielder

Charlie played for the Tanners for the second half of last season on dual registration forms from Woking having come through the Cards Academy system. He quickly became a fans favourite for his combative displays in the middle of the park. He signed permanently for the Tanners in the summer.

Ezra Ikebuasi – Midfielder

Ezra joined Tanners from Burgess Hill in October 2018. He previously played in Ireland and for Sutton Utd’s Academy sides.

Steve Sardinha – Midfielder

South African born playmaker with an eye for goal, Steve made his Tanners debut in January 2019. His previous clubs include Bishops Stortford, Dulwich Hamlet, Basildon Utd and Clapton.

Will Seager – Defender/Midfielder

Will came through the club’s Academy side. He is comfortable playing at full-back or in midfield. He signed first team forms in 2017 and made his first start in a County Cup win in February 2018.

John Ufuah – Midfielder

John is a winger who came through the Dartford Academy system. He had a spell with Three Bridges last season before returning to Fetcham Grove, making his Tanners debut in August 2018.

Jack Skinner – Midfielder

Jack is a young midfielder who spent the second half of last season at the Grove on dual registration from Woking.

Tommy Wood – Forward

Tommy progressed through the youth set-ups at Wycombe Wanderers and Reading, and in 2015 joined Burnley where he was named Youth Team Player of the Year. A centre-forward who signed for the Dons in July 2018 Tommy was a regular in their U23s last season. He signed on an initial month’s loan in September.

Eddie DSane – Forward

Eddie spent his youth playing at Crystal Palace before moving to Preston North End and then Fleetwood Town.  He also played for Longford Town and Finn Harps in the Irish Premier Division. After a brief spell at Chipstead, Eddie started the 2018/19 season at Whyteleafe, netting 14 goals before Christmas. He then joined Maldon & Tiptree to help their promotion push and netted a further 14 goals. He joined Tanners in the summer.

Daniel Olusemo – Forward

Daniel spent last season in the National League with Braintree Town. His previous clubs include Leighton Town, Aylesbury Utd and Ware, he signed for the Tanners in September.

SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER

The Supporters Club are once again selling player and management sponsorship to raise money for the club. Grab your player before your favourite goes!

Costs are as follows: Home Kit – £75. Away Kit – £75. Training Kit – £25. Boots £25.

Contact: david.arnold@me.com or see David or Barbara on match days.

Thanks to the following sponsors who’ve signed up so far!

DARREN FREEMAN

HOME: REG FREEMAN

JORDY MONGOY

HOME: SAM & JOE BARKER

TOM DAY

HOME: STUART ELMER

FRANKIE CHAPPELL

HOME: SUSIE ARLETT

JAMES HAMMOND

HOME: STUART FULLER

AWAY: STUART FULLER

MICHAEL DOME-BEMWIN

HOME:  TONY HARMAN &YEOVIL JOHN

AWAY: YEOVIL JOHN & TONY HARMAN

THE UNREAL WORLD OF FOOTBALL SHIRTS

Stuart Fuller on the pros and cons of counterfeit shirts

A few weeks ago, I was approached about attending a conference where the main topic under discussion was the growing issue of counterfeit, or fake, football shirts. It came at a time when Luton Town announced on social media they had discovered counterfeit Hatters shirts on sale in the town, denying them valuable revenue.

Those who know me will understand how passionate I am about intellectual property infringement, more so when it comes to football – a situation when work and passion collide. But football shirts are an interesting topic to think about as there are actually two sides to every story.

So the case for the prosecution. Counterfeiting is bad. Very bad. It is linked to some very bad things – think organised crime and the like. It funds some nasty things and you can be quite sure that those who are “involved” in the manufacture of such items wouldn’t be voting for their employer in any Great Places to Work survey.  It is purely about making as much profit as possible and so often materials (or ingredients if we are talking food, drink or medicines) are not at the quality we expect or even safely need. 

The great thing about Social Media is that it allows us to interact with people and companies around the world with almost no barriers to entry.  The bad thing is that it allows counterfeiters to interact with potential consumers around the world with almost no barriers to entry. In other words, a counterfeiter will use exactly the same strategy to win new customers and their business.

By buying any counterfeit item you are depriving the legitimate brand owner revenue, which will reduce their profits (their costs stay the same as they have to still manufacturer the items) and could lead to job losses. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that counterfeiting costs the European Union around 800,000 jobs and billions in tax revenues. It is a catch 22 for many of the manufacturers – to prevent counterfeiting, they have to invest more in research and development to integrate features that prove it is genuine and that adds to the cost of the shirt which in turn increases the purchase price.  Whether manufacturers would reduce their prices if counterfeiting was eradicated is another question, although I think we all know the answer to that.

It is not illegal to unknowingly buy a counterfeit item but the law is slightly greyer when it comes to knowingly buying something that is clearly a counterfeit item.  It IS certainly illegal to knowingly sell counterfeit items and that was what the raids in Luton related to.  I don’t think anyone will get their collar felt for wearing a fake football shirt but why bother?  I was recently in Marrakesh for work (ironically at a conference focusing on protecting brand holder against counterfeiting) and went to the famous Night Market.  Wandering around the stalls there you could choose almost any luxury brand bag, shoes, watch and football shirt.  They were even selling Spurs shirts with “2019 Champions League Winners” sewn under the badge.  Nobody bothered the sellers…which leads perfectly on to a case for the defence.

OK, I am not going to defend the work of the counterfeiters because as you may now understand, that I am vehemently opposed to the practice.  But if someone in Morocco, India or Thailand buys a fake Spurs shirt, is the club harmed in any way?  That person may only to have a few dollars spare to buy such an item and an original shirt is simply out of their reach. 

But by choosing to buy that “replica” Spurs shirt, they are in a way buying into the Spurs brand. Football clubs do not measure their global supporter base by the number of official shirts they sell – that could be one measure but I am sure most of us probably own a football shirt or three from clubs that we don’t actually support but simply like the shirt (or is that just me as I am wearing my Bethlehem Steel away shirt from 2017?). At some point in time if Spurs came to Marrakesh, Jakarta or Bangkok then that fan may have enough spare money to buy a ticket to see them. Is s/he any less of a fan because of their financial situation?

I think it may be a few years before we need to have to worry about any fake Lewes shirts but even though the counterfeiters will follow the money, we can stop it now. If there is no demand for any product, manufacturers, whether they be authentic or not, will not supply it (the basic rules of market equilibrium for the economists among you). In the words of Shaw Taylor (millennials, ask your Dad), “Keep ‘em peeled”.

STODGEBUSTERS ON TOUR

Our stodge-seeking superfans join the Jolly Boys And Girls Outing to Margate before paying a visit to Leatherhead

It would be fair to say that we had an indifferent start to our league campaign with a draw and two defeats from our first three league games. With the club running a coach it seemed a good idea for the Stodgebusters to take advantage of this for the trip to Margate. With Turnstile Alan and Roly electing to drive from Eastbourne it was the hard core of Gary the Badge, Malcolm and PJ who elected to climb aboard the coach at 10am for the journey to the Kent coast. We gave the coach radio a quick once over. It didn’t look like a Del Boy type.

As we settled into our seats it was puzzling, and disappointing, to see a total of only six fans were on board. It was a good job we had some players on to swell the numbers.

We were delighted when we arrived in Margate just after 1pm, we toyed with the idea of having lunch with Mrs.Cresswell and Inga at the Villa Bella while keeping a look out for Trigger’s dolphin. 

In the end we retreated to the bar for some cold liquid refreshments. Gary and Malcolm had started their day in Lewes with an all you can eat Premier Inn breakfast so food, unusually, wasn’t high on the list of priorities. It was a bit too hot to eat anything anyway. A bacon roll for Gary and sausages and chips for Malcolm were consumed before kick off and both were acceptable although PJ was not impressed with his portion of soggy chips. 

Getting close to kick-off we headed for the little stand behind the goal and some shade. It was hot. Very hot. So hot that the all-metal stand was like an oven. It was actually cooler in the sun!

As the game kicked off in the searing heat it became a closely fought affair. Disaster struck when the home keeper cleared a corner with a decent punch and seconds later the ball was in the back of our net. The scorer had the freedom of Kent to head past a woefully exposed Nathan. We were still playing well though and a couple of decent chances came and went. 

The second half was much like the first and Hammo was unlucky with a superb free kick which came crashing back off the bar. We still hoped we could pinch at least a point but with a few minutes to go a slip in midfield resulted in their striker running through unchallenged for number two. 

It had been very disappointing and we still had that coach journey to think about. Thankfully, we were back in Lewes at 8.15 exactly 12 hours since Gary and Malcolm had met for breakfast. It had been a long hot day but enjoyable with fellow fans as it always is.

Next up for the Stodgebusters are successive weekend visits to Leatherhead for league and FA Cup action. 

LEATHERHEAD

We were getting worried. Five games into the new season and still only one point. Only two goals scored in those games. Worst of all we had just been beaten at home by old rivals Horsham. Losing to Worthing had been painful enough, but losing to Horsham as well was about as much fun as a visit to the dentist.

Some new faces had been acquired by the manager during the week but we still weren’t too confident of getting a result at Leatherhead unless form picked up remarkably.

As fate would have it this would be the first of two trips in a week to Leatherhead. We would be there the following week too for an FA Cup tie. Fed up with the incompetency of the rail companies we decided to take to the road for this one. It’s an easy road trip and daylight both ways at this time of year so PJ fired up the trusty old Ford Galaxy. 

Joining us for this journey and becoming a Stodgebuster for the day would be the aptly named Steve Rook, another long standing Lewes supporter. Most of us met up at PJ’s place at High Noon and picked up final Stodgebuster Malcolm at Carden Avenue for the short drive North. PJ’s  satnav, complete with comical Ozzy Osbourne voice directions, is almost as old as the car and tends to do its own thing every so often, usually at the most inappropriate moments. And it did while approaching Leatherhead and trying to find the ground. Fortunately it’s well signposted and Ozzy’s directions weren’t needed.

We parked up at the ground and had over an hour and a half to squeeze in some lunch. So we made a bee-line for the excellent DeNiro cafe up in town. A firm Stodgebuster favourite. But what a catastrophe! The cafe was closed. The notice in the window said something about gas issues within. We weren’t interested in that. We wanted some lunch.  It was almost cold sweats and panic as some of us hadn’t eaten for nearly two hours.

We wandered off aimlessly into the town centre looking for food like a pack of hungry wolves. Poor phone signals meant we couldn’t make much sense of Google maps efforts at finding us a suitable eatery. We saw one or two possibilities but at least one member of the group gave them the thumbs down so we passed them by. We always stick together in times of crisis.

In desperation we even considered breaking one of the Stodgebusters sacred commandments and going into Wetherspoons, where several other Rooks fans were already sampling the ales. Wetherspoon’s food has been taboo since our infamous rubber eggs and cremated bacon incident at Enfield Town a few seasons ago. We swore then that we would never dine there again. But things were getting desperate. 

Just in the nick of time there came Salvation in the form of a nice little place called the Sunshine Cafe just across the road from the Wetherspoons. It was busy, probably due to the other cafe being closed, but nothing was going to stop us going in. We found a couple of tables and plonked ourselves down. This was perfect. Four versions of a full English and one fish and chips, teas and a coffee all served up by a very pleasant young lady. It was all very nice indeed. So nice, in fact we might even give the DeNiro a miss and go back there in future, starting with the cup tie next week. We had five very satisfied diners for about thirty quid. Can’t be bad. 

We strolled back down to the ground and had about twenty minutes before kick off to bandy some words and boast about full English breakfasts with all the usual faces who follow the Rooks on the road such as Gary the Post and Pitch Artist Roger.

We still weren’t confident about the game. We would probably have taken a draw but we desperately needed to get the season rolling. We fielded one of the new signings. Martyn Box at left back. We started brightly and were on top with Dayshonne causing them the usual trouble down the right. On about ten minutes Charlie Coppola was put through and he finished well past the keeper. We were leading! For the first time this season!

Soon, a good low cross from Jordy Mongoy got to the foot of the far post where an unfortunate defender couldn’t sort out his legs in time and put the ball into his own net. At last we were playing well and making chances galore. Jordy could have had a hat trick himself, although the home team were guilty of missing one open goal too.

Two up at half time. It could easily have been five–one. But that would do.

Charlie had played really well but was subbed at half time probably due to injury. It didn’t affect Lewes much though and we still looked dangerous going forward. A lovely move ended with the impressive Box firing home for three nil on the hour. That was that, although Leatherhead did pull one back and there were fleeting thoughts about what would happen if they nicked another. It might be like the Alamo. The doubts didn’t last long though when Kayne Diedrick-Roberts, on as Charlie’s sub, was put through and finished well.

Four-one. Could have been eight. We were well happy with that and gave the boys a lengthy and well deserved round of applause at the final whistle. Everyone had played well and, at last, a journey home with something pleasant to discuss. 

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