Welcome to The Dripping Pan for our BetVictor Isthmian Premier League game with Bognor Regis Town. Here is your complimentary matchday programme, which we call the Progcast.

In today’s issue:

• Live Match Updates
• Boss Talk
• Chairman’s Notes
• Recent Match Review
• The Post-War Rooks
• Barry Collins’ Sec’s Life: Losing One Of Our Own
• Today’s Opponents: Bognor Regis Town
• Sponsor Your Favourite Player

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.

CHAIRMAN’S NOTES

Good evening and welcome to the Dripping Pan for this evening’s Isthmian Premier League game against Bognor Regis Town. I’d like to welcome the fans, players, management and officials from down the A27 and hope their journey home this evening is problem free.

It is fair to say that the mood around the Pan at 5pm on Saturday wasn’t good. All of the hard work we had put in, since Hugo joined less than two weeks previously, came apart in a ninety minutes everyone would rather forget against Brightlingsea Regent. The visitors arrived in bottom place, yet somehow we allowed them to rectify that with a tame performance that spoilt most of our weekends. We had played well against two of the top three in the previous week but just didn’t turn up on Saturday. There are no excuses for the performance and I can only hope we’ve all learnt a painful lesson that won’t be repeated.

Quite rightly a lot of fans have expressed their disappointment and anger at the performance on social media and the Forum and you have every right to do so. But I do see the same threads appearing suggesting the poor performances on the pitch are somehow linked to our Pay Equality stance, the beach huts, the craft beer (I’m not 100% sure if that is a genuine one but…), the food, the media attention. Absolutely none of those things detract or distract from what we should be doing on the pitch.

Stability in terms of our starting XI continues to be an issue with injuries and illness to players – unfortunately, we lost Michael on Saturday morning due to sickness causing us to reshuffle the team again. The good news is that Gary Noel’s ankle injury isn’t as bad as first thought and he could be back in the squad in the next couple of weeks. And Charlie Coppola was hoping to have a scan this week to give him the news he can start to play again. Charlie has been instrumental in us picking up points this season and we can’t wait to welcome him back.

One positive from the game on Saturday was Nic’s performance at left-back, slotting in for the injured Leon Redwood. Nic is one of many superbly talented players from our under-18s, and if we had more points on the board at this stage I dare say we would see more of them coming through to have an opportunity to play. But we are in a dogfight and know that we need to pick up points and fast. The teams below us have all been picking up points, whilst Bishop’s Stortford and ourselves have been on poor runs of form. Now, seven teams are separated by just six points, with at least one of them facing relegation. Our aim is still to finish at least top of that pack of seven, and with games still to play against two below and two above it is within our hands to do so.

On Sunday our Women’s team put up a fantastic effort against Women’s Super League Champions Arsenal in the FA Cup 5th Round at Borehamwood FC. Faced with a team full of internationals, we held Arsenal until the break before conceding twice in the second half. The support that the team got from the terraces was brilliant and it was a fitting way to make our debut live on BBC. Attention for them now turns back to the league and to secure the victories they need to remain in the Championship for next season.

Tomorrow night our Under-18s take on Montpelier Villa here at the Pan in the Semi-Finals of the Sussex Youth Cup, kick off 7:45pm. It would be great to see as many fans as possible come to see what a great squad we have under Dale Hurley.

Finally, on Friday we will be saying goodbye to two Lewes fans as Joe Arnold and Peter Hiscox will be laid to rest. Our thoughts are with both of their families.

Come on you Rooks!

Stuart

RECENT MATCH REVIEW

Lewes 0 vs Brightlingsea Regent 1, BetVictor Isthmian Premier League, 22nd February 2020

It was a Saturday afternoon to forget as our visitors from Essex took home all three points. Here are the match highlights from Your Instant Replay:

And here is Hugo Langton’s reaction:

THE POST-WAR ROOKS

Huge thanks to Ethel Treagus, who supplied us with this picture of the Lewes FC team photo from 1947.

Ethel even managed to identify the players and manager, as listed below.

Back Row from left to right
Brian Funnell, Jackie Cole, Spratt Taylor, Vic Hacket, Lou Coppard, Eric Dine (GK), Frank Morris (Trainer)

Front Row
Norman Wickens, Johnny Catt, Arthur Marshall, Clifford Steadman, Gordon Boosey

If you’ve got any Rooks history you want to share with us, drop an email to barry@lewesfc.com.

BARRY COLLINS’ SEC’S LIFE: LOSING ONE OF OUR OWN

Club Secretary, Barry Collins, pays tribute to one of his predecessors

I’ll confess, I had an inappropriate little chuckle to myself when Chairman Stu was reading out his tribute to Peter Hiscox, telling the hushed crowd that “Peter never had a bad word to say about anyone”.

Pete definitely had a few words to say if he spotted one of our lads loping around the pitch, not giving it their all. “He’s no good him, Baz,” he would tell me, having collared me in the boardroom at half-time. “He’s no good at all.”

Pete took offence to players dialling it in because he cared. Cared about the club, its reputation, that we were doing things properly. I – and I’m sure other board members over the years – got a flea in our ear if he detected that our boardroom hospitality standards had slipped. Pete wasn’t having it if all we could offer our guests was a limp cheese sandwich and a stewed cup of tea. He had a bottle of whisky stashed away in the cupboard to ensure visiting guests had “something to warm them” for their journey home. And if there happened to be a spare glass for him and Derrick, well, all the better.

Pete was a quietly generous man. On several occasions, he pulled me to one side and slipped a few notes into my pocket for the 12^th Man Fund, much like my grandad used to slip me money for an ice cream behind mum’s back. He was generous in other ways, too. On more than one occasion – when times were tough, much like they are now – he would sidle up to me in the stands and check I was OK. He knew when people were taking results to heart, because he’d been there himself.

So, Pete. I’m sorry about the soggy sandwiches and I’m sorry about the soggy performances. But most of all, I’m sorry that you’re not here to keep us in check.

Rest in peace, mate.

TODAY’S OPPONENTS: BOGNOR REGIS TOWN

Founded in 1883, Bognor joined the West Sussex league in 1896, winning the title five years in a row between 1921 and 1925, switching to the Brighton and Hove District League in 1926, and the Sussex County League a year later, where they remained until 1972. They won the County League in 1949 and the Sussex Senior Cup in 1955 and 1956.

Relegated to Division Two in 1969, they bounced back at the first attempt, and went on to win the County League the following season which was rewarded with a step up to the Southern Football League. In 1972, Bognor reached the first round of the FA Cup for the first time, losing away to Colchester United.

In 1976, former full-back Jack Pearce became manager at just 26, a position he held till 2007 (and again briefly thereafter). They finished Southern League Southern Division runners-up in 1981, switching to the Isthmian League for the following season, and winning promotion from Division One at the first attempt as runners-up. They retained the Sussex Senior Cup five years in a row from 1980 to 1984, and won the cup again in 1987 (when they also won the Isthmian League Cup).

In 1984 Bognor Regis beat a Swansea City side including Dean Saunders and seven Welsh internationals in a first round FA Cup replay, drawing 1-1 in the first tie, and winning the replay at Nyewood Lane 3-1 in front of a record crowd of 3,642. The cup run came to an end at Reading in the second round. Bognor repeated the feat of reaching the FA Cup second round the following year, losing at Gillingham. In 1988 they beat Football League opposition, defeating Exeter City 2-1 before losing to Cambridge United. And in 1995 they reached the second round of the FA Cup for a fourth time, losing 4–0 at Peterborough United.

In 1993 they finished bottom of the Premier Division, and were relegated to Division One, gaining promotion back to the Isthmian League Premier Division in 2003. The following season, a tenth place finish was enough to claim a place in the newly-formed Conference South. They remained in this league for five seasons, with the ninth-place finish in 2005 being the highest they achieved.

They were relegated in 2009, and again the following season. They won promotion back to the Isthmian League Premier Division in 2012, beating Dulwich Hamlet in the play-off final. They finished third in 2014, and missed the Premier Division title by one point in 2016, losing in the play-offs on both occasions. They did however enjoy their best ever run in the FA Trophy in 2016, reaching the semi-finals before losing to Grimsby Town.

In 2017 they finished runners-up for the second season running, but this time they triumphed in the play-offs, beating Wingate & Finchley in the semi-final and Dulwich Hamlet 2-1 in the final in front of a crowd of almost 3,500, to win promotion to the National League South. However, they finished bottom in 2018.

Last season they finished 14th, but won the Sussex Senior Cup for the first time in 32 years, defeating Burgess Hill Town in the final. They currently lie ninth in the table.

MEET THE SQUAD

Jack Pearce – Manager
Mr Bognor Regis FC, Jack is now in his 50th year with the club after joining as a player from Portsmouth. Jack has also been Player-Manager, Chairman and is now General/Team Manager/Vice Chairman of the club including responsibility for team matters. He is also a highly respected FA Councillor of many years standing and was appointed to the Main Board of the FA last year.

Amadou Tangera – Goalkeeper
Amadou is an experienced ‘keeper from the Ivory Coast, formerly with Kingstonian, Cheshunt, Merstham and Dulwich Hamlet.

Ashton Leigh – Defender
Ash joined Bognor last season from Wessex League side Baffins Milton Rovers, and has impressed with his calm, determined defensive play.

James Crane – Defender
James played for Bognor for nine years before leaving to give Worthing a lift last season, returning to Nyewood Lane in the summer. He has had an interesting career having played for Arundel, Heart of Midlothian, Reading, and Cypriot sides Famagusta and AEK Larnaca.

Eddie Wakley – Defender
Eddie is a recent signing from Moneyfields. He began his career at Portsmouth before moving on to Gosport Borough and Whitehawk.

Keaton Wood – Defender
Joined Bognor in early 2018 from Dartford, Keaton failed to pull up any trees when he began his career with Millwall before joining the Darts. He has represented the England “C” team and can play anywhere in defence.

Jerry Puemo – Defender
Among Jerry’s previous clubs are West Bromwich Albion, Scunthorpe United, and Aldershot. Jerry moved to Kingstonian in the summer of 2019 and switched to Bognor a week ago to add some steel to their central defence in the absence of injured Joe Cook.

Matt Casey – Defender
Matt has made 9 appearances since joining the Rocks in January and chipped in with a goal too. The young 6’ 7” defender signed pro forms with Portsmouth and has joined the Rocks on loan after a loan spell at Whitehawk.

Harvey Whyte – Defender/Midfielder
Tommy is the son of 1980’s Rock’s favourite Dallas Whyte. He began as a winger but is now an accomplished attacking midfielder and Club captain.

Tommy Leigh – Midfielder
Tommy followed his brother Ashton this season from Baffins Milton Rovers and marked his debut with a goal in pre-season against Portsmouth. Both Tommy and Ashton are the sons of former Rocks’ favourite Steve Leigh.

Tom Dinsmore – Midfielder
Tom joined AFC Bournemonth in 2012 and has worked his way through the development and academy ranks before penning his first professional contract after completing his two-year scholarship at the end of 2018/19. He has joined the Rocks on loan.

Tresor Shema – Midfielder
Tresor is a winger who was been recommended to the Rocks, having recently moved to England, and the club have successfully applied for International Clearance which was received last week.He is aged 22, born in Rwanda but of Dutch nationality.

Doug Tuck – Midfielder
Doug spent two years at Brighton before joining the Rocks six years ago. Though small of stature Doug has scored some valuable goals for his team and made well over 300 appearances for the club. He has chipped in with 7 this term in all competitions.

Joshua Flint – Midfielder
19 year old wide midfielder, Josh, has signed pro forms at Portsmouth after coming through their Academy, and currently on loan to the Rocks.

Ben Mendoza – Midfielder
The 23-year-old schemer had a pivotal role in a hugely successful Bognor Pebbles outfit as a youngster before heading to America to further his footballing career. And after a spell at Worthing he made the switch to Nyewood Lane in November.

Dan Smith – Forward
Dan featured in Portsmouth’s first team squad and joined the Rocks on loan last season. He moved to Cork City before signing permanently for the club this season; 24 goals in all competitions in a total 39 appearances.

Bradley Lethbridge – Forward
Brad scored a number of impressive goals last season as a hard running front player on loan from Portsmouth.

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!

NATHAN STROOMBERG-CLARKE

HOME: THE SOUL STEPPERS

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

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