Welcome to The Dripping Pan for this evening’s Pitching Inn Isthmian Premier League game with Worthing. Here is your complimentary e-programme.

WELCOME TO THE DRIPPING PAN UNDER (NEW) LIGHTS

CHAIRMAN’S NOTES

If we had been able to finish last season then there is no doubt that Worthing would have been a shoe-in for the playoff spots, if not automatic promotion. They were the best team I saw last season, closely followed by Cray Wanderers and it is no surprise that both teams have a 100% record already this season.

Our recent games against Worthing have seen goals a-plenty, with 22 in our past four encounters as well as four red cards. I’d happily see a scrappy one goal game as long as it is the Rooks who score it!

Saturday saw our first competitive home fixture with COVID-19 restrictions in place. There were a few teething issues but on the whole I was pleased with our organisation and social distancing measures we put in place. It is an ever-evolving process and the only way we can make things smoother, whilst maintaining the requirements for Social Distancing. Thank you to everyone who has given us feedback.

On the field we were undone by two mistakes and a goal that could grace any football pitch. I felt we played well without creating many chances and that is still a concern for Hugo and I. We now have a number of attacking options and if we can eliminate the silly defensive errors that have cost us goals in our first three games then we will start seeing some returns from games.

One really positive aspect of the game on Saturday was the performance of Brad Santos who always looked a threat on the ball. Whilst Brad is one of the youngest players in the squad at just 18 years old, he showed no fear when he had the ball and created numerous chances. New signing Jude Arthurs also had a solid game in midfield, including one of the most bizarre assists of the season when his goal-line clearance flew over the head of the last defender and allowed Aaron to go on and score.

On Sunday our Women’s team beat Coventry United in the FA Women’s Championship. Unlike the game on Saturday, and this evening, no spectators were allowed to watch the game because the Women’s team are considered “Elite”. Same stadium, same capacity, same social distancing rules, same ball, same rules on the pitch yet for some reason the FA and Government deem that fans will behave differently. It is utter madness that fans cannot watch football at levels above us here in Step 3. The higher you go, the more capable teams are to handle limited capacities in bigger stadiums.

I have read numerous stories about clubs at Steps 1 and 2 fearing for their future. Part of the issue is the situation with contracted players – few clubs at these levels can compete without contracts in place but with no financial help for all clubs from the FA, the Government and the Premier League, the situation does look dire.

Let’s get behind the team again tonight – the support on Saturday was excellent. Keep your distance and COME ON YOU ROOKS!

Stuart

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.

Lewes 1 Brightlingsea Regent 2 – Saturday 26th September 2020

BOYES ON FILM – BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT

ISTHMIAN PREMIER LEAGUE UPDATE – SATURDAY 26th SEPTEMBER

Ian Townsend from the Isthmian League brings us up to speed on the games from last weekend.

Since promotion to the Premier Division, seven has become Bowers and Pitsea’s favourite number. Last season it was Brightlingsea Regent who were on the end of a seven goal thrashing, but today’s victory was even more incredible, as the side on the receiving end of it were Leatherhead. The hosts were two goals up by the break, Billy Knott and Daniel Trendall getting them, but that gave little clue to what was going to come in the second half, as Trendall, Max Cornhill, Knott, Quentin Monville and Suaibo Balde made it a fairly awful trip back to Surrey for the Tanners- and sent Bowers top of the table.

The last time East Thurrock United hosted Cray Wanderers, back in February, Cray triumphed by the only goal of the game. Today they got three, with two from Joe Taylor and one from Freddie Parker, to end the day in second. The Rocks got a late consolation, through Jonathan Nzengo, but it didn’t even come close to stopping Wands going two hundred and seventy five days unbeaten. If they can keep that run going until Boxing Day- the date of their last defeat- they’ll surely be well on the way to promotion!

Worthing are in third place, as Kingstonian’s start to the season went from bad to worse as the Mackerel Men scored four on the road. Ollie Pearce got two, Joel Colbran and Jasper Pattenden the others, and the visitors were given a helping hand by former Rook Gus Sow’s dismissal.

Enfield Town bowed out of the FA Cup on penalties on Tuesday night, but they had a strong start last weekend, walloping Lewes four goals to one- and made it two wins from two at Merstham. Billy Bricknell got the winner three minutes from time.

Haringey Borough came from behind to go fourth. Jordy Mongoy put visitors Bognor Regis Town into a first half lead, but after the break Roman Michael Percil got the equaliser from the spot, before Laste Dombaxe got the winner fifteen minutes from time.

Cheshunt continue their fine start by picking up a second three points of the season at Horsham. Rob O’Toole put the hosts ahead, but the equaliser came quickly, Jamie Reynolds with it, and fourteen minutes from the end the Ambers defeated the Hornets, Joe Re with the goal. That makes it three matches in all competitions and three wins for Craig Edwards men.

Carshalton Athletic have been scoring goals for fun, thirteen in three matches before kick off today, and by half time had made it fifteen from four, David Fisher with his fifth of the season, Omar Koroma with his third. Hosts Margate didn’t give up, however, and an own goal followed by a ninetieth minute equaliser from John Ufuah earned them a point. The Robins are seventh, the Blues are eighth.

Hornchurch followed up their opening day win over Merstham with a comprehensive display against Bowers in midweek, but couldn’t make it three from three at Bishop’s Stortford, as the Blues Ryan Henshaw got the only goal of the game.

Folkestone Invicta knocked Wingate and Finchley out of the cup last weekend, and the Blues must be sick of the side from the Kentish coast as Invicta hit them for four this afternoon. Every goal came after the break, and the first one was scored in the 57th minute- an own goal to put Invicta ahead. Ian Draycott and Aaron Simpson made it three, and although Suleiman Bakalandwa got one back Scott Heard made it four in the last minute.

Finally, Potters Bar Town hosted Corinthian-Casuals. All three goals came in the last twenty five minutes, and the visitors got the first two of them, both from Bradley Wilson. Samson Esan got one back, but the equaliser didn’t come.

AROUND THE PAN – CLUB NEWS

Lewes 1 Coventry United 0
Our Women’s team got their first points of the season on Sunday when they beat Coventry United in the FA Championship thanks to a first-half strike from skipper Rhian Cleverly. They head to Dartford this Sunday to take on London City Lionesses.

Under18s update
Our Under18s christened the new floodlights with a win on Thursday night in the FA Youth Cup against Alford and now travel to Godalming Town on Monday 5th October in the next round. On Thursday night they kick off their Isthmian Youth League campaign with a home game against East Grinstead Town, kick off 7:45pm.

Player Sponsorship
Men’s and Women’s Player sponsorship is now available via the Lewes website.

Rookie Kickers – Kids community Football

BECOME AN OWNER

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WELCOME THE REBELS FROM DOWN THE ROAD TO THE PAN

Worthing Association FC was founded in February 1886 and played home matches mostly in the People’s (now Homefield) Park until the Club moved to Beach House Park in 1889.

Worthing reached their 1st Senior Cup final in 1891-92 (losing 5-3 to Brighton Hornets) before winning the 1892-93 final 2-1 against Eastbourne at the County Ground, Hove. This was the first of a record 21 Senior Cup wins, the most recent being in 1999.

In May 1900 Worthing and Worthing Athletic merged and in 1901 the Club moved to its current home, then known as the Sports Ground, now as Woodside Road.

In 1907-08 Worthing reached the quarter-finals of the FA Amateur Cup, where we drew 1-1 away to the eventual winners Depot Battalion Royal Engineers, before losing the replay 1-0 before a then record crowd of over 3,100.

After World War I, in 1919-20, Worthing competed in 2 leagues, being founder members of the Senior Division of the Brighton, Hove & District League and rejoining the West Sussex League. The following year we helped found the Sussex County League and resigned from the West Sussex League in protest at a rule change. The County League championship was won for the first 2 seasons: another 6 titles were won during our stay in this league.

The FA Cup 1st Round Proper was reached in 1936-37, Worthing losing 4-3 at Yeovil & Petters United. In the 4th Qualifying Round we had beaten Wimbledon in front of our highest reported crowd of 3,600. This year also saw the first of 3 AFA Senior Cup finals reached, Worthing losing 7-1 to Harwich & Parkeston. The other 2 finals, in 1947 and 1949, were both lost to Cambridge Town.

In 1948-49 Worthing joined the Corinthian League. Little success was had in this league, finishing bottom 4 times. The best season was 1949-50, when a highest placing of 5th was achieved, along with reaching the Corinthian League Memorial Shield final for the only time (losing 2-1 to Erith & Belvedere).

The Corinthian League became Division 1 of the Athenian League in 1963 and Worthing enjoyed immediate success, being promoted as runners-up to Leatherhead as well as reaching the Athenian League Memorial Shield final (losing 2-1 to Chesham United on aggregate) and winning the AFA Invitation Cup (3-1 away to Harwich) for the first of 4 occasions.

Worthing left the Athenian League in 1977 to become members of the newly formed Isthmian League Division 2.

Barry Lloyd was appointed manager in 1981 and the Division 2 title was won in 1981-82, with prolific goal-scorer Micky Edmonds scoring 53 goals. In 1982-83 we won the Division 1 title and reached the 2nd Round of the FA Cup, losing 4-0 at Oxford United. The next 2 seasons saw Worthing finish as runners-up in the Premier Division to Harrow Borough and Sutton United, respectively.

At the end of 1984-85 the Club’s main stand burnt down. In 1985-86 we reached the last 16 of the FA Trophy; then Barry Lloyd left to join Brighton & Hove Albion and the following year Worthing were relegated from the Premier Division. Four years later we had a disastrous season, finishing bottom of Division 1 with only 10 points and having conceded 157 goals.
Former Northern Ireland international Gerry Armstrong was appointed manager in 1991-92 and the following season Worthing became the first club to win Division 2 for a second time.

Armstrong left in the summer of 1994 to be replaced by his coach John Robson. Premier Division status was regained as runners-up to Boreham Wood in his first season and the FA Cup 1st Round reached again (losing 3-1 at AFC Bournemouth after taking the lead).
Worthing finished bottom in their first season back in the Premier and Robson was replaced as manager. Others followed before Brian Donnelly became manager at Christmas 1996. Under Donnelly’s leadership, Worthing staged a remarkable late season recovery, winning their last 5 games to escape relegation on the last day. “Sammy” was to remain manager until November 2001 when Barry Lloyd returned for his second spell in charge.

In 1998-99 we were finalists in the Isthmian League Full Members’ Cup and won the Sussex Senior Cup for the first time in 21 years. 1999-00 saw us reach the FA Cup 1st Round for a 4th time, losing at Rotherham United.

In 2001 Worthing celebrated 100 years of playing at Woodside Road, an event marked by the publication of the first book devoted to the Club.

In 2003-04 we finished 2nd in the league and thus regained our Premier Division place. Cup runs saw us reach the Senior Cup final and the last 32 of the FA Trophy, being beaten by eventual winners Hednesford Town.

In 2005-06 our youth team won their division and reached the 1st Round of the FA Youth Cup for the first time. Our first team had topped the Isthmian League at New Year 2006 but eventually just missed out on a play-off spot.

The following year we got relegated, but did reach the Senior Cup final for the 28th time. Our youth team were again champions and also captured the Isthmian Youth Cup for a second time. In 2007-08 they became founder-members of the Isthmian Youth League and won the Sussex FA Youth Cup for only the second time.

The management partnership of Alan Pook and Danny Bloor resigned at the end of 2008-09 and Simon Colbran took over. He lasted just one season, at the end of which we lost in the play-off semi-final for the 3rd year in a row. Colbran resigned in the close season and was replaced by Chris White.

Chris’s first season, Worthing’s 125th, saw us fielding a completely new squad of players and we managed to win some silverware, defeating Horsham in the last match of the season to secure the Brighton Charity Cup.

In October 2013 and after a period of caretaker management under Mick Fogden and Jon Meeney, Adam Hinshelwood took the reigns on Christmas Day. The recently retired former Brighton & Hove Albion professional immediately went about re-building the side with young, hungry players. Coupled with the experience of Fogden and the enthusiasm of the young Meeney, hopes are high for a more settled and productive future.

2018-19 started promisingly but an unprecedented number of injuries and suspensions – eleven players were out at one stage – saw a play-off place slip away in the final five games, to leave the team in ninth at the end of April. Although it was still our highest finish since we came eighth in 2005-06 and teenage prospect, Kwame Adubofour-Poku signed for Colchester United after only joining us in February. Both major cup competitions were exited in the last qualifying round. The U-18’s were only denied a championship-winning campaign on goal difference by Lewes but continued to be a vital source of first team talent. Previous Management duo, Matt Langley and Bob Crayton left the club in February, as part of a reshuffle and saw their places taken by Aarran Racine. Despite taking the side to the top of the table after being the first – and only – team to win at Eastbourne Borough. The Women had a mid-table term as they struggled for consistency amid changes in the dugout, with the hugely experienced former Albion and Fulham Boss, Michelle Lawrence taking over in the close season. Our Academy lads finished fourth in their inaugural campaign and many progressed into the Seniors, while the newly-introduced U14’s, U’15’s and U16’s all came third in their debut year. The U16’s almost put a trophy in the cabinet but were beaten in the League Cup Final.

The following campaign was unprecedented, as Coronavirus spread around the world and ended all football in mid-March. Many thousands lost their lives and our national sport concluded with a mixture of null and void and Points Per Game. Our own Isthmian League went for the first of those options early and so we’ll never truly know whether we’d have held on to become Champions or competed in the Play-Offs for a place in National South. Only an extra time defeat to the full-time pro’s of Brighton and Hove Albion denied us an appearance in the final of The Sussex Senior Cup, too. Once again, one of our number progressed to the professional ranks as seventeen-year-old Fin Stevens moved to Championship side Brentford.

Special mention must also go to the U18’s, U16’s, U15’s, U14’s and Women’s teams who were all top of their respective divisions when we suddenly stopped. In fact, the women had mathematically achieved promotion with a 100% record and had one hand on the title, only for everybody’s results to be expunged meaning they’ll have to start all over again in 2020-’21 to attain Premier status. The U18’s were robbed of a potential double as they prepared to take on perennial rivals, Lewes in the Dennis Probee Cup Final but one piece of silverware did manage to find it’s way to Woodside thanks to the U16’s coming from behind to beat Eastbourne-based Select Soccer 4-1 in the John Davey Cup Final, after a Harry Margeson hat-trick and ‘Tony Adams moment’ from Captain Danny Howick.

Form this season
Sat 19th Sept – IPL – Folkestone Invicta (A) – 2-1 – Aguiar, Pearce
Tues 22nd Sept – FAC – East Grinstead Town (A) – 3-3 (lost 4-3 on pens) – Starkey, Diallo, Golding
Sat 26th Sept – IPL – Kingstonian (A) – 4-0 – Colbran, Pearce x 2, Pattenden

ADAM HINSHELWOOD Manager
Well known in local circles after making his name at Brighton & Hove Albion, Adam made the move into coaching as Manager of his local club, Selsey, either side of spells as Assistant Manager at Hastings United and Burgess Hill Town. He took charge of his first game as Worthing Boss after being appointed on Christmas Day 2013. He narrowly missed out on the Division One South Play-Offs in 2014/15 before he was enticed back into the full-time ranks as Manager of Brighton’s U18s. Started the 2017/18 campaign at Hastings United, where he was also responsible for their Academy, until he answered the call from Woodside Road that September.

ROCO REES Goalkeeper
Former Brighton & Hove Albion U-18’s goalie who joined us on a brief work experience at the start of last term.

AARRAN RACINE Defender/Captain
Aarran started out at Southampton, joining their academy at U15s and signed a professional contract in October 2008. After several years at St Mary’s he was released in May 2012; plays centre-back.

CAMERON TUTT Defender
His footballing journey commenced with Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-18’s, where he debuted for them at Southampton in November 2017 but it was the following campaign that he became a regular. He was released from The Amex and made his debut for Worthing last season, but a broken foot at Whyteleafe meant a delayed competitive debut until October’s visit to Cheshunt.

JOEL COLBRAN Defender
In his second spell at the club after playing for our U18s, Joel is a full-back who picked up the Manager’s Player of the Year Award in 2018.

LEON MOORE Defender
Leon is a full-back who made the step up from South-East Division side, South Park, having also turned out at that level for Whyteleafe.

SAM KEEFE Defender
Sam worked his way up from the U14s to U23s at Charlton Athletic, captaining the U18s along the way. Sam was released from The Valley in February 2020.

DANNY BARKER Defender/Midfielder
Danny began his career at Brighton & Hove Albion where he captained their U18s and was promoted to their U23s at the start of 2017/18. Unfortunately, after playing his first game against Newcastle United, injury cut short his time with The Seagulls and he joined Worthing in the February.

ALEX PARSONS Midfielder
Alex began his career at Bournemouth in League One in 2012. He joined Worthing in 2017 after spells with a variety of clubs including Hampton & Richmond Borough, and Bognor Regis Town.

MARVIN ARMSTRONG Midfielder
Marvin trialled with Worthing last Summer, but it was his stunning solo effort at Three Bridges that really made people sit up and take note and sealed a move to Woodside.

RICKY AGUIAR Midfielder
An U18 with both Shoreham and Lewes, where he won Sussex and Isthmian Youth Cup honours as well as helping the young Rooks go all the way to the third round of The FA Youth Cup in 2017/18. Ricky played for both Sussex and Sussex Schools U18s, earning him a place in the English Colleges squad. He ended his first full campaign as Manager’s and Player’s Player of the Year, picking up the former again in a truncated 2019-20.

JASPER PATTENDEN Midfielder
He played for his current Manager in Brighton & Hove Albion U14s and was with the Seagulls from under-8s up to under-16s. Jas shot to prominence 2018-19 after making his debut in the FA Trophy replay at Burgess Hill Town at the end of October. Formerly with the U18’s where he ended the last campaign as their Player of the Year.

REECE MYLES-MEEKUMS Midfielder
Reece is a winger who featured in Brighton & Hove Albion’s youth team at the tender age of sixteen. He signed for National League Bromley after his release by Brighton, and joined Worthing in 2017-18.

DAYSHONNE GOLDING Midfielder
Dayshonne scored eleven goals in thirty-five appearances on the wing for us before leaving for Worthing last February. He started his career on the books at Dartford, and also played for Hastings United.

SHAQUILLE GWENGWE Midfielder/Forward
An impressive tally of fifteen goals in just thirteen appearances as part of a final total of twenty-four in thirty-five for Wessex League (Step 5) Andover Town in 2018-19 sealed a move up to then Southern Premier South side, Blackfield & Langley. He is now looking to cement his place with Worthing as a winger.

MO DIALLO Forward
Mo started out as a youngster with Arsenal and Stoke before moving into non-league football with Lewes and then onto Newhaven. He has also played for Bognor Regis Town.

OLLIE PEARCE Forward
After several years at local rivals, Bognor Regis Town, Ollie made the move along the coast in 2018 closed season. A home-grown Rock, Ollie made his first team debut at seventeen before going on to enjoy a goal-laden career at Nyewood Lane. His only other club has been Midhurst & Easebourne FC, whilst he also represented England Colleges.

TOM CHALAYE Forward
Tom joined Worthing after a spell at National League, Aldershot Town. He is a tall but skilful striker who made his debut as a substitute at Bowers & Pitsea in November 2019 when he scored his first senior goal for the club.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Non-League football is great but for a growing band of fans of the beautiful game, the lure of a watching a game in a new town/city/country/continent is often too strong to resist. The budget airline revolution plus the power of the Internet has made it easy to see whether Saburtalo Tblisi are at home in the first week of November (they are), as well as what the most cost-effect route is to get to Georgia (£195 with Air France via Paris CDG) and where to stay (The Communal Hotel Solokai if you want a recommendation). However, COVID has scuppered the plans for even the most ardent of football fans.

Back in April when football was postponed at all levels in the UK, the Belarusian Premier League became the only league in Europe that was still going ahead and in many instances, having fans. Having been to Minsk to watch England play, there’s very little in the city to attract tourists from overseas but it seemed the lure of watching a game, even with stringent restrictions in place, saw a few fans head to watch the likes of FC Isloch, Dynamo Brest and Torpedo Zhodino. The irony of the situation as despite fans being welcome, the local fans boycotted games due to concerns over social distancing and the spread of the virus.

As a seasoned Football Tourist I have been lucky to have seen football in 49 countries (50 was supposed to have been Malaysia). On Wednesday I am flying to Thessaloniki, the home of PAOK and the infamous Toumba Stadium, without a doubt one of the most “atmospheric” in the world when it is full. As luck would have it, PAOK will be at home just hours after I land, in a Champions League Play-off Round. Alas, as with all games in Greece, it will be played behind closed doors.

But is there anywhere currently in the world where fans are still being welcomed into football and could be on the radar for the Football Tourists? Absolutely, and not as far away as you think.

In Germany, fans have been allowed back in certain regions, where infection rates aren’t too high and local authorities have approved the social distancing measures put in place by clubs. Borussia Dortmund have been allowed just over 9,000 fans but don’t get too excited as the club has over 60,000 season ticket holders. If you want your fix them perhaps look further down the leagues where average attendances are lower. There’s few better places to watch football than in Germany, with a beer and a sausage so a good weekend tip is Berlin or for somewhere a bit different, Saarbrucken in the South-West where third-tier FC Saarbrucken reached the semi-finals of the German Cup last season and have recently moved back to their spiritual home, the Ludwigsparkstadion.

France was the first major league to curtail its 2019/20 season but one of the first to allow fans back in many stadiums. Unfortunately, some of the bigger clubs such as PSG and Nice will play behind closed doors but most others have been allowed up to 1,000 fans. However, with a high infection rate, games are likely to be cancelled at short notice. With France on the UK’s self-quarantine list still, it may be some time before Football Tourists can head to a game.

Italy seems to offer some renewed hope of progress towards a decent amount of fans in the stadium. After the first few weeks of the season have seen up to 1,000 in Serie A stadiums, recent talks have floated the idea of increasing the limit to 25% of the capacities, which would mean up to 20,000 fans at the San Siro, slated for demolition in the next few years. With so many Serie A and B clubs playing between Milan and Bologna it is hard to go wrong with a weekend in that region. There’s currently no restrictions on travel to and from Italy and flights are plentiful.

Spain has seen a rising number of cases in the past month and restrictions in the major cities are tight which has also impacted football with no games at the professional level being played in front of fans.

Other potential destinations for the Football Tourist include Budapest where last weekend 7,000 people watched Ferencvaros in the Groupama Arena and on Thursday 20,000 fans saw the European Super Cup Final. Hungary is not on the Self-Quarantine list at the time of writing although cases of COVID-19 are rising fast.

In the Netherlands, fans have been allowed back into grounds as well but rules require that they not only comply with social distancing but refrain from chanting. In Denmark, crowds have also returned but in very small numbers – less than 250 watched The New Firm derby last weekend as FC Copenhagen were beaten by Brøndby last weekend.

FRIES OR PIES – THE DRIPPING PAN SOCIAL DISTANCING PLAN

i. The Red Zone for players and officials and staff members only who are adhering to strict COVID protocols.
ii. The Amber Zone “Fries Side” which includes the Mountfield Road bank and the Philcox Stand – and importantly, the loaded fries hut. Please stand in the Red Boxes to ensure social distancing.
iii. The Amber Zone “Pies Side” – which includes the seated stand and the Ham Lane stand – and importantly, access to the pies via the Hatch. Please stand in the Red Boxes on the Ham Lane stand to ensure social distancing.
iv. Seating in the main stand will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis – there is no seating advance allocation.
v. Seating will incorporate social distancing – fans who wish to sit in family/friend ‘bubbles’ may do so; ‘bubbles’ must maintain distancing, as marked on seats; fans are asked to use gangways responsibly to maintain social distancing.
vi. Matchday stewards and volunteers will be on hand for seating arrangement advice – fans are kindly asked to follow their guidance
viii. The Rook Inn will be divided into two sections – accommodating Pies and Fries sides of the ground, with no access between the two areas.

2020/21 FIXTURES

ON THE ROAD TO – WINGATE & FINCHLEY – SAT 3RD OCTOBER

About The Maurice Rebak Stadium
The Maurice Rebak Stadium, named after one of the founders of the club is a pretty decent ground in pleasant surroundings. The main stand, notable for its art-deco curves and glass holds around 400 and is raised above ground level so that you get a nice elevated view of the game. In front of is some uncovered terracing, backed by a hedge. There is a decent sized covered terrace to the left, behind the goal. Opposite is another covered terrace, but this time narrower and only a few steps.

How to get to The Maurice Rebak Stadium
The ground is actually relatively straight forward to find – the issue is the traffic! Head up the A23/M23 then head into London on the A2 and pass under the Blackwall Tunnel. Follow the A12 until it reaches the A406 North Circular at The Redbridge Roundabout and follow this west0wards (anti-clockwise). Stay on the A406 until you pass by the BP garage where the road reduces to two lanes. At the junction with the A1000 (East Finchley) leave the road. At the end of the slip road turn left at the lights. Go straight over the next set of lights, then after 100m pass through another set of lights. Then at the next set of lights turn right into Summers Lane. The ground is a few hundred metres down on the right-hand side. Do NOT park in the rugby club next door as you may get locked in, instead use street parking. Distance from Lewes is 94 miles and should take around 2 hours to drive.

The nearest station is New Southgate in Travelcard Zone 4, approximately 1.5 miles from the ground. At the top of the station steps take the right-hand gangway which brings you onto Station Road. Head left up Station Road towards bus stop. The regular 382 service to Millbrook Park goes via Summers Lane and takes about 5-10 minutes. You will need to alight at the Woodgrange Avenue stop, which is a short walk to the ground.

The nearest Underground station is West Finchley Station (Northern Line – High Barnet branch). The station is a 10/15-minute walk away from the Ground. Alternatively go to East Finchley Station and get a 263 bus heading North towards Barnet. Get off at the bus stop just after Summers Lane traffic lights.

Admission at The Maurice Rebak Stadium
Admission this season is £12 for adults, £6 for concessions (senior citizens and students), Under16s £3 and accompanied under 12s are admitted free of charge.

Fancy a beer?
The nearest pub to the ground is the Elephant Inn on the corner of Ballards Lane and Hutton Grove (on the walk from West Finchley tube) which has some decent beers and a Thai restaurant upstairs. The Tally Ho is your nearest Wetherspoons, located as Finchley High Road splits just north of the ground but I’d imagine a fair few fans will head for the Bohemia in High Road, known for its excellent selection of craft beers.

ON THE ROAD TO BOWERS & PITSEA – TUESDAY 6th OCTOBER

About the Len Salmon Stadium
The ground has gone through a major transformation in recent years after the club’s promotion to the Isthmian Premier League last season. The club installed a 3G pitch for the start of the aborted 2019/20 season as well as redeveloping a couple of the small stands around the pitch. It is a compact ground but has plenty of cover and more than adequate for the club and their ambitious plans.

How to get to the Len Salmon Stadium
The ground isn’t easy to reach by public transport with the nearest train station, Pitsea, being a forty minute walk away. Basildon has more trains but it is 3 miles from the ground. Buses 5 and 28 both run from the station to Crown Avenue.

So driving is the best option but allow plenty of time to navigate the Dartford Tunnel. When you are through the tunnel take the junction 30 and head East onto the A13. After 14 miles take the turn off for Pitsea.

At the roundabout take the first exit so that you pass Tesco’s on your left. At the next roundabout take the third exit (Ashlyns) – go straight at the next roundabout (approx. 20 metres). Follow the road until the next roundabout and take the second exit and then take the first left into Kenneth Road. Follow the road to the end and turn right and then immediate left into the ground.

Visitors car park is at far end of clubhouse building. Access to clubhouse via pathway between clubhouse and football pitch then side door beside patio area.

Admission to the Len Salmon Stadium
The club sell tickets in advance via their website although they also accept payment by card or cash at the gate. Admission is £12 for Adults, £6 for Concessions, £3 for Under12s and Under6s are admitted free with an Adult.

Fancy a beer?
There’s not a lot around the ground although The Gun on London Road, about 20 minutes walk from the ground is recommended.

TODAY’S TEAMS

Teams will appear here when announced

LEWES (Red and Black shirts, white shorts, white socks)

1 Nathan Stroomberg-Clarke
2 James Beresford
3 Leon Redwood
4 Merrick James-Lewis
5 Kiran Khinda-John
6 Christian Frimpong
7 Brad Santos
8 Jude Arthurs
9 Aaron Cosgrave
10 Luke Blewden
11 Tom Bolarinwa

12 Gary Noel
14 Ronnie Conlon
15 Fintan Walsh
16 Ross Barclay
17 Nic D’Arienzo

Worthing

1 Roco Rees
2 Joel Colbran
3 Lee Moore
4 Danny Barker
5 Marvin Armstrong
6 Aarran Racine
7 Jasper Pattenden
9 Dayshonne Golding
10 Oliver Pearce

11 Jess Starkey
15 Reece Myles-Meekums

8 Ricky Aguiar
14 Shaquille Gwengue
12 Cameron Tutt
16 Thomas Chalaye
17 Sam Keefe

Referee: John Pike
Assistant Referees: James Kerten, Jamie Wells

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, Jon Ruben, Roger Warner
Co-opted Directors Michelle Bowie Krige, Claire Rafferty
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

NEXT UP – MARGATE – SATURDAY 10th OCTOBER 2020 – 3PM