Tuesday 16th August 2022 – The Isthmian Premier League – The Dripping Pan

Welcome to The Dripping Pan for this evening’s Isthmian Premier League game against Carshalton Athletic. Here is your complimentary e-programme.

DUE TO THE DROUGHT CONDITIONS AND THE EXTREMELY DRY GRASS ON THE MOUNTFIELD ROAD SIDE OF THE GROUND WE ASK THAT FANS REFRAIN FROM SMOKING IN THIS AREA

NOTES FROM THE CHAIR

Good evening everyone and welcome back for the 2022/23 season. I’m sure you will notice a few changes around the place, which I will highlight later. Welcome also to our visitors from Carshalton Athletic who are probably the opponent we have played more than any other over the last decade. Our games are always tight affairs with nine of the last ten decided by a single goal. Thankfully last season we finally broke our hoodoo and did the double over them. We hope they enjoy their brief visit to East Sussex, off the pitch at least.

We started off with a draw in searing temperatures on Saturday at Wingate & Finchley. We had a few players missing and had half the side making their debuts. I know that Tony was disappointed in only coming away with a point, especially as we had chances to win it late on. I’m sure the new players will now understand the exacting standards we set and look to improve on the point tonight.

We’ve also got new staff off the pitch. Toni Miller has joined us as our Physio (ironically, from Carshalton Athletic), Henderson Russell is our new in-game data analyst and we also welcome back Vik Dogra to our match day operations team.

Oh, and we have a new pitch, in case you had missed that news! A huge thanks to the FA who wrote the cheque, not only for the new hybrid (5% artificial, 95% real grass) pitch but also the considerable work in levelling the surface and adding in the sprinkler system. I’ve asked Ed Briggs, who oversaw the project, to write something for Saturday’s progcast.

We’ve also got a new walkway on the Mountfield Road side which finally means you can walk all around the pitch at ground level, which makes it easy to get to our new Ham Lane bar, being run by our new partners, Only With Love. Steve and Roger are not only former Lewes directors, but also still play in the Vets, having set up OWL in 2019. You’ll see some of their excellent beers and soft drinks on sale around the ground.

Two notable absentees today are Dorothy Brook and Barbara Arnold. Dorothy, wife of former Lewes Chairman Peter, sadly passed away a few weeks ago and we send our condolences to Peter and the whole family, whilst Barbara suffered a nasty fall back in July which will see her out of action from raffle duty for a few months. We wish her a speedy recovery.

Two of our loyalist fans, Dan Bentley and Liam Beresford will be honoured tonight as the Isthmian Premier League fans of the season by League Chairman Nick Robinson. The pair are at almost every game, home and away, rain or shine and their unconditional support for the Rooks is amazing. Liam contacted me last week and suggested the award was unfair on the other fans who go to so many games on the road which is typical of the selfless approach they have.

Finally, welcome back to you all. The summer is the busiest time for any football club, not least one where volunteers play a huge part. Many thanks to all those who have helped get the ground ready for the new season including the Supporters Club and naturally our fantastic staff.

Get behind the team, make some noise and Come On You Rooks!

Stuart

TONY’S THOUGHTS

Good evening everyone and welcome back to the Pan for the start of another season. We travelling to North London on Saturday to face Wingate & Finchley and came away at the end disappointed to have dropped two points. Coming into the game we had a lot of players missing through injury, holiday and suspension – it has been a very hard pre-season, not helped by the heat. We lost Klassy late in pre-season, and we didn’t really have the time to fill the void in our pre-season campaign.

Coming into the game we had basically lost the spine of the side with Will, Mitchell, JT and Tom Phipp missing and then we lost Bradley in the warm up with a calf injury. The good news is that none of the absentees will be missing for long, the bad news is that we still had games to play. We managed to get Ronan and Alfie Young in last week and they trained with the squad for the first time on Thursday night at The Pan. On paper you’d have potentially been happy with a point but we set high standards for ourselves and the squad and felt we had done enough to win the game. We were still off the level we want to see – we controlled the game, created two really good chances in the first half and on another day we could have gone in 2-0 up.

We were confident going into the second half and scored a great goal, Razz picking out Ronan’s third man run and he finished superbly. Then we just lost our concentration and got loose for the first time in the game. We lost the ball in their half, didn’t close down the man with the ball in midfield, lost the 1v1 on our left-hand side and when the cross came in their guy gets their first. We’ve watch both their video and ours and still cannot see that the ball crossed the line. But it is what it is.

We looked like the only side that would go on and win it. Ayo came on and sured up the defence, despite only being able to function on one leg. Ronan and Razz both had chances to win in late on but credit to Wingate for really testing us.

We got Mitch and Will Salmon back tonight which gives us some more options. We will assess the others before the game. Macca is a top manager, a real good guy in football. He won promotion from this division with Tonbridge Angels, always has his sides well set up and it was no surprise to see them win on Saturday. It will be a really tough game for us, with some pace out wide and a dangerous threat up front. But it will be on our home, new turf, and I’m sure you’ll get behind the team we will give it our all.

Finally, just a massive thank you to everyone at the club for their hard work in getting the pitch, especially Ed Briggs for project managing it. This could be a game changer for us.

Come On You Rooks!

Tony

MEET YOUR 2022/23 ROOKS

THE DEFENCE

Starting with new faces, we’re delighted to announce the signing of Tom Champion. A commanding centre back, Tom started his professional career at Barnet, subsequently joining Bishop’s Stortford before moving on to Dartford and was an ever-present in their promotion to the National League in 2012/13. In 2013, he moved to Cambridge United, once again achieving promotion, this time to League Two. In 2015, Tom rejoined Barnet for a second spell for two seasons followed by four seasons in the National League with Boreham Wood and a season at Woking from whom he joins us. Tom will be the Rooks captain for 2022/23.

Returning in defence for 2022/23 are Lewis Carey, Tom Carlse, Will Salmon, Mitchell Nelson and Kenny Yao.

An ever-present between the sticks in 2021/22, Carey previously played for us in the 2018/19 season winning Supporters Player of the Season. Lewis came through the youth ranks at Bristol City, and is an experienced non-league keeper having appeared for Bromley, Tonbridge Angels, Eastbourne Borough and Cray Wanderers. He will be backed up this season by our under 18’s stop stopper Finley Jenkins who made a number of appearances in our pre-season programme.

Having joined in the summer of 2021, left back Carlse quickly became a crowd favourite with his industrious performances and charismatic post match celebrations with the Rooks faithful. Tom made 36 appearances in the Isthmian Premier Division in 2021/22, scoring once in the home tie against Haringey Borough in November.

We’re also pleased to announce the return of similarly popular player in Will Salmon. Will initially joined on loan from Leatherhead in October and a series of impressive performances ensured that Manager Tony Russell converted that to a permanent move in November. Salmon made 30 appearances in the red and black during the season, scoring the winning goal in the away fixture at Folkestone in March.

Also returning at the back is Mitchell Nelson. An experienced and naturally gifted centre back, Nelson was among those players that joined us from Cray Wanderers in summer 2021, appearing 34 times for the Rooks in 21/22.

On the eve of the new season we also completed the loan signing of Marcel Elva-Fountaine from Aldershot Town. Marcel progressed through the youth ranks at Reading, joining Burnley’s U23 side in 2020. He signed with Hayes & Yeading in November 2021, as well Alfie Young who was previously with Worthing.

Finally, we can also confirm the return of Kenny Yao. Predominately a right-back but comfortable across the defence, the former Charlton player joined us in the summer from Dartford. An injury in November limited Kenny’s league appearances to 17 although he returned as regular starter towards the end of the season.

We bid a fond farewell to two players not returning in Juevan Spencer and Matt Weaire who have joined Enfield Town and Sevenoaks respectively. Our best to them both at their new clubs.

THE MIDFIELD

We delighted to announce the return of Bradley Pritchard, Tom Phipp and Ayo Olukoga plus the additions of Henry Muggeridge and Jack Skinner.

The evergreen Pritchard joined us from Cray Wanderers in the summer of 2021 and went on to make 33 league appearances scoring five times. Pritchard is best known for his performances in the English Football League for Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient, winning League One with the former in 2011/12. Bradley also helps to co-ordinate the community garden located at The Dripping Pan.

A strong and technical midfielder, Phipp started his career as a 17 year old with Ebbsfleet and went on to play for Maidstone, Margate and Tonbridge Angels before taking a break from football to study for a degree in marketing. After a spell at Crowborough Athletic, Phipp joined Tony Russell at Cray Wanderers in the summer of 2018 and was an integral part of the team that won the Isthmian South East title in 2018/19. Phipp joined us from Herne Bay in December 2021 and went on to make 13 appearances.

Ayo Olukoga joined in the summer of 2021 following a string of impressive pre-season performances. The midfielder made 19 appearances for the Rooks before departing for Whitam Town in January 2022. Rejoined the Rooks in late March for the season run-in.

Henry Muggeridge rejoins the club following his previous spell with us in 2014/15 and 2015/16. A technical and versatile player who can also play at full back, Henry joins us from  neighbours Whitehawk with whom he spent four seasons.

As early as Saturday morning, Ronan Silva was still a Crawley Town player but some swift moves from Club Secretary John Peel saw him signed in time to make his debut at Wingate & Finchley.

Finally, we welcome Jack Skinner to the club. Born in Australia, Jack joined Woking’s Academy in 2018 and a series of impressive performances for both Woking and on loan at Leatherhead earned him a senior deal for 2019/20.  Jack had spells on loan at Hampton & Richmond and Eastbourne Borough before returning to Woking for 2020/21.

THE FORWARDS

We’re very pleased to announce the return of Deshane Dalling who has put pen to paper for 2022/23. A rapid and tricky winger, Dalling joined us in December 2021 and was one of the the Rooks top performers in the final quarter of the season, producing several talismanic performances.

Deshane started his senior career at Queen’s Park Rangers and spent time on loan with Cork City and Wealdstone whilst with The Hoops. After leaving QPR, Dalling had a short spell at Hemel Hempstead and then Dartford before heading to The Dripping Pan.

Also returning is fast and direct wideman, Rhys Murrell-Williamson. Rhys joined us from Kingstonian in February 2022 but was unfortunate with an injury in only his third game for the Rooks which meant his playing time was limited to just five games.

Murrell-Williamson may familiar to some Lewes fans having played for the club in the 2013/14 season, going on to play for among others, Billericay, Dulwich Hamlet, Braintree, Woking and St Albans City and under Manager Tony Russell in 2019/20 and 2020/21 at Cray Wanderers.

Deshane and Rhys will link up once more with Joe Taylor and Razz Coleman De-Graft who committed to the club for 2022/23 in April and May

Joining us on a permanent basis for 2022/23 is forward Deon Moore who previously played for the club on a one month loan in October and November 2021.

Starting his youth career at Carshalton, Deon went on to join Peterborough making his debut against Norwich in the EFL Trophy at just 17 years old. That was followed by a move to Bristol Rovers in 2018 and a short spell at Hemel Hempstead in 2020. Deon joins us from Dulwich Hamlet with whom he spent two seasons.

Finally, we welcome forward Fraser Middleton-Tozer who has signed for the senior side in addition to joining our Under 18’s side. Still only 16 years old, Fraser has impressed in pre-season and joins us from Eastbourne Borough having previously played for QPR’s youth team.

SERIOUSLY??? TRYING TO GET GROWN MEN TO POSE FOR PHOTOS

WELCOME TO OUR NEW CLUB PARTNER XERO

Lewes FC are proud to announce a new three-year partnership with small business platform Xero, to help empower the club to reach its objective of greater equality in the women’s game.

Through Xero’s support, the Rooks will highlight the importance of financial sustainability and the vital role it plays in achieving an equitable playing field.

The partnership is the club’s largest and longest of its kind, and comes as we mark our fifth anniversary of becoming the world’s first gender equal club, having made the decision to split our playing budget and resources equally between the men’s and women’s first teams in 2017.

“We’re focused on creating a welcoming, inclusive club that’s sustainable for the long term, which is impossible to create without brilliant partners like Xero, who were great from the start,” says Lewes CEO Maggie Murphy.

“It was the first time a potential partner dug into our club strategy in detail and asked how we fund our safeguarding officer or accountant – the quiet but necessary nuts and bolts of the club – without whom we could not function.

“What the partnership also does is provide validity and legitimacy for the women’s game. With a brand like Xero coming on board, it’s a message to the wider world that it’s a space worth investing in. I’m confident with the help of Xero we’ll continue to make great strides towards equality.”

MEET YOUR NEW HOSPITALITY TEAM

Lewes FC is delighted to announce that we are teaming up with local brewery Only With Love as our hospitality partner.

Many of you will know former directors Steve Keegan and Roger Warner, who were keen to ensure their new venture could continue to support the club’s role in the community. 

The new partnership will see Only With Love provide the club with a wealth of experience and direction in setting a new standard for drinks, food, entertainment and events – both on match days and in midweek.

As well as kitting out The Rook Inn with a solid attacking lineup of all our best drinks – with a strong emphasis on healthy AF (alcohol-free) options, the best of our craft beers, classic Harvey’s Best, and other star guest signings from the local brewery scene – we’ll also be helping to improve matchday food offerings, and introducing a new bar at the Ham Lane end of the ground, to ensure thirsty fans get more access to the good stuff, at great prices (meaning more bar options, faster service, better drinks, and better value for home and away fans).

New programme of activity and events
In addition to this, Lewes FC and Only With Love will be working together on a new programme of activity and events to give more people more access to the facilities that we can provide, such as: supporters gatherings, club owners nights, live matches on the big screen TV, quiz nights, and other community meet ups. (Rumour also has it that there will be more Karaoke sessions).

Our common goal is to make the Dripping Pan a broader and better destination for fans and the local community.

Lewes FC is a fan-owned club and Only With Love want to help do more to make the place a home for all kinds of different groups, with football as a common, uniting thread.

INTRODUCING OUR VISITORS – CARSHALTON ATHLETIC

THE HISTORY

Carshalton Athletic formed from two separate teams playing in the Wrythe Green area in Carshalton in the early twentieth century. After the First World War the club was reformed in 1919, and moved into their new (and current) home in Colston Avenue during the 1920–21 season. The interwar years were relatively uneventful. They became founding members of the Surrey Senior League in the 1922-23 season, winning the Surrey Intermediate Cup in 1922 and 1932.

After the Second World War preparations for the resumption in football at Colston Avenue began and Carshalton were elected into the Corinthian League, set up for the 1946–47 season. Several years of indifferent league form followed with only minor highlights in cup competitions, although the club continued to grow as evidenced by a record attendance of over 8000 for an FA Cup 3rd round qualifying tie against local rivals Tooting and Mitcham United

In the 1952–53 season Carshalton won the Corinthian League. The following season brought further success retaining the league title, and in the 1954–55 season they reached the final of the Surrey Senior Shield and the quarter finals of the FA Amateur Cup. In 1956 came election to the Athenian League. There was some little success in the FA Amateur Cup as the club reached the quarter finals for the second time in 1959–60. In the same season they won the Southern Combination Cup. In the Athenian League the best performance was in the 1963–64 season when the club managed to finish the season in third place. Around the ground floodlights were erected in 1967.

In the summer of 1973 Carshalton Athletic were elected as founder members of the newly created Isthmian League Division 2. In the 1976–77 season came promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division, a year in which they also won the Surrey Senior Shield.

After promotion Carshalton did not finish in the top half until the 1987–88 season. During this period they tried eight different managers and it was only with the appointment of Billy Smith, in August 1986, that fortunes turned. That era lasted almost nine years and was the most successful in Carshalton’s history. During his time in charge the team twice reached the 1st Round proper of the FA Cup, winning the Surrey Senior Cup three times in four years; they won the London Challenge Cup in 1991 but the period of success came to an end when Smith left and another rapid turnover of managers followed.

In 1997–98 Carshalton again reached the first round proper of the FA Cup, but by 2000 were in severe financial difficulties. The clubhouse was destroyed in an arson attack, and the ground’s landlords, Sutton Council, threatened the club with eviction for breaching their lease. At the end of that disastrous season, they were relegated to Division One. Two years later Graham Roberts led them to the Division One South title and promotion to the Premier Division. The following season, they qualified for the new Conference South. They retained their place in the Conference South in 2004–05, but in 2005–06, the club’s centenary season, they were relegated.

The season 2008–09 was the first full season under new ownership, buildings and facilities were upgraded, staff and personnel were changed and at the end of that season the club also changed its badge and its playing colours from maroon to red. In 2012, despite a mixed year overall, Carshalton Athletic were awarded the Community Club of the Year Award by becoming one of the largest community clubs in the UK, with over forty junior/youth teams including seven female teams.

Carshalton were relegated from the Isthmian Premier in the 2013–2014 season, but in 2018 they won the Division South title (the year we were runners-up) to return to the Premier Division. The first season back they finished runners-up and qualified for the playoffs, losing 2–1 in the semis. The club parted ways with long time manager Peter Adeniyi in the summer with former Tonbridge Angels boss Steve McKimm taking over the reigns at the War Memorial Ground.

The Robins started their 2022/23 Isthmian Premier League campaign with a home win against Brightlingsea Regent on Saturday.

THE SQUAD

Steve McKimm – Manager

Steve took over at Carshalton Athletic ahead of the 2022/23 season, having spent eight successful years in charge at Tonbridge Angels. He guided the Angels to a Bostik (Ryman) Premier play-off semi-final spot in 2015/16 and promotion to the National League South via the Isthmian Premier play-offs in 2018/19. Prior to that Steve had been Head Coach under Paul Doswell for two years at Sutton United. As a player, central midfielder Steve represented Hayes, Kingstonian, Ebbsfleet United and Sutton United.

Barry Moore – Assistant-Manager

Barry made the move across to Carshalton with Steve McKimm in May 2022, having worked together at Tonbridge Angels for eight years. Barry was First Team Coach at both Bromley and Merstham and played at National League level with Woking and Hayes

Liam Beach – Goalkeeper

Liam signed at the start of the 2022/23 season. Liam was voted Supporters Player of the Season in 2021/22 at Metropolitan Police after helping them reach the Southern League Premier South Playoff semi-final. Also earned end of season honours at previous clubs, Farnborough, Fleet Town, Walton and Hersham and Guildford City.

Leo Hamblin – Full Back

Leo moved across from Woking in the summer. Was voted 1st year Academy Player of the Year while there and went on to make 10 National League appearances, including one live on BT Sport against Sutton United. Has also had loan spells at Farnborough, Hartley Wintney and Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Sam Mvemba – Full Back

Joined Carshalton in the off-season after a brief spell with Brightlingsea Regent towards the end of the 2021/22 season. Sam made his name at Aveley where he was voted Young Player of the Year and helped the club to the quarter final of the 2019/20 FA Trophy. Has also played for Bishops Stortford and Welling United.

Arthur Lee (capt) – Centre Back

Joined in June 22. Defender Arthur has twice reached the Playoff Final, firstly as captain of Hendon in 2017/18 when they lost on penalties to Dulwich Hamlet and then as part of the Tonbridge Angels side that won promotion under Steve McKimm in 2018/19. Has also played for Hornchurch.

Bradley Pearce – Centre Back

Another product of the Sutton United academy where he was voted Young Player of the Season in 2019 and earned a National League winner’s medal in 2021. Bradley also had loan spells with Farnborough and Hampton and Richmond Borough during his time with the U’s and spent the 2021/22 season with Welling United.

Darryl Harrison – Centre Back

Darryl signed from Chertsey Town in June 2022, where he was voted Player of the Season in the side that reached the 2021/22 Isthmian League South Central Playoff Final. Previously played for Tooting and Mitcham and Ashford United (Middlesex).

Crossley Lema – Wing Back

Signed during the summer of 22. Crossley came through the youth ranks at Sutton United, with a highlight being a last-minute header that took the club through to the first-round proper of the FA Youth Cup. Started the 2021/22 season with Leatherhead before joining Margate, where his performances earned him several fan nominations for the Isthmian League Premier Division team of the year.

Tom Beere – Midfield

Joined the Robins from Tonbridge Angels in June 2022. Started his career with AFC Wimbledon, for whom he made around 30 first team appearances, winners in the 2014 London Senior Cup Final and in the home leg of the 2016 League Two Playoff Finals. Twice promoted from Step 3 to Step 2, first with Hampton and Richmond Borough and then with Tonbridge and says he is looking to add a third with Carshalton.

Aaron Smith-Joseph – Midfield

Aaron came through the Woking academy and plays in midfield or as a striker. After a successful spell at Burgess Hill Town, he moved to Tonbridge Angels where he spent the 21-22 season. Signed for Carshalton in June 2022.

Calvin Ekpiteta – Midfield

Joined in July 2022. Midfielder Calvin is another familiar face to Carshalton fans, having turned out for Kingstonian and Potters Bar (for whom he opened the scoring at Colston Avenue) during the 2021/22 season. After a youth career which included playing against Chelsea in the 3rd round of the FA Youth Cup, his non-league travels have also taken him to Grays Athletic, Bishops Stortford, East Thurrock United, Merstham, Concord Rangers and Margate.

Ghass Sow – Midfield

Joined in July 2022. Well known to Robins’ fans for his influential role in midfield for first Merstham and then Kingstonian, who he led to the final of the Surrey Senior Cup in the 2021/22 season. Gus was with Crystal Palace from the age of 10 to 22 after which he moved into non-league with St Albans City and Dulwich Hamlet, before joining Lewes and helping them gain promotion to the Isthmian League Premier Division. Represented England Schools at under 16 level. Born in Liberia and moved to UK when he was eight.

Paris Hamilton-Downes – Midfield

Another jewel mined from the Robins Academy. Paris originally joined the club in 2008. With a break for university, the long-time inspirational skipper has spent his entire playing career with Carshalton Athletic, winning promotion as part of the 2017/18 Isthmian League South title winners and regularly chipping in with important goals, including seven in the 2021/22 campaign.

Bradley Williams – Midfield

Became a fixture in the Robins team in 2021/22, initially in midfield from where he claimed his first goal for the club at Horsham but spent much of the season filling in at centre back. Brad started out in the Crystal Palace and Bromley academies before moving into non-league with Sutton Common Rovers and Saltdean United.

Bobby Mills – Forward

Striker signed for the start of the 2022/23 season from Corinthian Casuals, for whom he scored nine goals in 43 appearances in the 2021/22 season, including one against the Robins on New Year’s Day and a brace in the FA Cup upset of Worthing. Bobby started his football career in the AFC Wimbledon Academy before signing pro for Bromley. He has also had loan spells at Hampton and Richmond Borough, Cheshunt and Merstham.

Tommy Bradford – Forward

Carshalton Athletic stalwart, having joined the club in 2011 and graduated from the club’s academy. In over 300 appearances for the club, midfielder/striker Tommy has scored more than 150 goals and was part of the team that won the Isthmian League South title in 2017/18.

Jake Embery – Forward

Jake made his name as a youngster at Herne Bay, where he was voted player of the year in 2017/18, before signing for Maidstone United. He has the distinction of having scored at all of Steps 1-4 of non-league football. After a nomadic 2021/22 season, playing games for Margate, Sittingbourne, Leatherhead, he was signed from Tonbridge Angels during the summer.

Walter Figueira – Forward

Known to Robins fans as a thorn in their side when scoring prolifically for Merstham in the 2018/19 season.. After winning the FA Youth Cup with Chelsea, he made his professional debut in the Greek Super League with FC Platanias. Having recently been playing in the League of Ireland, he finished the 2021/22 season at Kingstonian where he scored three goals.

Iffy Allen – Forward

Winger who joined the Robins in the off season from Hampton and Richmond Borough after appearances for Lewes earlier in the 2021/22 season. Iffy’s higher league experience includes making his debut for Barnet in the FA Cup alongside Dutch legend, Edgar Davids. Has also played for Yeovil, Torquay United, Aldershot Town, Wrexham, Bromley, Maidstone United and Ebbsfleet United.

Vance Bola – Forward

Vance joined in the off-season after being a regular for Margate in 2021/22, scoring 15 goals and helping them to the final of the Velocity Trophy. Started his career with Crystal Palace before moving on to Bristol City, Enfield Town, Harrow Borough, Wealdstone and Royston.

HEAD TO HEAD RESULTS (LAST 6 MATCHES)

Date	Competition	Home		Away
12/02/22	Isthmian Premier League	Carshalton Athletic	1	Lewes	2
02/11/21	Isthmian Premier League	Lewes	1	Carshalton Athletic	0
11/01/20	Isthmian Premier League	Lewes	0	Carshalton Athletic	1
30/09/19	Isthmian Premier League	Carshalton Athletic	1	Lewes	1
23/02/19	Isthmian Premier League	Carshalton Athletic	2	Lewes	1
11/08/18	Isthmian Premier League	Lewes	0	Carshalton Athletic	1

THE LAST MEETING HERE AT THE PAN – NOVEMBER 2021

TODAY’S QUIZ – WHAT HAPPENED ON THIS DAY IN FOOTBALLING HISTORY

SATURDAY 13th AUGUST – ISTHMIAN PREMIER ROUND UP BY IAN TOWNSEND

Last season Bowers & Pitsea travelled to Corinthian-Casuals and left with three points and a three goal advantage, so yesterday their hosts turned that result around entirely. With both clubs under new management, it was Tony Reid’s men that had all the joy, triumphing four-one after charging into a two goal lead within just four minutes of kick off. Seidou Sanogo got the opener with his head, Ibitayo Oyebola added the second, and just after the half hour Ben Cheklit made it three. Although Samson Bello quickly got one back for the visitors, Checklit’s second seventeen minutes from time made quite sure that Casuals topped the table after matchday one.

Horsham, our League Cup winners, are just behind the side in pink and brown after giving Canvey Island an unhappy return to the top flight. Daniel Ajakaiye, who moved in from Kingstonian over the summer, opened the scoring three minutes before half time- and it was two before the referee could blow the half time whistle, another new arrival, former Met Police striker Jack Mazzone, doubling the advantage. Seven minutes after the restart it was as good as game over as Ajakaiye got a third, and although Evans Kouassi gave the home fans something to sing about soon afterwards, that was that.

We had a late, late show at Pilot Field, as Aveley defeated Hastings United in the battle of two promoted sides. Bryan Ifeanyi gave the Millers the lead just after the start of the second half, only for Kai Brown, who used to ply his trade at Parkside, to equalise with twenty minutes left. Those last twenty minutes were rather competitive, with five yellow cards and a red card- but they also saw a late winner, which went to Ryan Scott for Aveley- who was promptly sent off shortly afterwards. The ten men held on for three points. One thousand, one hundred and forty six watched the match, and most went home disappointed.

Billericay Town managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Cray Wanderers. The visitors took the lead just before the break, Dan Bassett opening the scoring, but with twenty minutes remaining former Wand Chris Dickson got the leveller from the spot. The winner came with five minutes remaining, Alfie Cerulli scoring for the Blues, who took all three points in front of a crowd of six hundred and forty eight. This weas their first meeting since 2014.

Title favourites Bishop’s Stortford staged a second half comeback to defeat Haringey Borough. Rakim Richards gave Borough the lead on the half hour, and they held it until midway through the second half, Frankie Merrifield grabbing the equaliser. With twenty minutes left Ollie Peters got the winner- but Borough might reflect on the fact that, the last time the two met, they lost six-nil!

Coming from behind is proving a bit of a theme, and Carshalton Athletic were the next team to do it, defeating Brightlingsea Regent. Luke Woodward gave the visitors the lead after just seven minutes, but Tom Beere equalised from the spot seven minutes later and seventeen minutes from time Aaron Smith-Joseph fired home after former Margate man Crossley Lema bamboozled the Regent defence.

Another of our title favourites, Hornchurch, fell to the only goal of the game at Bognor Regis Town. Alfie Bridgman got it, after thirty three minutes, and six hundred and thirty seven watched on.

Perhaps our match of the day was at Donkey Lane, where Enfield Town hosted Folkestone Invicta. Jake Cass gave the Towners the lead midway through the first half, but former Margate man Kadell Daniel got a rather impressive equaliser just before the hour.

Margate relied enormously on the goals of Ben Greenhalgh last season, and he got them out of jail again against Kingstonian, a last minute penalty earning his side a point after Tyrese Owen’s effort at the end of the first half looked to have earned three points for Kingstonian.

WINGATE & FINCHLEY 1 LEWES 1 – SATURDAY 13th AUGUST 2022

Lewes were forced to settle for a point on the opening day of the season after a 1-1 draw at Wingate & Finchley in sweltering conditions in North London, reports Tom Harper.

Tony Russell handed debuts to a number of players, including new captain Tom Champion, as well as a second debut to the returning Henry Muggeridge.

The game got off to a cagey start, with Lewes seeing plenty of the ball without really troubling the home defence.

The Rooks soon created their first chance of the game though, as Deshane Dalling drew a smart save from Ben Goode in the Wingate goal after getting on the end of a Jack Skinner cross.

The few chances that were created during the remainder of the half continued to fall to Lewes, Goode making two comfortable stops to deny Razz Coleman De-Graft as the game approached half-time.

Lewes made a bright start to the second half and took the lead just six minutes after the restart, as De-Graft played an excellent ball over the top for Ronan Silva, who took a touch before finishing superbly into the bottom corner.

Falling behind appeared to spark the hosts into action and they came close to levelling the scores almost immediately through Dylan Kearney, who forced an Antonis Vasiliou cross goalwards, only for Carey to claw it off the line.

Wingate did equalise on 58 minutes through the same combination, Vasiliou crossing from the right for Kearney to send a volley past Carey and in off the underside of the bar.

The hosts were enjoying their best spell of the game, and Carey was forced into a fine save to deny Kearney after the striker had managed to turn Alfie Young on the edge of the area before getting his shot away.

Lewes soon regained control of the game though, enjoying more possession and always carrying a threat going forward.

De-Graft continued to look the most likely scorer for Lewes, seeing a low strike turned round the post by Goode after Skinner had won the ball back high up the pitch.

He went close again moments later, showing quick feet to evade two challenges in the area before being denied by Goode again from a tight angle.

De-Graft nearly turned provider in the closing stages, as his cut-back from the left teed up substitute Rhys Murrell-Williamson, who saw his strike saved by the impressive Goode.

Despite enjoying the better chances for long periods of the game, Lewes very nearly fell behind late on, as a counter-attack ended with an Elliott Long cross from the left being just too far in front of the unmarked Tyrique Clarke at the far post.

The Rooks forced a number of set-pieces during the final few minutes but were unable to find the winner their performance had arguably deserved, leaving North London with a point on the opening day.

Wingate & Finchley: Goode, Steel (Cotter 81), Emovon, Achuba, Eales, Garnett (Bani 46), Vasiliou, Cornish, Kearney, Clarke, Beckford (Long 52).

Unused Subs: Hinds, Dearman.

Booked: Emovon, Garnett.

Lewes: Carey, Elva-Fountaine, Carlse, Champion, Young, Muggeridge (Olukoga 79), Silva, Skinner, De-Graft, Dalling (Murrell-Williamson 59), Moore.

Unused Subs: Yao, Jenkins, Tozer-Middleton.

Booked: Silva.

Attendance: 130

POB LWC OLLIE

In June we finally said goodbye to Ollie Tanner after agreeing his transfer to Championship side Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee.

Ollie joined the Rooks in the summer of 2021 and made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut away to Cray Wanderers. The 20-year-old made a total of 35 appearances for the Rooks, scoring 13 times including memorable efforts against Margate (which won our goal of the season award), Worthing and Merstham.

After significant interest from Premier League and Championship clubs during the January transfer window, a number of clubs tracked Ollie’s progress during the second half of the season.

Cardiff City contacted the Club in May and invited Ollie to train with them where they were impressed with him and negotiated and agreed terms with both Club and player.

Ollie is naturally sad to leave The Dripping Pan but knows this is a huge opportunity: “It has been a great year at Lewes – it is such a great club. The fans have supported the team, and me personally unconditionally and that will always stay with me. It is a special club and I will never forget my time here”.

Manager Tony Russell said: “This time last year, Ollie got released from a step 1 club. His story is an incredible one, and I’m so happy to have played a small part in it. He has had to deal with a lot this season but yet nothing fazes him. I have no doubt he will go on to great things; I’m so proud of him. He has been a pleasure to work with, I look forward to watching the next part of his footballing life. He will be missed both on and off the pitch”.

Whilst losing such a player like Ollie is a blow for Tony Russell and the club, it does demonstrate the work the management team have done in developing Ollie, amongst others, after being released by a club at a higher level.

Lewes FC Chair Stuart Fuller commented “Ollie’s talent has been there for all to see on the pitch, but few see how mature he is off the pitch and this move is the next step in what promises to be a great career. It has been a pleasure to have him at Lewes and we will certainly look forward to seeing his progress in the Championship”

We will publish a more in-depth interview with Ollie and his story of an amazing year in the coming days.

From everyone at the Club, we’d like to thank Ollie for bringing us many a memorable moment in the red and black with his special talent and wish him all the best in this exciting next step in his career.

Ollie made his first team debut for the Bluebirds in their Carling Cup tie against Portsmouth last week.

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING CHARLIE AND ED

At the stroke of midnight on the 30th June, Charlie Dobres and Ed Ramsden stepped down as directors of Lewes Football Club after nearly 12 years.  The two were part of the original group of six, known as the Rooks 125, who steered the club into community ownership in July 2010, along with Alex Leith, Ben Ward, Patrick Marber and Nick Williams. Twelve years on they leave the club in a significantly better place on and off the pitch.

Whilst our existing Community Club rules are under discussion by our owners with specific reference to term limits, both will have reached the current maximum 12 year terms as members of the board in the next few days and so have resigned with immediate effect.

Their contribution both in terms of the time, expertise and financial support given to the club can never be underestimated.  Both worked tirelessly in those early years, with zero knowledge about Non-League football, to save the club from potential financial ruin and implement a structure for future governance.  We would not be here today if it wasn’t for Charlie and Ed, nor would many of our current (and former) directors or staff.  Speaking personally, it was because of the passion and vision they had for club that convinced me to stand for election to the board back in 2011 and I will truly miss their contribution to growing the club.  I won’t miss Ed’s eclectic wardrobe though which normally saw him turn up for board meetings in sandals, loose tracksuit bottoms and a hoodie.  I did once see him wear a suit and a tie (see photo) on one of his rare occasions of watching us away from home.

It is hard to sum up their contribution in just a few words but I am going to try.

I have a notebook that contains some of Charlie’s bizarre ideas.  As a career-long marketeer, he’s had more than a few daft ones, but he leaves behind the legacy of the revival across Non-League football of the match day posters, the beach huts (which started life as an April Fool joke) and of course a number of ownership campaigns which has seen our global community of owners grow from around 1,500 to nearly 2,500 in little more than 3 years.  His energy, passion and drive for Lewes FC is unquestionable and whilst he steps down from the board, he will still be working with the club in the areas that he has expertise in.  Charlie is someone who wants to be involved in everything, not in a controlling way but because he cares deeply about the club and what it can achieve.

Ed’s vision for the future of the club saw us build our own 3G, champion the growth of our Women’s team and drive ahead with our equality stance, even when so many people outside of the club doubted it would be a success.  The fact that national sides including Norway, New Zealand and the Netherlands have now taken the equal pay approach may not be directly attributed to his election address back in 2016 but many organisations took inspiration from his words, which became reality for the club in the summer of 2017.  He’s had some strange ideas in his time such as deciding to buy dozens of cases of a truly terrible beer called Schnoodlepip notable or insisting the team walk out to the songs of German Death Metal group Rammstein, but he’s also had significantly more that have paid off ten-fold.

There’s few finer people that you’d want in charge of a football club and their absence will be greatly felt by the remaining board members and club staff.

Director John Peel paid tribute to the departing two:

“It was once said of The Fall: ‘They are always different; they are always the same’. This partially referenced the ever changing band line up but more so The Fall’s ability to evolve its sound whilst rigorously maintaining its identity: mainstream but taking a different path to those around them.

For over a decade, Charlie and Ed have been die-hard fans as well as Directors and more than anyone else over the past decade, their impact is tangible across our club today. In its infrastructure and as a football club with a clear identity: one that tries what it can to positively benefit its community and wider society.

I was elected as Director in 2015 and it has been a great privilege getting to know them over that period. It genuinely feels like more than 7 years (in a nice way). They are both relentlessly smart, courageous, knowledgeable, and generous. They are occasionally funny.

Their passion and commitment to their community is a significant part of why we have a club unlike any other to support today. Thank you to you both for everything”.

Club CEO Maggie Murphy also had some words on their departure.

“It has been a privilege to work with Ed and Charlie over the last three years. They are dreamers and doers, with a big vision that I couldn’t help but get embroiled in. Ed has been an incredible mentor and guide to me, challenging me to push my own boundaries a little each day. Charlie’s creative brilliance and out-of-the-box thinking is unique and special and rare for a club of our size. I will miss quizzing him about the significance behind the latest matchday poster whose meaning is just a little too abstract for me to get!

Both have put countless unseen hours and hours into the club, mostly thankless, rarely recognised. The club owes them both a huge debt of gratitude for where we are today. I hope they enjoy a more peaceful, less stressful, joyous return to the terraces this season.”

I am sure neither will be a stranger at The Pan (OK, so Ed might be) but it will be great to see them enjoying the fruits of their labours as a fan and not just as a director.

¡Hasta la victoria siempre!

THE 2022/23 ISTHMIAN LEAGUE COMMERCIAL PARTNERS

THE ISTHMIAN PREMIER LEAGUE SUPPORTERS OF THE SEASON

The Isthmian League held its End of Season awards ceremony on Saturday 19th June and we were delighted that two of our most loyal supporters, Dan Bentley and Liam Beresford were joint winners of the Supporter of the Year award.

Their winning nomination follows:

“Any fans of clubs that Lewes visit will probably know Liam and Dan – they are both wheelchair bound but still follow the Rooks to almost every away game and are always present behind the goal we are attacking. They’ve been regulars at Lewes games home and away for over 15 years together

They met 34 years at a specialist centre for Cerebral Palsy in Hampstead London and connected immediately, and have remained best friends ever since. Liam actually lives in Lewes and has followed The Rooks for probably 25 years plus.

Dan lives in Great Dunmow, Essex (a 100+ mile drive each way!) and has followed Lewes since around 2005. When West Ham were playing away from Upton Park Dan and his Dad would travel to Lewes meet up with Liam and his family and would walk to the Pan with them to watch the game.

Once Dan had obtained his driving license he would drive himself to games and meet up with Liam.

Both have played Boccia at the highest level, representing England. Dan won a Gold Medal as part of the GB team in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and bronze in 2012 in London alongside numerous golds, silvers, and bronze medals in World Cups, world championships , European and UK championships. Dan now officiates, coaches, and also runs a Boccia club in Essex, this combined with his role on the board of directors for Boccia England keep him extremely busy, and he gained his coaching and refereeing around 3 years ago.

They are true fans of the club through thick and thin. They let us know their feelings on performances and any game we play wouldn’t be the same without them there. The sheer dedication of their support is the reason why we’d like to nominate them as Isthmian Supporters of the Year. They are an inspiration to everyone at the club”.

The pair will receive their award before tonight’s game from Isthmian League Chairman Nick Robinson.

THE 2022/23 ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SEASON

TONIGHT’S TEAMS

THE LAST WORD – TOM CHAMPION

Danny Last’s first in a series of 2 minute interviews with the squad was with Tom Champion, fresh off the new pitch at the open training session last week.

Who do you support?

Tottenham fan, I’ve been once to the new stadium and it’s unbelievable. What a place to play.

Favourite footballer?

Ledley King. He was my hero growing up watching Spurs. A centre half that had absolutely everything.

Favourite TV show?

Breaking Bad.

Last album you listened to?

Ooh, not many. I don’t listen to that much music anymore. I’m gonna say ‘A Place We Knew’ by Australian singer-songwriter Dean Lewis.

Most embarrassing moment in football?

Last season for Woking I under hit a back-pass in one of the last games of the season and the striker nipped in and scored and I’ve never done that before. It was a horrible feeling and I just wanted the ground to swallow me up.

Wotsits or Pringles?

Pringles all the way. And Salt & Vinegar ones specifically.

Could you beat Tony Russell in an arm wrestle?

I think he could have the red mist and if he was angry, he could take me. I’d give it a good go but I reckon he’s got that little switch in him.

iPhone or Android?

I’m an iPhone man.

Dominos or Papa Johns?

Dominos.

Do you own a piece of football memorabilia?

My prized possession is a Wayne Rooney shirt I got from playing against Manchester United in the FA Cup when I was at Cambridge United. We got to the 5th round and drew with them at home and then got to play at Old Trafford in a replay. I got his shirt; he was captain on the day and I was captain for The U’s so I got in early and asked for his shirt and his armband. It’s still at home somewhere in a cupboard, unwashed.

Most likely to be late for training?

Razz. I’m onto him already.

Who’s the most famous person you’ve met?

It’s got to be Rooney.

And finally, can you name all of The Beatles?

George, Paul, Ringo and John. Is that it? Is there only four? Yeeesss.

That’s it. Thanks a million, Champs and welcome to Lewes

LEGALS AND CREDITS

“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
Chair Stuart Fuller
Directors Sue Anstiss MBE (co-opted), Ed Briggs, Scott Currie, Karen Dobres, Stuart Fuller, Lucy Mills, John Peel, Sally Taplin, Trevor Wells
Chief Executive Officer Maggie Murphy
Club Secretary John Peel
Fan Engagement Manager Shrey Nilvarna
Youth Secretary Ryan Sullivan
Operations Manager James Barker

Equality FC Campaign Manager Karen Dobres

Life Members
Peter Brook, Dorothy Brook RIP, Vic Blunt, Pat Dartnell, Gary Elphick, Gordon Fowlie, Peter Hiscox RIP, Billy Nixon, Derrick Parris RIP, 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 Tony Russell
Assistant manager Joe Vines
First team coach Nathan White
First team physio Toni Miller
Goalkeeping coach Grant Hall
Match logistics Clive Burgess & Vikram Dogra
First Team Performance Analyst Henderson Russell
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 Editor Stuart Fuller
Club Photographer James Boyes

NEXT UP AT THE PAN

SATURDAY 20th AUGUST 2022 – 3pm

BISHOP’S STORTFORD

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

ANSWERS TO TODAY’S QUIZ

1. Steve McLaren
2. Bristol Rovers
3. Teddy Sheringham
4. Renton FC
5. Swansea City