Saturday 20th August 2022 – The Isthmian Premier League – The Dripping Pan

Welcome to The Dripping Pan for this afternoon’s Isthmian Premier League game against Bishop’s Stortford. 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 afternoon everyone and welcome to this afternoon’s Isthmian Premier League game against Bishop’s Stortford. I hope the fans, players, management and officials from the Blues have had a smooth journey down from Essex and enjoy our hospitality today.

We kicked off our campaign on Tuesday here with an excellent win against a strong Carshalton Athletic side. There had been a lot of talk about the pitch and what impact it would make, and I don’t want to add to the hype and take away the performance of the team. I’m sure it gave us an edge but let’s not forget what an excellent team performance that was. It was difficult to choose a man of the match from the starting XI with solid performance across the pitch. I believe that was just a taste of what is to come from this squad, who let’s not forget, were missing Joe Taylor, Tom Phipp and Bradley Pritchard. Deon Moore repaid the faith Tony had in him with two well taken goals and there won’t be many players who cover more ground in a game than Marcel or Ronan.

What was fantastic on Tuesday was a crowd of over 800. Normally, a midweek game in August tends to see relatively low crowds, with people being away and other distractions. But perhaps the long, hot summer without any football here, or the feelgood factor of the Lionesses win in the Euros as driven the desire for football. Whatever the reason, thank you to everyone who came and I hoped you enjoyed the new look Pan and the football we played.

In case anyone is wondering, we will find out our FA Cup First Qualifying Round opponents on Monday, with the Preliminary Round ties taking place this weekend. Every year since I joined the board (back in 2011) we’ve hoped for a cup run and it has never materialised, with just one occasion where we’ve been one game away from a First Round tie. Finger’s crossed it is this year!

Tomorrow our Women’s team kick off their Barclay’s Championship campaign with a trip to Birmingham City, at St Andrews. Scott Booth has assembled a very competitive squad, and based on some excellent pre-season performances, will be quietly confident of the season ahead. You can read a preview of the season, written by Joe Short, further into today’s Progcast. Good luck to Rhian and the squad, and safe travels to any fans making their way up to the Midlands.

Get behind the team and Come On You Rooks!

Stuart

TONY’S THOUGHTS

Hello everyone and welcome back to many of you after the win on Tuesday nighthere against Carshalton Athletic.

It was our first chance to play on the new pitch and first half I thought we were good, we controlled it and created some good half chances.  I thought our opening goal was well worked – Ronan’s reverse pass, Razz bent the cross around their centre back and Deon first time finish from six yards, an excellent team goal.

We looked to build on that and there were a few “Oohs” and “Aahs” as we came close to doubling the lead.  We had a hairy moment with the indirect free-kick on our six yard line but the boys put their bodies literally on the line to block that.  But I still just felt we were a little too safe with our passing, a bit slow and predictable.

We spoke about it at half-time, reminding the team there were over 800 fans watching, plus loads more on the live stream and asked the boys to forget the result and be more positive.  We were excellent in the third quarter of the game, our passing was quicker and we showed some attacking intent.  But some good goalkeeping and some poor finishing kept the score down to one.  But we finally got the second and we saw the game out comfortably.

A great result and a brilliant crowd – that’s biggest midweek home crowd I’ve experienced and thank you to everyone who came out and made the night so special.

The result and the atmosphere has lifted the whole squad and training on Thursday was brilliant and now we face Bishop’s Stortford today.  This will be a great test for us – they finished second in the league last year and they’ve retained most of their squad.  We will find out where we are at to be honest after this one – we couldn’t have hand-picked a better game to see the levels the squad are at.

We are going to have to play really well to get any result today but hopefully with your excellent support today we can do everyone proud.

Finally, good luck to Scott and the Women’s team who start their Barclays Championship campaign tomorrow away at Birmingham City.

Come On You Rooks

Tony

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER – THE LEGACY OF THE EUROS

Lewes CEO Maggie Murphy gives her view on an amazing summer for Women’s football in this country.

I was lucky to be at the final game at Wembley and can promise the fervour and decibel levels were unreal. The crowd was football at its most representative; a glorious sea of young, old, male, female, black, brown and white, dancing proud in national shirts, caps, bucket hats and headscarves, draped in rainbow flags and smeared in face paint. Out of tune, yes, but into the game.

I’ve often heard people deride the concept of “family atmosphere” at football games. Code for “less meaningful”. But this month has seen full, robust, bellow-at-the-top-of-your-lungs family atmosphere. The noise, the passion, the emotional investment, the singing and the fear of England throwing it all away were all present – just without any toxicity or fear you might knock the wrong person or have to deal with an inappropriate look or comment.

But welcome to the beautiful, inclusive environment that a lot of women’s football has brewed under the radar over many decades. A space for people to be their raw selves without fear of judgement, whether player or fan.

I’ve been asked a few times about the legacy of the Euros. Clubs like ours and hopefully new sponsors, and the FA and County FAs will of course work to follow through and feed our ambitions to provide the best possible playing environments and increase access to as many new players and fans as possible. But the legacy really resides with you.

So what will be your legacy? What can you do?

There are so many ways to get involved and be part of the legacy.

At Lewes FC, we are looking for volunteers (sign up here if you are interested)

But every penny helps and we’d love you to consider sponsoring a player or sponsoring a match too. (Talk to Shrey for that! shrey@lewesfc.com)

Also, Lewes FC Juniors are always on the look out for great coaches or funding or sponsorship too. We can connect you easily,

But the biggest and best thing you can do is get to a game. If you’ve never “tried out” a women’s game, come along! And bring a friend.

Why come? Because that buzz you felt watching the Lionesses is replicable week in week out when you know a little about a team and the story of their season! Players feed off your presence and are happy to chat and take selfies and do autographs post-match. Connect with your kids on which player they admire and why (and then get to meet them). You already make gameday a time to catch up with your friends, but maybe add in a women’s game from time to time too. We can’t wait to welcome you if you’ve never been before.

Long may the good vibes and your legacy continue.

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.”

IN CASE YOU ARE IN LEWES EARLY TODAY…

INTRODUCING OUR VISITORS – BISHOP’S STORTFORD

THE HISTORY

Founded in 1874, Bishop’s Stortford played in local district leagues before joining the expanded Spartan League in 1929. In 1933 they won the first of twelve Herts Senior Cup finals. They were founder members of the Delphian League in 1951, and champions in 1955. When the Delphian League disbanded in 1963 they joined the Athenian League, winning promotion and becoming champions in 1970.

Bishop’s Stortford moved up to the Isthmian League in 1971, but the seventies and eighties would be marked by their cup exploits. In 1974 they won the last ever edition of the FA Amateur Cup, beating Ilford 4-1 in front of over 30,000 spectators. They returned to Wembley in 1981, lifting the FA Trophy in defeating Sutton United 1-0, thus becoming the first team to have won both the FA Amateur Cup and FA Trophy.

The Blues regularly reached the first round proper of the FA Cup at this time. They defeated Football League opposition in the 1982-83 season, winning 2-1 at Reading in the first round; defeated Slough Town 4-1 in the second, and held Second Division Middlesbrough (managed by one Malcolm Allison) to a 2-2 draw at Ayresome Park, eventually going out 2-1 in the replay before a crowd of 6,000 packed into the Bishop’s Stortford former Rhodes Avenue home ground.

In July 1999 the club’s new Woodside Park Stadium opened with a pre-season friendly against Norwich City, and the ground was officially opened a few weeks later by George Graham in front of a crowd of 2,444 against a Tottenham Hotspur side.

In 2004 Bishop’s Stortford took their place in the newly formed Conference South. In 2007 they reached the play-offs. The semi-final home leg against Salisbury City attracted a crowd of 1,049 and ended in a 1-1 draw, but they were defeated after extra time in the return leg.

In 2013 a record home crowd of 2,545 saw their FA Cup first round tie (televised live) against Northampton Town, when the Blues went down 2-1.

In 2017 the club suffered relegation, from the renamed National League South, to the Southern League Premier Division. In 2018 Bishop’s Stortford transferred to the Isthmian League Premier Division.  In 2020-21 they reached the first round of the FA Cup, losing 3–2 on penalties at Brackley Town after a 3–3 draw.

Last season they finished the campaign with an amazing run which saw them create a club record of 12 games without conceding a goal, to finish the season in 2nd place. However, they lost 3-2 at home against Cheshunt in the Play-off semi-final.

This season they have started with two wins out of two, beating Potters Bar Town and Haringey Borough.

THE SQUAD

STAFF

STEVE SMITH – Manager

Steve became First Team Manager on the resignation of Adam Flint in September 2018. He has had previous experience in charge with Stortford a couple of seasons ago and has had spells with Heybridge Swifts and Chelmsford City. 

LUKE CALLANDER – Assistant Manager

A very experienced striker, Luke joined Stortford for a second spell in early November 2018 before retiring as a player in the 2019-20 season and joining Steve Smith’s coaching team. He had previously played for the Blues in the 2016-17 season. He won the Ryman North League Championship with AFC Sudbury in 2015-16, before returning to Heybridge Swifts in May 2017, becoming the Swifts all time leading goal scorer.

JAMES BAKER – Player/First Team Coach

Experienced midfielder who is equally comfortable in defence. Joined the Blues in early 2020 from Needham Market having previously featured for the likes of Braintree Town, Chelmsford City, Eastleigh, Welling United and AFC Sudbury. Since last season, he has featured less on the pitch and more in the dugout. James also coaches the Blues Academy side.

DANNIE TIPPETT – Goalkeeper Coach

Experienced UEFA B Licenced coach who joined us in 2022 having previously worked with the likes of Grays Athletic, Colchester Utd and St Albans City.

MIKE WILLIAMS – Physiotherapist/Strength & Conditioning Coach

Mike replaced the Club’s long term Physio Colin Taylor following his retirement. The former fitness coach at West Ham United and Colchester United now manages a gym in the town and also coaches the Blues Academy.

PLAYERS

CHARLIE ALLUM – Midfielder

Blues Academy graduate who made his Senior debur last season against Lowestoft Town in the Emirates FA Cup.  Made 5 appearances last term and also spent time on loan with Essex Senior League side Takeley.

RYAN CHARLES – Midfielder

Ryan headed into the 2022/23 season with 26 goals to his name in 98 appearances for the Blues. The fan-favourite, nicknamed ‘Spider’, also featured for Concord Rangers at Wembley in the 2019/20 FA Trophy Final.

ANTHONY CHURCH – Midfielder

Anthony returned to the club in 2021 for a second spell, and had racked over 22 goals in 159 appearances leading in to the 23/23 season. He was with the Blues between 2013 and 2016, before joining up again with Rod Stringer at Chelmsford City, spending five years at the Clarets before his return.

ARCHIE EDWARDS – Defender

Archie played at Charlton Athletic in their youth teams at U18, U21 and U23 level, and represented England at U16 and U17. Since then he has played for Bognor Regis Town, Eastbourne Borough and Hornchurch, before signing for the Blues in summer 2021.

TERRELL EGRBI – Forward
Exciting winger Terrell spent eight years in the Southend United system, before earning his first professional contract in the summer of 2020. Since being released from the Essex side, he has thrilled Blues fans in pre-season with a number of eye-catching moments and goals. 

DARREN FOXLEY – Midfielder

Darren started his career with Soham Town Rangers and Cambridge City before his first spell with the Blues in the 2017-18 season. He left for Hungerford Town, and subsequently represented St Albans City and East Thurrock United before returning to the Blues in the summer of 2020. He scored the first goal in a 2-0 over his former club St Albans in front of the BT Sport camera’s. Had a brief spell with Billericay Town before returning to the Blues and ahead of this season had 28 goals in 95 appearances for the Blues.

JACK GIDDENS – Goalkeeper

Jack won the Isthmian League Premier Division with Billericay Town, having also played for St Neots Town, Aveley, Tilbury and East Thurrock Utd. Wrote his name into Blues folklore in the 21/22 season by breaking a number of records, including setting an all time club record of 1088 minutes without conceding a goal. Voted into the Isthmian Team Of The Season 21/22.

JONNY GILES – Midfielder

A physics graduate from Durham University, Jonny has previously played in League Two with Oxford United, as well as making nearly 100 appearances for Chelmsford City. A versatile attacking midfielder who netted 12 times in 46 appearances in his first Blues campaign last season.

MARK HAINES – Defender

Mark arrived for his second spell on loan from Chelmsford City with a gap of almost seven years from his first spell having been on a month’s loan from the Clarets in early 2012 when the Blues were in the Conference North. Having played for West Ham United and Southend United youth teams, he joined Grays Athletic and then Chelmsford City. He is the Essex side’s longest serving player with almost 300 first team appearances.

CHRIS HARRIS – Forward

Chris signed on dual registration terms with Halstead Town of the Thurlow Nunn League First Division South in October 2021, following an impressive spell with the Humbugs. Quickly became a fan favourite and netted 12 goals in 28 appearances in his first season as a Blue.

RYAN HENSHAW – Defender

Club captain Ryan joined Stortford in early November 2018. Racked up over 300 appearances for AFC Sudbury before a switch to Heybridge Swifts. Had 9 goals in 116 Blues appearances to his name heading into the 22/23 campaign having also been voted into the Isthmian Premier team of the season following a superb 21/22 season that also saw him named as Players’ Player Of The Year.

MATT JOHNSON – Midfielder

Midfielder Matt returns to the Blues having notched up 141 appearances and 15 goals with the Blues in his first spell with the club, and most recently captained Braintree Town as they avoided relegation from the Vanarama National League South last season.

BEN MARLOW – Midfielder

A graduate of the West Ham United Academy, Ben represented the Blues in 2015/16 before switching to East Thurrock Utd. Returned ahead of the 21/22 campaign and now has 4 goals in 55 games to his credit leading into this season. A bad knee injury will see him side-lined until the second half of the 22/23 season.

FRANKIE MERRIFIELD – Forward

Frankie played for the Blues in two seasons from October 2014 to July 2016 before joining Chelmsford City. Earnt a move back to the Blues after an impressive spell at East Thurrock United in 2019-20. Ahead of the 22/23 season Frankie had netted 37 goals in 119 Blues appearances.

TOSIN OLUFEMI – Defender
Comfortable at right back or right wing, former Concord Rangers and Haringey Borough skipper Tosin joins from fellow Isthmian League Premier Division side Boro, with whom he was the top scorer last term.

OLIVER PETERS – Midfielder

Energetic midfielder who featured from AFC Subdury and US Side Georgia Revolution before joining the Blues in February 2022.  Netted on one occasion in his 15 appearances last campaign and returns for his first full season at the R&D Advisors UK Stadium in 22/23.

JAY PORTER – Defender
Defender Jay has previously featured for Margate, Enfield Town and Hornchurch, and is comfortable at either centre back or left back. 

SAM ROBBINS – Defender

Sam began his career at Wingate & Finchley before moving on to Waltham Abbey, where he made over 100 appearances. He signed for the Blues from the Abbotts in the summer of 2018, netting his first goal for the club in a 2-1 win at Worthing in November 2018. He won the Manager’s Player of the Season and the Players’ Player of the Season for 2018-19 and arrives into the 22/23 campaign having scored twice in 136 Blues appearances.

JACK THOMAS – Midfielder

The hardworking Blues Academy Graduate made his first team debut in September 2017 and was named the Young Player of the Year in 2018-19.  A shining example of the Academy Pathway at the club, Jack entered the 22/23 campaign having found the net on two occasions in 161 first team appearances for the club.

HEAD TO HEAD RESULTS

19/03/22	Isthmian Premier League	Lewes	0	Bishop’s Stortford	1
6/11/21	Isthmian Premier League	Bishop’s Stortford	1	Lewes	1
30/10/21	FA Trophy	Bishop’s Stortford	2	Lewes	0
23/11/19	Isthmian Premier League	Bishop’s Stortford	0	Lewes	2
20/04/19	Isthmian Premier League	Lewes	1	Bishop’s Stortford	3
8/12/18	Isthmian Premier League	Bishop’s Stortford	1	Lewes	2

THE LAST MEETING AT THE PAN – 19th MARCH 2022

MIDWEEK ISTHMIAN LEAGUE ROUND-UP BY IAN TOWNSEND

Horsham hit the top of the table last night, and they did it in style, walloping Corinthian-Casuals five-nil at the Camping World Community Stadium. At half time the two were separated only by Lee Harding’s thirteenth minute goal, but after the break it all went badly wrong for the visitors, a Jack Mazzone hat trick and a goal from Shamir Fenelon sending the Hornets to the summit. Seven hundred and one watched on.

Another side who scored five goals were Canvey Island, who travelled from one seaside to another and trounced Brightlingsea Regent. The Gulls couldn’t have had a worse start, Harrison Carnegie opening the scoring for Regent in the first minute, but that was the only joy the home supporters experienced all night. Evans Kouassi equalised eight minutes later, and the same player made it three-one just before the break after Danny Parish’s first goal in Canvey colours had made it two. The second half saw another new boy, Luca Albon, get a fourth, before Parish got the fifth on sixty four minutes.

Bishop’s Stortford made it six points from six when Chris Harris scored a third minute goal at Potters Bar Town. In a game of six yellow cards we also had a red, Stortford’s Sam Robins departing on the hour, but the man advantage didn’t help the Scholars.

Herne Bay got their first Premier points with victory at Haringey Borough. Bay had been unlucky at Potters Bar on Sunday, but were quickly into gear at Coles Park, Hassan Jalloh and Marcel Barrington putting them two up within thirteen minutes. A home fightback duly arrived, Anthony Mendy pulling a goal back three minutes before the break, but that spurred the visitors to greater heights, and Helge Orome restored their lead with twenty six minutes remaining, Jalloh’s second of the match making sure seven minutes from time.

Hornchurch picked up their first points of the season, coming from behind to defeat Enfield Town. Jake Cass put the Towners ahead from the spot midway through the first half only for Liam Nash to equalise, put the visitors were ahead again by the break, Lyle Della-Verde restoring their advantage. With just thirteen minutes to go it was looking likely that Enfield would be taking the points back to Donkey Lane, but Nash can never be ignored and popped up to equalise. With six minutes on the clock Tom Wraight got the Urchins a winner. Four hundred and ninety two watched on.

Margate moved into the top five with a win at Bowers and Pitsea. Harvey Smith gave them the whip hand after seven minutes, but the match hung in the balance until last knockings, when Marcel Deslandes made it two.

Folkestone Invicta and Hastings United played out a goalless draw on the Kent coast, in front of a crowd of eight hundred and eighty three.

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP

You can sponsor the player of your choice, subject to availability, for the 2022/23 season and get your name in lights, plus a home or away shirt signed by your player and presented to you at a home game. Contact Shrey for more details at Shrey@lewesfc.com.

PLAYER	SPONSOR	PLAYER	SPONSOR
Lewis Carey	Susie Arlett	Jack Skinner
Tom Carlse		Henry Muggeridge
Marcel Elva-Fountaine		Rhys Murrell-Williamson	Trevor Norwood
Kenny Yao		Deshane Dalling
Tom Champion	Tom, Alice & Russ Mould	Razz Coleman De-Graft
Will Salmon		Deon Moore
Mitchell Nelson		Joe Taylor	Stuart Fuller
Ayo Olukoga		Fraser Middleton-Tozer
Bradley Pritchard		Finley Jenkins
Alfie Young		Ronan Silva
Tom Phipp

A MAGIC CARPET RIDE BY ED BRIGGS

It has been a privilege to lead the club’s application and subsequently Project Manage the implementation of a new Hybrid Carpet Playing surface, at The Dripping Pan. This has personally taken up any spare hours outside of my day job during the past 12 months but I am very proud of the outcomes the club have achieved.

Initially, we branded the Top Secret Bid : Project Magic Carpet and everything remained confidential. The Board unanimously agreed that this was a potential game-changing project for the club and fortifies our ambition to play at the highest level possible.

Management Teams, for both our men and women, have long expressed their belief that this will transform their recruitment process and ensure they can deliver an entertaining brand of football. The playing surface is a more important priority to elite players than money in many cases, which may surprise you!

In fact, Tony Russell claims that an elite playing surface could be worth 15 extra points a season……….I have retained the WhatsApp message to evidence this, and will reflect on it in April.

In Autumn 2021 there was encouragement from the FA that we should definitely consider submitting a bid as there was an initiative to improve women’s football pitches to WSL standard. Biram Desai pushed the button on the final bid submission (including full 10 year funding and maintenance spreadsheets) at the beginning of December. We put the team together and worked with PSD, Spruce Architecture and Parker Dann (Planning Consultants) in the background.

Then nothing……..but no news turned out to be good news (for those that were not going to be installing the thing at least!).

At the beginning of May we were notified that our bid had been successful, that we would receive 100% funding and that work should start on a new £750,000 + VAT playing surface on……….May 9^th.

The FA were clear, upon evaluation of our submission for a Grant, that they respected Lewes FC:

• For our transparent Ownership structure
• For our Equality stance
• For our pioneering drive to promote women’s football
• For our anti-gambling ads in football campaigning
• For our comprehensive proposals for restructuring and Equality in FA Cup Prize Money

I think the FA could not be clearer that they like us!. To my knowledge only 2 Clubs successfully bid and the other club has not gone ahead with the installation as we stand.

Our FA Approved team included PSD Agronomy (https://labosport.com/labosport-offices/labosport-psd) , who designated Dale Frith (ex-Head Groundsman at Fleetwood Town) as our Pitch Consultant. Dale had a shortlist of 4 potential contractors to run the installation and recommended Henry Chaplin and his colleagues at Chappelows Sports Turf (http://www.chappelowsportsturf.co.uk/) who have installed several of these surfaces (though admittedly never in such an ancient town with narrow roads and awful access). Chappelows have been working on The Dripping Pan as well as maintaining and laying pitches at Leeds United’s Thorp Arch Training Centre this summer. I meant to ask them to grab a spare cool box for Tony as they have no need for theirs up there now.

So what have we had installed other than brand new gravel drainage and irrigation pipes and umpteen 360 degrees sprinklers a new concrete Pump Room base and a new Pump Room (which required very ‘fluid’ (sounds like a Supporters Club pun – Ed) architectural and structural engineering plans due to the ‘efficiency’ of East Sussex County Council Archaeologists (who actually were very civil, thorough and fair and watching) and laser-levelling tonnes and tonnes and tonnes of sand ?

Well I will let County Turf , who rolled out our carpet at Chappelow’s request because they are the best in the country explain it better than I can here.

The grapevine has been alive with many misinformed comments over the Summer – “We never wanted an artificial pitch” “How on earth can we afford this” and “I hear we are playing the first three months at neutral venues” amongst the best of them. Being honest – August was always going to be a challenge but we would cross that bridge when the fixtures were released…and it would only be a challenge if it did not rain………….

…….and it did not rain…….not one drop……

Seriously, with some prompting, coaxing, a little bit of chasing, endless WhatsApp messaging through the night and great daily support and urgency on the ground from James Barker – the messages got through. All parties were aligned and despite the weather and a temporary pump room providing only one sprinkler (see above) we grew a pitch from start to finish in little more than 6 weeks. Dale was calm throughout (even with endless rounds trip to Preston and the M6 and M25 on a Friday, Henry was knowledgeable and composed and just brilliant for all at Lewes to work with.. Henry has seen it all before . Henry enjoyed staying at the East Sussex National too!

No molehill became a mountain – in fact there were no molehills at all – or wildlife in general as much of their food source has gonel (though seagulls, crows and the odd Rook like a drink from a sprinkler in dry weather – we will replace sprinkler lids with new grass as we go – yes the sprinklers wear grass hats!)

I admit to being somewhat nervous the first time that Tony Russell descended the Philcox steps, on Thursday August 11^th having been away from the ground since April. His smile told me all I needed to know. For those that know Tony he would have told me if he didn’t like something.

Some quotes from the players and management –  “We cannot get our heads around it” “the best pitch south of Sheffield Wednesday and theirs is not as good as this” “the players agreed it is the best pitch they have ever played on” “the pitch is our best signing of the summer”

The grin has not left Tony’s face since (*excludes Saturday 13^th August 5pm-7pm)

I look forward to hearing what our Women’s Players and management make of the surface shortly.

The pumps were switched over yesterday and the permanent Pump Room went live and we are up to full allocation of sprinklers for the first time…..I prayed for the heavens to open in advance of Carshalton as that was the only day this summer we have been without a decent water supply……I may or may not have forgotten to mention that to Tony.

In summary, we had a very short window to optimise the pitch installation with the added provision of a pitch side pathway on the Mountfield Road, opening up all 4 sides of The Dripping Pan to supporters.

In parallel, we have attempted to relieve bottlenecks around the ground and there will be temporary set of steps linking the Top of Mountfield Road to the bottom by the Southampton game and providing an additional bar (operated by https://onlywithlove.co/ ) at the Ham Lane End alongside new Portaloos at that end. This kind of set up was tested positively in the fixture against Worthing last spring.

We have installed an Accessible toilet in The Rook Inn, which vastly improves the experience for our Disabled Supporters. The toilet in The Rook Inn will also ensure it instantly becomes a more attractive proposition as a Function Room and the revenue that will attract.

On behalf of the Board I would like to end by thanking Roger Feltham for all of his great work, care and sheer love and dedication that has gone in over many years in maintaining a grass pitch often alone, with very limited tools or funds or even much water! I know that Roger is a big fan of the new pitch and is enjoying being involved on matchdays with less daunting tasks. Roger is providing insight and  building a great relationship, and potentially friendship, with Tony Provan our new Jordan’s (https://www.jsgm.co.uk/) groundsman – who like Roger is a perfectionist and visiting us 4-6 times a week to treat, mow and line the pitch. Tony has to mow the Hybrid Carpet by hand and it is a 6 mile walk each time! Some of Tony’s handiwork may be viewed at Gillingham Football Club, Charlton Athletic Football Club and The Oval.

Special thanks to Biram Desai (our Financial Controller) and James Barker (our Facilities Manager) for their tremendous support throughout the past year and a mention also to East Sussex County Council and Lewes District Council for their co-operation.

My highlight – I took a moment to watch the team walk out in their new Kappa kit, that I had designed pre-Christmas, with a pint in hand. To beat Carshalton so comprehensively completed a perfect night for me.

It’s been a long summer but I hope it’s the start of a brilliant winter and an even better spring.

Enjoy the season. COYR

Ed Briggs

Director

*The new Carpet Hybrid Pitch comprises 95% natural grass intertwined with a mesh carpet of grass fibre shoots. Bases of sand, root zone and gravel in various depths and layers combined with a state of the art irrigation system have seen these technological advancements implemented in elite-level sports stadiums including the Premier League

LEWES 2 CARSHALTON ATHLETIC 0 – TUESDAY 16th AUGUST 2022

A Deon Moore brace helped Lewes to a 2-0 win over Carshalton Athletic in the first game on their new hybrid pitch at the Pan, reports Tom Harper (pictures from James Boyes).

Tony Russell made two changes to the side that drew 1-1 at Wingate & Finchley on the opening day of the season, with Will Salmon and Rhys Murrell-Williamson replacing Henry Muggeridge and Deshane Dalling in the starting line-up.

These changes saw Alfie Young move into midfield, with Salmon partnering Tom Champion at the heart of the defence.

Both sides traded chances in an otherwise cagey opening 10-15 minutes, Gus Sow just missing the target with a half-volley from the edge of the area for the visitors, before Jack Skinner saw a goal-bound effort blocked for the Rooks.

Lewes took the lead on 19 minutes through Deon Moore, who made a late run into the box to convert an inviting Razz Coleman De-Graft cross from the left.

The Rooks were controlling possession, with the immaculate playing surface making it easy for them to play the incisive passing football that the majority of the impressive 803-strong crowd came to know and enjoy last season.

Despite this, Carshalton were continuing to pose a threat themselves as the half progressed, Arthur Lee heading a Tom Beere corner wide at the far post, before Leo Hamblin shot just wide after good build-up play down the left.

Lewes made a bright start to the second half and Murrell-Williamson was at the heart of all their best play, going close twice with almost identical efforts as he cut in from the right before sending one shot just wide of the near post and then seeing a second attempt minutes later saved by Liam Beach.

Between these efforts, Murrell-Williamson charged down an attempted clearance and the ball dropped to Moore, who put his snap-shot over the bar.

The impressive attacking play continued, with Beach saving bravely at the feet of Moore and De-Graft shooting just wide after a mazy run.

Beach was keeping the visitors in the game at this stage, as he denied both Murrell-Williamson and the impressive Skinner before the former sent a far-post volley from a Will Salmon cross into the side-netting.

Lewes finally scored the second goal their pressure had been threatening on 62 minutes, Moore capitalising on a loose pass at the back, rounding Beach and finishing into the empty net.

There were some complaints from the visitors as the linesman had initially flagged for offside when the ball ran through to Moore, but the referee allowed play to continue and the goal stood.

Lewes continued to control the game as the half progressed, without quite being able to apply the same pressure they had during the early stages of the second half.

They could still have added to their lead late on though, as Skinner latched onto a long ball forward but was denied again by Beach.

The Rooks saw out the closing stages comfortably to record their first win of the season, sending the majority of the exceptional crowd home happy.

You can read Tony Russell and Jack Skinner’s thoughts on the game here.

ON THIS DAY IN FOOTBALLING HISTORY – 20TH AUGUST 2022

A PIRATE LIFE – THE NEWEST SIGNINGS AT THE PAN

Lewes FC is proud to announce that it will provide a home this season to a statue called ‘Inexorable’ commemorating Anne Bonny and Mary Read – trailblazing female pirates largely erased from history. 

Sculptor Amanda Cotton said, “‘Anne and Mary should live somewhere where they will be appreciated and celebrated. ‘Inexorable’ stands for the idea that you can live free and without constraint, and the piece should serve as a reminder that you can live authentically as yourself, exactly as Anne and Mary did. I’d love Anne and Mary to be as famous as their male counterparts and bring inspiration to all. For these reasons I’m delighted that for a season they will stay at The Dripping Pan in Lewes, watching the only fairly resourced professional women and men club footballers in the world play. It’s a match made in heaven.” 

Back in the 18^th Century both Anne and Mary had to dress as men to escape poverty in the UK and join a pirate ship, something barred to them as women. Eventually they fell in love with each other, capturing ships around Jamaica, and leaving a trail of looted treasure as well as ex-lovers behind them. 

The 8 feet high statue is intended to represent each woman’s elemental personality – fire for passionate, impulsive Anne, and earth for practical, many-layered Mary. The two forms are different but forever connected. Together Earth and Fire are unstoppable: hence ‘Inexorable’. The piece of art demonstrates a partnership of two strong, independent rebellious women whom history has tried to ignore.  

Initially designed to be in Devon, but rejected by a local council as ‘inappropriate’, Lewes FC was keen to house the statue at their home ground The Dripping Pan, where they are famous for being the only club in the world to split resources equally between women and men footballers. But this was only recently made possible by a grant from the Chalk Cliff Trust to cover transport and installation costs. 

Lewes FC director Karen Dobres commented, ‘We’re honoured that Inexorable will overlook our pitch, standing proudly by our old flint wall in Mountfield Road. As pioneers of gender equality in football, known for our radical stance on smashing gender stereotypes, we hope our community will be inspired by this incredible work of art. We’re grateful to Amanda for so powerfully drawing attention to these women’s stories, and to the Chalk Cliff Trust for funding the transportation of Inexorable to the Pan. We think Anne and Mary will feel very much at home in the town of Lewes and people will be able to come and see the statue on match days and open days.” 

THE 2022/23 ISTHMIAN LEAGUE PARTNERS

LEWES WOMEN’S 2022/23 SEASON PREVIEW BY JOE SHORT

“I want us to show what we’re made of. We’re not an underdog. We can shine and develop Lewes, and what it stands for. And of course, I want to win the league!”

Words well said from new Lewes FC striker Emily Kraft, who has joined the Rooks this summer from FFC Frankfurt with two eyes firmly on securing promotion this season.

Kraft is one of six players to have signed up to the Rooks this summer as part of new boss Scott Booth’s efforts to revamp the squad, and have it ready for another high-octane Women’s Championship.

Booth himself is a new face in the Dripping Pan dug-out after we said goodbye to interim boss Craig Gill, who has now headed to coach in America.

The manager arrives in East Sussex with plenty of experience in energising teams in search of trophies. The former Aberdeen striker led Glasgow City to six straight titles during his first big job in management, and moved to WSL side Birmingham City last year.

Now at the Pan, Booth is looking to build on the foundations Gill left.

“The players have been fantastic this summer and I couldn’t have asked for more,” Booth says.

“They’ve been completely professional, desperate to develop and improve, and have gelled really well as a new squad.

“We kept a core of players from the previous squad and introduced new players – and the way everyone has led the situation with getting to know each other has been phenomenal. It’s been a pleasure to be involved in this development.

“We’re always ambitious and we want to succeed. We want to make a success of this squad and develop the players as best we can. There are various levels of success but ultimately we just want to make sure the players are given the platform to succeed. That’s the big thing for us.”

New Arrivals
Booth and Kraft aren’t the only new faces at the Dripping Pan. Goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse has come in from Bristol City, Amber-Keegan Stobbs from Watford, and Nat Johnson from Coventry United.

The Rooks have also managed to secure the services of highly-rated Chelsea teenager Emma Thompson on loan for the season. Emma chose to come to Lewes despite interest from a wealth of other clubs, in the UK and abroad.

And Libby Copus-Brown became the most recent arrival at the Pan when swapping Australia for the shores of East Sussex.

So, plenty of new faces to get accustomed to when watching the players in action this season. And there are new figures on Booth’s bench too. Daniel Matraszek, Lydia Woodland, Ivi Casagrande join Adam Chilcott, Christos Andreu and Stefano Montanari in Booth’s backroom staff, while the club is delighted to announce this week that Nat Haigh is our new assistant manager.

New Pitch
And the new arrivals just keep on coming in the form of a new pitch and additional stadium facilities at the Pan!

Many of you may have walked past the ground over the summer and seen building work going on. Thanks to a grant, the club has been able to relay the old turf with a fresh, hybrid pitch that provides a much smoother, more consistent surface.

We’ve already seen the Lewes men’s team take advantage of the improved pitch to beat Carshalton 2-0 on Tuesday night. And the new, improved surface means we can feature more games at the Pan throughout the year, particularly in the winter.

In the stands, you might notice work is going on in the Ham Lane end of the ground, where our new partners Only With Love are preparing a service area for food and drink over the course of the season!

We’re delighted to have Only With Love on board for the campaign, and their incredible range of beers – plus local favourites and other beverages – can be enjoyed during games throughout the season.

What with the new pitch, there is now greater access to the entirety of the Dripping Pan thanks to a new concerted section that runs alongside the Mountfield Road side of the pitch.

Fixture list
Lewes kick off the 2022/23 Women’s Championship away to Birmingham City on Sunday 21st August. Our first home game is then a week later, when Southampton rock up at the Dripping Pan for a 12.30pm Sunday kick off.

And then the fixtures come thick and fast. Lewes play 10 games before the winter break, and restart the new year away at Southampton in mid January. Mercifully for our grounds staff, we have just one Women’s home game at the Pan until March, and the season rounds off with a home clash against Durham on 30 April.

What’s more, we’re also competing in the Conti Cup once again this season. Our group stage opponents are Bristol City, Charlton and Crystal Palace – all from the Women’s Championship.

Individual match tickets for all Lewes home games start at £12 for adults and £8 for concessions (65+, students, people with disabilities). And our beach huts are back once again, and can be booked out for six people for just £110!

Meanwhile, you can still buy a Lewes FC season ticket and make big savings across the season. Our Super Season Ticket (Men and Women) costs just £260 and gets you access to every home game of both the Women’s Championship and the Isthmian Premier League.

Adult Women’s Season Tickets start at £105, while Concessions Women’s Season Tickets are just £70. Kids, as you know, go free!

New Fans
Lastly, we would like to welcome any new fans we have made over the past few months. Beating Liverpool 2-1 on the final day of last season seems like a lifetime ago. Since then the stadium has had a revamp, the squad has changed, and we’ve got a new manager. What’s more, women’s football is firmly in the spotlight thanks to the incredible success of the Lionesses during Euro 2022.

We know for many Lewes supporters being able to watch England play at Brighton and Wembley was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But here at Lewes supporting women’s football with all we’ve got is nothing new. Equal pay, equal opportunities and equal respect is still a long way off for women footballers. But we will not stop striving for equality!

So, if you’re new to the club and are looking forward to supporting the Rooks for the first time, then welcome! You’ll find the Pan is a wonderfully communal place, safe for kids and comfortable for families – a positive, progressive home. Of course, if you’ve been before then you already know this!

THE 2022/23 ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SEASON

TODAY’S TEAMS WILL APPEAR HERE AROUND 2:30pm

ON THE ROAD TO CORINITHIAN-CASUALS – SAT 27th AUGUST

About King George’s Field
Corinthian Casuals ground is a basic affair but certainly homely.  There is a small main stand with a few rows of seating and a covered terrace along one side and a covered terrace behind one goal.  Apart from that it is hard standing around the pitch.  The club house and food van can be found behind the main stand.  Trains regularly pass over the top of the main stand which can be a bit off-putting for away players and fans alike.

How to get to King George’s Field
The ground is situated just off the A3 not far from the Tolworth roundabout. If you are travelling from the M25 you can join the A3 London-bound at junction 10. Stay on the A3 until you reach the 50mph speed limit, continue under the Hook roundabout and move into the left-hand lane for about 174 yards. Bear left onto Hook Rise North for 0.2 mile (Tolworth Junction). At roundabout, take the FOURTH exit (as if you were going to rejoin the A3 going back towards the way you came signposted M25, Portsmouth) then almost immediately take slip road on left onto Hook Rise South for 0.5 mile.

If you are travelling from London on the A3 take the Tolworth Junction exit. At roundabout, take the second exit (as if you were going to rejoin the A3 going towards M25, Portsmouth) then almost immediately take slip road on left onto Hook Rise South for 0.5 mile.

Turn left into Queen Mary Close. Ground and car park under railway bridge on right hand side. The 55-mile journey should take just over an hour from Lewes.

The ground is situated around a ten-minute walk from Tolworth station which is in Zone 5. Turn left out of the station and walk up to the roundabout where you should turn left again, past where the Toby Jug pub used to be. Walk alongside the slip road into Hook Rise South. Continue down the road until you reach Queen Mary’s Close, where you will see a small sign for the club. Walk under the bridge and the ground is on the right.  Journey time from Lewes, with a change at Clapham Junction is 1 hour 50 minutes and an Off-Peak Day Return is currently £24.90.

Admission at King George’s Field
Admission this season will be £12 for adults, £5 for concessions (senior citizens, students and Under18s), and accompanied under 16s are admitted for £1.  

Fancy a beer?
This is a tough one – there are literally no pubs within a 10/15-minute walk of the ground so unusually I am going to recommend having a beer or two at Clapham Junction at pubs such as The Falcon (which has England’s longest bar) or The Slug and Lettuce, both within a 2 minute walk of the station.

THE RETURN OF THE STODGEBUSTERS

After a summer diet of salad, the Stodgebusters returned with a bang(er) with a trip to North London as PJ details.

Opening day of the season at last. Hooray!!! We had all had enough of Saturdays wasted in places like IKEA, Homebase and Dunelm Mill. Spare a thought for PJ who had the misfortune of having to visit Dunelm Mill twice in one day due to a faulty set of vertical blinds he had purchased. He was not amused. Anyway, first up we were away at Wingate and Finchley. We travelled this particular well trodden path full of hope and expectation but the memories of that sobering opening day defeat at Cray 12 months earlier were in the back of our minds. The Stodgebusters, smothered in Factor 50, decided to brave the possibility of hot weather related rail delays and met up on the 10.57 train from Lewes.

Blimey, it was hot.

This was not our first meet up of the season. We had in fact had Stodgebuster outings to a few of the pre-season friendlies. We had started off at Lancing and a visit to one of our favourites: The Rainbow Cafe. It has nothing to do with Zippy and Bungle, and for any rock music aficionados , it has nothing to do with Ritchie Blackmore’s old band either. But they do a cracking full English and a fine omelette. Lewes won 4-0 in a game most notable for Joe Taylor having a penalty saved. That’s a collector’s item. We also saw the first glimpse of someone who looked suspiciously like Ethel’s favourite Henry Muggeridge back in a Lewes shirt.

Next up was Punjab United. This was an evening game and PJ couldn’t convince any of his fellow Stodgebusters to make the trip to Gravesend. What a bunch of lightweights. So he set up the satnav and went on his own. After all it was a new ground to visit. One has to say it is a pretty basic ground and they are very partial to using converted shipping containers for buildings. However, admission was free so one couldn’t complain about that. PJ sampled the chips and was rather disappointed with the lack of heat, texture and taste. Apart from that they were fine. The Punjab pitch had plenty of grass on it but unfortunately most of it was brown and dead. There was a rumour circulating that the club had fallen out with the landlords next door and the water supply was being rationed. Anyway, the pitch was as hard as iron and was not conducive to any decent football and unsurprisingly we ended up with a no score draw and an injury to Joe Taylor.

Onto VCD and for some reason it was a 13.00 kick off. It’s another of our favourite away trips due in no small part to the Bubble and Squeak Cafe just about halfway between Crayford Station and the ground. They do an excellent full English. It was only PJ and Gary on the train for this one as self confessed train disliker Al was driving and picked up Polegate Roly en route. The plan was to all meet up at the cafe at about 11.45. Well the train boys made it but no sign of Al or Roly. Usual Stodgebuster rules apply here so Gary and PJ didn’t wait and ordered up the nosh. Good job too. The other two didn’t roll in until 12.20 just as PJ and Gary were finishing off the tea. Cutting it fine to say the least! After some brief repartee (Mickey taking) Gary and PJ headed for the ground. Alan and Roly were late for the second time in the day by not getting to the ground until about 20 minutes had elapsed. Cue more banter. Lewes won 4-0 but we will remember this game more for the disagreement between the VCD manager and one of his coaching staff on the bench. It was all very heated and loud. We thought we were going to see a fight but the coach was wisely ushered away before anything physical could happen.

The last friendly was Sevenoaks. PJ drove Gary and Roly to this one. Someone said there was bound to be somewhere to eat in the High Street. We drove up and down and could only find one place anywhere near suitable. Darcey’s Kitchen. It looked ok, was quite busy (usually a good sign) and had breakfasts on the menu so in we went. Oh dear. It was a bit of a let down. Gary’s fried egg came out poached and everyone’s  bacon had distinct tinges of burning. What with a 20+ minute wait it really wasn’t a great experience and will not go down as being one of our better meals. Next time we play Sevenoaks away we’ll research cafes a bit more. To make matters worse we didn’t play well and lost 2-1.

So PJ, Roly, Steve and Gary were en-route to Victoria for the start of the serious stuff at Wingate. PJ, yet again, was the only one who remembered to bring along the sweets in the form of  Lemon Sherberts. Sugar free of course as one has to watch one’s figure. Gary bravely predicted a 3-0 victory for the Rooks. PJ was more reserved and forecast a 1-1 draw. We took a couple of tube trains to East Finchley where we bumped into Mitchell Nelson and asked if he fancied having a full English with us. It would help his game no end.

Our choice of cafe was the Cafe Pepe. We were there last season and jolly good it was too. 2 Full English and 2 omelette and chips went down very well. It warranted a good 9 on the Stodge-o-Meter.

The last leg was a ride on the 263 bus and before we knew it we were walking towards the ground complaining about the heat and trying to find shady bits to walk in.

Blimey, it was hot.

We dived into the clubhouse to get some shade and a cool drink. This was in complete contrast to our last visit when it was bitterly cold and we huddled around the radiator. It took a day to thaw out after that game.

Lewes had a number of new signings in the starting eleven, but no Joe Taylor (thanks to Punjab’s pitch) or Bradley Pritchard who got a twinge in the warm up. Yes, it might sound strange but players still have to warm up even in that heat. The Stodgebusters sadly had to seek the shade in the Jack Fisk stand down the side and left the younger brigade to endure the blazing heat behind the goal for the first half.

Blimey, it was hot.

Not much happened in the first half although Lewes were on top. Well done to the lads behind the goal, though, who survived the 45 minutes without sun stroke. The players trooped off diverting slightly to go through the sprinklers. We could have done with some of that.

Prior to the second half we headed for the stand behind the goal and some shade. But the metal back of the stand was so hot it was like standing by a radiator on full blast. Lewes took the lead six minutes into the half when Razz, by far the best player on the pitch, found new boy Ronan Silva with a lovely dinked pass and he slotted home. The lead didn’t last long as a ball from the left was pinged into our box and a home player got his head on it. It hit the bar and went down on the line Geoff Hurst style. We didn’t have a clue if it had crossed but the Russian linesman gave it. We had several chances to win it but either spurned them or the bleedin’ keeper got in the way. Wingate had theirs too, but we felt we should have won the game. Well, we would wouldn’t we? However, a point wasn’t bad and we thought we had played quite well. Our new signings all acquitted themselves quite well, and PJ had correctly predicted the final score for the first time in years.

Did I mention it was hot? All joking aside though, it must have been really hard playing in that heat.

The tube train was very busy at Euston. It was every man for himself to find a space. PJ went for a slightly less crammed coach and, resplendent in his brand new Lewes away shirt, found himself amongst a couple of dozen Arsenal shirted fans. There were lots of quizzical looks but they were a friendly bunch and asked where Lewes was and how we’d got on.

We were nearly home and the travel had been faultless, but Southern Rail had to have a little nibble at us. The Lewes train was diverted at the last minute to Brighton. No big deal but Lewes pick up plans by nearest and dearest had to be swiftly altered.

The Stodgebusters will return at Corinthian Casuals and the Broadway cafe.

THE LAST WORD – TOM CARLSE

Danny Last continues his informal chats with the first team squad about this, that and the other.

Don’t leave the Dripping Pan early after a game would be my advice, especially if we secure the three points because Tom Carlse’s post-match celebrations with the Rooks faithful have become stuff of legend in BN7. Watch him go, join in and enjoy. 

Do you have a nickname, Tom?

Carlsey, TC, basically anything and everything aside from my actual name. 

Who do you support?
Liverpool. Don’t get to go too often due to playing of course but I did get to Anfield a couple of seasons back. I’m actually on my way to joining the 92 Club, attending a game at every Premier League and English Football League club in England & Wales but it’s still early days. I started in January and have done 17/92 so still some way to go. 

Favourite footballer?
Of all time, Steven Gerrard and currently in the Liverpool team, Thiago. 

Favourite TV show?
Probably Only Fools & Horses. Timeless. 

Last album you listened to?
Oh my God <blows out lips> we’ll go with Aitch’s new one, ‘Close To Home’. (British hip hop artist with three Top 40 singles, 51 million YouTube views and 140 million Spotify streams but then you knew that – Ed.)

Most embarrassing moment in football?
Scoring an own goal when we got bashed 7-2 away at Bognor. That was a bad day. 

Who is the best dresser in the squad?
Mitchell Nelson. 

And the worst?
Without a doubt, Bradly Pritchard but somehow, he manages to pull it off. If you looked at what he wears in a wardrobe you’d never in a million years pick it but when he goes for it, he looks unbelievable. 

Wotsits or Pringles?
Pringles, 100%. Surely nobody has ever said Wotsits to this?

Could you beat Tony Russell in an arm wrestle?
Depends really if it’s before or after a game. Afterwards possibly not as I’ve probably done something to annoy him but beforehand, I might be alright. 

iPhone or Android?
iPhone. 

Dominos or Papa Johns?
Dominos.

Do you own a piece of football memorabilia?
Yes, Oh you want to know what it is? A signed Paul Merson shirt. 

Most likely to be late for training?

Razz. Every week, Razz. Fine him all you want and it doesn’t matter. He’s late. 

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

Probably Paul Merson. 

And finally, can you name all of The Beatles?

No. Wouldn’t have a clue. Not even one. I’m 28. 

That’s it. Thanks a million, and keep up those post-match celebrations because we love it, TC. 

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

MONDAY 29th AUGUST 2022 – 3pm

HASTINGS UNITED – TICKETS ON SALE NOW

TODAY’S QUIZ ANSWERS

1. The game was played at Anfield as Old Trafford was closed due to crowd trouble in the previous season
2. Alan Hansen uttered those immortal words on Match of the Day. Nine months later the team won the treble
3. Jurgen Klinsmann scored on his debut at Sheffield Wednesday
4. Keith Peacock became the first ever substitute when he replaced an injured player in the 11th minute of the game at Bolton Wanderers
5. Lloyd Dawes scored a hatrick in the game