Tuesday 8th November 2022 7:45pm – The Isthmian Premier League – The Dripping Pan

Welcome to The Dripping Pan for this evening’s Pitching In Isthmian Premier League game against Folkestone Invicta. Here is your complimentary e-programme.

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NOTES FROM THE CHAIR

Good evening everyone and welcome back to the Dripping Pan. I’d like to welcome the fans, players, management and officials from Folkestone Invicta and hope your journey to and from the Pan are smooth.

Based on the weather in the last seven days, our ground name is very apt at the moment. The conditions last Tuesday for the game versus Aveley were horrendous, hats off to the 352 that braved the conditions and saw a very well-matched contest. Many of you will have seen that our game here against Bristol City Women on Sunday was postponed due to the weather. Whilst we have significantly improved drainage on the pitch, few pitches could have coped with the conditions leading up to the game. Just to show how bad it was, the Crystal Palace Women’s game, played on a 3G pitch at Bromley FC also fell foul of the weather.

We seem to be the Football Pools favourite team at the moment, picking up another draw on the road at Brightlingsea Regent on Saturday. We dominated the play in the first half, but as in previous games, can’t go on to score when we are on top. We let the Regent full-back run almost the whole length of the pitch to equalise and conceded again in the second half when we couldn’t get the ball away. We know we are one or two lucky breaks away from winning these games – it is still a tight league and when we can finally get our strongest XI out on the pitch, we will click into gear.

This weekend sees the final round of Premier League and EFL games before Christmas. We hope to see a few more fans wanting to get their football fix over the next eight weeks as the World Cup gets underway in Qatar. If you know of any fans at a loss on a Saturday (or a Tuesday) then invite them down to watch a game here. You can’t beat the match day experience here at The Pan and I’m sure those who have never been will enjoy the change from a Premier League or Championship game.

Talking of match day experience, you may have seen we have taken the decision to stop unaccompanied Under16s gaining entry for free. This isn’t a decision we have taken lightly or as a reaction to one incident. We’ve seen an escalation in poor behaviour from groups of under16s in recent weeks – objects and abuse have been hurled at opponents and polite requests to refrain from such behaviour from club officials and stewards has been ignored.

Any items thrown at players can be reported by the referee to the FA. If we are found guilty the sanctions can be severe – we could be fined, instructed to close parts of the ground or even forced to play away from the Pan – all because of the actions of a very small group. Some commentators have suggested we should increase the stewards to monitor the groups – we could but that also comes at a cost and at a time when we need to be controlling those, it is not an option we will take. Nobody has been banned, or excluded – Under16s can still attend with a paying adult. We are very proud of the match day experience we have built here and cannot have a small group ruin that for everyone else.

Finally, a get well soon to Brian Ashdown who can’t be with us for the next few weeks. Brian has been generously donating the Man of the Match awards for many years and will be missed around the ground, although perhaps some of his choice of jumpers won’t!

Get behind the boys and Come on you Rooks!

Stuart

TONY’S THOUGHTS

Good evening everyone and welcome back to the Pan for the visit of Folkestone Invicta.

I left the pitch on Saturday after the draw at Brightlingsea Regent disappointed and my mind set was quite negative, but having reviewed the game a few times I was wrong. We played well in the first half and in hindsight I was probably a bit too harsh on the lads when we spoke in the dressing room at half-time. I should have been more encouraging and that is a lesson learnt.

We started really strongly – Razz scored a great goal early on, then the keeper has made a couple of good saves from him soon after. Then we hit the bar, Pritch shot just over and came close to creating a decent opening. But we lost the ball and the full-back has run the whole length of the pitch to score. It was a great goal, a classic counter attack and hats off to the young lad for that.

Overall we had over 70% possession in the first half and started the second half well but then out of nothing we find ourselves 2-1 behind after a long ball from the keeper isn’t cleared. But we rally and we equalise after a great ball into the box for Alfie to score.

We are disappointed we didn’t win but there were so many positives in there. We are six unbeaten, playing really well and feel we are onto something as a group. Of course, there were things we could have done better but it will come.

We know we should have more points than we have based on our possession and play – we’ve drawn away at Wingate & Finchley, Corinthian-Casuals and Brightlingsea when we should have won but we are now seeing the best out of some of the squad. I thought Jamie was excellent on Saturday, Johnville filled in for Marcel and Hydie and Pritch are getting better as a midfield duo with each game.

Turning to tonight’s game and I am as confused as anyone as to why they have got off to a slow start. There was some investment in the club, and the squad in the summer, adding to the good side they had last season, including the likes of Nathan Green and Kadel Daniels – they have quality everywhere. We’ve watched their last few games and have some ideas on how to approach the game. Their formation is tricky to match – they have pace and power up front which is why I think it will be a great game – they will bring out the best in us and vice-versa. We know they are a quality side and come the end of the season they will be at the right end of the table.

Keep up your excellent support and Come on you Rooks.

Tony

LEWES 1 AVELEY 1 – TUESDAY 1ST NOVEMBER

A second-half penalty from Joe Taylor saw Lewes come from behind to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Aveley in biblical conditions at the Pan, reports Tom Harper (pics: James Boyes).

Tony Russell made three changes to the side that progressed in the FA Trophy following a penalty shoot-out victory over Chesham United, with Bradley Pritchard, Ronan Silva and Razz Coleman De-Graft replacing Marcel Elva-Fountaine, Ayo Olukoga and Rhys Murrell-Williamson in the starting line-up.

Aveley knew coming into the game that they could go top with a win and took an early lead through George Sykes, who finished from close range just eight minutes in after good work down the right by Kenny Aileru.

Lewes enjoyed plenty of possession as they looked for an immediate response, but were unable to turn this into clear-cut chances against their well-organised visitors.

Despite not seeing much of the ball, the better chances were falling to Aveley, who saw Kayne Diedrick-Roberts flagged offside as he ran in behind and finished past Lewis Carey.

Diedrick-Roberts went close again minutes later, being found in time and space on the edge of the area but only managing to drag his shot wide.

The intermittent torrential downpours were making it difficult for both sides, but the pitch was holding up exceptionally well and allowing Lewes to continue to pass and probe as they looked for a way back into the game approaching half-time.

The visitors should arguably have gone into the break further ahead though, with Carey forced intoa smart save to deny Sykes in an almost carbon copy of Aveley’s goal.

Then, from the resulting corner, the unmarked Ryan Scott somehow managed to miss the target with a volley from almost on the goal-line.

The start of the second half followed a similar pattern to the first, Lewes seeing more of the ball and Aveley always posing a threat on the break.

The Rooks were handed a route back into the game just after the hour, as substitute Rhys Murrell-Williamson saw his purposeful run ended in the area by an unnecessary, cynical challenge from Blaise Riley-Snow, giving the referee one of the more straightforward penalties he’s likely to have to award this season.

Joe Taylor sent Jonathan North the wrong way from the spot, levelling the scores and giving Lewes just under half an hour to find a winner.

The Rooks nearly took the lead within two minutes of equalising, a Jamie Mascoll corner from the right somehow evading everyone before bouncing just wide of the far post.

Aveley continued to pose a threat themselves though, with Carey reacting well to turn a Garrett Kelly volley round the post.

Set-pieces were proving understandably difficult to defend in the conditions, and the visitors nearly benefitted from this when a Diedrick-Roberts corner from the left was missed at the near post and eventually cleared off the line.

Lewes dominated possession late on and spent the majority of the final ten minutes camped in Aveley’s half, but apart from a powerful Mascoll free-kick that North sensibly chose to punch over the bar, were unable to turn this into clear-cut opportunities, leaving both sides with a hard-earned point after an entertaining game in challenging conditions.

THE YELLOW LACES CAMPAIGN

Hundreds of footballers will play in yellow laces this weekend to demand an end to all gambling advertising and sponsorship in football and to remember lives lost to gambling.

Lewes will join clubs from across England, Scotland and Wales to take part in the campaign, which will be visible across seven different competitions, at a time when the UK’s gambling laws are under review.

The initiative, which falls on Addiction Awareness Week, has been organised by The Big Step, a campaign to end all gambling advertising in sponsorship in football, led by people harmed by gambling and part of Gambling with Lives, a charity set up by families bereaved by gambling-related suicide.

Public Health England estimates there are more than 400 gambling-related suicides each year in England alone, accounting for around 8% of completed suicides.

The yellow laces campaign comes a week after Gambling Commission data showed a huge spike in 16-24-year-olds with gambling addiction. Several players wearing the laces this weekend have personal experience of gambling harm.

Lewis Carey, who plays for Lewes FC and is in recovery from gambling addiction will be one of the players taking part said: “I’ll be wearing yellow laces this weekend to draw attention to football’s role in facilitating gambling addiction and to demand change.

“As someone who has suffered with gambling addiction, it is so important that footballers like me do what we can to be positive examples to young people, and that must mean we aren’t forced to be billboards for gambling, nor play in stadiums that promote this product that destroyed my life.”

Director, John Peel, had this to say: “The Club is delighted to endorse this initiative by our partners at The Big Step. This is a timely reminder of the profound harm caused by the pervasiveness of gambling advertisement in football.

“Football clubs are community assets, and we have a duty of care to fans and wider society. It is imperative that clubs, leagues, and broadcasters recognise the devasting impact gambling addiction can cause to individuals, families and communities and reconsider its ties with the gambling industry”

More than 700 gambling adverts can appear during a single televised Premier League match, with a gambling advert visible up to 89% of the time on Match of the Day. Gambling adverts also appear in children’s sticker books, junior sections of matchday programmes and video games age-rated 3+.

Earlier this year, the bookmaker Betway was fined £400,000 for having clickable adverts on the junior pages of West Ham’s website, one where children could colour in a teddy bear.

James Grimes, formerly addicted to gambling and founder of The Big Step campaign, said: “Gambling is often a hidden addiction, and we wear bright yellow to highlight there is no shame and to remember all of the bright lives taken by gambling.

“This weekend is a bold reminder to the government that campaigners for gambling reform and our supportive football clubs are not going away until people can go to a match and support their heroes without being encouraged to gamble.

“Football is worshipped by millions and cannot be used as a platform to advertise addictive gambling products. We applaud and thank all the clubs taking part.”

INTRODUCING OUR VISITORS FROM FOLKESTONE INVICTA

THE HISTORY

Folkestone Invicta Football Club, which was formed in 1936 and played in the East Kent Amateur League, took over use of the Cheriton Road ground in early 1991 after the demise of the old Folkestone club who had enjoyed a long history in the Southern League.

Under manager Gary Staniforth, Invicta joined the Winstonlead Kent League and completed the Division Two league and cup double during the 1991-92 season, also winning the Kent Intermediate Shield that season.

Invicta achieved senior status and joined Division One of the Winstonlead Kent League, making steady progress in its first two seasons at this level under club stalwart Staniforth. The nearest the club came to another trophy during these two seasons was when they lost the 1994 Plaaya Kent Senior Trophy Final 3-1 against Alma Swanley at Gravesend & Northfleet’s Stonebridge Road.

Former Folkestone, Dover Athletic, Hythe Town, Crawley Town and Sittingbourne player Tim Hulme then took over as player-manager for the 1994-95 season. Invicta at one point chased the Kent League treble that season, but ended up empty handed. The club were runners up for a second successive season in the Plaaya Kent Senior Trophy after losing a penalty shoot out in the final against Deal Town at Dover’s Crabble ground following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

Invicta entered the F. A. Cup for the first time during the 1994-95 season, beating Hailsham Town and then Southern League Premier Division side Sittingbourne before going out 2-1 at home to a Worthing side which included former Tottenham striker Mark Falco.

Hopes were high for the 1995-96 season as Invicta strengthened their squad, but things turned sour during the second half of the season as Hulme left the club, with his assistant Micky Dix taking over for the remainder of the season.

Former Canterbury City boss Darren Hare was recruited for the 1996-97 season, but after a poor start he was soon replaced by one-time Folkestone Town manager Denis Hunt, assisted by veteran player Bobby Wilson.

It was during this season that a club record 2,332 saw the club play hosts to West Ham United in a benefit game following freak floods in the town. Harry Redknapp brought down a strong West Ham side that won 6-0 and included Portuguese World Cup star Paolo Futre, Julian Dicks, a young Frank Lampard and Stan Lazaridis.

It was the arrival of manager Neil Cugley from Ashford Town during the summer of 1997 which was to provide the catalyst for the return of Southern League football to the town.

Cugley made an immediate impact as promotion was achieved by finishing runners up to Herne Bay in 1997-98 when the club also finished runners up in the Plaaya Kent Senior Trophy for the third time after losing 1-0 in the final to Greenwich Borough at Ashford Town’s Homelands ground.

But under manager Cugley the club were to be permanent fixtures in the top three of their respective division for three successive seasons.

The club continued to make good progress in 1998-99 as Southern League football returned to Folkestone. Invicta finished third in the Dr. Martens League Southern Division behind champions Havant & Waterlooville and runners up Margate, with the promotion race going to the final day of the season. Invicta also reached the final of the 1999 Kent Senior Cup where they lost 1-0 at home to then Conference club Welling United. The club also made its mark in the F.A. Umbro Trophy by beating Conference club Hayes to reach the Third Round before going out 8-4 in an incredible tie away to three-times winners Woking.

The 1999-2000 season saw the club achieve more progress with promotion to the Dr. Martens League Premier Division as runners up to Fisher Athletic (London) in the Eastern Division. Again there was final day heartbreak for Invicta as the championship went right to the wire with Fisher winning away to Newport (Isle of Wight) to make Invicta’s final day win at Wisbech in vein.  Invicta went down 1-0 at home to holders and eventual winners Kingstonian in the F.A. Umbro Trophy and again reached the Kent Senior Cup Final, but went down again, this time 3-0 to Gravesend & Northfleet, their fifth successive defeat in a cup final as a senior side. It was a good season all round for the club as the reserves won the Kent Intermediate Cup and the youth team won their section of the MUSH Kent Youth League and reached the 2^nd Round of the Times Sponsored F. A. Youth Cup before bowing out 6-0 against a strong Millwall side at the New Den

The 2000-01 season saw the club compete in the Dr Martens League Premier Division for the first time and Invicta achieved their objective of staying up. In the process they were the only side to win away to Nigel Clough’s Burton Albion at Eton Park.

The 2001-02 season saw an improved Invicta side briefly top the Premier Division table for the first time in the club’s history during the opening weeks of the season. The club reached the 4^th Qualifying Round of the F. A. Cup but were beaten 5-1 in a replay away to Welling United after drawing the initial tie 1-1 with a lucrative trip to Reading as the prize. The season ended on a dramatic note as Invicta 3-3 home draw with Tamworth on the final day of the season denied the Lambs the championship – that game was watched by a crowd of 1,277, the highest ever home attendance for an Invicta league match.

That record was broken in August 2002 when the visit of neighbours Dover Athletic attracted a crowd of 1,446 to Cheriton Road. But the 2002-03 season was to prove a difficult season for Invicta as financial constraints took their toll. The club finished bottom of the table and was relegated back down to the Eastern Division.

The 2003-04 season was more successful for Invicta as the club finished fifth in the Eastern Division to win promotion via the re-structuring of the non-league game. Highlights of the season were a club record unbeaten 24-match league run and reaching the Third Round of the F. A. Trophy before bowing out at home to Nationwide Conference club Stevenage Borough.

The club switched from the Southern League to the Isthmian (Isthmian) Premier League for the 2004-05 season and finished in a mid table position. Striker James Dryden broke both the club’s record senior appearance and goal scoring records during the season and a new home league record attendance of 2,278 saw Invicta win 1-0 at home to local rivals Dover Athletic over Christmas. A 2,390 crowd saw Invicta win the return 1-0 over the Easter weekend.

But the club was to suffer real tragedy on Tuesday April 12^th, 2005 when striker Paul Sykes collapsed on the pitch and died during a Kent Senior Cup semi final against one of his former clubs Margate. Invicta subsequently pulled out of the competition to allow Margate to play another of Paul’s former clubs Dover Athletic in the final at Folkestone when the Kent footballing community came together to remember one of its most popular characters.

Folkestone Invicta went into the 2005-06 season in good spirits with a new sponsorship deal with local coach company Buzzlines. The club subsequently enjoyed its best ever run in the F. A. Cup, going down 2-1 away to Chester City in the First Round after leading 1-0 at half time thanks to an early Adam Flanagan goal which was shown on Match of the Day. The reserves also finished as champions of the Kentish Observer Football League Division Two and the club also enjoyed great success at youth level.

The 2006-07 season saw the club maintain its Isthmian Premier League status on the final day of the season with a 1-1 draw away to Carshalton.  But the next season was to see the club relegated on the final day of the season with a 1-0 home defeat against Maidstone United in a winner-takes-all encounter.

2008-09 saw the club in the Isthmian League Division One South but a financial crisis put paid to early season hopes of promotion and the club put its faith in a predominantly young, local, up-and-coming side.

That faith came to fruition during a truly remarkable 2009-10 season that saw the club win promotion from the Isthmian League Division One South and reach the final of the Kent Senior Cup (losing 3-1 to Sittingbourne). Operating with a small squad, Invicta were denied the championship after being docked ten points for entering into a CVA agreement but were promoted via the pay-offs.

Croydon Athletic clinched the championship with a 0-0 draw on a memorable night at Invicta after both towns had paid tribute to Rifleman Peter Aldridge of A Company 4 Rifles, who had died in an explosion in Afghanistan, aged just 19, becoming the 250^th UK serviceman to die in the campaign. New Invicta chairman Lynn Woods’ efforts in staging the commemoration were rewarded with a 2,134 crowd.

Invicta – who conceded just 23 goals in 42 league games – recovered from the disappointment of missing out on the championship by winning the play-offs. A thrilling semi final saw the club come back from 2-0 down at half time against Leatherhead to force a 2-2 draw after extra time and win 5-3 on penalties. Godalming Town were then beaten in the final as Invicta returned to the Isthmian Premier League. The club also won the Isthmian League Division One South Fair Play Award during 2009-10 and again in 2012-13.

But continuing financial constraints meant that the club found life back in the Isthmian Premier League difficult and it was relegated back down to Division One South in 2010-11.

For the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons the club reached the semi finals of the play offs, losing away to Dulwich Hamlet and Maidstone United respectively.

In 2013-14 the club finished as Isthmian League Division One South runners up and reached the play off final after beating Hastings United 3-2 after extra time in the semi final but lost the final 3-1 on penalties at home to Leatherhead following a 1-1 draw after extra time. The club also had young striker Johan Ter Horst signed by Premiership club Hull City during May 2014.

Folkestone Invicta won both the Division One South’s Fair Play and Respect awards in 2013-14, the third successive season that it had been rewarded for its disciplinary record.

The club again finished as runners up in the Isthmian League Division One South during 2014-15 and the season was again to end in home play-off heartbreak as Invicta lost the final 3-0 against Merstham after beating Whyteleafe 2-1 after extra time in the semi final.

It was a different story in 2015-16 as Invicta won the Isthmian League Division One South championship by 24 points and manager Neil Cugley completed 1,000 matches as the club’s manager.

During the summer of 2016 the club prepared for life back in the Isthmian League Premier Division and sold striker Harry Smith to League Division One club Millwall. The club achieved its objective of staying in the Premier Division which was confirmed with a 3-0 final day win away to Grays Athletic amid a party atmosphere at Aveley and also won the division’s Respect award.

Invicta stepped up a gear during the 2017-18 season scoring over 100 goals in the Isthmian League Premier Division and reaching the Play Offs where they lost 4-0 in the semi final away to Hendon. It had been an exciting end to the season as the club lost on penalties in the Kent Reliance Senior Cup Final away to Maidstone United and finished their scheduled league programme with a 2-2 draw away to Billericay Town where a stoppage time Jamie O’Hara screamer denied them a league ‘double’ over the champions.

Despite winning its last five matches during April, Invicta narrowly missed out on the play offs on the final day of the 2018-19 season.

Invicta were still very much in the Isthmian League Premier Division promotion race and in the semi finals of the League Cup when the 2019-20 season came to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The start of the curtailed 2020-21 season was a strange time with COVID protocols and procedures and with elite level sport continuing behind-closed-doors, Invicta was for a short spell one of the best supported clubs in the country.

2021-22 saw Invicta go further in the F A trophy than the clubhad ever gone before – losing 5-1 behind-closed-doors away to National League club Wrexham; reach the Fourth Round Qualifying of the F A Cup with a thrilling 3-3 away draw and then 3-2 home defeat against National League club Eastleigh after extra time. Invicta also reached the semi finals of the League Cup (losing to eventual winners Horsham) and the final of the Kent Senior Cup (losing 6-2 against Dartford at Chatham Town FC) but just missed out on a play off place. Ian Draycott broke the club’s all-time senior goalscoring record last season when the club also won the Isthmian League Premier Division Fair Play Award.

THE SQUAD

ROLAND EDGE (Assistant Manager): Re-joined the club from Maidstone United during the summer of 2010 having originally joined the club during 2007. A left-sided player who had been out of the game after his professional career was curtailed by injury. He joined his hometown club Gillingham as a 16-year-old and made 126 appearances for the club, scoring one Football League goal between the 1997-98 and 2002-03 seasons. He then joined Hibernian and concluded his professional career at Hull City. Has the distinction of having played at both Wembley Stadium, when Gillingham beat Wigan Athletic 3-2 after extra time in the 2000 Second Division play-off final, and Hampden Park when Hibernian lost 2-0 against Livingston in the 2004 Scottish League Cup Final. Date of birth: November 25, 1978.

MICHEAL EVERITT (Player-Coach): The club’s record appearance holder (776 at end of last season) who was appointed to the coaching staff during the summer of 2017. Supporters’ Player of the Year for 2009-10 – when helped the club to promotion from the Isthmian League Division One South and was ever present in all competitions – and again in 2018-19. A member of the championship-winning side of 2015-16. Micheal came through the successful youth system at Invicta, where he captained the side that played away to Millwall youths in the Second Round of the F. A. Youth Cup in 1999-2000. He was rewarded with a testimonial at the club during 2008. Has also had a loan spell at Sittingbourne, where he was captain during the 2001-02 season, and also had a spell as Player-Coach at Whitstable Town. Date of birth: October 16, 1982.

LENNY ATHERTON (Striker): A member of the youth team who also became the first member of the club’s Academy side to appear for the first team when coming on as a substitute in a 5-0 home win over Haringey Borough. Scored his first senior goal at home to Merstham over Christmas 2021. Date of birth: October 2, 2004.

CONNOR COLLINS (Goalkeeper): Goalkeeper called up from the youth team into the first team squad last season and made his senior starting debut in the 2022 Kent Senior Cup Final against Dartford at Chatham Town FC. Date of birth: August 11, 2003.

KADELL DANIEL (Forward): A Guyana international who joined the club from Hayes & Yeading United during the summer of 2022. Kadell started his career with local club Crystal Palace and was an unused substitute in their 2012 F A Cup tie against Derby County. He joined Charlton Athletic in September 2013 and had loan spells with Hayes & Yeading United and Torquay United. After leaving Charlton, he had spells at Woking, Welling United and Dulwich Hamlet before joining Leatherhead, initially on loan. Kadell then joined Dover Athletic in August 2017 and scored a superb solo goal in a 2-0 win at Aldershot that took Dover top of the National League for the first time. He then joined Margate, initially on loan, before joining Kingstonian for the 2020-21 season. He joined Hampton & Richmond Borough in May 2022 before re-joining Hayes & Yeading United in November 2021. Date of birth: June 3, 1994.

CALLUM DAVIES (Defender): Joined the club initially on loan from Maidstone United during August 2016 and has now made over 250 appearances for the club. Swept the board at the club’s Player of the Year presentations during 2017-18 winning Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Year and even walking away with the Young Player of the Year award! Callum began his career at Gillingham, for whom he began as a trainee, captained the youth team, progressed to the reserves and made 29 first team appearances between 2010-15. He won a League Division Two title medal under Martin Allen in 2013 but injury restricted his progress under Justin Edinburgh. During that time he also had loan spells at Lewes, Thurrock, Dover Athletic, Bromley and Eastleigh before joining Maidstone. Date of birth: February 8, 1993.

ROBBIE DOLAN (Utility): Joined elder brother Ronnie at the club during the summer of 2022 having been ever present in the Kennington side that finished fifth in its first season in the SCEFL Premier Division.  They had been promoted based on their results in the abandoned 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons. Has also played for Canterbury City, K Sports and Ashford United. Date of birth: April 11, 1997.

RONNIE DOLAN (Midfield): Midfielder who scored with hisfirst touch for the club as asubstitute at home to Corinthian-Casuals in November 2014. Joined the club from Hastings United and has also had spells at Ashford Town, Ashford United, Hythe Town and Welling United. Was a part of the 2015-16 Isthmian League Division One South championship winning team. Has been unlucky with injuries but is a very consistent player. Date of birth: March 3, 1992.

IAN DRAYCOTT (Striker): Broke James Dryden’s record of 141 senior goals for the club when he scored from the penalty spot at home to Potters Bar Town in September 2021. Joined the club from Leatherhead during the summer of 2014. He scored 43 goals in 57 appearances in his debut season and then 40 goals in 53 appearances during the championship-winning season of 2015-16. In 2014-15 he shared the Isthmian League Division One South Golden Boot with 34 goals and then won it outright in 2015-16 with 40 league goals. Was included in the Team of the Season selected by the managers for 2014-15. Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Year in 2014-15. Helped Leatherhead (2013-14) and Maidstone United (2012-13) to play off success in the Isthmian League Division One South. Has also played for Lewes and Bedford Town. Had a loan spell at Chatham Town at the end of 2019-20. This is his testimonial season. Date of birth: June 18, 1988.

IAN GAYLE (Defender): Joined the club in the summer of 2022 from Eastbourne Borough / Cray Valley (PM), with whom he had been on dual registration. Ian started out in the youth system at Dagenham & Redbridge in 2010 before joining St Neots Town on a youth loan in March 2011 and the club went on to win the United Counties League. He completed his scholarship and progressed into the Dagenham first team under John Still, with loan spells at Grays Athletic (two spells), Kingstonian (two spells), Histon and Whitehawk. He made his Football League debut for Dagenham as a substitute against Wycombe Wanderers in April 2014. There were further loan spells at St Albans City (twice), Bishop’s Stortford and Welling United before he joined Braintree Town in August 2016 and then Welling United in June 2017, Wealdstone in January 2018 and Woking in June 2018. Born of Jamaican descent in Welling, Ian is the brother of Cray Valley PM’s Denzel and the cousin of cricketing legend Chris. Date of birth: October 23, 1992.

NATHAN GREEN (Defender): Joined the club from Cray Valley (PM) during the summer of 2022. Having started out at Croydon Athletic, he was loaned to Chipstead but returned to become part of the Croydon Athletic side that won the Isthmian League Division One South title in 2009-10. He followed manager Tim O’Shea to Lewes, then in the Conference South, in November 2010 before joining Bromley in August 2011. In January 2012, he joined Billericay Town and helped them win the Isthmian League Premier Division. He had a loan spell at Kingstonian in December 2012 and joined Tonbridge Angels in January 2013. He made Football League appearances for Dagenham and Redbridge from September to November 2014 and had a loan spell at St Albans City. Nathan finished the 2014-15 season in the Conference with Dartford before joining Margate in the Conference South. He then joined Dulwich Hamlet for 2016-17 and was a member of the team that won promotion to the National League South in 2017-18. He then joined Welling United in June 2019 and Cray Valley (PM) during the summer of 2021. Date of birth: May 27, 1991.

SCOTT HEARD (Midfield): Re-joined the club from Dagenham & Redbridge during the summer of 2017 having signed for the Daggers in October 2016. Originally joined the club from Whitstable Town during November 2015 and was a part of the 2015-16 Isthmian League Division One South championship winning team. Had come from the youth system at Whitstable and also represented Kent at youth level. Made over 200 appearances for Whitstable having started out as a youngster at Canterbury and is an exciting player who covers a lot of ground. Has made over 200 appearances for the club. Had a loan spell at East Thurrock United from Dagenham & Redbridge. Won Goal of the Season for 2021-22 for equaliser in F A Cup Fourth Round Qualifying replay at home to Eastleigh. Date of birth: July 23, 1993.

IRA JACKSON (Striker): Rejoined the club from Weladstone during August 2022. He had initially joined the club during January 2019 having appeared against Invicta for Sittingbourne in The Alan Turvey Trophy earlier in the season. He went on to score 32 goals in 57 appearances for the club including a starting debut goal at Carshalton Athletic and a first half hat-trick on his starting home debut against Lewes in March 2019. He joined Football League club Grimsby Town for the 2020-21 season, scoring three goals in 22 appearances. He made his Grimsby ebut in a 2-2 EFL Trophy group stage fixture with Harrogate Town and scored the decisive penalty in a 5-4 shoot out win.  His EFL debut came as a substitute against Mansfield Town in December 2020 when he scored just six minutes after coming on. When Grimsby were relegated into the National League he was transfer listed and joined Wealdstone, for whom he scored four goals in 23 appearances for the National League club. Ira has also had spells with Margate, Whitstable Town, Faversham Town, Ramsgate, Dover Athletic, Worthing, Leatherhead and Ashford United. Date of birth: January 28, 1997.

MATT NEWMAN (Defender / Midfield): Re-joined the club from Hythe Town during August 2017 and impressed as a central defender having played predominantly in midfield during his first spell with the club. Originally joined the club during March 2013 from Chatham Town, where he had been Player of the Year. A member of the 2015-16 championship-winning side before joining Hythe Town early in the 2017-18 season. His other previous clubs include Erith & Belvedere, Ashford Town, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge Angels. Players;’ Player of the Year for 2018-19. Has made over 300 appearances for the club. Date of birth: February 10, 1988.

IBRAHIM OLUTADE (Striker): Signed for club from Tonbridge Angels in the summer of 2022. After impressing for Hanwell Town against them, Ibrahim joined Leatherhead in November 2018 and scored 13 goals for The Tanners having scored on his debut for them. He then joined Maidstone United in May 2019 before re-joining Leatherhead on loan. Ibrahim joined Tonbridge during the summer of 2021 and scored four goals from his first three starts with the Angels. He represented England with a FA rep team in the Falklands under Paul Fairvclough. Date of birth: July 4, 1998.

JAMES ROGERS (Midfield): Joined the club during the summer of 2022 having previously had loan / dual registration spells during 2011-12 and Isthmian League Division One South championship-winning season of 2015-16.  Was player-manager of neighbours Hythe Town from November 2021 until the end of last season. Initially progressed from Dover Athletic youths before joining the first team in 2003-04 and scoring direct from a corner on his debut. At Dover he won the Isthmian League Division One South title in 2007-08 and the Premier Division in 2008-09. He joined Margate early in 2010-11 and then Dartford in March 2011. After re-joining Dover in September 2013 he helped the club win the National League South title. He then joined Maidstone United in the summer of 2014, winning the Isthmian League Premier Division, back-to-back promotions and the club’s Supporters’ Player of the Year award. At one point his playing career boasted six promotions in nine seasons. He became former team mate Steve Watt’s first signing at Margate in September 2017 before re-joining Watt at Hythe in October 2019. Date of birth: December 9, 1984.

JOSH VINCENT (Defender): Now the club’s longest-serving player, Josh stepped up into the first team squad during 2008-09. He has now made 550 appearances for the club and has scored for 14 consecutive seasons. The club’s Young Player of the Year in 2008-09. Goalscoring right back who scored in the 2009-10 Isthmian League Division One South play-off final win against Godalming Town. A member of the 2015-16 Isthmian League Division One South championship winning team. Was rewarded with a testimonial season for 2017-18. Date of birth: February 8, 1990.

ADE YUSUFF (Striker): Striker who re-joined the club in April 2021 having left at the end of the 2018-19 season to join Dulwich Hamlet. Originally joined the club during 2017 and was top goalscorer during 2017-18 with 30 in all competitions and again during 2018-19 with 21. Having started out as a youngster at Stevenage Borough he had a loan spell with Biggleswade Town before joining St Neots Town, Banbury, AFC Hornchurch and Aveley. He then signed for Chatham Town in December 2013, from whom he made a high profile transfer to Dagenham & Redbridge in September 2014. After loan spells at St Albans City, Leatherhead, East Thurrock United and Welling United he re-joined Chatham Town before moving on to Billericay Town and then back to AFC Hornchurch and on to Heybridge Swifts. After joining Dulwich, Ade also had spells with Dover Athletic, Tonbridge Angels, Cray Valley (PM) and Braintree Town. He played in a televised F A Cup tie for Dulwich at home to Carlisle United and for Cray Valley (PM) in the F A Cup First Round at Havant and Waterlooville. Date of birth: May 25, 1994.

BAILEY VOSE (Goalkeeper): Joined the club from Cray Wanderers in June 2022. Sidcup-born Bailey had joined Cray in December 2021 having come through the Academy system at Brighton & Hove Albion. He was a member of the Seagulls’ Under 23s squad from 2016 and had loan spells with Concord Rangers, Eastbourne Borough and Welling United. He signed for Colchester United in 2018 and whilst there had a lengthy loan spell with Dartford in the National League South. He signed for Margate for the curtailed 2020-21 season before joining Billericay Town, then in the National League South, during the summer of 2021. Date of birth: May 11, 1988.

THE RECENT FORM

THE HEAD TO HEAD MEETINGS

26th Mar 2022	Isthmian Premier League	Folkestone Invicta	1	Lewes	2
20th Nov 2021	Isthmian Premier League	Lewes	3	Folkestone Invicta	0
30th Nov 2019	Isthmian Premier League	Lewes	0	Folkestone Invicta	0
26th Oct 2019	FA Trophy	Folkestone Invicta	2	Lewes	0
9th March 2019	Isthmian Premier League	Folkestone Invicta	4	Lewes	0
20th Oct 2018	Isthmian Premier League	Lewes	2	Folkestone Invicta	0

THE LAST MEETING HERE – 20th NOVEMBER 2021

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	Michael McDowell	Ronan Silva	
Marcel Elva-Fountaine		Rhys Murrell-Williamson	Trevor Norwood
Kenny Yao		Deshane Dalling	
Tom Champion	Tom, Alice & Russ Mould	Razz Coleman De-Graft	The Ouze
Will Salmon		Deon Moore	
Mitchell Nelson	Billy Beauzile	Joe Taylor	Stuart Fuller
Ayo Olukoga		Fraser Middleton-Tozer	
Bradley Pritchard		Finley Jenkins	
Alfie Young		Jamie Mascoll	
Tyrique Hyde		Johnville Renee	

ON THIS DAY IN FOOTBALLING HISTORY – 8th NOVEMBER

GUESS THE FORMER LEWES PLAYER?

BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT 2 LEWES 2 – SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER

Lewes were forced to settle for a point from their longest away trip of the season with a 2-2 draw at Brightlingsea Regent, reports Tom Harper.

Tony Russell made one change to the side that drew 1-1 with Aveley in their previous game, with Rhys Murrell-Williamson replacing Ronan Silva in the starting line-up.

Lewes started brightly and came close to taking an early lead through Razz Coleman De-Graft, who saw his deflected long-range effort helped over the bar by Charlie Turner.

De-Graft wasn’t to be denied for long though, giving Lewes the lead on nine minutes with a thumping 25-yard effort that beat Turner on its way in off the underside of the bar.

The Rooks were controlling the game, dominating possession and always looking capable of adding to their lead when they got into the final third.

They arguably should have done so within minutes, as an excellent passing move ended with Bradley Pritchard playing De-Graft through on goal, with his effort from an increasingly difficult angle saved well by Turner.

Brightlingsea gradually grew into the game as the half progressed, and Lewis Carey had to be alert to parry a powerful Luke Woodward strike.

The hosts equalised on 30 minutes through Jermaine Anderson, who picked up the ball deep in his own half in the right-back position before embarking on a fine solo run across the pitch towards the Lewes goal and keeping his composure to finish past Carey and into the bottom corner.

Lewes appeared shell-shocked initially and took a few minutes to regain their composure, as Brightlingsea buzzed around the pitch with renewed optimism.

Despite this, the Rooks came close to taking the lead again when a Jamie Mascoll free-kick, given for a foul by Zack Littlejohn on Joe Taylor that, at first glance, appeared to take place inside the area, hit the post, with the loose ball just dropping to Taylor too fast for him to adjust his feet in front of goal.

Lewes remained on the front foot for the remainder of the half, Pritchard blazing a presentable chance over after good work down the right by Johnville Renee, before Rhys Murrell-Williamson saw a strike from a half-cleared corner deflected just wide.

Despite this, the hosts could quite easily have gone into the break ahead themselves, as the unmarked Littlejohn blasted a powerful effort wide after a loose ball dropped to him in the box.

Lewes made a bright start to the second half, Taylor just failing to apply the finish to a superb Jamie Mascoll corner from the right.

Brightlingsea were growing in confidence the longer the scores remained level and had a good chance to take the lead on the break, as Francis Jno-Baptiste ran onto a long clearance but could only shoot straight at Carey under pressure from Tom Champion.

The hosts made it 2-1 on 67 minutes through Woodward, who sent a powerful finish past Carey after a free-kick had only been cleared as far as the edge of the box.

Falling behind appeared to wake Lewes up from arguably their quietest period of the game and they levelled the scores just seven minutes later, Alfie Young climbing highest to powerfully head a De-Graft cross into the bottom corner from close range.

The remainder of the game was played almost exclusively in and around the Brightlingsea penalty area, but the hosts were well-organised and restricted Lewes to very few clear-cut opportunities.

The closest the Rooks came to finding a winner late on saw Taylor get on the end of a Mascoll cross from the right, only to see his goal-bound header blocked by a defender, with there being a suggestion of handball.

Unfortunately for the impressive contingent of travelling fans behind the goal, referee Benjamin Bowles ignored the vociferous appeals from the Lewes players and the Rooks were unable to find a decisive third goal in the closing stages.

GETTING TO KNOW – ‘SPOOKY’

What do you do for work?

I work in a care home… (‘Spooky’ then interrupts his response to start chanting “come on you Rooks”, to which the rest of the terrace joins in) Sorry about that! I work in a care home for the elderly.

Who is your favourite Lewes player of all time?

Has to be Paul Stokes, because of that magnificent winner he scored against Mangotsfield that got us through to the FA Cup First Round for the first time ever in 2001.

Which is your favourite away ground? And why?

I’d have to say Weymouth. It’s a nice place to go visit for a weekend away. and the ground has a good atmosphere. Funnily enough, I remember my first trip down to Weymouth, the players joined up with me to go on a night out after the game!

When my friends and I were 16, you inspired us to join in on the chants, and ultimately form what is known as the Youth Wing today, so what I’d like to know is, who inspired you in going to the Dripping Pan?

My Dad started taking me, and then I went regularly with my friends. Back then, it was a bloke called Cliff Harte who inspired me to join in with the chants.

This is something that’s puzzled me for a long time, but why are you called ‘Spooky’?

That is a question I have been trying to find out for myself for a long time! Since 2002! I’ve asked my friends, and they don’t even know! It’s probably because I’ve been coming here so long that I’ve spooked the place.

What is your opinion on modern football? (This question was interrupted by another ‘Spooky’ chant)

Some of the players are too overpaid. That’s why I enjoy going to watch Lewes games. I’m one of the owners, and I feel like a part of my club. The players care too, they’re working men, like me and you.

Thanks to ‘Spooky’ for taking the time to answer these questions. Fans like ‘Spooky’ are what make non-league teams, like Lewes, so special. If you’d like to see more content, like this, then be sure to follow @LewesClamour, on either Twitter or Instagram.

THE FIFA RANKINGS UPSIDE DOWN – No. 207 – SRI LANKA

Football in Sri Lanka lives in the shadow of another sport. Whilst the national cricket side can claim number international honours and a place in the top ten ranked sides in the world, the football side continue to lurk at the bottom end of the FIFA World Rankings.

Back in 1952, when the country was still known as Ceylon, they were accepted as an associate member by FIFA, allowing them to compete in qualifying tournaments not only regionally, but also for the FIFA World Cup. Seventy years later and we are still waiting to see them appear at any tournament.

It took them just two years to record their first win, beating Burma 2-1 in The Colombo Cup in 1954. However, twenty consecutive defeats followed in a 18 year period including 14-0 and 12-1 defeats in friendly matches against East Germany in a four day period in 1964. In 1979 they won their first ever competitive match, a 4-0 home victory against Singapore in an Asian Cup qualifier.

Wins in friendly matches have been relatively common, and Sri Lanka have a decent record against India, which is impressive considering the significant population advantage India have. In the last five years they’ve played 32 games and won just three – two against Bangladesh and one against Macau, which saw the qualify for the first group stage tournament to determine qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Alas, they proceeded to lose 7 of the 8 games (the game in North Korea was cancelled and has never been replayed) including an 8-0 defeat to South Korea. Their most recent game was back in June when they were eliminated in the Asian Cup qualifying tournament thanks to a 1-0 in the Maldives.

The current manager is Scottish. In fact, every single one of Michael Flanagan’s backroom team comes from north of the border, including Head Coach Andy Morrison, once of Manchester City fame.

The vast majority of the current squad play on Sri Lanka but there are two English based players. QPR’s young midfielder Dillon De Silva has nine caps whilst a more recent call up has been Hythe Town (and former Whitehawk player) Marvin Hamilton.

Home is the Sugathadasa stadium in Colombo, a 25,000 “multi-use” (read athletics track) stadium, which, should you wish to visit, does have a hotel built into the main stand and a 10 minute walk from the Ranasinghe Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. Fun fact for you whilst Sri Lanka’s Ceylon tea is world-famous, 150 years ago Sri Lanka was the world’s largest espresso producer. Only after an epidemic struck the espresso plantations did the British colonists convert them to tea.

DIDN’T WE USED TO PLAY THEM? CLAPTON FC

Established in 1877 under the name Downs Football Club and initially based at Hackney Downs in Lower Clapton, the club originally played in dark blue shirts and white shorts, with a distinctive white Maltese cross on the left breast. The following year the club adopted its current name of Clapton FC and began competing in the FA Cup in 1888–89.

Possibly the best fact I can share with you about the club was in 1890 they became the first club from Great Britain to play in continental Europe, defeating a Belgian XI 7–0 in Antwerp.

In 1894 Clapton became founder members of the Southern League, alongside Southampton, Luton Town, Millwall and Reading, and were placed in Division One. Finishing eighth in a nine-club league they were forced to play a play-off match to avoid relegation to Division Two, defeating Sheppey United 5–1. The following season saw them finish eighth again, but despite winning the play-off match against the 1st Scots Guards, the club resigned from the league as several of the other clubs turned professional.

The 1904–05 season saw Clapton reach the final of the FA Amateur Cup for the first time, losing 3–2 to West Hartlepool. The following season they became founder members of the Isthmian League, finishing as runners-up in its inaugural season. They won the FA Amateur Cup in 1906–07, defeating Stockton 2–1 in the final. In 1908–09, they won the Amateur Cup again with a 6–0 win against Eston United. The 1910–11 season saw them win their first Isthmian League title, and in 1914–15 the club won a third Amateur Cup with a 1–0 victory over Bishop Auckland in the final.

The club, from their inception were originally part of the Old Spotted Dog Hunting Lodge, famously used by Henry VIII. The lodge later became a pub, the Spotted Dog, still featuring parts of its original facade, is now a Grade II listed building.

Clapton FC moved to the Old Spotted Dog ground, originally part of the Old Spotted Dog Hunting Lodge, famously used by Henry VIII. The lodge later became a pub, the Spotted Dog, still featuring parts of its original facade, is now a Grade II listed building. The highest attendance at the ground for a Clapton match was recorded as 12,000 for an FA Cup game against Tottenham Hotspur during the 1898–99 season.

Clapton’s former status as one of English football’s leading amateur clubs saw The Old Spotted Dog host a number of high-profile matches, including contests with, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Ajax of Amsterdam. Neighbours, West Ham, also used the ground as home to their youth and ‘A’ teams during the 1960s and brought their World Cup winning stars to feature in The Dog’s first match under floodlights in 1966.

Lewes last played Clapton back in the 2000/2001 season. The Rooks ended up finishing as runners-up to Arlesey Town and gaining promotion to the Isthmian League Second Division, whilst Clapton finished 2nd bottom. After three consecutive bottom placed finishes, at the end of the 2005/06 season the club were relegated to the Essex Senior League.

In 2012 a supporters group named the Clapton Ultras was started. The group followed the European ultras tradition and developed around local fans disengaged with modern professional football, migrants to East London and those with an opposition to discrimination and far-right politics. Following the creation of the Ultras, the club’s home attendances rose from an average of 20 in 2011–12 to 335 by the 2015–16 season. In July 2017, supporters won a high court injunction against Clapton chief executive Vincent McBean, who had attempted to liquidate the charity administering the Old Spotted Dog ground.

In 2018 some supporters formed a breakaway fan-owned club under the name of Clapton Community, joining the Middlesex County League for the 2018–19 season. Whilst Clapton FC still play in the Essex Senior League, using the Terence MacMillan Athletics Stadium in Canning Town, Clapton Community announced in 2020 that they had purchased the freehold for the Old Spotted Dog and become the new owners. The club is expected to return playing at The Old Spotted Dog before Christmas this year.

ISTHMIAN LEAD ROUND-UP FROM IAN TOWNSEND

Hornchurch welcomed Wingate and Finchley and put at risk their eight match unbeaten run- but it was never threatened, as two second half goals saw them ease to a two-nil win. The Urchins were missing their two top scorers, both Sam Higgins and Liam Nash unavailable, so others had to take on their scoring duties- and Charlie Stimson and Danny Green did just that, taking their side top in the process.

Former leaders Potters Bar Town were on the way to Sussex, to face mid table Horsham. The Scholars had a one hundred percent record from their trips to the county this season, but the Hornets had won five of the last six meetings between the two sides and had virtually wrapped up this one by half time. Tom Richards and Lucas Rodrigues had them two up by the half hour, and although Nick Dembele got one back on his Scholars debut six minutes before the break the two goal lead was quickly restored, Tom Kavanagh restoring the two goal lead. Tyler Christian-Law gave the visitors hope, curling the ball home with twenty two minutes remaining to make it three-two, but the eight hundred and fifty one watching on departed mostly delighted.

Bishop’s Stortford, a point behind the Scholars at start of play, were also on the road- in their case to Canvey Island. The Blues were eleven matches unbeaten in all competitions, and have delivered nine clean sheets across those performances, but both of those records departed in the second half at the Movie Starr Stadium, Bradley Sach and Evans Kouassi putting their names in the spotlight. That’s ten for the season for Kouassi, and the Gulls just outside the top five.

Aveley, were on the road to Cray Wanderers, each side defending a four match unbeaten run. The hosts defended theirs better, taking all three points with a late winner from Mitch Chapman. Wands went ahead nine minutes after the break, Tom Derry making the breakthrough, but eleven minutes from time Tom Stephen seemed to have earned the Millers a point. Chapman, however, had the last word- from twenty five yards- and his side closed to within three points of their visitors.

Enfield Town, in fifth, described their match with Hastings United as the “biggest in North London”- but it looked as if it was going to end goalless. Only three minutes remained when the hosts made the breakthrough, a Lewis Knight thunderbolt sending his side up to fourth.

Carshalton Athletic had won four of their previous five league matches by one goal to nil, and the Robins made it five from six when Tom Beere scored the only goal of the game at Bowers & Pitsea six minutes before the break. Athletic are now four points behind the top five with a game in hand, whilst Bowers remain in the bottom four.

Billericay Town have rapidly climbed the table of late. They travelled to Kingstonian having won their last five league matches- but the K’s were determined not to allow the Blues to make it six in a row, and delighted their fans with their fourth win of the campaign. Lee Lewis got the opener for the K’s on nineteen minutes, but Brad Stevenson’s ninth of the season drew the visitors level soon afterwards. Eight minutes before the break Kieron Cadogan restored home advantage, and that turned out to be the last of the goal action. K’s climb to thirteenth.

We’d a match between two sets of seasiders as Margate welcomed Bognor Regis Town. The hosts went into the match on run which had seen them lose their last three, but two first half goals clinched this one, Ade Cole and debutant Ashley Nzala with the goals. Bognor did hit the post, but that was as good as it got for the Rocks.

Haringey Borough played host to Folkestone Invicta. The two matches between the sides last season brought thirteen goals, nine of them going the way of Invicta courtesy of a five-nil win and a four-four draw- and we had another high scoring game, but on this occasion all of the goals went the way of the hosts. Alphanso Kennedy opened the scoring after just two minutes, and in the closing stages an own goal and a third from Jorge Djassi-Sambu ensured a comfortable victory. Borough climb to fourteenth, Invicta are seventeenth.

Two of our bottom four met in Tolworth, as Corinthian-Casuals– under new management- welcomed Herne Bay. Three points separated the two at kick off, but Casuals had lost their last eleven matches in all competitions and were without a win since the opening day. That winless run came to an end, and it also ended the Herne Bay career of manager Ben Smith, who sadly resigned afterwards. Mo Cisse put the hosts ahead on seven minutes, but ten minutes before the break Tushaun Walters levelled the match. Bay had only three minutes to enjoy their parity before Cisse scored again, and seven minutes after the restart Elijah Simpson got a third for the side in pink and brown. Rory Smith quickly narrowed the gap, but despite Cisse’s late red card, that was as narrow as it got.

THE 2022/23 ISTHMIAN PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON

THE ISTHMIAN LEAGUE COMMERCIAL PARTNERS

TONIGHT’S TEAMS

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 Willa Bailey, Tim Bradshaw, Ed Briggs, Scott Currie, Stuart Fuller, Andy Gowland, 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, Ashley Adamson-Edwards and Stan Lahood
Club Photographer James Boyes

NEXT UP AT THE DRIPPING PAN

SATURDAY 12th NOVEMBER 2022 – 3PM KICK OFF

THE ISTHMIAN PREMIER LEAGUE – TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

TODAY’S QUIZ ANSWERS

1. Gianfranco Zola
2. Steve Coppell
3. Two – Paul McGrath and Kevin Moran
4. We didn’t make any substitutions
5. The Milk Marketing Board

Guess the former Lewes player – Grant Hall