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

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NOTES FROM THE CHAIR

Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to today’s game against Cheshunt.

Lewes appears to be awash with Belgium chocolate and may be the odd counterfeit diamond or two as our happy band of Rooks return from their Euro travels. Talk of 14, 15 or even 21 does not relate to our position in the table, games played or points harvested so far this season, but the ABV of the Belgium beers imbibed.

Yes, this week was European week and whilst the Uniteds of Manchester and Newcastle see their European adventures come to an end, Lewes FC are set fair to continue the Fenix Trophy odyssey to Italy.

Many thanks to players, staff and supporters who represented the club so brilliantly and to our fantastic hosts SV Beveren.

Back to Isthmian League action this afternoon and we wish a warm and festive welcome to the players, staff officials and supporters of Cheshunt.

Now let’s get back to those numbers. Let’s make it 24 points from 15 games to set us up nicely for a Boxing Day trip along the A27 to Whitehawk.

Lastly, a shout out to our Women’s team, who will be in FA Cup action against Ipswich tomorrow, hoping to secure a win that will see us host Charlton Athletic in the 4th round in January.

Come on You Rooks

Trevor

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to today’s fixture against Cheshunt. Here are my thoughts from our recent games.

Dulwich Hamlet

It wasn’t a very good game, and I hate being involved in bad games of football. There were no real shots or chances, which upset me the most because that’s not who we are as a team. We need to be braver in the final 3rd; it’s easier said than done when confidence is low. That is the message we have been getting into them all week. Be brave!

Belgium Trip

What a wonderful trip it was from start to finish. Stuart & Maggie did a great job organising everything from trains to pre-match meals to the coach and hotel. It was so professionally done by the club, me, the staff and the players. I can’t thank them enough. As soon as we got out there, we could see pockets of Lewes fans everywhere; I was blown away by it, if I’m honest. It’s times like that when you just think about what we could achieve at Lewes when we all come together. I really hope that happens. We need to do things better both on and off the pitch, and if we do, Lewes could be a runaway train. Lewes is a special club with special people connected to it, and coming away from that trip just confirmed it even more. The game itself was tricky. We raced into a 2-0 lead, and a bit like the Oslo game, they just started kicking us! The ref seemed to be what I would call a “Home Ref”, so that made it even more tricky at times. We got the win, and going over to the fans at the end was great fun. I could tell most had been enjoying the local beers on offer, so that made for a few funny chats in the bar! I was so proud of the club, and I was so glad we got the win to put the cherry on the top! One more win, and we are in the final, so that game in February has the makings of a great night under the lights at the pan.

Enjoy the game!

Tony.

OUR NEXT EUROPEAN GAME

Get your tickets for our next European game at the Dripping Pan now. If Russell’s Rooks win, we confirm our qualification for the knockout rounds in Italy.

BUY TICKETS HERE: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lewesfootballclub2/1069577

Watch our recent trip to Belgium here:

Christmas-themed fun at the Pan!

We may be biased, but one week before Christmas, is there seriously anywhere better than at day out at Britain’s most sought-after non-league ground?!

Meet Santa
Bring your kids along to meet Santa (Potentially a very special Santa)! For the price of £10 they can meet Santa as well as receive a special gift.

Owners’ meetup with bubbly
Already an Owner? Pop into hospitality at full-time and receive a glass of bubbly on us!

Shop and Bar open until 7pm
If you can’t make it to the game but want to pick up a present or join us for a pre-Christmas drink, come in for free from 5pm! We will also have another special, themed menu for the day, which we know you have all been enjoying since our Bonfire-themed one last month.

Ownership boxes sold on-site
Free t-shirts for new owners while stock lasts as well as an Ownership Box for the price of £50, the perfect Christmas gift!

We hope to see as many of you there as possible, let’s pack the Pan out one last time before Christmas!

THE FACTS

• Cheshunt FC was the oldest amateur team in Hertfordshire back in 1931. Then the club disbanded, only to reform the year after the Second World War ended.
• A gentlemen’s amateur side of the same name preceded the current club. They were formed in 1880 and competed in the Athenian league, having future Spurs Manager Arthur Rowe amongst their numbers, before folding in 1931.
• A new Club was formed in 1946, making national headlines only four years later when they knocked holders Bromley out of the Amateur Cup in front of a still-record 5,000 spectators at their newly opened Cheshunt Stadium on Theobalds Lane. Over the next twenty years the Club switched various leagues before finally emulating their old namesakes and joining the Athenian league in 1964, gaining promotion to the top division under former Spurs and Wales winger Terry Medwin a few years later.
• The 1970’s saw the arrival of John Drabwell as Manager and during his spells in charge, the London Charity Cup, the Athenian league and Cup double and entry into the Isthmian league were all achieved. In 1978 the Ambers also reached the FA Cup 4th qualifying round for the fourth time, an achievement they have yet to equal or better.
• Four years later they were knocked out of the last eight of the FA Vase, the furthest they’ve gone in any national competition, and also saw the beginning of a young Iain Dowie’s career who would go onto great success both as a top flight player, a Northern Ireland international and eventually as a Premier League manager.
• Takeovers and withdrawals saw the near collapse of the club in the mid-80’s causing them to tumble down into the Spartan league before returning to the Isthmian league six years later.
• New Manager Andy Leese took over in 2002 and guided his side to two successive promotions and the top of the Isthmian Premier league before his sudden departure and near relegation in 2005 when the club was switched across to the Southern Premier league.
• Relegation back to the lower Isthmian divisions came after three nail-biting seasons and another frustrating ten years would follow as the Club’s new Chairman and owner, Dean Williamson, went through several managers before appointing Craig Edwards in January 2018.
• Initially steering his side away from relegation, everything then clicked for Edwards and his team halfway through the following campaign and promotion to the Isthmian Premier league was achieved with victory in the play-off final against Bracknell Town.
• With level-three football finally regained and major plans for redevelopment of the ground in hand, things were looking good for the Ambers. However, two seasons of limited opportunities frustrated players & staff alike as the Covid pandemic saw the 19/20 and 20/21 curtailed. Working behind closed doors within health guidelines the club retained most of the squad built for step three, and made a flying start to life in the Isthmian Premiership in the club’s 75th Anniversary year.
• A fantastic FA trophy run saw the club advance further than ever before finally going out to Vanarama National League champions Stockport County 1-0 in the 5th round.  The Trophy run coincided with a slump in league form and a backlog of fixtures, the Ambers recovered in the latter stages of the season securing a play off place with one game in hand,  and winning the Herts FA Senior Cup for the first time.  Play off wins, away from home, over Bishop’s Stortford & Hornchurch saw Cheshunt FC start the 22/23 season at the highest point of the football pyramid achieved in their 75 year history.  Life at step 2 of the pyramid was short-lived after the team didn’t recover from  a poor start to the season & spent most of the year in and around the relegation places, relegation aside, it was a great experience with the club learning a lot from it on and off the pitch, and having had a taste of National League Football the objective is to do it again. With the fan base growing the stadium has had additional seven step terracing added to both ends of the ground and another 250 seats added to the Sports Bar Stand. The club continues to grow with Walking Football, Inclusive teams, A Women’s Team and an ever expanding Youth section all seeing success over recent seasons.

ONE TO WATCH?

Nnamdi Nwachuku

An out & out goal scorer Nnamdi joined the Ambers in September. Nwachuku started his career at Colchester United and has been a player Manager Craig Edwards has always been keen to track progress. The goal scoring forward topped 100 goals in 100 appearances for Coggeshall Town, bagged 26 in 37 for Marlow Town and last season hit 49 to help AFC Sudbury to promotion. Nnamdi started this season with Braintree Town but signs for the Ambers to work with Manager Craig Edwards plans to increase the firepower at Theobalds Lane.

RECENT HEAD TO HEAD

9th Apr 2022	Isthmian Premier League	Cheshunt	2	Lewes	2
21st Aug 2021	Isthmian Premier League	Lewes	2	Cheshunt	2
8th Feb 2020	Isthmian Premier League	Lewes	1	Cheshunt	6
2nd Nov 2019	Isthmian Premier League	Cheshunt	0	Dulwich	2

OUR LAST GAME

To find out more, please visit: https://branchingoutadventures.co.uk/

ON THIS DAY IN FOOTBALL HISTORY – 16th DECEMBER

Friday Night Lights

Derby Day in Belfast meant that the Football Tourist headed off early to taste what was one of the spiciest games in Britain.

On 21 August 1979 over 1,900 police officers were on duty for a football match, the most there had ever been in attendance at a football match in the UK. This was no Manchester, North London, Merseyside or even Old Firm derby, but one that had more at stake than just local bragging rights.

Belfast in the last year of the Seventies wasn’t a place for the fair hearts, and an early season meeting between two rivals in a county cup competition had the potential to spill over into a major flashpoint off the pitch.  With the security forces already stretched across the city, having to provide such high levels of policing for a football match was probably not at the top of their agenda.

Cliftonville v Crusaders may only be separated by a mile and a half, but fifty years ago, but a Group Stages match in the Ulster Cup at the start of the 1979/80 season at Seaview saw the police out in force to prevent any trouble.

Today, a calm has descended over Belfast, the past being history and the future being opportunity. In the present was another football match, another local derby.  This was one game I’d been keen to attend from some years, having never visited Solitude, the historic home of Ireland’s oldest football club.  I’d pencilled in the date, then hoped that the game wasn’t shifted for TV.  A day trip is easily doable to Belfast from London, getting an early flight to George Best Airport just a few miles from the city centre, then returning at 6pm.

Belfast’s four topflight clubs effectively anchor the four quarters of the city, and each have stadiums which ooze history.  In the North there’s Seaview, home to Crusaders which once sat on the edge of the water (hence the name); to the South is Linfield, who play at the redeveloped National Stadium, Windsor Park; to the West is Solitude, but it was to the East where I headed first – The Oval.

As a Lewes fan I’m used to the compliments from away fans and ground hoppers about the merits of a visit to the Dripping Pan. The location, the name, the locally sourced beer and food.  It is a ground and spectator experience we are incredibly proud of, but whisper this quietly, there are other must-see grounds in the United Kingdom, and right near the top of that list is The Oval, home to Glentoran.

It would have been rude not to have paid a visit as I was so close by, exiting the airport just over a mile away.  A twenty-minute walk sees you approach the ground from the east, with the Goliath crane at the Harland and Wolff shipyard perfectly framed by the green corrugated iron stands.  The gates were wide open, the groundsman welcoming and happy to chat with pride about the ground.  Whilst it would almost certainly be another title-free season (Glentoran were last champions in 2009), they could still claim to have the best ground in the league.

Belfast is a great walking city, with plenty of fine hostelries to find refreshment at.  The Deer’s Head in the centre was my lunch venue of choice – a superb, traditional pub which brews its own beer and had an amazing menu.  The lunch time kick off between Man City and Liverpool provided the atmosphere in the pub and the conversation about football in the Irish league flowed, although it was surprising that none of those, I was chatting to were heading to the Cliftonville game.

As I got closer to the ground more fans joined me on the walk.  Home fans and away fans mixed, although there was some friendly banter, there was no animosity, and noticeably, there was no police.  There were smiles on the faces of the fans, looking forward to the game as the home fans converged on the entrance, nestled at the end of a road of terrace houses. 

Solitude is Ireland’s oldest football ground, having first opened its doors in 1890.  The Main Stand dominates the ground, opened in 1950, originally with a capacity of 2,500 but today the upper tier is closed off, with the capacity of the whole ground today restricted to just over 2,500. The former Cage End was replaced in 2008 with a smart all-seater stand, with the changing rooms underneath, having been shifted from the Craven Cottage-style house in the corner of the game.

Cliftonville came into the game with a four-point lead over Crusaders, and within touching distance of Larne and Linfield at the top of the table.  Today was primarily about three points to keep the hopes of a top two finish alive rather than local bragging rights.  The Crusaders fans at the far end of the ground welcomed the sides with a big flag and a couple of flares, the home supporters preferring a roar of encouragement.

It was unsurprisingly a cagey opening, with neither side able to get the ball into the danger areas.  In the 11^th minute an off the ball incident whilst the players prepared for a free-kick to be delivered saw 19 of the 20 outfield players throwing their handbags around, whilst the Crusaders physio, on the pitch to treat the supposed injured party also getting involved.  Three yellow cards dished out and play could resume.

It was a niggly affair with both sides making excessive claims for cards to be dished out regularly but finally the deadlock was broken in the 35^th minute when Ronan Hale’s header was saved but Joe Gormley was on hand to scramble the ball home.

The visitors made some tactical changes at half-time and came back into the game in the second period.  However, it was against the run of play that Cliftonville doubled their lead in the 68^th minute when the Hale brothers combined again for the senior, Rory to poke the ball home from close range.

There was still time for substitute former Brighton & Hove Albion striker Ben Wilson to end his run of four games without a goal when he fired home from a narrow angle with only three minutes remaining.  That was my cue to head out and into my waiting taxi for the 15-minute drive back across the city to the airport. So many football fans make the reverse journey every weekend, heading across to Merseyside, Manchester or London to watch a Premier League game, when there’s some decent games played in real historic stadiums on the doorstep in Belfast.  Go, even if it is to see the majesty of The Oval, just behind the Dripping Pan in terms of beauty.

KIT CLASH BY HARVEY LOCK

In this segment of the Progcast, we welcome young Harvey Lock, who throughout the rest of this season, plans to rate each Isthmian Premier team’s home and away kit, as we all know we’ve seen some unique kits during our time…

Home

Not a bad strip at all here. The two-tone top and bottom is clean, as is the collar (always gets a bonus from me). As you saw with Folkestone a while ago, I’m a fan of this gold and black colour scheme, only slightly diminished by the off-colour sponsor. Still, pretty strong overall. 7/10

Away

Now, this, THIS I can get behind. O’Neill’s have pulled out a beauty here, the bright blue with the light and dark patterns is fantastic. The all-white badge, sponsor, and manufacturer name makes this look miles cleaner than the home strip, and if Lewes used something like this, I’d be delighted. A proper football-league level kit this. 9/10

THE LEAGUE TABLE AND FORM

ON THE ROAD TO…HORNCHURCH – FRIDAY 29th DECEMBER

How was last season?
After the surprise Play-off Final defeat at home to Cheshunt in 2021/22, history repeated itself when Hornchurch lost 1-0 in the final again in front of their own fans to Aveley.  Despite bolstering the squad both in the summer and during the season, and sixty-two goals from Sam Higgins and Liam Nash in all competitions, Hornchurch lost top spot in the league after an impressive start in January, and whilst they put some late pressure on Bishop’s Stortford in early April, a four game winless streak saw them lose touch with the Blues at the top.  The Urchins only took 9 points from a possible 24 against the other Play-off sides.  Manager Mark Stimpson departed in May, soon after the play-off final defeat, with former Millwall and Cardiff City boss Steve Morison surprisingly given the job.

Isthmian Premier League – 2^nd – P 42 W 25 D 9 L 8 GS 98 GA 49 GD +49 PTS 84

• FA Cup – Fourth Qualifying Round – Oxford City (A) 1-4
• FA Trophy – Third Qualifying Round – Harlow Town (A) 2-2 – lost 3-1 on penalties
• Essex Senior Cup – Semi-Finals – Concord Rangers (A) 1-1 – lost 5-4 on penalties

When did we last meet Hornchurch?
It was the case of honours even last season as both meetings ended 2-2.  At the Pan in October, the Rooks were 2-0 after 50 minutes, before Razz Coleman De-Graft grabbed one back in the 65 minutes.  Late drama saw the Rooks equalise in the 89^th minute thanks to Joe Taylor’s effort.

In the return fixture in March, it was the Rooks on the front foot, taking the lead twice thanks to a 14^th minute Joe Taylor effort and Ryan Gondoh’s 77^th minute strike.  Just minutes later Tyrique Hyde went clean through with a chance to put the game to bed but hit his shot straight at the keeper.  Six minutes later Sam Higgins took his chance to give both sides a point a piece.

Our last six meetings

W 0 D 4 L 2 GS 6 GA 10

About Hornchurch Stadium
It’s still an athletics stadium I’m afraid, although the club are building some more spectator facilities at the club house end of the ground.

Hornchurch have called “The Stadium” home since 1953 when they moved from Upminster Park.   As the club made a rapid rise through the leagues in the early 2000’s bits were added to comply with various league gradings.  The Riverside side of the ground is so called as the River Ingrebourne runs behind it.  On this side of the ground there are three separate stands offer shelter from the elements although as they are not very steep the view isn’t the best.  On the East side of the ground is the Main stand, flanked by covered terracing.  It is almost impossible to watch at the north end of the ground but at the other end you can watch the game from an elevated position in the bar or the terrace next door.
How to get to Hornchurch Stadium
Hornchurch is one of the few games we will travel to next season where you can take the tube to.  So, for the non-drivers, head to London Victoria, grab some reading material and catch the District Line east.  Upminster Bridge underground station is a few minutes away from the ground. Turn right out of the station, walk under the railway bridge and take the second right turning into Bridge Avenue. The station is in zone 6. Upminster British Rail station is the nearest mainline to the ground and a 10-minute walk. Come out of station, turn left into St Mary’s Lane and then left again for Bridge Avenue. The station is also in zone 6.  Remember DO NOT ALIGHT AT HORNCHURCH…it is miles away from the ground.

If you are driving then head north up the A23/M23 and then anti-clockwise on the M25, under the Thames (don’t forget to pay the toll charge online!) and then exit the motorway at junction M29 and take the left-hand slip-road off the roundabout towards London (E & C).  After approx. one mile take the left-hand slip road and then at end turn left into Hall Lane.

Follow Hall Lane south, hopping over a couple of mini roundabouts, crossing the railway line before you need to turn right into St Mary’s Lane (A124).  Follow this road downhill and then after 600 metres, do a left into Bridge Avenue.  The entrance to the ground is about 200m down this road on your left.  Take your pick from the space available on the streets around here.  Total distance from Lewes FC is 75 miles and it should take between 90 minutes and 2 hours each way depending on the traffic.

Admission at Hornchurch Stadium
Admission last season is £12 for adults, £7 for concessions (senior citizens and students), Under16s £3 and accompanied under 12s are admitted free of charge.  

Fancy a beer?
The nearest pub to the ground is The Windmill which is almost opposite Bridge Avenue as you walk along the main road.  It is a Greene King “family” pub so don’t expect much in way of sophisticated eating and fine craft ales, but it is pleasant (and cheap enough).

The Upminster Taproom on Sunnyside Gardens is a great micro-pub, and an away fans favourite and only a five-minute walk from Upminster station. The Optimist Tavern on Hacton Lane is also recommended for a craft ale or two.

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
Interim Chair Trevor Wells
Directors Priscila Aldridge, Willa Bailey, Tim Bradshaw, Ed Briggs, Andy Gowland, John Peel, Trevor Wells
Chief Executive Officer Maggie Murphy
Club Secretary John Peel
Fan Engagement Manager Shrey Nilvarna
Operations Manager Damian Watts

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 Charlie Himbury
Match logistics Vikram Dogra
First Team Performance Analyst Henderson Russell
Under-18s Manager Jon Miller

Golden Rook Rob Read
Web Editor Stuart Fuller
Progcast Editor Stan Lahood
Club Photographer James Boyes

TODAY’S QUIZ ANSWERS

1. Nothing unremarkable in that result – except that it was the first time Sunderland fans had seen their club win a home match since they beat Watford 1-0 on December 17th 2016. In the intervening 364 days the long-suffering Sunderland fans hadn’t seen their club win in 21 league and cup fixtures played at the Stadium of Light.
2. Jimmy Greaves continued his record of scoring on his debut for every senior side he played for with a hat-trick for Spurs in Tottenham’s 5-2 First Division victory over Blackpool at White Hart Lane.
3. On December 16th 1899 a group of English expats led by Herbert Kilpin and Alfred Edwards formed the Milan Cricket and Football Club …. and they are now the mighty AC Milan! Although no longer renowned for playing cricket AC Milan still pay tribute to their English founders by using the English spelling of their home town in their club name – Milan – rather than using the Italian spelling – Milano.
4. At the end of extra time in the League Cup quarter final between West Ham and Aston Villa at Upton Park the scores were still level, at 2-2, so the match went to penalties. West Ham finished 5-4 penalty victors, Gareth Southgate missing the deciding penalty. But it was then found that a sub West Ham brought on during extra time – Manny Omoyinmi – had played for Gillingham earlier in the season in the Second Round of the League Cup when on loan to the Kent club. That made him ineligible to play for West Ham in the same season. The tie was ordered to be replayed, which Aston Villa won 3-1.
5. Jamie Brotherton filled in at left-back in the 2-0 defeat.