Welcome to The Dripping Pan for this afternoon’s Isthmian League Premier game versus Chatham Town. Here is your complimentary e-programme.
CONTENTS
1. Notes from the Chair – Trevor Wells
2. Nelson’s Column
3. The Squad – See the Players
4. Club Updates
5. The Visitors – Chatham Town
6. One to Watch?
7. Head to Head
8. Kit Clash
9. On the Road… to Hashtag United
10. Legals and Credits
You get:
– Matches LIVE streamed
– One share/one vote
– Discounts in Lewes & online
– Downloadable Share Certificate, Owner’s App and Gift Box
TO BECOME AN OWNER, CLICK HERE: https://lewesfc.com/become-an-owner/
The weather has turned distinctly chilly but the welcome at the Pan is as warm as ever as we host our guests from Chatham.
If this was the end of the season you would say that Lewes were stuck in the doldrums right in the middle of the table, six points from the play offs and six points from the drop zone. But it is still November and there is a lot of football to be played, lots of points to be won, and hopefully this afternoon we will return to winning ways although Chatham will present a tough test.
Our Women are in action tomorrow in the FA Cup at Cheltenham. As always they will be campaigning for equal FA Cup prize money. Given that football is described as the people’s game it is a travesty that the FA chose to ban 51% of the population from playing the beautiful game for seventy long years. It is therefore even more of a travesty that Lewes have had to campaign for many seasons for the FA to do the proper thing and equalise FA cup prize money.
If Lewes lose tomorrow we will lose money on our trip to Cheltenham. If a League One men’s team were in a position where they could lose money for playing in the second round of the FA cup they probably wouldn’t bother!
For those of you who are owners we have our AGM at the Pan on 4 December. I look forward to seeing you there. If you are not yet an owner there is still time to sign up and join us. Also, If you are U16 you can now become a Junior Owner. For U16’s who play for any of our teams in the Lewes Football Foundation ownership is free.
Junior Members will also receive the Lewes FC 140th Anniversary Panini Sticker Album on signing up. I understand that this may be the first time Panini have produced a sticker album exclusively for a Community owned club. For not so junior fans the album and stickers will soon be on general sale.
Anyway lets hope for a great game.
Come on you Rooks!
Trevor
Pitts reflects on Wingate defeat
Gaffer Craig Nelson spoke to the club on Thursday following our 3-0 defeat to Wingate and Finchley last week; he spoke about the game, where things went wrong, and how we can look to do better. He also spoke on the returning Alfie Allen and Bobby Unwin, and how they can add to the side. You can see the interview here on Twitter:
Louis Rogers: Rogers joined the Rooks from Hastings United in summer 2025. Known for his sharp reflexes and excellent shot-stopping ability, he spent several years as first-choice keeper at Hastings, playing a key role in their promotion push. Louis brings leadership, composure, and a commanding presence to the Lewes backline as he steps up to the Isthmian Premier League once again.
Ryan Bernal: An athletic right back, Bernal joins the Rooks after impressing in the Combined Counties League. Quick and confident going forward, Ryan provides attacking width while maintaining strong defensive discipline. A promising addition to the squad, he will look to make the right flank his own.
Clement Asiedu: Left back Asiedu is a young, dynamic defender with an eye for joining the attack. A product of the Volenti Academy he represented Crystal Palace as a youth player. Clem joined Cray Valley PM after a breakout season at Horsham YM.
Jack Burchell: A ball-playing centre back, 21-year-old defender Burchell came through the academy at Watford before joining Eastbourne Borough in October 2022, going on to play 26 times in the Vanarama National League South under Danny Bloor in 2022/23. He joined the Welling in July 2023 after impressing on trial during pre-season and proved to be a mainstay in defence, playing a vital part in the side’s successful survival bid in 2023/24.
Jamie Watson: Jamie is a solid, aerially strong centre-half who brings experience in defence despite being only 24; a product of the Bromley academy, Jamie has also spent time at Alfreton in the National League North, as well as Tonbridge Angels, who he joins from on a dual-registration basis.
Olly Hamstead: Olly is another young defender rising through the ranks, joining the Rooks from Carshalton where he has had two spells. Olly started his career at Chipstead, before moving on to Burgess Hill and Kingstonian where he was a commanding force in those back lines. Tall, strong, and a calm presence on the ball, Olly is a great example of a modern centre-half.
Tito Salaam: Tito joins the Rooks on a dual-registration contract with Sutton United, where he hopes to gain some experience in first-team football. standing six-foot-four at just 19, Salaam has shown himself to be a solid physical force in the Rooks backline.
Antonio Morgan: A young up-and-coming full-back, Morgans joins the Rooks from Tonbridge Angels where he played under current gaffer Pitts for a time. Antonio is fast, direct, and tricky on the ball, and has displayed enough talent to earn several call ups for the Antigua & Barbuda national team.
Arezki Hamouchene: A tricky left-sided player with flair and pace, Hamouchene spent 14 years with Millwall, joining their youth setup at 7 years old. Spent the 24/25 season with Cray Wanderers and Erith Town from whom he joins the Rooks.
Jabari Christmas: A creative midfielder with flair and vision, Christmas was a product of the renowned Kinetic Academy and featured for QPR U18’s before joining Chatham. His ability to unlock defences and strike from distance gives the Rooks another option in central areas.
Perri Iandolo: A technically gifted central midfielder, Perri spent his formative years with Maidstone. Perri is known for his range of passing and ability to dictate tempo in midfield and most recently played with club legend Bradley Pritchard at Phoenix Sports.
Devonte West: Operating on the right flank, West is a young, powerful winger with explosive pace and a keen eye for goal. A product of the London grassroots scene, Devonte joins us from Hollands & Blair and adds an exciting dimension to the Rooks’ attacking play.
Billie Clark: A right-sided midfielder or winger, Clark joined Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 before moving on to Reading in August 2023. Comfortable hugging the touchline or drifting inside, Billie offers pace and a dangerous delivery from wide areas.
Parish Muirhead: Returning to the club after a spell at Carshalton Athletic, Muirhead is a strong and tempo-dictating central midfielder, known for his game knowledge and passing ability. Parish has experience working under manager Craig Nelson and has earned several call-ups to the Grenada National Team.
Tyler Christian-Law: Tyler joined the Rooks in November, and is a vastly experienced midfielder at this level and above, with the 32 year old having spells with Braintree, Wealdstone, Potters Bar, Hornchurch, and most recently Dartford whom he joins from. A commanding presence in midfield, Tyler brings stability to the Rooks’ spine.
Alfie Allen: Allen is a central midfielder who can operate in both defensive or attacking-minded roles; a great passer of the ball and a calm presence in midfield, Alfie rejoins the Rooks after a spell at Tonbridge Angels.
Kaan Bennett: A clinical centre forward, Bennett is known for his movement and finishing ability. Kaan was a product of the Colchester United youth system before serious injury halted his progress. Kaan’s intelligent positioning and eye for goal make him a key figure in Lewes’ frontline.
Jordan Maguire-Drew: A marquee signing for the Rooks, Maguire-Drew is a creative forward who started his career at Brighton & Hove Albion and went on to feature for Lincoln City, Leyton Orient, and Grimsby Town. Known for his technical ability and set-piece prowess, Jordan brings EFL experience and proven quality to Lewes’ attacking options.
Charlie Walker: Walker is a vastly experienced striker, and joins the Rooks as a number 9 outlet. Walker is no stranger to the professional game, having played for Luton Town in his career, as well as spells at Eastbourne Borough, Boreham Wood, Aldershot, and two spells with Whitehawk. Walker notched up 21 goals in 71 league games with the Hawks before joining Lewes, and will hope to continue that form.
Bobby Unwin: Bobby returns to Lewes after a good spell at Tonbridge Angels, scoring thrice and putting in multiple great performances at Step 2, before rejoining the Rooks to add pace, ball-carrying, and goal threat to the side.
Martell Taylor-Crossdale: Martell joins on loan from Tonbridge Angels, where he has experience working with manager Craig Nelson; Martell has experience at the highest level of English football, making an appearance for Premier League side Fulham, as well as being part of Chelsea’s youth academy. Playing either through the middle or on the wings, Martell provides powerful attacking threat to Pitts’ side.
Old Faces return to the Rooks
Lewes FC are pleased to welcome Alfie Allen and Bobby Unwin back to the club. Both players return to reunite with the gaffer after a spell up in Tonbridge, and will be looking to pick up where they left off last season. Allen is a central midfielder who often paired with recent returnee Parish Muirhead last season, and can act as a deep holding midfielder, playmaker, or in a more advanced role. Allen scored twice for the Rooks last season, and they were both half decent strikes (to say the least), netting against Cheshunt and Ashford United, both from about 30 yards out.
Unwin is a forward player, capable on either flank as well as through the middle; a great ball carrier, has a keen eye for a cross, and extremely quick and capable of peeling away from defenders, Bobby notched up two goals and four assists in his short 12-game spell at the end of last season. Welcome back guys!
Young Rooks continue their charge
Lewes U18s continued their perfect start to the season this week, coming from behind to beat Burgess Hill 4-1 in the Isthmian U18 South. A hattrick from Omar Abdsami was the main force behind the win, but this absolute rocket from Mo Khedidji sealed the game perfectly:
The Young Rooks remain firmly at the top of the table, with 4 wins from 4 with a game in hand, and also progressed in the County Cup last week thanks to an emphatic win over Hove U18s. Well done boys, the future looks bright with you all.
Uckfield Grasshoppers
Speaking of youth football, Lewes FC would like to extend a special welcome to those from Uckfield Grasshoppers who are joining us this afternoon; the Grasshoppers are a club specialising in Junior football, offering teams from 5 years old all the way up to U18s, for both boys and girls.
Formed in 1981, the club has become a massive pathway into football for a lot of young players, and equally has become a huge community pillar for Uckfield and its surrounding areas. If this sounds interesting to you, you can look at their website at https://www.uckfieldgrasshoppers.co.uk, and we hope those from the club enjoy the game today!
Chatham Town FC
- Chatham Town Football Club, nicknamed the Chats, was founded in 1882 – originally known as Chatham United – after Rochester Invicta merged with the Royal Engineers Band football team.
- The Chats achieved an incredible feat in 1888-89 when they reached the quarter-final of the FA Cup, eventually losing in a rather one-sided game 10-1 to West Bromwich Albion. The Chats can also boast that current Premier League side West Ham United and former Premier League side Portsmouth both faced Chatham in their first competitive matches.
- In 1900-01, Chatham were forced to resign from their division – the Southern League – due to financial difficulties. This also caused them to play as Chatham amateurs for a season and rejoin the Kent League. Two seasons later, the Chats won the Kent League, before repeating this the following season as well as winning the Kent Senior Cup.
- The club’s financial struggles continued for many years, constantly forcing Chatham to remain in lower divisions due to the club being unable to afford the costs of the Southern League. In 1947, Chatham United merged with Shorts FC to create the current club, Chatham Town.
- Chatham Town remained in the Kent League until 1983, with the exception of a few odd seasons in the Aetolian League, London League and Metropolitan League. A brief name change took place in 1974 to Medway FC at the request of the local council before returning to Chatham Town five years later.
- The club continued to struggle on and off the pitch until former player John Adams took the helm. In 1993-94, Adams guided the team to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. In 1995-96, they reached the final of the Kent Senior Trophy, and they finished in the top three of the Kent League for three successive seasons. Adams was sacked, however, after a slow start to the 1996-97 season.
- Steve Hearn was appointed player-manager in 2000-01, and he oversaw the team as they became Kent League champions and returned to the Southern League. Chatham managed to survive with low-to-mid table finishes for a few years before the club was moved to the Isthmian League Division One South in 2006-07. Regular mid-table finishes were achieved as the Chats were constantly moved between the North and South divisions.
- The club was saved from relegation after finishing in the drop zone in 2010-11 as they were moved across to the North division. Back in the Isthmian South, Chatham suffered relegation in 2016-17.
- Incredibly, back-to-back promotions were achieved in 2021-22 and 2022-23, landing the Chats in the Isthmian Premier, where they remain. In their first season in the division, they so nearly made it three consecutive promotions after finishing 2nd and making it to the play-off final, however, eventually lost to Enfield Town.
- Last season saw Chatham drop off slightly, however they still achieved a solid finish in 9th place. The Chats have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with again this season as they currently sit 3rd with games in hand on the teams above them. This will be one of our toughest games so Pitts’ men will have to be on top form to beat this Chatham side.
Tope Fadahunsi
Tope Fadahunsi started his playing career at the Watford academy before moving to Tooting & Mitcham United. Fadahunsi then opted to study at Loughborough University, whom he also represented at first team level. The forward then gained professional experience at Sutton United in League Two, appearing 27 times for the club, as well as top-flight experience in Kosovo with Prishtina. Fadahunsi joined Chatham Town in summer 2025 and is the club’s top scorer this season with five league goals. He has been a pivotal part of the team’s structure and a massive reason why they are where they are in the league.
| Sat 2 Nov 2024 | Isthmian Premier | Chatham | 1-1 | Lewes | Att. 1187 |
| Sat 10 Aug 2024 | Isthmian Premier | Lewes | 2-0 | Chatham | Att. 776 |
| Sat 17 Feb 2024 | Isthmian Premier | Lewes | 0-3 | Chatham | Att. 969 |
| Sat 23 Sep 2023 | Isthmian Premier | Chatham | 3-0 | Lewes | Att. 1064 |
| Sat 22 Apr 2017 | Ryman South | Chatham | 0-0 | Lewes | Att. 143 |
One game aside, this is not great reading. Chatham are a great team, and it often shows when we play them, as we’ve had a couple of less-than-fun afternoons with the Medway outfit. The one exception to this is our home win on the curtain-raiser last season, which was in fact Pitts’ first ever game in charge of the Rooks. Our most recent encounter with the Chats was just over a year ago, and was actually a solid point at the Bauvill, when Danny Bassett’s penalty cancelled out an opener from John Ufuah.
HOME
The Chats are another team that make their own kits in-house, and they always do well. This season is no exception, coming out with a bespoke design that features a road and rail map of the town of Chatham all across the front of the strip. I love this sort of thing, so it will always get good points from me, and paired with the overall clean look of the kit, including the smart collar, they’ve played a blinder here. 9/10
AWAY
More of the same, but white. It works, but maybe not quite as well as the red version. Still class though. 8/10
To Hashtag United
Who are they?: Hashtag United are the youngest team in the Isthmian League, being founded in 2016 by YouTube legend Spencer FC. The Tags boast an impressive social media following, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers on YouTube, and similar amounts of followers on Twitter and Instagram. The Essex outfit, who currently groundshare with fellow league-mates Aveley at Parkside, are currently fighting relegation at this level, so we can expect a hard-fought encounter.
How do we get there?: The nearest train, station to the ground is Ockenden, but that is still a fair old way from the ground and not recommended to walk. Aveley FC recommend the number 22 bus that runs much closer to the ground, going from Elan Road to Hanford Road, but getting to Elan Road is still a decent 20+ minute walk, so plan accordingly.
What’s around?: Honestly, not much. Parkside is quite out of the way from any real town centre or much of anything, and there aren’t many pubs nearby. Three that are listed as being fairly close are Sir Henry’s, The Old Ship Inn, and The Top House, all in more central Aveley, but the club does have a bar if you prefer that.
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 Trevor Wells
Directors Trevor Wells, John Peel, Stan Lahood, Jim Cheek, Roger Warner, Ben Hall, Lisa Emery
Club Secretary John Peel
COO Kelly Lindsey
Fan Engagement Manager Shrey Nilvarna
Social Media Team Stan Lahood, Tom Mason, Daniel Lloyd, Luke Underhill, Joe Warsop-Davies
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 Craig Nelson
First team Coach Elyon Marshall-Katung
Goalkeeping Coach Sheikh Ceesay
Under-18s Manager Dale Hurley
Golden Rook Rob Read
Web Editor Shrey Nilvarna
Progcast Editors Stan Lahood, Harvey Lock, Charlie Sundaram
Club Photographer James Boyes