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

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– Matches LIVE streamed
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– Discounts in Lewes & online
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This afternoon we host league leaders Folkstone Invicta to the Pan and we extend our usual warm welcome to our guests from the Kent coast.

This afternoon we face a daunting challenge against the run away league leaders and we, as Harry Redknapp was fond of saying, are down to the bare bones. We have experienced the perfect storm with recalls of loan players, players accepting offers from other clubs and now quite a lengthy (although orderly) queue is forming for our physio’s treatment table.

Things were looking worse when our No. 1 was given his marching orders for deliberate handball outside of his area in the last knockings of last Saturday’s match. Fortunately video evidence showed Louis making contact with his head and not his upper limbs and common sense prevailed at his appeal hearing and the red car was rescinded. Pitts and club secretary John Peel have had a hectic week trying to bring in reinforcements and we are hopeful of seeing one or two players making their Rooks debut this afternoon.

If I may throw in another quote, this time from Mr Billy Ocean, when the going gets tough, the tough get going (not red card spells danger). I am sure the team are going to dig in and rise to the challenge of a very tough task and they will need the fulsome support of all you Rooks. Let’s see if we can avenge that 6-0 defeat in the reverse fixture.

Come on you Rooks!

Trevor

Pitts reflects on Billericay loss

The gaffer spoke to the club once again, this time following our 3-0 away loss to Billericay Town last week. He went over his thought process for the game, where the tactics went wrong, and where we can improve for this afternoon. You can see the video here:

🗣️Craig’s thoughts following our 3-0 defeat away to Billericay pic.twitter.com/zJXuRVXnPF

— Lewes FC Men (@LewesFCMen) January 31, 2026

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.

Alex Kpakpe: A fast and phyiscal left-back, Alex joins from Cray Valley PM having previously played for Hastings United, Aveley, and Wingate & Finchley in this division. Alex is a product of the Chelsea academy and was also played in a friendly for Rangers in 2023.

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.

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.

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.

Aaron Jenkins: Aaron is a wide midfielder/winger capable of operating on either flank, and provides direct, fast, dangerous ball-carrying and crossing ability, as well as an eye for goal. Aaron joins from Sevenoaks where he previously scored 5 goals in 4 games last season, as well as lining up for Merstham in the past.

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.

Danny Bassett: Danny is no stranger to the Rooks, joining in the summer of 2024, before returning to the Pan after a spell away from the game. Bassett has experience at this level, previously lining up for Carshalton Athletic, and scored 22 goals for the Rooks last season.

Another new Rook

Lewes FC are delighted to welcome Aaron Jenkins to the club; Jenkins signs on from Sevenoaks Town, where he had notched up six goals so far this season, having also previously played for Merstham. Aaron is a wide midfielder capable of playing on either flank, and made his debut last week against Billericay. Welcome Aaron!

Rogers Red Recsinded

The Club are pleased to confirm we have made a succesful appeal for Wrongful Dismissal against Louis Rogers following last week’s game against Billericay. Rogers was sent off in the 93rd minute of our 3-0 defeat for apparent deliberate handball outside his area, but upon review, such claims were false and thus the decision has been reversed. This means Louis remains avaliable for selection this afternoon.

February Fixtures

Here are confirmations for all of our upcoming February games; our return to Whitehawk has finally been set for Tuesday Feb 24th, to replay the game that was eventually abandoned on December 27th due to a floodlight issue. Our other away trip of the month sees us set off to Hertfordshire to face Cheshunt, meanwhile we welcome Billericay on the 10th for another abandonment replay, Aveley on the 14th for what is sure to be a love-filled affair, and Cray Valley on the 28th to round out the month.

Anniversary Kits

In case you missed it, our brand new (and lovely, might I add) third kits are avaliable to purchase from Kitlocker; https://www.kitlocker.shop/lewesfc/match-kits

These kits debuted at the end of December, with the Men’s side wearing the left strip, and the Women’s side wearing the right. Both are avaliable in Men’s and Women’s sizing on the shop, so take your pick on your favourite.

Folkestone Invicta FC

• Folkestone Invicta Football Club was formed in 1936 and took over at Cheriton Road, the home of the old Folkestone club, in 1991. As members of the Kent League Division Two, Folkestone completed the league and cup double in 1991/92. Invicta made steady progress in the next three seasons, finishing 13th and 12th before a big jump to 4th in 1994/95. During the 1996/97 season, Folkestone faced West Ham United in a benefit game following freak floods in the town; a club record 2332 fans saw a strong West Ham side led by Harry Redknapp beat Folkestone 6-0. West Ham’s team involved some massive names including Frank Lampard, Paolo Futre, Julian Dicks and Stan Lazaridis.
• Neil Cugley became first team manager in the summer of 1997 and kickstarted a successful period for the club. In his first season, he led Invicta to a runners-up finish in the league and promotion to the Southern League South Division. The next two seasons would see Folkestone continue in the same vein with a 3rd place finish in 1998/99 and promotion to the Premier Division in 1999/2000. Folkestone achieved their objective of staying up in a decent first season in the division, finishing 17th. They were also the only side to win away against Burton Albion at Eton Park. Invicta pushed on and finished 13th the following season after sitting at the summit of the table for a brief period in the opening weeks of the season. Financial constraints took a toll on the club as they suffered relegation back to the Southern Division One East, ending a three-year spell in the Premier Division.
• 2003/04 saw Invicta finish 5th and in the process, set a club record 24-match unbeaten run in the league. The club converted to the Isthmian system for the 2004/05 season, joining the Premier Division.
• The club suffered real tragedy on Tuesday April 12th 2005 when striker Paul Sykes collapsed on the pitch and died during a Kent Senior Cup semi-final against his former club 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 finished 14th, 13th and 18th respectively in their first three seasons in the division. Invicta suffered relegation in 2007/08, finishing second from bottom. Folkestone were forced to go with a youthful, local side for the 2008/09 season after suffering financial challenges. This gamble paid off in the following season as Invicta finished 2nd and won promotion back to the Premier Division. They only finished 2nd because they were docked ten points for entering into a CVA agreement. After one season in the Premier Division, Folkestone were relegated again and this time remained in Division One South for five seasons, missing out on promotion through the play-offs twice during this time. Invicta finally won the division in 2015/16 and gained promotion back to the Isthmian Premier where they remain to this day.
• Their first season in the division ended with a disappointing 16th place finish. Invicta improved greatly in the 2017/18 season with a 4th place finish, they went on to lose in the play-off semi-final against Hendon. This was followed by 6th place in 2018/19 before the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons were abandoned due to Covid. In 2021/22, Invicta achieved an impressive 6th place finish before ending the past three seasons in 12th, 16th and 12th respectively. This season, Folkestone have improved greatly and currently sit at the summit of the Isthmian Premier, making this game a must-attend if you can.

Joe Pigott

Joe Pigott joined Folkestone Invicta in September 2025 but enjoyed an illustrious career prior to this move. Pigott began his professional career at Charlton Athletic and went on to play professional football for many clubs such as, Cambridge United, AFC Wimbledon, Ipswich Town, Portsmouth and Leyton Orient. Pigott has taken the Isthmian League by storm and is currently the join second top scorer with 13 league goals this season.

Date	Competition	Home		Away	Att.
Tue 21 Oct 2025	Isthmian Prem	FIFC	6-0	Lewes	944
Mon 21 Apr 2025	Isthmian Prem	FIFC	2-1	Lewes	1197
Thu 26 Dec 2024	Isthmian Prem	Lewes	0-0	FIFC	1450
Fri 29 Mar 2024	Isthmian Prem	FIFC	3-1	Lewes	652
Sat 9 Sep 2023	Isthmian Prem	Lewes	1-3	FIFC	992

It’s not great reading is it. We have a pretty torrid record against the Seasiders, not least to mention the 6-0 thwarting we received in the early stages of this season. I don’t even have a funny spin to put on this one, let’s just hope this record improves a little this afternoon.

HOME

Big big fan of this lineup. Hope and Glory make the Seasider’s kits, and they’ve done extremely well with this home strip, featuring a subtle bespoke pattern of the White Horse of Kent, also featured on the club’s brand new badge, more noticeable on the black parts of this black and orange beauty. the sponsor fits well and looks very classy, just a very good job overall. 9/10

AWAY

More of the same in terms of praise; sky blue has always been the traditional away colour for Invicta, and it makes a return after a few years of them using red and white, but it was a great choice to revert here. The return of the blue colour, the badge patterns along the side, and the colour-matched badge make this look just as good as the home shirt. well done lads. 9/10

To Cheshunt

Who are they?: Cheshunt are an old-school club that play out of Hertfordshire in the Theobalds Grove area. The Ambers have been around since 1946, formed just after WW2 after the original club for the town was disbanded. The Ambers have been back at Step 3 for a while now, briefly enjoying one season in the National League South after winning the playoffs in 21/22, but have stabilised back in the Isthmian.

How do we get there?: From the club themselves – Theobalds Grove Station is a five minute walk away on the corner of the High Street and Theobalds Lane and enjoys a half hourly service to & from Seven Sisters (Victoria Line) and Liverpool Street. Please note that Cheshunt Station is not the nearest station to the ground although train services from Liverpool Street are quicker, it is a thirty minute walk/ £10 taxi ride.

What’s around?: There doesn’t seem to be loads around the Cheshunt area in the way of pubs; the two solid ones I could find are The Wheatsheaf and The Coach and Horses, both near Theobalds Grove station.

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, 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, Joe Warsop-Davies, Aidan Elve, Noah Bercott

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