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

Welcome to everyone at the Dripping Pan for this afternoon’s match against Aveley.

Last weekend we were narrowly beaten 0-5 by league leaders Folkestone Invicta. I say narrowly because whilst Folkestone did run away with the game in the last 15 minutes, had Lewes taken some of the great chances they created earlier in the game we may have been treated to a gripping finish with the game in the balance.

The match did secure a healthy attendance of almost 1,000 and if we can start to get regular four figure attendances this could literally take the club to another league. If we could grow average gates to 1,500 this would be a game changer for our club. To achieve this level of support we will need success on the pitch, eye catching football, a great match day experience and word getting around that the Pan is a great place to come and watch football. These things are all within our grasp but everyone will need to work hard to provide these ingredients. We can do it.

The blow of a 5-0 loss was slightly softened the next day by an excellent performance by our Women’s team who scored six classy goals against Cheltenham. The Women are putting together a rich run of form and with home league games against Exeter and Hashtag on the horizon they are deserving of your support and I hope to see more of the Rooks support at these games.

Back to this afternoon’s match. Aveley will provide tough opponents but there were many signs from the Folkestone match that we can rise to the challenge.

Come on you Rooks!

Trevor

Pitts reflects on Folkestone defeat

As always, gaffer Craig Nelson spoke to the club following our most recent game, our 5-0 defeat to league leaders Folkestone. Craig spoke about how he felt the scoreline was harsh on the squad’s performances, and the bright spots to take away from these types of games:

Craig’s thoughts following our 0-5 defeat yesterday 👇 pic.twitter.com/C7Z1DQUKgV

— Lewes FC Men (@LewesFCMen) February 8, 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.

Lui Edwards: Lui joins on dual-registration with Roffey, where he is an up and coming young player, joining them as a product of the Woking youth setup. a striker or attacking midfielder, Lui brings dynamism to the Rook’s attack, as well as a few goals and assists too.

Taurean Roberts: Taurean is a winger who has been around non-leauge football for a long time, previously featuring for Horsham, Hampton & Richmond, Chippenham, among others. Direct, fast, and a leader in the squad, Taurean links up with long time friend Pitts to bring threat to the wide areas.

A duo of new Rooks

Lewes are delighted to welcome Taurean Roberts, Lui Edwards and George Nunn to the Club. Taurean is a long-time friend of gaffer Craig Nelson, and finally links up with him after leaving Hythe Town recently. Taurs is an old-school leader of a player, a very direct and goal-threatening winger, and has played at high levels in the past, playing for Hampton & Richmond and Salisbury among others, after leaving the Crystal Palace academy. Taurs featured from the start last week against Folkestone and was unlucky not to score on his debut, hitting the post from one chance and being very unlucky to sky another one.

Lui joins us from SCEFL side Roffey, where he played against the Rooks earlier this season in the Sussex Senior Cup. Lui is a very exciting young player, capable of playing in the 10, on the wing, or up front, and will inject some life into the Rooks front line when need be.

Welcome Taurean, and Lui!

Aveley FC

• Aveley Football Club, known as the Millers, was formed in 1927 and played in local leagues until 1939. Club activities were then suspended during the war years 1939/45. In 1946 the club was reformed and joined the Thurrock Combination. Aveley twice won the Essex Junior Cup, firstly in 1948, then retaining it the following year.
• Aveley gained Senior League status in season 1949/50 and were elected into the London League, Division One. They were Division Champions in the 1951/52 season. In the same season they moved from Lodge Meadow to their present ground, Mill Field, and were promptly nicknamed The Millers. In season 1954/55 they were Division Champions once again which was followed by election to The Delphian League in 1955/56. They competed in this league until 1962/63 with little success.
• 1963/64 saw Millers join the Athenian League. Full membership of the Football Association was granted in 1964/65. Season 1970/71 was probably the clubs most successful one. The first round proper of the FA Cup was reached along with the FA Amateur Cup quarter-finals, they were also Champions of the Athenian League.
• Aveley were elected to the Isthmian League in season 1973/74. Here they competed without success in Division One until they were relegated to Division Two North at the end of the 1985/86 season. Millers did however achieve two cup successes during this time. The Essex Thames-Side Challenge Trophy was won in 1979/80 and the Hornchurch Charity Cup in 1982/83.
• The 1989/90 campaign was a memorable one for The Millers. Promotion back to Division One was gained with a tremendous end of season run-in to finish second to Heybridge Swifts by two points. After this the club slipped down to Division Three and cup successes were limited to appearances in the finals of both the East Anglian Cup and the Essex Thames-Side Challenge Trophy in 1997/98.
• The 1999/2000 season started well with Aveley being un-beaten in the League at Christmas. However, a turn in fortunes saw them slip and eventually finish 9th. This was followed by 6th place in season 2000/01.
• A roller-coaster season 2001/02 saw the club finish third behind Hornchurch and champions Croydon Athletic and gain promotion to Division 1 North. An excellent season for the Millers in 2002/03. Good runs in the FA Cup and Bryco Cup were capped by an appearance in the Essex Senior Cup Final. This did not go Millers way however with Chelmsford City winning 5-0. The Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup was reached, eventually losing out to Canvey Island 2-0. A good run-in saw Millers finish in sixth place in the League.
• The 2003/04 campaign saw the club eventually finish in 14th place. Millers matched the previous season’s performance and reached the final of the Essex Senior Cup. This time a much improved display saw them go down 3-1 to local rivals Thurrock. The final game of the season was another cup final. This time in the East Anglian Cup, and a visit to Spalding United. This also finished in a 3-1 defeat for the Millers. 2004/05 was a disappointing one for Millers first season in the Southern League, the club finishing in 15th place. Compensation, however, came in the form of the Essex Thames-Side Challenge Trophy. Romford were beaten 1-0 in the final at The Mill Field. Simon Thomas scoring the only goal of the game. Another difficult season followed, on and off the pitch.
• A poor League season in 2006/07 was again compensated for by winning the Essex Thames-Side Challenge Trophy for the second time in three seasons. After a disappointing start to the 2007/08 campaign, November saw the arrival of Rod Stringer as Manager, and fortunes turned with the Millers putting a string of impressive results together to finish the season in Mid-Table.
• 2008/09 saw the foundations that were laid the previous season, bare its fruit as the Ryman League Division One North Championship was won on the last day of the season in dramatic fashion at East Thurrock United. In a tense finish to the season, Millers created a club record of 11 straight away league wins, and Rod Stringer was duly judged as the Manager of the Season for the Division.
• 2009/10, their first in the Isthmian Premier Division, saw a great finish to the season, with 12 wins from the last 14 games, taking them into 3rd position and a home semi-final play-off against Boreham Wood. Unfortunately, it was one step too far, and a 1-0 defeat saw the end of a fantastic season.
• During the close season Rod Stringer departed for Braintree Town, taking with him his management team, and the whole playing squad. A difficult season was endured with a last day 3-2 win at Hastings being significant as the club survived relegation by virtue of a reprieve despite finishing 4th from bottom of the table.
• 2011/12 was much of the same, and relegation was confirmed after a poor season. 2012/13 was a successful season with the team occupying a play-off positions all season. Unfortunately, they lost out in the semi-final at Maldon & Tiptree. After many years of trying, the Millers were granted the green light on the 13th May 2016 allowing the club to start building as soon as possible, with Parkside due to be completed for the 2017/18 season.
• In 2018/19 season, the Millers had a successful season and finished 2nd, with a month left of the season to go manager James Webster resigned and Aveley moved quickly to bring in Danny Dafter who came in with five games left and won every game to help Aveley to finish 2nd, behind Bowers & Pitsea in the Bostik North. However, that winning run ended with defeat in the Play-Off Semi Final against Heybridge Swifts, 2-0.
• 2019-20 and 2020-21 were both cut short due to Covid. In 2021-22 Aveley became Division One North champions and were promoted to the Premier Division.
• The following season saw the club win promotion to the National South and win the League Cup, defeating Potters Bar Town 3-0 in the final. In the football club’s first season in the Vanarama National South, Aveley defied all expectations and clinched a play-off place on the last day of the season. In the Play-Off Eliminator, Aveley were defeated 2-1 away at Maidstone United.
• Last season was far worse for the Millers as they finished rock bottom of the National South and were relegated back to the Isthmian Premier. This season, Aveley have been very strong and currently sit in 2nd place behind only Folkestone. This will be a tough game for our Rooks so make sure you come down to the Pan to show your support.

Chris Harris

Chris Harris joined Aveley this season after a spell at Canvey Island in the Isthmian Premier last season. Harris has been excellent for the Millers so far and is the 8th top goalscorer in the league with 12 Isthmian Premier goals.

Date	Competition	Home		Away	Att.
Sat 18 Oct 2025	Isthmian Prem	Aveley	3-0	Lewes	326
Sat 18 Feb 2023	Isthmian Prem	Aveley	2-0	Lewes	383
Tue 1 Nov 2022	Isthmian Prem	Lewes	1-1	Aveley	352

The Millers are another team in the seemingly very large list we have a poor record against; only avoiding defeat once in our three previous encounters. We fell victim to our favourite scoreline of 3-0 when we travelled up to Essex in October (on my birthday, no less), so hopefully we can turn things around this afternoon.

HOME

The Millers have a nice bespoke design this year, in celebration of their 99th year of existance. The number 99 is plastered around this design, which is nice, and before knowing it was an anniversary thing, I thought it might have been in reference to a number 99 bus since they are sponsored by a bus company, but alas not. Either way, this design plus the centered badge make for a very nice classy effort. 8/10

AWAY

A lot simpler than the home strip, with a fairly simple bright red with the name of the town straight across the top part. This looks a bit weird in my opinion, but is saved by the fact it’s somehow quite subtle, as well as the nice looking gold trim and old-school badge. Not bad. 6/10

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