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

A warm bank holiday welcome to everyone at the Dripping Pan this afternoon as we host our close neighbours Whitehawk.

The Easter holiday period can be a defining period for many teams in the division. At the top end we know that Folkestone are champions and there are probably six teams with hopes of securing the four play off places. Lewes FC pass on our congratulations to Folkestone for an excellent campaign.

Unfortunately our attention is focused on the situation at the bottom of the table. Mathematically as things currently stand 49 points is the safety target and we have 42 with 12 points to play for. Whether we need seven points to reach safety or not our two remaining home games are huge, starting this afternoon against the Hawks.

Once the referee blows his whistle its all down to the players but the Rooks support can provide the boost of a large vocal crowd getting behind them. Lets show our support in this game and our next home game against Wingate and Finchley and roar the team on. Six points from our home games could well be enough to secure our future in the division.

Come on you Rooks!

Trevor

Assistant Gaffer Nzinga speaks on Potters Bar loss, speaks of importance of local derby.

Assistant Manager Bryan Nzinga spoke to the club following last weekend’s 2-1 loss away at Potters Bar Town. He spoke of missed opportunities in that game, how the side need to change some fundamentals to finish the season on a good note, and the importance of this afternoon’s fixture:

Of the game, Bryan said: “I think in the first half we started off with good energy. We nearly scored after 30 seconds and the momentum was with us, but that final third quality was slipping away. Lots of balls were played in behind, but with the wrong weight of pass and going off the pitch, which led to moments of frustration, and I think the boys were making sloppy passes, unforced errors and moving the ball too slowly.”

When asked about player frustration during games, and how that can lead to errors: “Our natural answer is to take care of the ball. If we can’t gain momentum in terms of seizing our opportunities, we need to keep it simple and grow back into the game, building our confidence up. We haven’t got enough time to feel sorry for ourselves in those moments.”

Self-talk is really important; leadership needs to be better to give the players motivation, but we need to take care of the football better too. Leaders may make mistakes, but what they do is galvanise themselves and spread the message across the group. I think that’s really important in those moments; our natural way is to be positive with the ball in possession and that’s how we regain our focus and momentum.”

Nzinga and gaffer Craig Nelson have also drilled the importance of today’s fixture into the players, talking about how big local games are for Lewes fans: “My message to the fans is to come and support. When we get The Dripping Pan going, when we’re warming up and fans are there encouraging us, it plays a massive part. We’re all aware how big a game it is, not just because the three points are important, but for what it means for the people that live here and the competition. Football is all about competition and rivalries, and I think this is what will get people out of their houses. We have to bring the fight, we have to bring the competitiveness, on and off the ball, to be in a position to create and score.”

“We created enough chances in this [Potters Bar] game and the last game [vs Canvey Island] to leave with something. What we need to be better at in the Whitehawk game is putting those chances away; I think having people like Charlie [Walker] and the rest of the boys firing will be a massive help for sure.”

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.

Alfie Mansell: A young goalkeeper, Alfie joins as understudy to Louie Rogers and to gain experince in senior football after time in the Brighton youth setup. Alfie has previously lined up for Eastbourne United and Burgess Hill Town.

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.

Jack Enkh: A defensive left-back, Jack returns to the Rooks after a long spell out through injury to link up with manager Craig Nelson once again and bring some stability to the left side.

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.

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.

Jerry Puemo: A returning fan favourite defender, Jerry brings experience at this level thanks to spells at Cray Valley PM and Carshalton. Tall, strong, and good in the air, Jerry is a solid centre-half.

Nikolai Krokhin: Niko joins us from Hendon, and has also played for Cheshunt and Hastings United at this level. Incredibly physical and defensive-minded, Niko will strengthen the Rooks backline.

Charlie Paye: Charlie joins us on loan from EFL side Bromley, where manager Craig Nelson previously loaned multiple players. A young centre-half looking to work his way up the football ladder, Charlie seeks first team experience with the Rooks.

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.

Jackson King: Joining us from Wycombe Wanderers on loan, Jackson is a defensive midfielder who can also operate as part of a back four. Despite being young, Jackson plays with a calmness and maturity that will strengthen and balance the core of Craig Nelson’s side.

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.

Beaux Booth: Beaux joins from Farnham Town, and brings goalscoring threat to the midfield, on top of creativity. A product of Brentford’s B Team, Beaux joined Sholing after leaving the Bees before quickly impressing enough to get a jump up to Step 3 with Farnham, before linking up with the Rooks in 2026.

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.

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.

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.

Final Five for the season

This afternoon marks the second of the final five games of the season; the club would like to thank all supporters for their unwavering backing throughout what has been a fairly rough campaign at times, and would like to encourage you to keep up that support in these final games to help Pitts and the players over the line. Safety in the Isthmian Premier is not yet confirmed, but a few more points should do it (even a win today is likely enough), so keep turning up, keep supporting, and help the boys end the season on a high.

Whitehawk FC

• Whitehawk Football Club was founded under the name Whitehawk & Manor Farm Old Boys in 1945 just after the conclusion of World War II. This name relates to the Brighton Boys’ club from Whitehawk who were too old to continue playing in the youth league. In their first season they won the league and cup double of the Brighton Junior Cup and the Hove & Worthing Cup.
• After many years of coming so close, Whitehawk finally won the Sussex County League Division 1 in 2009/10 and earned promotion to the Isthmian League Division 1 South under joint managers George Parris and former Lewes manager Darren Freeman. In their first season in the league, Whitehawk were in the title race but ended up finishing third and losing on penalties in the play-offs against Leatherhead. However, in their second season in the division, the Hawks became Isthmian League Division 1 South champions, and they also won the Sussex Senior Cup, beating Crawley Town at the Amex Stadium, and the Sussex Community Shield in August. The club’s request to play the 2012/13 season at the Withdean Stadium whilst they redeveloped the Enclosed Ground was turned down by the Isthmian League as they were concerned that the club wouldn’t return to east Brighton. In that season, Whitehawk achieved their second promotion in two years, winning the Isthmian League Premier and progressing to the Conference South.
• Whitehawk struggled in their first season in the conference, eventually sacking manager Darren Freeman in January of 2014. Freeman was replaced by Steve King who managed to keep them up with a dramatic late equaliser on the final day of the season against Sutton United, relegating Hayes & Yeading instead. In their second season in the division, the Hawks experienced their most successful season ever, finishing 4th and earning a place in the play-off semi-final in which they beat Basingstoke Town in the second leg following a 1-1 draw at the Enclosed Ground, therefore progressing to the play-off final. Whitehawk faced Boreham Wood in the final who they lost to in extra time away from home, denying them of a fourth promotion in six seasons.
• Following their play-off heartbreak, Whitehawk won the Sussex Senior Cup again with a 5-0 victory over our Rooks in the final, the biggest margin of victory in the final since 1937. In the 2015/16 season, Whitehawk reached the FA Cup first round proper for the first time in the club’s history. A dramatic 5-3 win over Lincoln City sent the Hawks to the second round where they suffered defeat to League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge in extra time of the replay after drawing 1-1 at the Enclosed Ground. Had they won this, Whitehawk would have faced Everton at Goodison Park.
• In February 2016, the club sacked manager Steve King after he saw them drop from 3rd to 13th in 13 matches. King was replaced by caretaker manager Pablo Asensio who turned the Hawks’ season around, taking them to the play-offs again where they unfortunately lost to Ebbsfleet United on penalties in the second leg of the semi-final. After these successful few months, Asensio was promoted to permanent manager for the 2016/17 season. However, he was replaced by Richard Hill just eight games into the season, having only won one match.
• Whitehawk managed to reach the first round of the FA Cup for a second successive season and in a bizarre turn of events, didn’t make the second round. The score was level and in the last second, Javier Favarel scored a 30-yard volley. However, the referee blew for full time while the ball was sailing through the air and therefore the goal did not stand. The Hawks went on to lose the replay 3-0. In the 2017/18 season, Whitehawk suffered their third ever relegation and dropped back down to the Isthmian League Premier after a very successful five-season stint in the National League South.
• Whitehawk suffered a second relegation in a row in 2018/19, dropping into the Isthmian League South where they would remain until 2022/23 when they gained promotion back to the Isthmian League Premier. In 2023/24, the Hawks finished in a solid 9th place before dropping to 16th last season. They currently sit in 13th place, five points above Lewes.

Charlie Lambert

Charlie Lambert rejoined Whitehawk in December 2024 after a spell at Bognor Regis Town, and has registered over 150 appearances for the club over three stints. A persistent goalscorer this season, Lambert sits in the top ten in the league scoring charts with 13 so far. The forward scored in the reverse fixture in Brighton as the Hawks ran out 3-1 winners.

Date	Competition	Home		Away	Att.
Tue 24 Feb 2026	Isthmian Prem	WH	3-1	Lewes	311
Tue 21 Jan 2024	Isthmian Prem	WH	2-1	CIFC	648
Mon 26 Aug 2024	Isthmian Prem	Lewes	2-1	WH	1759
Mon 1 Apr 2024	Isthmian Prem	Lewes	1-1	WH	1975
Tue 26 Dec 2023	Isthmian Prem	WH	1-2	Lewes	1146

Perfectly balanced. this derby is generally a pretty even one, and the last five outcomes show that perfectly with two wins apiece and a single draw. Our last clash with the Hawks was just over a month ago, when despite a good start and an early goal from Taurean Roberts, the Rooks fell to a 3-1 defeat on a cold Tuesday evening. None of that today please.

HOME

Pretty clean, if slightly boring; the objectively less good red kit in this league, as we all know. I like the retro badge tbf.6/10

AWAY

Better in blue. If this was any other team I’d venture to say it’s good. 6/10

To Cray Wanderers

Who are they?: Cray Wanderers, known as The Wands, have a claim to being one of the oldest football clubs in the world, with their founding traced back to 1860 in the twin villages of St Mary Cray and St Paul’s Cray. They were even a nursery club for Arsenal in the Gunners’ early professional years. More recently, The Wands spent 25 years groundsharing at Bromley’s Hayes Lane before finally moving into their own brand new ground, Flamingo Park in Chislehurst, at the start of the 2024/25 season. They’ve had a pretty good season, currently sitting in 7th and attempting a last-gasp playoff push.

How do we get there?: From Lewes, head into London Bridge and pick up a Southeastern service towards New Eltham, with the fastest journeys coming in at just under two hours. The ground itself sits on the A20 Sidcup bypass and isn’t an easy walk from the station, so a short taxi or local bus from Eltham may be the answer.

What’s around?: I’m going to recommend the same three pubs I did for neighbours Cray Valley PM, as all three have my seal of approval; The Rusty Bucket, The Park Tavern, and The White Hart are all more than serviceable taverns that are all on Eltham high street, so very accesible for any of the Rooks on their way.

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
Assistant Manager Bryan Nzinga

First Team Analyst Coach Rafaz
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