Welcome to The Dripping Pan for today’s FAWNL league action against Cheltenham! 

Here is your complimentary e-programme

CONTENTS TABLE

1. NOTES FROM THE CHAIR – TREVOR WELLS
2. CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
   • Theo the Hero
   • How you can help
3. WHAT IS GOING ON TODAY AROUND THE PAN
   • 👕 CUSTOMISE YOUR ROOKS
   • 🍦 GELATO, ANYONE?
   • 💛 SUPPORTING THEO THE HERO
4. LEWES FC WOMEN 2026/27
5. LEWES FC SQUAD LIST
6. MATCH GALLERY: LEWES FC WOMEN v BOURNEMOUTH
7. LEWES V BOURNEMOUTH MATCH REPORT
8. LEWES VS CHELTENHAM MATCH PREVIEW
9. OPPOSITION GUIDE – CHELTENHAM TOWN
   • 🏟️ Cheltenham Town Women — 2026/27
   • 📊 Their 2026/27 season so far…
   • 👀 Previous Lewes v Cheltenham Town Encounters
   • 👶 A young squad
   • 🔄 Key summer additions
10. CHELTENHAM TOWN SQUAD LIST
11. MATCH OFFICIALS
12. FILMING AT TODAY’S GAME
13. CREDITS AND LEGAL

NOTES FROM THE CHAIR – TREVOR WELLS

The warmest of Lewes Welcomes to our visitors from Cheltenham and everyone at the Pan this afternoon.

As ever, Women’s match day at the Pan is just more than a great football match it is an afternoon event. Ahead of today’s match you can buty pre-owned shirts (all nicely laundered I might add) and then explore your inner Banksy and use the paints and stencils provided to style your own unique Lewes shirt.

There is also fantastic locally made gelato on sale – with temperatures forecast to be in the high teens it is still perfect weather for a cooling gelato (but in my book there is never wrong weather for an ice cream).

On a more serious note we are collecting for Surrey and Sussex Healthcare Charity through the Theo the Hero Appeal to recognise Childhood Cancer Awareness month. To those of you who may not know Theo is the younger brother of our number 23  Ylenia Priest, as well as being a fine young man he is a survivor of  acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and bravely endured three and a half years gruelling treatment to fight this cruel disease. Thankfully Theo has been in remission for two years and is a regular at the Pan.

On another human note I would urge you to browse through the Lewes FC socials to find the short film featuring Lewes mens team star Ryan Gondoh and star supporter of both the mens and women’s teams Susie Arlett. Proof if any was needed that football is more than just about the 90 odd minutes on the pitch.

Once again please enjoy the wonderful Lewes match day experience, the people behind all these great ideas are Richard Horton, Charlie Dobres and Lewes Women player Ella Stephens. Sunday’s at the Pan are more than just a football match. If you are enjoying the Pan experience please spread the word because we want to make Sunday afternoons at the Pan a special event for many more people.

Lets hope we have a great match and a great afternoon out.

Come on You Rooks

Trevor

CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and today we’re proud to be supporting the Theo the Hero Children’s Appeal and helping to raise awareness of childhood cancer.

The appeal is particularly close to our hearts at Lewes FC, with Theo being the little brother of our vice-captain, Ylenia ‘Lenny’ Priest.

Ahead of today’s game, vice-captain Ylenia ‘Lenny’ Priest shares the story of her little brother Theo – and explains why Childhood Cancer Awareness Month means so much to her family.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on something that far too many families know all too well.

For me, it is personal.

My little brother Theo was just three years old when his world, and ours, changed forever.

He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and spent around three and a half years going through treatment.

As his big sister, watching him go through something so frightening at such a young age was heartbreaking. Childhood cancer doesn’t just affect the child who is diagnosed; it affects the whole family.

Theo has now finished treatment and is two years in remission.

Seeing him back at school, playing football and simply enjoying being a child means more to us than we could ever put into words.

Some Lewes supporters will already know Theo. He’s my little mascot at our home games and loves coming to The Dripping Pan.

Football has given him so many moments of happiness after everything he has been through.

But Theo’s experience has also made us realise how much more can be done for children going through cancer treatment.

When a child is undergoing chemotherapy and is extremely vulnerable to infection, they can spend days or even weeks confined to their hospital room.

They can’t simply go to the playroom and sometimes they can’t even have visitors because of the risk to their health.

The days can be incredibly long, often in rooms that are clinical and uninviting, with very little to distract them.

These children are already going through so much: chemotherapy, needles and procedures, sickness, fear and exhaustion.

Their hospital room shouldn’t have to feel like another thing they have to endure.

Theo the Hero

That is why we have started the Theo the Hero Children’s Appeal, raising money to help develop the children’s oncology rooms at East Surrey Hospital – the place that, alongside The Royal Marsden, cared for Theo throughout his treatment.

We want to bring some joy into the rooms where these children spend so much time.

We are fundraising for interactive equipment, toys, VR headsets, colourful and uplifting surroundings, and comfortable chairs for parents sitting beside their children.

They may sound like small things, but they can make a huge difference to a child who has nowhere else to go.

Theo has always been our little hero. Now we want his story to help other children and their families too.

Through his appeal, we hope we can bring a little more happiness and a little more joy to children who are currently facing their own cancer journey.

How you can help

There are lots of ways people can support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Know the signs and symptoms. Be aware of what to look out for and speak to a healthcare professional if something doesn’t feel right.

Donate blood. Children going through cancer treatment can need blood and platelet transfusions. Theo had multiple transfusions and they quite literally saved his life.

Join the stem cell register. For some children with blood cancers, a stem cell transplant can offer an important treatment option. Joining the register could mean one day being a match for a child who desperately needs one.

Raise awareness. Talk about childhood cancer. Share the signs and symptoms and the stories of children and families affected. Help people understand that childhood cancer exists and that these children need funding, research and support.

And this Sunday at the Dripping Pan, when we take on Cheltenham Town, Lewes FC will be fundraising for the Theo the Hero Children’s Appeal.

If you’re coming to the game, please look out for the fundraising activities around the ground and, if you’re able to, make a donation.

It would mean an enormous amount to me, Theo and our family – and, most importantly, will help make life a little brighter for children undergoing cancer treatment and the families beside them.

This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we hope people will not only hear Theo’s story, but remember all the children and families behind the statistics.

Every child deserves more joy. And that is what we are trying to give them.

Ylenia ‘Lenny’ Priest
Lewes FC Women’s Vice-Captain

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE THEO THE HERO APPEAL 💛

WHAT IS GOING ON TODAY AROUND THE PAN

👕 CUSTOMISE YOUR ROOKS

Fancy a shirt nobody else has? Iyla Shah Studio are back with their shirt upcycling station. Pick up a last season shirt for just £10, choose your design and get creative with Lyla’s stencils 🎨

🍦 GELATO, ANYONE?

Fran & Pips Gelato will be joining us too – because what’s a Sunday afternoon at The Pan without a little sweet treat?

💛 SUPPORTING THEO THE HERO

We’ll also be supporting the Theo the Hero Children’s Appeal at today’s game.

LEWES FC WOMEN 2026/27

LEWES FC SQUAD LIST

Manager Emma Byrne
Assistant Head Coach Jess King
GK Coach Leah Samain
Sports Therapist Joshua Essex
Performance Coach Joanna Seto
Assistant Head of Women’s Football Pia Davies
Social Media & Communications Maycee Rogers
Performance Lead Ivi Casagrande

MATCH GALLERY: LEWES v BOURNEMOUTH

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LEWES V BOURNEMOUTH MATCH REPORT

WORDS BY MAYCEE ROGERS

Lewes shared the points with Bournemouth following a lively 1-1 draw at The Dripping Pan.

The Rooks started off strong, taking the lead after being awarded a penalty. Una Lue stepped up and made no mistake, sending a low and powerful strike into the back of the Bournemouth net, whizzing it straight past the goalkeeper.

The game continued as it started, a feisty and fiery exchange with both sides showing plenty of attacking intent and creating chances at either end.

Despite the Rooks continuing to build on their early advantage, Bournemouth kicked into attack and found an equaliser before the end of the first half.

Lewes came out strongly in the second half and were the more dominant side, continuing to create chances and opportunities whilst holding their shape well.

The Rooks thought they had found their second when Olivia Johnson fired in a rocket of a shot, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Despite continuing to push for a winner, both sides were unable to find another breakthrough, with the points ultimately having to be shared.

LEWES VS CHELTENHAM MATCH PREVIEW

WORDS BY JOE MOCKFORD

We walk the course with Lewes ‘keeper Emily Moore ahead of today’s league clash with Cheltenham Town. The two teams have found the going hard so far and are separated by just one point. 

Looking ahead to this game Emily said, “We’ve been slowly building, so definitely trying to improve from this past week against Bournemouth and hopefully get the win.” 

Today’s game looks a sure bet for entertainment as last season’s contests weren’t short of drama. 

Lewes first visit to Kayte Lane ultimately ended in a 2-1 defeat, but not before two players were sent off, a penalty that never was and 16 minutes of added time in the final stretch of the game.

After a coming together, Cheltenham’s own keeper, Haynes, and Lewes defender, Lenny Priest, both received their marching orders. The subsequent appeal for the red card was dismissed and Lenny unfairly had to sit out the next 3 matches. 

Emily put this game to the back of her mind before the teams met again 3 weeks later, “It’s hard to think back, but I think we were in a really good spot last season and we learned from the first game.” 

The Rooks were handed an away tie against the Robins in the FA Cup. Lewes ran away with it, scoring four unanswered goals through Leah Lane, Sarah Harvey, Chelsea Ferguson and Lane again. With Emma Byrne at the reigns, saying Leah was “in a different class”. 

Lewes’ performance at home beat this by a nose as they ran out 6-0 winners! Sydney Schreimeier, the ever present workhorse in midfield, memorably grabbing her first goal for the club with a wonderful curling finish. 

Two away trips to Portsmouth await the Rooks after this weekend, one in the cup and one in the league.

Emily looks forward to these games, “Quite annoying to have two back to back trips to Portsmouth. Like I said earlier, we’ve been slowly building so I think hopefully after Bournemouth and Cheltenham we will be able to continue the good vibes into those two games.” 

Hopefully Lewes would have picked up their first league win by the time they travel away. Last weekend’s clash against Bournemouth ended in a 1-1 draw after Lewes took an early lead through Una Lue.

Moore said about the game, “I think we are a bit disappointed to not get a win, but also we really battled against a good side. A lot of positives to take away from it.”

And on the season so far, “I think it’s been a bit of a slower start, but the group has really come together in the last few weeks and looking forward to the rest of the season.”

OPPOSITION GUIDE – CHELTENHAM TOWN

🏟️ Cheltenham Town Women — 2026/27

• Club: Cheltenham Town Women FC
• Nickname: The Robinesses
• Manager: Tom Davies
• League: FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division (Tier 3)
• Home ground: Kayte Lane, Bishops Cleeve
• 2026/27 is their fourth consecutive season in the Southern Premier Division — they finished 8th in 2025/26. 

📊 Their 2026/27 season so far…

The Robinesses have had a tough opening to the league campaign:

• Cheltenham 1–3 Real Bedford — 16 August
• AFC Bournemouth 2–1 Cheltenham — 23 August
• Cheltenham 1–1 Gwalia United — 27 August, FA WNL Cup
• Oxford United 5–0 Cheltenham — 30 August 

👀 Previous Lewes v Cheltenham Town Encounters

Cheltenham’s 2025/26 campaign included two meetings with Lewes:

• Cheltenham 2–1 Lewes — 2 November 2025
• Cheltenham 0–4 Lewes — 23 November 2025

So there is a little bit of recent history between these two sides.

👶 A young squad

One of the most interesting things about Cheltenham is their focus on developing young players.

Tom Davies said that six of their 11 most-used starting players last season were aged 18 or under, and the club has specifically targeted players coming from PGA/academy environments and dual-registration opportunities. 

They’ve continued that approach this summer, bringing in several young players from higher-level academies.

🔄 Key summer additions

Some of their notable 2026/27 recruits include:

• Ruby Day — 19-year-old midfielder from Bristol City; Wales youth international. 
• Kiera O’Keefe — young Welsh midfielder from Gwalia United; has represented Wales from U15 through U19 level and made 40+ Tier 3 appearances before joining Cheltenham. 
• Alex Hall — 19-year-old midfielder from Birmingham City; previously involved with Birmingham’s first-team setup and made the bench for two WSL2 matches. 
• Lily Felgate — goalkeeper joining from Birmingham City on Academy Development Registration (ADR). 
• Kaitlyn Hicks-Kenward — another Birmingham City player joining on ADR. 
• Lilly Wellesley-Davies — defender returning to Cheltenham from QPR. She made 24 appearances for QPR last season. 
• Chloe Jones — goalkeeper from Keynsham Town, where she made 27 appearances last season.

CHELTENHAM TOWN SQUAD LIST

FA WOMENS NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH TABLE AND FIXTURES

Today there may be film crews in the ground, filming on behalf of Lewes Football Club and other media organisations. The filming is usually for Lewes FC marketing purposes, to show what a match day looks/sounds like and to generally promote what we do. Lewes Football Club respectfully asks for your permission to be filmed. If you do not want to be filmed, please let the crew know directly and they will oblige.  Thanks for your cooperation in helping to build a successful club.

CREDITS AND LEGAL

The FA Women’s National League South strongly supports recent FA statements that there should be a zero tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly, any form of discriminatory abuse, whether it be based on race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, faith, age, ability 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).“

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 Ben Hall, Danny Maltby, Jim Cheek, John Peel, Lisa Emery, Sinclair Spencer, Stan Lahood and Trevor Wells.

Life Members
Peter Brook, Dorothy Brook RIP, Vic Blunt RIP, 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

Facilities Manager Damien Watts

Golden Rook Rob Read
Progcast Editors Maycee Rogers
Club Photographer James Boyes & Cecily