Lewes FC 2012/12 Day 3: PSF V Worthing

So Lewes have their first Saturday game of the season with their now seemingly annual trip to Woodside road to face Worthing, previous results their have not gone our way in the last two years pre season we drew 0-0 and last year we lost 1-0. Once again, work commitments have meant that I was unable to get to Worthing for the first time and so once again I had to listen out for tweets on the game.

Thank you to Barry Collins on Lewes facebook page for this photo follow this link to see all his brilliant photo's in James Boyes absence from the game http://www.facebook.com/groups/120383828014437/410247275694756/?notif_t=group_activity

However it does not sound as if I missed much with Lewes playing a few trialists and under 18's leading to a very subdued and I would imagine wet game. The game finished at 1-1 with Lewes going behind before Steve 'Robbo' Robinson headed home a corner, in what sounds like a replica of last weeks Chris Breach goal last week as Lewes won the supporters direct sheild over Fisher.

All I can go by for this particular pre season friendly is the reaction from apparantly the large number of fans who did decide to attend. Nickyboy commented on the Lewes unofficial forum that our back four looks very decennt, but we are a little light up front, hopefully that will not be the case as that seems to be a reccurring theme at Lewes.

Once again it sounds as if Karl Beckford had another good game which is promising as he may be the man to fill the boots that Harry Harding left, still yet to finalise a deal with Macclesf.. oh wait his 'new club' yet.

For now though we wait until Tuesday when I finally take in my first pre-season game of the season and Lewes play against Brighton and Hove Albion's first team who on Saturday beat Maidstone united, containing a certain Paul Booth and Ian Draycott 5-0, hopefully it was not be so Blue and White sided on tuesday!

Lewes FC 2012/13 Day 2: SDS V Enfield Town

Now at this time of year, clubs would normally be starting a pre-season friendly that does not mean anything at all. But not Lewes, oh no, we are a community club and so this year Lewes FC were invited along to Enfield Town to play against Fisher FC to fight it out for the Supporters Direct Sheild, Lewes FC's first chance for silverware in 5 years since they won the Conferecne South back in 2007/08. 

Lewes played in old green kit

Again, for the second day in a row I was working and so had to look out for updates from the one o clock kick off in my breaks at work, a very difficult thing to have to do. It has to be said the game does not sound like it was a thriller but from the sounds of things the Lewes team looks like a decnt outfit. It was very difficult to get any team news as apparantly there were, dissapointingly no Lewes fans there. I can confirm the game ended 1-0 to Lewes in typical fashion as it was Chris Breach who headed the ball home from a corner, will that ever get boring?

It was rather fortunate that Lewes did win as if the scores were level , a unique fans penalty to shoot out was to decide the result. In which the scores were as follows:

Lewes                                                                                      Fisher

James Boyes (photographer) Scored                                       Scored
Kevin Brook (club secutary) Scored                                        Scored
Pav (Kitman) Scored                                                               Scored
Stuart Fuller (director) Saved                                                   Saved
Sam Piper (Kitboy) Saved                                                       Scored

It was a shame that there were not enough Lewes fans to play rather than club officials having to fill in but at least in this case we are a fan owned club so it still counts!

Crabb and Walder celebrate

Overall it was a decent first game for Lewes to get in to the swing of things. I twas important to get in to the winning way as soon as possible, after all winning is a habbit! 

Lewes Team: Kieran Thorpe, Lee Cooper (trial), Chris Breach, Steve Robinson, Charlie Leach, Jack Walder, Callum Dunne, Karl Beckford, Max Howell, Steve Brinkhurst, Nathan Crabb

Lewes Season 2012/13 Day 1: Open Day

Saturday the 7th of July and Lewes FC's season is underway at last. There is no game on today, however the club are taking the opportunity to have Lewes FC's first ever open day going along with the theme that they are a community club and all that.

The under 18's ironically pour around the bar to fill out their

 forms

Unfortunatly due to work commitments I was unable to attend this years open day and so I had to keep up to date with what was going on during my breaks at work on the now reliable source that is twitter. As I am sure you are aware the weather we are experiencing is not what you would expect in July and so the open day was desperatly hoping for a bit of nce weather so that the event wasn't a washout.

The main thing that would excite me about the day was to find out if there were any new signings or anyone else staying on from last year. Obviously there were a few players I did not recognise and with the images being so small and no sort of update as to who players were it was difficult to tell whether they were just under 18's or the real deal. However upon seeing a picture of all 4 Lewes squads for the season (Men, under 18's Woman and Girls under 15's) there was a face laughing at the back that I thought I recognised. But no, surely not that can't be former Lewes player, part time model and ex- The Only Way Is Essex character and boyfriend of Amy Childs, Jay Conroy surely? I didn't want to let myself get excited but I had known that Worms was looking to sign a new full back and so could it really be him? I typed his name in to twitter and on his account @conroy02 I could find nothing about signing for Lewes. But it appeared that I was not the only one who thought they had recognised him with @tomharper94 also questioning whether it is the man or not. Desperate now to find out I searched for him on google and still could not find out even what his last club was let alone whether he had signed for Lewes. I only actually found out when I got home from work and on the Lewes FC facebook page the question had been asked and confirmed by Stuart Fuller that it is indeed Jay Conroy, what a signing! Although it does still leave a taste of Steve King on the club but that will be forgotten with a few decent performances as we know he is capable of!

Lewes FC First team

When the first team photo came up I tried to spot what players we have and from what I can make out this is who each of these people are starting from the top left. In black we have kit man Pav, usually follows King so suprised to see he is staying here at the pan. Then we have Steve Brinkhurst great winger signed from Eastbourne Borough, he played here before on loan from Brighton a few years back when we were relegated from the Conference Premier, seems a long time ago now! Then there is Jay Conroy, can you spot the model look about him? Next to him Steve Robinson, well done Worms for getting our captain to stay at Lewes even though King cam calling from two divisions up at Macclesfield! Next up in white we have Pawel our Polish keeper, had a dodgy game last year but is young and still good to have around. Next to him is our main keeper Kieran Thorpe, signed from Eastbourne Town supposed to be a great shot stopper. Following him there is Chris Breach and Lewis Hamilton, Lewes fans will be aware of who they are by now. Next to Hamilton, I believe that it is Callum Dunne a midfielder signed from relegated Horsham, still ver young but was captain t the Hornets. Next to Dunne is a player who I am not sure on yet so still have some more exciting finding out to do! And finally on the top row is Sam Piper, our very kean yet very useful helper.

Players get photos taken for new website

And now the bottom row! On the very left we have Karl Beckford, one of those players who looks tubby but has the legs of anyone else, the kind of midfielder you hate to see playing against you, we signed him from play off rivals Concord Rangers, he scoreed a wonder free kick in Lewes 3-2 win over Concord last year. Then there is Charlie Leach, a product of Lewes FC's under 18's, a great young full back will quickly become a fans fave I feel . Then there is Aaron Hopkinson, also from our under 18's although he is now 20 years onl Aaron is setting himself the target of getting a first team spot this season after a few poor years of football for him personally. Next up our goalscorer, Nathan Crabb scoring goals for fun with his electric pace last season. And there he is in white, player/manager Simon 'Worms' Wormull, what a man. Next to Worms is first team coach and under 18's manager Nick Browne, who also happens to be employed by Chelsea FC in Sussex. 3 more products of our under 18's next in Leyton Scaaf, Max Howell and Jack Walder three very decent players who are all ver cabable of making the step up to our first team . Last but not least I am unsure of who the player on the end of the row is so that makes two players still to find out about!

Overall it seems that the open day was fun and so a success, lets hope the club made some money out of it and perhaps signed some members up, but for now, at last the season is here!

Lewes Play Off Hopes 'Bury'ed

Lewes left on the long journey to Ram Meadow in search of their first three points of 2012. With their opponents Bury Town laying six points ahead at the start of play and a team that Lewes would need to beat if they are to overtake them and reach the play offs during this season.

Unlike previous away games where a careful 4-5-1 formation has been chosen to try and counter the home teams threat, Wormull bravely put out an attacking 4-3-3 with Lewis Hamilton coming in at left back to replace Charlie Leach, Walder remaining in midfield his suspension not taking place until the following Saturday and last weeks hero Billy Medlock coming in as the third striker instead of Max Howell were the only changes from the 2-2 draw at home to East Thurrock the previous Saturday.

On the other hand Bury played a safer game with only one striker, playing long ball with him as their target man. The tactic nearly worked from the off as a balll down field aided by the wind finding winger, Clark chargind down the left wing. His ball in found Sam Reed, his volley forcing Matt Ingram to make a smart stop, the ball going out for a corner. And again Bury kept up the pressure with the corner being weakly cleared by Lewes captain Steve Robinson before the ball was struck against Harry Harding who knew nothing about his block. Eventually after another block this time by Breach, Harding managed to slam the ball away from any danger after a dodgy few seconds.

However it was not long before Lewes in form striker Paul Booth had a chance when Harding won a free kick on the half way line which was swung in by Chris Breach. The free kick itself lead to the ball being head well away but it fell out to Lewis Hamilton who took his time to swing in an accurate cross on to the jumping Robinsons head, sending the ball back across the box only for Paul Booth to send a rather weak volley straight at Garnham in the Bury goal.

Former Eastbourne duo Nathan Crabb and Billy Medlock nearly linked up again for the second time in two weeks when a ball from Hamilton was well kept in by Crabb on the left hand side of the penalty area who sent a low ball in to the box which found Medlock with his back to goal. However he could only hold the ball up for the incoming Matt Somner to have a go which was scuffed and ended up high and very wide.

It was Bury on the attack again next as an advantage was played by the referee after a Matt Somner challenge, Tom Bullard carrying on and his effort went just wide of the post. Bury kept on the attack and another ball in from Clark was headed over by Smith after a deflection off the rather fortunate Hamilton.

Lewes were struggling to amount to any real attacking threats with no wingers on the pitch, unlike Bury who had Clark consistantly putting in good crosses. This eventually took its toll in the thirty-sixth minute when Clark this time put in an inch perfect ball which was headed across the box before Sam Reed was at hand to bundle the ball in across the line giving Bury the lead which on the basis of things, they probably deserved.

In an attempt to get level before half time Lewes broke away with Malvin Kamara able to pull the ball back across the box from the right hand side, finding Billy Medlock who was well closed down, his shot deflecting wide for a corner which was sent by Harding straight in to the awaiting arms of Garnham, leading to Bury going in at half time 1-0 up.

One major talking point on the first half was the decision, just before the Bury goal as the linesman appeared to award a free kick to Bury after calling Booth offside, however the decision was made after a goal kick which the offside rule states you cannot be offside from. However, Lewes were not tom complain too much as they needed to up their game in the second half if they were to gain anything from the match.

However, for Lewes, the second half got off to the worst start as a free kick was given against Steve Robinson for jumping using his arms, something the referee was particularly fussy with all game. The free kick was curled in finding a completly unmarked Bullard who could simply rise up and nod the ball home for a very soft goal from a defensive point of view.

Eventually Lewes caretaker manager Simon Wormull decided that it would be best to give Lewes some width and so Billy Medlock was replaced by the tricky Christian Nanetti. The change made an imidiate impact with Nanetti being found on the left he then swung the ball in across the box where it met the hard working Harry Harding who was able to knock the ball in pulling a goal back for lewes and giving fans hope that the Sussex side may be able to pull off another comeback to finish 2-2.

Bury looked determined to restore their two goal lead and from the kick off Billy Clark was found in miles of space inside the penalty area, however he took an age to get his shot away and so Matt Ingram made a good stop, however it still needed Malvin Kamara to make a goal line clearance under challenege to deny Bury.

Lewes were suddenly the dominant side and it looked as if they had a chance of coming away with a point as Harry Harding broke in to the box before cutting inside his man and seeimingly going down after a slight knock, however the referee wasn't interested and the ball was cleared well away out for a Lewes throw.

Bury were going down easily with the referee keen to give out free kicks for minor instances however one challenege from Somner which on another day could have been more focused on was ignored by the referee, much to the annoyance of the victim of the challenge who got up and gave Somner a shove, also ignored by the referee.

Nanetti also became the super sub hero when he was again set free on the left hand side and after a few silky skills he cut inside and flashed a shot at the near post which fell just the wrong side of the goal leaving Lewes desperate for time as it seemed the goal was coming.

However it wasn't to be and the game wore out meaning Bury remain in 4th place now nine points ahead of Lewes who dropped down to 9th now seven points off the play off places and with current foem a seemingly impossible task to reach them this season.

Lewes:
GK Matt Ingram
RB Malvin Kamara
CB Steve Robinson
CB Chris Breach
LB Lewis Hamilton
CM Matt Somner
CM Jack Walder (Ian Draycott)
CM Harry Harding
ST Billy Medlock (Christian Nanetti)
ST Paul Booth ( Max Howell)
ST Nathan Crabb

Bury FC (03/03/2012) Preview

After thirty games each Lewes lie six points and three places away from Bury Town who currently sit in 4th place taking up one of the play off spots. Bury have only lost twice at home this season and if only home games counted they would be in second place, whereas Lewes have won and lost 6 times each away from home. Bury have also scored the second most goals in the division as they are currently on 61 compared to Lewes who lie in 15th having only scored 35. On the other hand Lewes have conceded 34 goals compared to Bury's 42.

In the last ten games Bury have won 25 points having only lost once (Concord Rangers) and drawn once (Harrow Borough). They went unbeaten throughout the whole of Fenurary and their only loss in 2012 so far was the Concord game on the 14th of January where they lost 4-2. There last three results have been; Bury 2-0 Lowestoft , Margate 2-3 Bury and Bury 2-1 Margate.

On the other hand in the last ten games Lewes have only taken 10 points from a possible 30 having won 2 and drawn 4. They have not won since the boxing day last minute win at Hastings. Lewes's last three results have been Hornchurch 1-0 Lewes, East Thurock 1-0 Lewes and Lewes 2-2 East Thurrock.

Walker Rejoining Borough Sparks Banksy Return Rumours

Mitch Walker

Lewes rivals Eastbourne Borough have signed Brighton and Hove Albion reserve goalkeeper Mitch Walker on loan for the rest of the season after it appears that Rikki Banks has fallen out of favour with the new Eastbourne gaffer.

It is well known that Banks is determined to play his football at the Dripping Pan where he is a fans favourite having won the fans player of the year award in the Conference Premier season. Rikki Banks was deemed responsible for the defeat to Staines having fumbled the ball allowing Staines to score the only goal of the game leaving Eastbourne two points into the relegation zone which would see them relegated to the Ryman Premier where Lewes currently reside in 7th position.

Mitch Walker comes in with other loanee Connor Gough due to return to Charlton Athletic later this week and so Walker could just be coming in to replace him as back up although the rumours are flying that with Eastbourne now having four goalkeepers available, that Banks may soon have his wish granted and make a return to Lewes for the third time.

Walker has joined until the end of the season in a bid to gain some first team experience as he is currently only the fith choice keeper at the Amex.

Lewes Poor Streak Coninues Against Canvey

In the most youthful side Lewes have put out this season a plucky first half lead was not enough to see Simon Wormull gain his first three points as Lewes boss, despite an appearance on the pitch from the manager himself. Lewes did not get the best of preperations coming in to the game with the regular back four; Kamara, Hamilton, Robinson and Hustwick all pulling out of the squad with minor injuries meaning that under 18's Charlie Leach and Josh Phillips had to fill in at the back with midfielder Matt Somner playing at centre back and Nic Ciardini playing left back.

This also allowed further changes to the squad with new signing Jack Walder starting in midfield despite not having played for four months.

From the outset Lewes were looking the weaker side with Canvey island pulling all the strings with Jason Hallet having a powerful volley fly just wide of the goal before a corner found the same man and a fortunate deflection of Matt Somner sent the ball wide again.

Canvey continued to attack the Lewes goal and it looked like they were to take the lead when Alex Rhodes burst through on goal after a defensive error between Charlie Leach and Josh Phillips but the striker somehow managed to, again send the ball wide of Rikki Banks goal with the keeper not having to make a save despite the pressure.

The pressure on Lewes seemed to encourage the youthful side to get into the action a bit and switching talented winger Christian Nanetti over to the left suddenly opened the game up as he beat his man with ease and sent a powerful, yet accurate, ball in to the box slicing through the air straight on to prolific striker Paul Booth's head who sent a perfectly weighted header into the top corner against the run of play.

The goal brought about yet more unwanted pressure on the Lewes goal however and within a minute Canvey should have been level when a simlar ball in as the Lewes goal produced a fantastic diveing header from Jay Curran before Bradley Woods somehow only managed to hit the post from a yard out under a little pressure from the energetic Leach.

Canvey were really starting to make Lewes keeper Rikki Banks work and it was Curran at the forefront again as his hard shot at the near post caught Banks off his guard but he still kept Lewes ahead with a fine reaction stop.  From the resulting a corner Banks had one of his infamous moments and decided to stay on the line rather than plucking the ball out of the air but he more than made up for his mistake when he clawed the goalbound header off the line.

Lewes needed to make some serious changes at the break if they were to hold on to their unlikely lead and yet they were unable to do so resulting in Canvey equalising within six minutes of the restart. Hallett managed to pick out Alex Rhodes on the edge of the box who faked a shot before rounding the flailing Somner and smashing the ball in to the bottom corner across the goal and celebrating with the travelling Canvey fans delighted at the instand come back from the break.

A goalmouth scramble was saved by Banks once again as a shot came in from Hallett and bounced around in the area for some time before Banks eventually managed to pounce on the ball.

With it being clear that the only winners of the game were to be the visitors Lewes fans got some exitment when they saw that new manager Simon Wormull, ex tottenham and many other clubs including being part of the Lewes side which won the conference South in 2008, was warming up ready to come on for Jack walder making his return to the club after signing from local rivals Hastings. 

The managers substitution instantly made an impact as Wormull picked up the ball in his own half with his first touch of the ball sent a glorious through pass playing Paul Booth through on goal, however as he bared down on the Canvey goal he curled his shot round the keeper but to the dissapointment of lewes fans, around the post as well.

Lewes started to get in to the game a bit more and fans were hopeful that they may even be able to nick a win as Ian Draycott spurned a terrific chance, volleying straight at the keeper. However after another scramble in the lewes area, the ball eventually fell to Woods on the outside of the box who chested the ball down and sent a sublime volley past Banks giveing the keeper no chance and sending Canvey well on their way to three points meaning they would have beaten league title runners Lowestoft Town and promotion hopefuls Lewes all in one week, a remarkable acheivment for the previously struggling club.

The game fizzled out after the goal with no chances going wither way despite the undeserved four minutes of injury time. Lewes are hopeful to have at least two of the back four back by the next game at home to Leatherhead this coming saturday however it can be confirmed that Michael Malcolm has joined Albert Jarrett at Bromley, it is not yet known whether a fee was involved and Nic Ciardini has cancelled his contract at the club due to work commitments. Rikki Banks has also been denied permission to extend his loan spell from rivals Eastbourne Borough to lewes and so he returns to his parent club.

Lewes have however signed Wycombe keeper Matt Ingram on loan who will be the seventh keeper Lewes have seen between the sticks this season. Popular defender Chris Breach has also been re signed from local rivals Bognor regis who currently sit top of the Ryman South. Lewes are hoping to sign a striker by next week to replace top scorer Michael malcolm.

Lewes Draw Stalemate With Police

31^st December 2011 – Metropolitan Police V Lewes

Lewes fans set out hoping that the Rooks could give them something extra to celebrate other than just the new year as they set out to Met Police FC, in London somewhere.

If you are wondering 'who on earth are Met Police FC?' then you would fit in nicely at Lewes as talk of the unofficial fans forum was all about this matter. It turns out that in the olden days, only police officers were allowed to play for them but since rising through the leagues, they decided to allow other players to play as well, although we were quickly assured that there are still some police officers in their ranks, until last week they lost their captain who gained himself a 'big' move to full time outfit Farnborough currently residing in the Conference South, one league above.

Lewes had already beaten Met Police twice already this season, early on at home in a scrappy yet effective 1-0 win and the second victory coming in the ryman league cup where Lewes outplayed the Rozzers to win 2-1 to go through to the quarter final. So despite the fact that The Police fill the final play off place, one position below our beloved Rooks Lewes fans could be quietly confident in getting another win, although Lewes fans take nothing for granted.

Lewes manager Steve King made the decision to start top scorer Michael Malcolm after he came on as a substitute to score the winner against Hastings on boxing day the week before, he replaced Ian Draycott in the starting eleven, the only other change being Malvin Kamara received his first league start for a few months in for the suspended Nic Ciardini after the industrious full back had picked up 5 yellow cards in previous games.

Met Police started the game all guns blazing and after ten minutes Police fans were wondering if this was just going to be one of those days as twice Staforde Palmer missed glorious opporunities, the first after a low ball cam across the Lewes box from a lively Craig Brown, seemingly a crowd favourite at Imber Court, Palmer met the ball but sent it wide from close range. His second chance came when Lewis Hamilton tried to switch play but his ball was cut out in the centre of the park allowing Palmer to gain an advantage over Robinson and take a pop at goal, however he could not get enough curl on the shot from the edge of the area to find the top corner.

Lewes continued to come under pressure as they persisted on pumping the ball forward to Malcolm who could have been beaten in the air by the impressive Police centre backs all day long. With play continuing like this, The Police were able to keep coming back at Lewes and it looked like they had finally taken advantage of their dominance when another ball into the box from Brown, beating Hamilton on the right hand side, the ball again founder Palmer but instead this time instead of taking the shot himself he cleverly flicked the ball on for Eddie Smith, however his volley was again sent wide of the mark.

The same Smith just minutes later took a blistering shot from 25 yards which cannoned of the post and thankfully for Banks, who was rooted to the spot, took the ball away from goal and out for a goal kick. This seemed to be the wake up call Lewes desperately needed and as they started to pass the ball around a bit more, they found Nanetti and Jarrett on the wings who were able to run at the Police full backs who seemed incapable of stopping the wide men. Nanetti carved Lewes's first shot on target as he weaved his way between two Police players before having a pop at goal, the type that Lewes fans are used to seeing go blazing over the fence behind the goal, however Nanetti managed to keep this one under control, although the keeper easily pounced onto the ball at the bottom right corner.

The referee was reasonably whistle happy and a Matt Somner foul which he received a yellow card for, meaning he will be suspended some time when the league decides necessary. The free kick nearly cost Lewes dearly as it was taken out quickly to an unmarked Brown who wasted no time in putting a delightful ball across the ground, begging to be given a touch into the net, however the touch eventually came from centre back Duran Reynfolds who to everyone wearing blues despair slid in and put the ball wide again.

After half time Lewes did seem to be more assured in their play however it was still Met Police who nearly took the lead when a shot was taken from outside the area bounced around inside the box only for Smith to send a ball straight towards Banks in the Lewes goal who still did well to pounce down on it to stop it from crossing the line for a Police goal.

As the game wore on Lewes did something which has been unknown this season, they got better as the game went on, as Lewes fans know, we are used to seeing the players do noticeably worse in the second half. However this time was different and maybe is a good sign as the Rooks progress into 2012. The next chance fell to Lewes as Jarrett was fouled on the touchline on the left after he was brought down. Nanetti swung in the free kick which Steve Robinson out jumped him marker to reach but unfortunately sent the ball flying over the bar.

Lewes continued to attack in their best spell of the game, in one of his best games yet Jarrett sent a perfect through ball on to Michael Malcolm who was heading away from goal but noticed the assured Police keeper of his line and tried to chip the ball into the net, however he failed to get enough height on the ball and to the disappointment of Lewes fans it went straight to the keepers hands. Another chance soon after fell Lewes's way again as the ball was sent in to the box again by Jarrett and after Malcolm controlled it down it was played around between him and Harry Harding and the chance eventually coming to Nanetti's feet, however he was unable to get proper contact with the ball and it was easily saved by the keeper.

Moments later Lewes had a penalty shout clearly turned down by the referee after Reynolds stood his ground in the penalty area and didn't allow Jarrett to pass, it could be argued that the defender didn't get any of the ball but a penalty would have been a controversial decision. Lewes midfielder Harry Harding was nearly on target with a lob of his own from 30 yards as he caught the keeper off his line but his chip went over the bar.

Lewes only had two substitutes on the bench in Draycott and Paul Booth, however neither were used which showed towards the end and Met Police brought on two of their own which swung the game back in their favour as Lewes started to look jaded. One of those substitutes made a instant impact as he took a shot from just outside the area which Banks could only parry creating a goalmouth scramble which Lewes eventually managed to clear.

Met Police had their best chance of the game with not long to go as Brown continued to pester Hamilton who was doing well to contain him as much as he did, but this time Brown got the better of him and sent a peach of a ball straight on to the awaiting Smith who was completely unmarked just 5 yards out but managed to send his header over the Lewes goal.

Not to be outdone, Jarrett sent in his own pinpoint cross straight to Michael Malcolm who, it looked like had glanced his header to perfection, heading straight into the bottom corner of Butlers goal only for him to make a stunning reflex save and at full stretch keep the ball out and ensure the points were shared.

Anyway onto the New Year!

Lewes MOTM: Steve Robinson

Banks, Kamara, Hamilton, Somner, Robinson, Hustwick, Stavrinou, Harding, Malcolm, Jarrett, Nanetti.
Unused Subs: Booth, Draycott.
Booked: Kamara, Somner.

Uneventful Afternoon See's Lewes Scrape Past Cray

Booth puts Lewes ahead from the spot

A fairly uneventful game passed on saturday with a Paul Booth penalty being the difference between the sides which saw Lewes leap frog Cray Wanderers into 4th place.

The team was a changed one after the embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Chertsey the week before, however the changes seemed to be mostly injury based. The first change saw new loanee Liam Mitchell placed between the sticks ahead of Stuart Robinson who has reportedly walked out after being dissapointed at a loan keeper being brought in. The next change saw Kamara replaced at right back with Lewis Hamilton, in line for a suspension, playing at right back rather than left.

This change meant that Dwayne Sterling could come back in to the side at left back. The formation was also changed as Lewes went for a 4-3-1-2 formation with Adelakun and another new loanee George Nicholson filling in for the injured Matt Somner and Nic Ciardini meaning that Lewes went with one attacking midfielder in Christian Nanetti and leaving the front two the same.

Cray started the game with intent and it took a while for Lewes to find their feet, within minutes Cray could have taken the lead when a drilled ball across the box from the left bounced through everyone before being smashed over the bar from close range. A similar chance from the other side looked like it was begging for a finish before new keeper Liam Mitchell snathed the ball away from the strikers feet.

With scouts from Brighton again coming to see Nanetti he looked keen to impress as he dinked his way past a couple of players before cutting inside and sending a smashing shot straight at the topcorner which was marvolousy saved. The resulting corner very nearly fell to Steve Robinson but was well blocked before he could get his head on it.

Again Cray started to attack and a mix up between Hamilton and Robinson saw Christian Saunders creep through on goal before wasting the chance and smashing the ball way over the goal unneccisarily from range.

About 15 minutes in and Lewes suddenly found their feet and some clever play by Nanetti saw Michael Malcolm have a brilliant chance from six yards out whoch he somehow managed to get over the bar, not quite as bad as last week at Tooting but still had Lewes fans wondering when it will go in for him.

Lewes continued to attack but their play was broken when Christian Nanetti came under a strong challenge where the player seemed to go over the ball, with Nanetti protesting the player should at least be shown a yellow, the referee only awarded a free kick.

However nanetti got his revenge on the 35th minute when again he was causing trouble on the right hand side before driving in to the box and a quick flick saw him take the ball away from his man who dived in a caught Nanetti which saw the lino flag for a penalty. The Cray players protested furiously as they were unhappy that the referee only gave it because the lino flagged.

Paul Booth stepped up in the absence of Nic Ciardini and proffesionaly put the ball into the top corner of the net with clam and prosision.

Lewes had a magnificant chance of making it 2-0 when a clever free kick from Dwayne Lee found Malcolm comepletly unmarked in the area, however the ball also caught Malcolm asleep and he blazed the ball over the bar with a side footed effort.

Just before half time Cray had put the ball into the back of Lewes's net when Tydone Sterling flicked the ball on with his head only for the lino to dissallow the goal for a marginal offside.

Just inside the second half and Malcolm had his third glorious chance of the afternoon and surely this one would have to go in for him, but once again after being played through on goal he tried lobbing the keeper but got it horribly wrong and the keeper only had to reach out an arm to catch the ball in the air.

The second half was even more uneventful than the first as both teams lost their attacking edge and Cray didn't come up with as much as expected bringing on defenders at one stage. However this all changed when they decided to go to three defenders at the back. Nanetti was at work again, this time in a defensive role as  a volley was sent hard at goal and looked to be going in until Nanaetti made a great block to keeep the ball away from goal. The ball was scrambled around in the Lewes area a few times but never really looked like going in until a mix up in defence saw the ball trickle through the Lewes penalty area, fortunatly the strikers missing it as well until Sterling cleared the ball away.

Draycott also had a shot blocked late on. In the last minute of injury time a debatable free kick was given to Cray just outside the Lewes penalty area, the keeper went forward with the defence as Cray went out and out to try and get an equaliser but the ball hit the wall and Sterling sent Malcolm running at the open goal, however he hesitated and a brilliant tackle denied him the opprtunity allowing Draycott to go for goal from range but by this time the keeper was back in his goal to keep the score at 1-0 to Lewes.

Lewes: Liam Mitchell, Lewis Hamilton, Steve Robinson, Max Hustwick, Dominic Sterling, Dwayne Lee, Hakeem Adelakun, George Nicholas, Christian Nanetti, Michael Malcolm, Paul Booth(Ian Draycott)

Two Switch Magpies for Rooks

After last weeks fiasco at Chertsey which saw Lewes crash out of the FA cup at the first hurdle, Steve King has acted quickly to boost the squad for the game against 2nd place Cray Wanderers with two new signings on loan from league 1 club Notts County.

The players come in the form of goalkeeper Liam Mitchell and midfielder George Nicholas, the players are both 19 years old and have signed 1 year proffesional contracts at the Magpies.

George Nicholas is a tall midfielder who has recently helped make history as he played in Notts Countys 1-1 draw with Juventus to mark the opening oof the new Juventus arena. He is a creative player who will also offer an airial threat with his towering height.

Last season goalkeeper starred for Conference Premier side Tamworth at just 18 years old, he also made it on to the subs bench as Notts County played Sunderland in the FA cup.

Steve King commented “Both players are highly rated by Martin Allen and I am delighted to welcome them to the club. They have come through the youth ranks, and Liam had a successful loan spell with Tamworth last season.”

Early End To Lewes Cup Adeventure

Lewes will have to wait another year before they can have another go at the FA Cup as they fell at the first hurdle to Evo Stick Premier side Chertsey Town on a poor game where Chertsey ran out 4-1 winners against the heavy favourites.

The day started off miserably as the players came out on to the pitch in the drizzling rain, Chertsey in all white with Lewes in a slighlty conflicting colours of blue and white stripes. Chertsey fans were no too confident before kick off "It will be difficult today" was the overall respnonse especially as Chertsey have 3 players from their defence missing either through injury or suspension.

Chertsey had won their last five games and had been scoring for fun with around 4 goals in each game, however they had also been leaking goals like a broken water pipe, somehow managing to be the top scorers and conceded the most so far in the league. Goals were expected in this clash which scouts from at least Reading and one other club were there to see to watch Nanetti who one club noted down "too good for Lewes".

Lewes have scored most of their goals this season by playing a beautiful passing game, however for some reason this was substituted today by an ugly hoof ball system in an attempt to bombard Chertsey with balls over the top, but left Booth and Malcolm playing of scraps and losing interest with the game.

It didn't take long for Chertsey to make Lewes look like fools as from a corner inside ten minutes Phil Page managed to easily get away from returning captain Steve Robinson and power a header in to the net putting Chertsey one ahead. A poor start for the Rooks and one Robinson will be particularly dissapointed with.

It has to be said going a goal down did inspire Lewes to play some football for a bit, especially via Christian Nanetti, under the watchful eyes of football league scouts he managed to dink his way past two players before being hauled down just outside the right hand side of the area in a cynical challenge which was met deservedly with a yellow card. The resulting free kick saw Nanetti send the ball in on to Hustwicks head where he looked like he might get the equaliser so soon after going behind but his header was straight at the keeper who still had to make a good save as he tipped it over the bar for a corner.

The pressure from Lewes took its toll when the corner was played in before taking a little deflection and finding Matt Somner who scored his first goal for the club with a diving header from the penalty spot to draw Lewes level and renew optimism for the Rooks fans.

However Chertsey were far from disheartened by the equaliser and threatened the Lewes goal again with a couple of chances from the right hand side with the impressive Bennet twice carving open Ciardini and Hamilton before one shot was saved by Robinson and the other cross was cleared away by Kamara.

Fans of Chertsey were dmanding Kamara was sent off just a moment later when a crunching tackle was made to look worse than it was due to the slippery conditions but kamara was rightly shown a yellow as he completly missed the ball. The free kick was swung in to the box where it came out and found Bennet on the right hand side free to put in another cross which found its way perfectly for a completly unmarked Page to head in his second of the game, another sloppy goal that the Lewes defence will have to question how he was unmarked. 

Again the goal got Lewes going, however it was a bit much for the Lewes side to have to come back again having already come back from 2-0 down on wednesday night, surely they would not be able to do it again.

Again though Lewes searched for Nanetti who again got round his man and this time drove in to the box where he then came under a challenege from Chertsey defender which looked like a clear penalty as did all supporters behind the goal react like it was one, however yet again the referee decided to deny Lewes a penalty claiming that Nanetti had dived or in the words of one very pleasent Chertsey defender he "dived like a C***!" Charming.

The day really wasn't going Lewes's way and not long after the penalty decision, or non decision, another contraversial moment had gone against Lewes when Hamilton had got infront of Bennet on the ball and was sheilding him away from the ball Bennet then stuck in his leg to try and win the ball back from Hamilton but in doing so caught the leg of Hamilton which was in the air as he was running which caused both players to trip over each others legs, surely a non decision, but one that is usually always given in the defenders favour. However it was not to be for Lewes as the referee decided not to take action uintil he saw the linesman waving frantiacally falgging for a free kick to Chertsey to the amazment of Lewes fans and players and even the odd Cherstey fan who didn't really see where the foul was. 

Despite this it didn't stop the Chertsey fans demanding again that Hamilton get a red card as he was the last man. The referee had no option but the send Hamilton off leaving Lewes hort at the back and meaning Ciardini had to fill in at left back meaning Lewes lost some of their threat up front. The decision will particularly hurt Lewes as the decision of "last man" didn't go their way against hendon in the 2-2 draw a couple of weeks earlier.

The resulting free kcik was eventually taken and was well blocked by Kamara keeping the score at bay and giving Lewes a fighting chance as they went in to half time. After all King himself said that a team becomes "harder to play against at ten men."

Howver this old saying wasn't to come true in this case and all hope was lost not long after the break when another contraversial decision went Chertseys way in a day that Chertsey will probably remember for some time. The influencial Bennet came forward again and easily beat Ciardini filling in at left back before stumbling but managing to smash a shot in from a tight angle which crashed in to the cross bar then off the post, no one thought it had gone in until, this time the other linesman being the guilty prosecuter as he flagged for a Chertsey goal effectivly killing off Lewes's FA Cup dream.

Chertsey again continued to attack but the second half felt more like a formality than an interesting spectacle with each Chertsey attack just being one meaningless trip out to the Lewes penalty area. The age old joke came out again as a delighted young Chertsey supporter pointed out that Lewes should just call themselves "loose". It felt like old times again, and by old times I mean Keehan, Ibbo , O'Shea era putting a doubt over Lewes and whether they are really title contenders or just pretenders.

Chertsey heaped the misery on to Lewes fans just gone the hour mark after Max Hustwick had been replaced by Ian Draycott to leave Lewes with just three at the back and leave Lewes suspect. A ball in to the box from the left hand side fund the outstanding Bennet who beat Ciardini too easily in the air to put the ball past Robinson for the fourth time in the game in an embarrising display by Kings men.

Lewes then through forward too little far too late with a couple of half chances being spurred. One wayward shot by Aaron Watson when he should have done better before Dwayne Lee smashed the ball aqwardly over the bar from a good position just outside the box.

To make matters worse for Lewes Matt Somner had to be replaced by Adelakun due to injury after half time and with Hamilton already out with a suspension after his straight red it could be a difficult few games for the Rooks especially as they now have to play at home to Cray in the league, Cray who are in second place and beat Hastings 3-0 in the cup to ensure they are through to the next round.

There is now a worry going around the Lewes camp that players will have to be released as they board were relying on money coming in from the FA cup for the budget this season, especially when they were planning for 1000 crouds every week and the average has been merly half of that. Better will be expected of the rooks next week.

Lewes: Stuart Robinson, Melvin Kamara, Steve Robinson(C), Max Hustwick(Ian Draycott), Lewis Hamilton (sent off), Christian Nanetti(Aaron Watson), Matt Somner(Hakeem adelakun), Dwayne Lee, Nic Ciardini, Paul Booth, Michael Malcolm

Lewes Fightback Saves Unbeaten Run

Ciardini Hits a Brace

Lewes bravely fought back from 2 goals down on wednesday night at Tooting and Mitcham to raise their unbeaten run to 6 games, they now have not lost since the opening day 3-1 defeat to Lowestoft.

Lewes will come away delighted to have come back from the two goal deficit but also very dissapointing that Malcolm nor Draycott could finish glorious chances towards the end of the game.

The first half was uneventful with neither side really being able to break down the opposition team resulting in the scores being level at half time with neither side being able to break the deadlock. There were a couple of chances for each team, most notably Lewes had to make a scrappy clearance of the line to keep Tooting out. However Lewes had the best chance of the first half and only a world class save from the Tooting keeper kept Nic Ciardini out from scoring after Dwayne Lee pulled the ball across the face of goal.

The second hald proved much more of a specticle and Tooting had the lead on the hour mark after the ball was saved well by Robinson however he had come out well off his line leaving Reece Hall to smash the ball home right into the bottom corner.

Just a couple of minutes later and Hall got his second of the game when a punted ball forward from midfield was mis headed away by captain Kamara meaning Dominic Sterling had to try and deal with the situation but his header only went as far as Hall who swung his body round and hit a peach of a ball on the volley which seemed to fly into the net leaving Robinson standing.

Lewes didn't look as good as they have done in previous games and looked set to lose their unbeaten run.

This all changed when King made the simple decision to put Ciardini over on the right and put Nanetti on the left. The decision proved decisive and Ciardini seemed to burst in to life. First he played a beautiful one two with Booth setting him up with a one on one with the keeper which he calmly slotted home to give Lewes hope.

And just moments later Lewes were level when Dwayne Lee sent Ciardini running before he pulled the trigger from thirty yards where the ball managed to nestle itself into the bottom corner in what was a stunning goal and Ciardini's 3rd in 2 games.

The come back completly destroyed Tootings playing style and after the goals it was all one way traffic and Lewes should have scored at least one more. The first of the glorious chances fell to Ian Draycott freshly brought on for the tired Paul Booth. A nice bit of link up play with Michael malcolm saw a chipped ball sent in to Draycott where all he had to do was get a touch past the keeper. However somehow his horribly struck volley was sent flying out for a throw in on the far side.

With moments to go Lewes were still pushing. Nanetti seemed keen to continue his fine form on from saturday and a flying run saw him creep past the defence and cut inside the box where he drgged a ball back for Malcolm to finish from two yards out but... over the bar, in an exact replica of Robert Earnshaws miss for Wales one week earlier, leaving Lewes to travel home with their second successive 2-2 draw on the road.

Lewes Outplay Aveley

Malcolm rounds of the scoring

Lewes made a few changes to the side that could only draw 2-2 with Hendon on non league day with Hamilton coming in to the side replacing captain Steve Robinson with Sterling filling in the role at centre back and Melvin Kamara taking the arm band for the day. Dwayne Lee was also brought in over Hakeem Adelakun for his experience in the middle and Nanetti was given his home debut ahead over Aaron Watson in a game he won't forget quickly.

The tiny figure of Nanetti lead the way as Lewes were clyinical in the finish to put 4 goals past Aveley sending them in to the play off places on goal difference ahead of Wingate.

A few minutes gone and Lewes had a free kick in a dangerous position from 20 yards out. Nanetti and Michael Malcolm both loomed over the ball and the latter sent a curling free kick looping over the wall and forced a great diving save from the impressive Aveley keeper.

The early pressure paid off and Lewes had the lead just gone the ten minute mark when a dodgy back pass to Stuart Robinson was sent flying down field just missing an Aveley player. However it turned out in Lewes's favour as Booth teared through the middle of the park beating his marker for pace and running in to the box and somehow getting the ball around the goalkeeper who had got down and spread himself well at Booth's feet.

However the game became a lot more open and Aveley were nearly level when they managed to turn Lewis Hamilton, making his first start since injury, and cut inside the Lewes box. The ball was squared neatly to Johnson but he smashed his shot well over the cross bar in a miss that would prove to be costly.

Lewes created a near identical chance to doube their lead when Michael Malcolm was sent running down the left. He managed to turn his defender and make a straight line in to the box from the left hand side where he feinted a shot tricking the defender before floating a perfect ball straight to Nic Ciardini unmarked at the back bost in line with the penalty spot. Ciardini opened his bank with a delightfulk header which was cushened off his head and curled into the top corner avoiding the keeper desperate dive.

Ciardini was clearly hungry for more and was silky to get down the left hand side dinking his was one way and then the other past a defender before driving a shot at goal which was again well kept out down low by Mccartney in the Aveley goal. The resulting corner then saw Max Hustwick have a header saved off the line.

Nanetti was responable for the next chance as he played his way past not one but two defenders before teasing with another just outside the area before cutting inside on to his left foot and sending a fantastic ball into Booth who was waiting free at the back post but mis kicked his volley and the ball scattered away leading to nothing.

To really end the first half on a high Lewes broke away once more leaving the Aveley defence in tatters making it easy for Malcolm to slip Nanetti through on goal where he neatly netsled the ball into the bottom of the net making it 3-0 to Lewes at half time.

Lewes started a bit shaky in the second half and gave Aveley a bit of hope when some lapse defending allowed Stanley to have a close range shot but he somehow managed to drag the shot wide.

However Lewes were soon back in to their stride and Nanetti had decided to return the favour from Malcolm by sending through Malcolm on goal however Malcolm second touch perhaps went a little further because of the increasingly wet pitch and the ball was smothered up by the keeper, it didn't look like it was going to be Malcolms day.

It was Nanetti who was again impressing when a free kick was given in a similar position to the one Malcolm took in the first, this time it was Nanetti who stepped up to take the shot and curled it around the wall where the goalkeeper still managed to get a very important hand on it despite being unsighted by the wall.

Another clear chance was let slip by Lewes when Ciardini sent in a corner which somehow found Dwayne Lee without a marker but he sent his completly free header onto the cross bar but he had the goalkeeper well beaten.

Lewes continued to search for a 4th and it was a wonder as to how they didn't get one when captain kamara came forward down the right hand side and sent a great cross in which found Nanetti who decided to send a volley in first time which was met by a incredible save from the Aveley keeper at his right hand side bottom corner to deny Nanetti a second.

However once again the Lewes defence went to sleep with just a couple of minutes to go allowing Hyde to clip and beautifully weighted ball to Morgan who calmly slotted the ball home on the half volley for nothing more than a consalation goal.

However it wouldn't prove to be much of a consalation as the goal pushed Lewes on to retain their three goal winning margin when Malcol found himself completly hrough on goal and calmly stepped around the keeper and walked the ball in to the net.

Lewes:

Robinson, Kamara, Hustwick, Sterling, Hamilton, Nanetti (March 86), Somner, Lee (Adelakun 76), Ciardini (Watson 72), Malcolm, Booth.
Unused Subs: Draycott, Pringle.
Booked: None.

Aveley:

McCartney, Andrews, Harrison, Ngakam (Russell 27), Wilson, Morgan, Bonnet-Johnson, Hyde, Hewitt (May 53), Stanley (Wharton 67), Remy.
Unused Subs: Warren, Francis.
Booked: Ngakam, Wilson, Russell.

Referee: Mr P Lavelle

Attendance: 601

Hendon Battle to Remain Unbeaten

Malcolm puts Lewes ahead.. twice

Lewes dented Hendons 100% start as Hendon had to come back from a goal down twice in a game which finished 2-2. The draw means that no team has now one all 5 games and so Lewes became the first team to take points off Hendon this season.

Lewes started as they meant to go on as they took the lead after just a minute, they won a free kick on the right hand side which was floated into the area by Hakeem Adelakun and found Paul Booth who sent a bullet header at goal which was kept out by a superb reaction save from the Hendon keeper, however the ball fell down to Michael Malcolm who fired the ball into the net from close range to give Lewes the perfect start.

Some lapse defending by Lewes allowed Elliot Godfrey too much time outside the area for Hendon and he sent a sharp shot at goal which was met by a terrific save by Robinson keeping Lewes in front. The early goal had galvanized Hendon however and the hosts enjoyed some good possession for the next 10 minutes.

However Hendon didn't trouble the Lewes goal too often with Stuart Robinson only having to make a couple of easy saves and catches. However  he seemed to have lost his concentration when he took the ball about a yard out off his area before punting it down field. After the play continued for a few seconds the referee noticed the linesmans flag up and went over to check what was up. With the linesmans word thereferee awarded a free kick on the 18 yard line.

Elliot Godfrey lined up the free kick and smashed it past the poorly organised wall and into the top corner, a brilliant free kick but an unnessicary goal for Lewes to concede and one that Robinson will be particualrly dissapointed with.

Two minutes later and the referee made a huge decision in Hendons favour, Michael malcolm had used skill and power to get through the Hendon defence and break through into the area, clean through on goal, only for one of the defenders to turn around, stick out a leg and bring him down well inside the area, a clear penalty. However the referee awarded a free kick and only decided to give the player a yellow card. With the free kick at the other end being so good there was pressure on Paul Booth to step up and do the same, however the free kick was poor and sent straight into the wall and easily cleared.

Lewes were back on top and Malcolm should have added a second goal not long before half time when Kamara made a terrific run through the centre of the park before slipping Malcolm through on goal again, however he took the ball to far and had to stretch meaning he didn't get as much power as he would have liked on the shot making it eay for the hendon keeper to save down to his left.

Lewes started the second half as they did the first and from kick off Somner spread the ball out to Ciardini who won a free kick which he won and sent flying not far over the bar. And just five minutes in they had the lead again when Ciardini sent in a corner which was flapped at and fell to Malcolm who again blasted the ball home from close range for his second of the day and 4th of the season.

Lewes should have buried the game when Aaron Watson, making his fulll debut used his trickery to get into the box, beating three players before his eventual shot was blocked and again fell to Malcolm to surely get his hatrick, however this time his low shot was well saved by the keeper.

On the hour mark Hendon battled away and were level again when a corner was punched away by Stuart Robinson but not far enough and he had to make a stunning reaction save to stop it going in from the next shot, however unforunatly this left him out of position and he struggled to get back to stop Ngoyi scoring from a tight angle, just beating the scrambling Robinson.

Hendon were reduced to ten men with around 10 minutes remaining when a 50:50 ball was being chased by stuart Robinson rushing out of his box, a dangerous challenge from substitute Aaron Morgan on the keeper though earnt him a red card and ripped Robinsons sock which he was booked for timewasting as he had to take his gear off to put a replacment sock on. However Robinson was probably lucky to remain on the pitch as after the tackle he went over to Morgan and put his hand into his face which could so easily have warranted a straight red but the referee decided not to take action.

After the red card neither side really created many chances although it was Lewes debutant Christian Nanetti who nearly won the game as he came on as a sub. He dinked one way then the other before sending a rasping shot at goal which was acrobatically saved by the keeper.

The 2-2 draw leaves Hendon top of the league by a point although Wingate could go level on points as they have a game in hand againt Met. Police. Lewes remain in 6th place, one place away from the play offs however they are only out of them on goal difference, two points above the teams below them.

Hendon
Laurencin, Wharton, Cousins, Peacock, Archer (Maclaren 57), Diedhiou, Busby, McCluskey, Ngoyi (Dyer 90), Godfrey (Morgan 63)
Unused: Fraser, Ambrose
Lewes
Robinson, Kamara, Sterling, Somner, Robinson, Hustwick, Watson (Nanetti 74), Adelakun (Lee 90), Booth (Draycott 70), Malcolm, Ciardini  
Unused: Hamilton, Pringle

'Gem' Out New One In

Lewes young midfielder Jed wallace was set to become a league player one day in the prediction Steve King made just a few days ago. That day is today, Jed Wallace has completed a deal which sees him switch from the Dripping Pan to Frattin Park as Jed Wallace signs for Portsmouth in exchange for a full Portsmouth team friendly at the dripping pan next summer.

Wallace has signed a three year deal at the championship club. The 17 year old joined Lewes from Farnborough but also had trials at Leeds and played in the elite football tournament in Sweeden, the youngster had Newcastle also in awe of him but decided to go for Pompey.

King said: “Newcastle were all over him to go up there but he passed his medical at Portsmouth on Saturday and has signed a three-year deal. I said all along he would become a professional.
“We are not entitled to any fee but Steve Cotterill (Portsmouth) manager) has said he will bring his full first team down for a pre-season friendly next year which will be worth a decent amount of money to us.”

Meanwhile Lewes have signed a starlet of their own as they have snapped up Crawley Down winger Aaron Watson. Watson scored 20 goals for the Anvils last season as they won promotion to the Ryman South.

Anvils boss Darren Guirey was desperate to keep the player but has conceded he is on his way to the Dripping Pan.
Guirey said: “Aaron is going to Lewes. I am gutted but they are a big club in a higher division and Aaron wants to have a go at the next level.”

Lewes Avoid Hornets Sting

Paul Booth's second goal of the season helped Lewes to their third succesive victory today as they ran out 1-0 winners in the local derby at Horsham.

Booth Scores his second goal this season

Lewes dominated the first half and came close with first a shot from Nic Ciardini as he cut inside from the left and sent his shot narrowly over the bar before going even closer just moments later when an exchange between Michael Malcolm and Hakeem Adelakun saw the latter go through on goal before seemingly being brought down allowing Jamie Cade, who had just signed from Horsham, through on goal. But Cade failed to make the glorious chance count and sent the ball well over the bar from just yards out.

However 24 minutes in and Lewes got the goal that their play desperatly deserved when Ciardini managed to get to the byeline and send in yet another glorious ball which seemed to be floating over Booth's head but he managed to swivel and send a looping header over the Horsham keeper and into the net to give Lewes the lead.

Just a few minutes later and Lewes could have made the game a lot easier for themselves when a free kick from 10 yards outside the area was floted in by Adelakun who found the head of captain Steve Robinson who's header at the far post was agonizingly close, but just wide of the target.

Horsham had previously, like Lewes, won their previous two games and appeared to be coming back in to the game at one stage when they won a free kick on the left hand side which was sent in and found King, unmarked at the far post where he sent the ball blazing over the bar to the releif of Lewes fans where a goal would have seemed harsh.

However it didn't take long for Lewes to be back on top and the Horsham keeper had to be in good form to keep out Michael Malcolm's powerful shot. Lewes missed yet another glorious chance whem Ciardini darted his way to the edge of the area on the left hand side before magnificantly cutting in to the box and keeping the ball from going out, he drove the ball in hard across goal before it took a deflection and could have gone anywhere. As it happens it fell to Paul Booth who had to slide to far and in the end his shot sailed over the bar in yet another chance waisted.

Before half time you could tell that Horsham may make Lewes regret only scoring one goal in the first half as their tricky winger Tony Nwachwuku skipped past Melvin Kamara before Sterling brought him down and recieved a yellow card for the cynical challenge. The winger looked a trcky player and has already scored 4 goals in his first three games this season, including a hatrick against Kingstonion.

Lewes made sure they had the final opportunity before half time when a ball in found the head of Sterling who's header went just over the bar and landed on the top netting.

The Hornets gave Lewes a scare just after half time when a clever free kick from just outside the area on the right was taken short and squeezed just over the bar from a tight angle with a powerful shot from Luchford.

However, everyy time Lewes went forward they seemed to get yet another chance to wrap the game up but Draycott seemed to want to play it dangerous when he cme on for the injured Paul Booth. With his first touch of the ball he was played through on goal where he looked to curl the ball into the corner but instead rushed his shot which fell wide of the mark, dissapointing from the player who scored freely in pre season.

Horsham had a lot of possesion in the second half like Lewes let Billericay do on Saturday, Billericay also scored in the 85th minute so when Luchford had a free kick lined up in the same minute it was a worry, but the free kick didn't trouble Robinon in goal as Luchford's shot went just round the post.

Horsham:
Armstrong-Ford, Salami, King, Jacobs, Asante, Youle (Osuya 85), Luchford, Peauroux (Hutchings 64), Rice (Hider 72), Morris, Nwachukwu.
Unused Subs: Ottley, Westoby.
Booked: Asante, King.
Lewes:
Stuart Robinson, Kamara (Hamilton 51), Steve Robinson, Hustwick, Sterling, Cade (Watson 65), Somner, Adelakun, Ciardini, Malcolm, Booth (Draycott 59).
Unused Subs: Lambu, Lee.
Booked: Somner.

Hustwick Hapless As Lewes Well Beaten

Michael Malcolm struggles against tough Lowestoft defence

The day started with the weather opitamising the Rooks optimism, with very bright sunshine great expectations were had of the new look Rooks despite the over 5 hour journey up to Lowestoft Town. The pitch was looking great and there were plenty of friendly fans to talk to, one of which made it known that Lowestoft, who were defeated in the play off final last season, have only signed around 3 players and have a very settled squad.

One bloke asked me whether I was ready for our "drubbing" I just smiled at him expecting at least a close game, but in the end Lewes were well beaten by a strong Lowestoft side who are clearly going to put in a strong promotion push this season, leaving Lewes bottom of the league.

From the start Lowestoft looked the better side passing it around well and creating chances. The first chance came when Hustwick fouled his man close to the penalty area over the left hand side, the ball was swung in but floated over everyones head, but from that moment on the Lowestoft winger knew he had Hustwick beaten.

Lowestoft carried on in the acendancy and nearly took the lead once more when a whipped ball in from the right played pinball in the area for a bit before finding a Lowestoft player who saw his shot spectacularly blocked by Hustwick who kept the ball out from point blanc range.

Lewes were not making it easy for themselves with hoofed long balls up to their three attackers; Ian Draycott, Wade Small and Michael Malcolm, none of which were tall enough to win the ball and so let Lowestoft come back at Lewes and nearly score again when another ball in from the right beating Nic Ciardinin to get a cross in, was blocked by Steve Robinson and out for a corner. The corner found its man perfectly on the edge of the box who tried a spectacular volley which fell just wide of the goal.


And Lowestoft still continued as the side on top with Lewes barely getting a touch of the ball before seeing it come straight back at them again, this time Hustwick had fouled his man again and the free kick was drilled in only for a header to go flying over the bar.

Despite the clear upper hand for Lowestoft, Lewes took the lead just 6 minutes in to the first half in bizzare gashion when a ball forward from Steve Robinson meant for Wade Small only found the Lowestoft captain who, in a mad moment under pressure from Wade Small, turned towards his own goal and lobbed the keeper in what would have been a brilliant goal if it was scored in the other net. The confused keeper could do nothing but watch as the ball went over his head and bounced into the net.

With Lewes one up the game evened itself out for a bit and Lewes had a bit more possesion, Dwayne Lee had a goalden chance to make it 2-0 when a ball in from the right found his head just 2 yards from the goal but somehow he managed to put it over the bar.

However it didn't take long for Lowestoft to get back on top and before long they had an equaliser when Hustwick gave away yet another free kick on the left which was swung in and found a Lowestoft head perfectly and the player sent the ball into the back of the net to equalise for Lowestoft.

With little incident left in the first half, the Lowestoft captain got himself a straight red card for swearing at the referee after he thought Wade Small had fouled him. This gave Lewes hope but Lowestoft were still the stronger side and a clynical foul by Steve Robinson stopped a good counter attacking move which could of earnt him a red if he was unlucky, but the referee only gave a yellow and decided not to even the numbers to the distaste of the Lowestoft fans, not at all happy with the referees performance.

Lewes were far short of good enough today and on the right hand side they looked particularly weak with Draycott continually being searched for but he couldn't seem to get himself in the right places to keep up his good goalscoring form from last season and our pre season.

Lewes fans would be pleased to see that Wade Small has signed a contract with the club and so will be playing for Lewes this season after making 25 appearances for Aldershot last season, but he didn'rt see enough of the ball today as instead a long ball method was used to bad effect as the strong Lowestoft defenders easily dealt with it.

So 1-1 at half time and Lewes were still confident they could get a result as they had a man advantage, but within thirty seconds of the break they were losing 2-1 as a ball forward was completly missed by Hustwick allowing the left winger to cut inside the box, spread the ball across and it was blasted in to give ten man Lowestoft the lead.

It has to be said Lewes were better second half but this just cut down on the chances Lowestoft had as Lewes had a lot of possesion but didn't really find anything to do with it and in the end they were getting desperate, shown by a long range shot by Michael Malcolm which was easily saved by the keeer.

In the end Lewes through players forward which in the last minute allowed Lowestoft to counter attack and score a well finished goal to wrap up the game and make it 3-1, with the Rooks at the bottom of the league.

As they say, the only way is up.

GK Steve Williams
RB Max Hustwick ( Malvin Kamara)
CB Steve Robinson
CB Dominic Sterling
LB Nic Ciardini
CM Dwayne Lee
CM Matt Somner
CM Hakeem Adelakun (Jamie Cade)
RF Ian Draycot (Paul Booth)
CF Wade Small
LF Michael Malcolm

Lewes Squad Practically Complete

Steve Williams

Just one day before the season starts, Lewes have had more comings and goings, with four players signing contracts just in time to play in tommorows game at Lowestoft.

Firstly, goalkeeper Mark Zawadski has been told that he has not earned himself a contract after being on trial for most of pre season and playing the full 90 minutes in Lewes's last few games due to Stuart Robinson suffering a slight injury.

The reasoning behind Zawadski's departure may be down to a new arrival in the hands of Steve Williams who has signed from Maidenhead Utd. who he left at the end of this season as he supposedly wanted to move closer to his home town Bristol, obviously something had changed for him.

Williams played for Lewes when they won the Conference South in 2008 and since then he had spells at Farnborough before moving to Maidenhead and becoming the first choice there.

Lewes's other three signings are all players who have earnt contracts since being on trial at the club. One player is Ben Pringle who played at centre back against Eastbourne Town and was criticised by some fans after the game.

Another is Hakeem Adelakun who comes from Crystal Palace where he was in the development squad with players such as Nathianal Clyne and Victor Moses. Adelakun has been very impressive over pre-season with consistant strong, powerful performances and King had expressed his interest in snapping up the midfielder who has also had spells with Dover and lastly, Havant.

Dwayne Lee is another powerful midfielder who has impressed greatly in pre season and has had spells with Barnet as well as a whole host of other non league clubs at higher levels.

The final signing is Malvin Kamara who also has a lot of experience and can play at right back or on the right wing, he has had a mixed response since going on trial at Lewes mid way through pre season.

That leaves the squad looking like this:

GK Stuart Robinson
GK Steve Williams
RB Max Hustwick
RB Malvin Kamara
CB Steve Robinson
CB Dominic Sterling
CB Ben Pringle
LB Lewis Hamilton
LB Jordan Lang
CM Gary Holloway
CM Matt Somner
CM Jed Wallace
CM Hakeem Adelakun
CM Dwayne Lee
FW Paul Booth
FW Nic Ciardini
FW Jamie Cade
FW Ian Draycott
FW Michael Malcolm

However King has admitted that he still wants another striker after Warren McBean left the club for Conference South side Havant, indicating that he did not manage to tie down Wade Small from Aldershot.