THIS WEEKEND’S MATCH PREVIEW – LEWES (HOME) KO 3.00 PM

Final home league game, and farewell for the time being to Lewes, whose season of two halves has ended in the disappointment of relegation.

For the loyal of Lewes the 2015/2016 season has been an annus horribilis, not so much a campaign of disaster and misfortune but one that never really clicked into gear. Almost from day one the Rooks found themselves saddled with the relegation favourites tag for never were they out of the drop zone for more than a match. In mid-September the Rooks dropped into the final four after a 5-1 home hammering by Brentwood Town and from then on Lewes found themselves haunted by the spectre of relegation. The Rooks found themselves unable to escape its clutches until a battling draw at Kingstonian confirmed their fate.

Though the arrival of manager Darren Freeman, late of Whitehawk and Peacehaven & Telscombe would go on toughen the Rooks in the fight for safety, just three days after the new manager’s appointment hit the Sussex newsstands Lewes hit rock-bottom when a 4-0 defeat away to Grays Athletic left then in 24th spot in the Premier Division. Ten games without a win left the Rooks moored to the foot of the table as the new number one looked to strengthen his ailing side. Five new and not so new faces arrived swiftly at the Dripping Pan. Four of the new boys were shipped in from Freeman’s former club Peacehaven including ex Lewes goalkeeper Chris Winterton and veteran striker Trevor McCreadie. Freeman’s son, defender Stacey Freeman, also joined from the Magpies along with midfielder Max Oldham. Meanwhile, midfielder Nic Ciardini, who had a previous spell at Lewes, has signed on a month’s loan from Havant and Waterlooville.

Having not seen their team victorious since probably the shock result of the season, a 4-0 away demolition of a Hampton & Richmond Borough side seemingly nailed on for the silverware, the revamped Rooks finally treated the faithful to a win. Just in time for Christmas too as Phillip Appiah goal moments before halftime settled a terse encounter with Farnborough at the Dripping Pan. However back-to-back defeats mean any momentum was lost, but when the veteran McCreadie found the net at the death to send Merstham home pointless it was the spark to light a little belief on the terraces. A late Billy Healey penalty for Wingate & Finchley denied an unprecedented second straight victory after Stacy Freeman’s early opener at the Harry Abrahams Stadium but seven points from the next three games, including victory over Dulwich Hamlet at home, had the faint strains of the Great Escape drifting through the eaves and alcoves of the Dripping Pan. For Dulwich Hamlet that evening in Sussex was not a night to remember. With game going ahead at the umpteenth time of asking after the winter weather worked its mischief, Dulwich surrendered a goal to Jonté Smith nine minutes before the break and gifted a second to Alex Laing just as the halftime whistle was about to blow. Danny Waldren narrowed the gap volleying home after 62 minutes but a top-drawer strike from James Hammond six minutes later restored the hosts’ advantage. With Dulwich’s attacks shackled by resolute Rook’s defending, Lewes had driven a stake into the heart of Hamlet hopes.

A narrow defeat away to another of the playoff aspirants, Enfield Town, ended the unbeaten in 2016 run for the Rooks. At home to Grays Athletic it was all so close to getting back on track until Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson’s last gasp goal salvaged a point for the Essex side, still pre-implosion. Further back-to-back defeats followed, 5-2 at Canvey Island, dreams of the title long past, and on the road at Hendon, last season’s heroics but a distant memory.

Yet since February departed and March arrived, the supposed Aunt Sally side of the division have proved themselves stubborn opponents. Any who expect the Rooks to simply line up to be picked off like ducks in shooting gallery need only glance at their form of late to see that Lewes will be no easy target. Since going down at Hendon on 29th February, the Rooks have not lost in their last eight outings, holding their opponents to draw on seven of those occasions, including Billericay and Kingstonian, both harbouring playoff ambitions at the time. However, it was the latter of those two games, a 2-2 draw at the K’s that that confirmed their drop out of the Premier Division. However, they went down battling after twice coming from behind, including a 90th minute equaliser from Jordan Badger, after Jonté Smith had earlier cancelled out Kingstonian's opener.

The draw kings were at again on Saturday last at home to Staines Town to extend their unbeaten run to eight games. in front of yet another 400+ crowd of Dripping Pan loyalists Lewes built a two goal lead through Ronnie Conlon’s early opener and Jonté Smith penalty, Lewes conceded twice in the space of three minutes to Pat Cox and Jonathan Hippolyte.

This afternoon’s game kicks off at 3.00 pm at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD.

The turnstiles will be open from approximately 1.00 pm with refreshment facilities available in the ground for early arrivals. Before the game why not enjoy a drink or snack in our cosy clubhouse with live sport on the big screens, conveniently situated just a short walk from the turnstiles? The bar will open serving a range of excellent ales including selections from local breweries such as First Team main sponsor Late Knights Brewery as well as Clarkshaws, Gipsy Hill and the Brick Brewery.

ADMISSION PRICES

• £10 for Adults
• £4 for Concessions (Seniors - 60+, Under 18s, Unemployed (JSA), Full Time Students as well as Serving Members of the Armed Forces and all Blue Light Services. PLEASE present valid ID if requested)
• Under 12s FREE accompanied by a paying adult.

Correct change would be appreciated in order to speed admission. Many thanks!

Programmes: £2-00