displaced_seagull Posted November 6, 2005 Author Share Posted November 6, 2005 Up to 15th then, and our improvement of late is certainly helping matters. The weekend also saw the FA Cup Second Round, and with the Third Round draw taking place on Monday, there are some mouthwatering ties in prospect. Conference cup specialists Woking host Arsenal , while mighty Chelsea go to Rushden & Diamonds . Manchester United don't escape the potential for a giant killing either - they too go to lower league opposition, with Conference side Cambridge due to welcome the stuttering Red Devils. Grantham Town , the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, are also due to play at home - Ipswich Town the opponents for Lee Glover's Lincolnshire outfit. Monday has also seen our new scouting team check out a prospect - Christian Hanson , who is now available on a free after being released by Leyton Orient . The big defender, started his career at Middlesbrough, and would offer us real depth at the back. We'll need it - Sean Hankin is banned for a further two matches. Hanson is slow getting back to us, although Jay Lovett will return after a couple of weeks on the sidelines with a virus - the full back entering his final months as a Lewes player before his New Year's Day move to Boston United. In a similar situation are Mark Coulson and Karl Beckford . Lewes v Thurrock - Conference South Game 16 (10/12/05) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Robinson, Coulson, Hinshelwood, Hustwick, Mackay, Harkin, Kennett, Zadkovich, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Legge, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Johanssen, Barker A big bonus was the Saturday morning return to fitness of Leon Legge - although we'll go into the game against Thurrock unchanged, as Hustwick and Hinshelwood did very well at Yeading. Our supporters have been spoilt in recent weeks after being totally deprived of good football earlier in the season - but many must have thought a return to the bad old ways was imminent when Danny Morgan met a Hodges cross in the 7th minute to put the visitors ahead. It wouldn't last long - our second chance of the game fell to Gavin Holligan after an excellent threaded ball by Zadkovich, and he made no mistake to equalise. It was to prove the first of three in quick succession - the first registered on 22, before the same player brilliantly robbed 'keeper Knowles to tap home a second on 24. On 28 minutes, it was a dream hatrick - Gavin Holligan finishing off a well-worked move after Coulson tapped a free kick to Mackay, who cut inside and squared for the big frontman to tap home. Thurrock though were in no mood to roll over, and after Parker had come close, Lee Hodges earnt applause even from the home support with a stunning free kick right in front of those most passionate home supporters in the Philcox Stand. Zadkovich, who had taken a late knock, didn't emerge after the break - replaced by Johanssen, while Robinson also made way for Leon Legge to make his comeback from injury. Sigire and Kennett both had chances for us before the latter made way for Okuonghae, but John Purdie was even closer at the other end - inches away with a stooping header. As it happened, it wouldn't have made much difference - on 89, Mark Coulson intercepted Broom's clearance and put the ball back into the box, and - who else? - Gavin Holligan slid it past 'keeper Knowles before standing in front of his adoring public. Superb! Lewes 4 - Thurrock 2 Attendance; 347 MOM; Gavin Holligan (Lewes) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 6, 2005 Author Share Posted November 6, 2005 While Gavin Holligan became the toast of the town after his four-goal spectacular, defender Christian Hanson refused point-blank our offer. We won't be troubling him again, but if that's his attitude, it's no suprise that he's not yet found a club despite his talent. Training is once again competitive this week - it's time for the FA Trophy again, and with a game we should win - and local rivals Eastbourne Borough up in the League on Wednesday, as well as the busy Christmas period on the way, we should certainly be thinking about a few changes in my mind. Everybody's under consideration, and I want to know that I can rely on the full squad that I have available. Warrington Town v Lewes - FA Trophy First Round (17/12/05) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Lovett, Hooper, Hustwick, Legge, Taylor, Beckford, Okuonghae, Barker, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Kennett, Johanssen, Zadkovich Lovett, Hooper, Legge, Taylor, Beckford, Okuonghae and Barker all in - so a mammoth seven changes from Saturday's side. None of the changes were enforced, however with the League our upmost priority, most will have expected to see several different faces. This time next week, the festive season will be very much upon us, but it seemed we were keen to give out some early Christmas presents - coming under plenty of pressure early on. We struggled throughout the first half - Sigire having our solitary chance saved - and with little joy at half time, we threw Johanssen into the fray for Holligan. While Hooper picked up another booking, on 65 Banks fed through Darren Pearce, and Warrington's 27-year old frontman made himself a hero - slotting coolly past Wilkerson. We immediatley made changes, and Okuonghae came close before Taylor fired over when he should of at least troubled 'keeper Lowe. 5 minutes from time, Jean-Michel Sigire was even closer - his header dipping agonisingly over the bar. It wasn't to be - perhaps we didn't take Warrington seriously enough, but they did perform well and will relish the Second Round. Maybe next year... Warrington 1 - Lewes 0 Attendance; 789 MOM; Mark Ward (Warrington) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 6, 2005 Share Posted November 6, 2005 Routine win for the mighty Cards in Round Three then?! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daz the Imp Posted November 6, 2005 Share Posted November 6, 2005 Nice run you had going there, hopefully that cup exit won't affect the current league form Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbhtfc Posted November 6, 2005 Share Posted November 6, 2005 Definatly the best story on the forum. Am about to start a story with Bognor Regis as this story has given me confidence to do one again! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 7, 2005 Author Share Posted November 7, 2005 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Supa playa: Routine win for the mighty Cards in Round Three then?! </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Maybe Cheers Daz & Dan - Things are going well at the moment, apart from the Trophy exit - but as I said, a week before Christmas and going all the way up North probably didn't help Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 7, 2005 Author Share Posted November 7, 2005 Out of the Trophy then, and frustratingly a ban for Dean Hooper to boot. The left back is somewhat ill-discaplined, and has picked up another ban for reaching five yellow cards. With his rival for the full back slot, Mark Coulson , leaving in a couple of weeks, perhaps another option is needed on the left of defence. Worse news would come later - although he didn't travel, it'll be a miserable Christmas for Steve Robinson - he's picked up a virus, and will be out for about a fortnight. So much for my assumption that Christian Hanson will struggle to find a new club - he's gone to Thurrock. We'd offered him more money, but he's chosen a deal until the end of the season. Looking at the photos on the Fleet's website, it looks as if he's packing a little more weight now then when we saw him. You win some, you lose some - and I'm not sure what we've done on this one. Lewes v Eastbourne Borough - Conference South Game 17 (21/12/05) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Coulson, Hankin, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Kennett, Zadkovich, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Johanssen, Barker Coulson, Harkin, Mackay, Harkin, Kennett and Zadkovich all return - with Sean Hankin's return from suspension a particular bonus. It's a Dripping Pan farewell for Mark Coulson - our final home game of 2005 ahead of his move to Grays - while Jay Lovett and Karl Beckford will be here as specators only to say goodbye to the home support. It was a cagey start, typical of a local derby, and when we won a free kick some 30 yards from goal, the 'Boro supporters away to my left didn't look worried. They reckoned without Steve Mackay , who planted the ball home with a peach, sending the few home supporters at the 'School' end into raptures. Two minutes later, former Brighton full back Stuart Tuck put 'Boro dangerman Odubade away inside the box. Hustwick stretched, but felled the young hitman - who joined Yeovil from Eastbourne Town before returning due to homesickness. Andy Atkin ran up, but found Wilkerson equal to his penalty - a terrific save to keep the Rooks ahead. We continued to pressure, and on 17, Gavin Holligan kept his composure well to fire beyond Hook after a pinpoint ball from Sigire. 'Boro were really up against it, and both Holligan and Sigire had chances before the break. Three minutes after the interval, we won a free kick - and yet again, Steve Mackay stepped up from fuly 30 yards to curl the ball home - this time, in front of the main body of Lewes supporters. 'Boro's chances were sporadic, with Matt Crabb wasting a reasonable effort before flashing a shot well wide of the goal some five minutes later. They did rouse towards the end - as a side in 3rd place in the league indeed should - but were wasteful, and when Batiup's persistance carved out a chance for McDonald, the striker's rising shot grazed the bar, and just about summed up the visitors' evening. We'll be losing no sleep tonight though! Lewes 3 - Eastbourne Borough 0 Attendance; 330 MOM; Sean Hankin (Lewes) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 7, 2005 Author Share Posted November 7, 2005 Thursday morning, and time to make a young man very happy. We've offered Steve Barker a contract now he's reached the age of 17 - and a day later, he put pen to paper on a deal until the summer of 2008. Boxing Day sees us travel to, of all places - thank you fixture committee - Newport County. Yes, the one in Wales. Newport County v Lewes - Conference South Game 18 (26/12/05) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Coulson, Hankin, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Kennett, Johanssen, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Taylor, Barker So it's Mark Coulson's Lewes finale - Karl Beckford and Jay Lovett have now said their goodbyes, and have been allowed to relax and enjoy the period between Christmas and New Year before they move to Notts County and Boston United respectivley. There is one change - Martin Johanssen replacing Ruben Zadkovich, who picked up a knock late on against 'Boro - with Chris Taylor coming onto the bench. It was a very scrappy opening spell, and it was hardly a suprise when Dean Crowe put the home side ahead with a well-taken effort on 34. Although Sigire struck a volley over immediatley after, Newport were in no mood to be messed around, and a clinical Mark Hall volley on 37 put the Exiles further ahead. We did pull one back just on the stroke of half time, finaly threading together a decent passing move with Sigire finding Gavin Holligan , who netted from close range. Kennett made way for Okuonghae at the break, with the ex-Rushden man raring to go - he was the first out after the interval. The second period began slowly - Tate coming nowhere close with a free kick on 61 - before both Sigire and Holligan were close. Finally, on 72, Mo Harkin raced onto a Hustwick cross, before flighting the ball in for Magnus Okuonghae to fire his first goal in a Lewes shirt. Newport hustled, and Belle was twice denied at the death - the winning run comes to an end, but the point is certainly more than we expected earlier on. Newport 2 - Lewes 2 Attendance; 867 MOM; Mo Harkin (Lewes) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 8, 2005 Author Share Posted November 8, 2005 With no game on New Year's Day this year - instead we play on Saturday January 2nd - the players will be allowed out on the town to celebrate New Year's Eve, as a reward for their recent form. They probably would have gone anyway, no doubt, but this year we'll allow them to let their hair down as opposed to a more secretive outing. New Years day brought a number of managerial appointments across the Leagues - but more relevant for us, Mark Coulson, Jay Lovett and Karl Beckford have all left the club - Beckford and Lovett leaving for the Football League, with Coulson expected to follow them in the near future - although Grays are in mid-table at the moment, they are a very professionally run outfit, and have plenty of backing. We wish them all the best - and with plenty of cash in the wage budget now free, we may well use the flexibility it gives us to add to the squad. Lewes v Maidenhead - Conference South Game 19 (02/01/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Kennett, Zadkovich, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Johanssen, Barker There's a couple of changes - one enforced, one tactical - Mark Coulson is obviously unavailable, as he's moved to Grays since the Boxing Day game, whilst in midfield Zadkovich returns from his knock to replace Johanssen, who is demoted to the bench. Perennial nightmare for referees, Dean Hooper, is also involved as a result of Coulson's departure, but it's fair to say that he is in last chance saloon - out of contract in June, and we may well use some of the money we now have to strengthen in that left back role. We began by far the brighter side - after a fantastic reception for ex-Lewes legend Lee Newman as the sides ran out - Lee scored over 100 goals in his four years at the Dripping Pan - Hustwick striking a post on 5. It set the scene for a period of pressure with Wainwright by far the busier of the two 'keepers - and Ruben Zadkovich slotted the ball past the stopper after a through ball from Sigire that took a kind deflection off another former Lewes striker, Luke Fontana. We were in command going into the break, and made two changes at half time - the goalscorer, who took a knock, departing as well as a tired-looking Harkin - Barker and Johanssen on in their place. On the hour, the two subs combined well - Barker's ball to Johanssen allowing the Swede to relase Gavin Holligan - how he must be enjoying the current run of form after having to carry the team with his goals early on this season. Fontana's graft carved a chance for the visitors when Woolmer headed over on 64, but Newman was having a torrid time, and after losing out in the air to Hankin, came off to a similarly superb reaction moments after Martin Johanssen had netted the third. Holligan was close to a fourth on 88 - heading over the top - but we were dominant, and Maidenhead hardly troubled Wilkerson. Excellent stuff! Lewes 3 - Maidenhead 0 Attendance; 325 MOM; Steve Mackay (Lewes) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 8, 2005 Author Share Posted November 8, 2005 While we've gone up to seventh, the better news is that Ruben Zadkovich should be able to run off his knock in training, and will be available for the Wednesday night trip to Dorchester in a couple of days time. Although Hooper did well, we're still looking for a left back, and former Brighton man Ben Andrews is now our number one target. He moved from Dr Martens leaguers Burgess Hill in the summer to Lincoln , but has struggled in the Football League and with just two games under his belt, has found himself surplus to requirements at Sincil Bank. We've put in a bid of £1000, and hopefully, will be able to land the 25-year old. Dorchester v Lewes - Conference South Game 20 (04/01/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Kennett, Zadkovich, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Johanssen, Barker It's an unchanged side, with Dorchester themselves on a 7-match unbeaten run and lying a healthy 5th in Conference South. It was a cracking start by the visitors, and we could have scored through Holligan inside the first minute. Sigire's inswinging cross also caused problems - punched away on 13. At the other end, Dorchester's first chance came from a dead ball situation - with Keeler not far away from a free kick. The opener, when it came, was also from a set piece - Harkin's corner headed home by Sean Hankin to confuse the locals. Gavin Holligan tapped home the second, and his 18th of the season, on 41 - before Jean-Michel Sigire effectivley wrapped the game up on the stroke of half time, diverting the ball into the far corner after a long ball from the rapidly improving Max Hustwick. Hinshelwood and Barker replaced two of the goalscorers - Hankin and Holligan - at the break, and Dorchester came out with intent - Morgan and Gleeson both not far away early in the second period. On 57 though Jean-Michel Sigire rifled Zadkovich's pass beyond 'keeper Bradshaw to make things safe - and it was the signal for the home fans to start leaving. They missed probably the best period of the game for Mark Morris' men - Mark Jermyn heading wide before Bryerly then wasted a one-on-one. Dorchester were poor, and their run is over - but ours continues. Now if we can just get those home attendances up... Dorchester 0 - Lewes 4 Attendance; 397 MOM; Steve Mackay (Lewes) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Weymouth | | 20 | 15 | 4 | 1 | 54 | 13 | +41 | 49 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Bishop's Stortford | | 20 | 13 | 5 | 2 | 21 | 9 | +12 | 44 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Eastbourne Boro | | 20 | 12 | 3 | 5 | 37 | 22 | +15 | 39 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Histon | | 20 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 29 | 17 | +12 | 37 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Dorchester | | 20 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 28 | 24 | +4 | 30 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | LEWES | | 20 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 38 | 25 | +13 | 29 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Bognor Regis | | 20 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 21 | 20 | +1 | 29 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Maidenhead | | 20 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 26 | 30 | -4 | 29 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Cambridge City | | 20 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 16 | 18 | -2 | 28 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Weston-super-Mare | | 20 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 22 | 21 | +1 | 27 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Basingstoke | | 20 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 31 | 30 | +1 | 26 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Carshalton | | 20 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 19 | 24 | -5 | 25 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Newport Co | | 20 | 4 | 12 | 4 | 23 | 21 | +2 | 24 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Eastleigh | | 20 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 19 | 20 | -1 | 24 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | St. Albans | | 20 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 17 | 23 | -6 | 24 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Yeading | | 20 | 6 | 3 | 11 | 23 | 30 | -7 | 21 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Welling | | 20 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 23 | 38 | -15 | 20 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Thurrock | | 20 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 21 | 26 | -5 | 19 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Sutton Utd | | 20 | 5 | 4 | 11 | 25 | 36 | -11 | 19 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Havant & W | | 20 | 3 | 8 | 9 | 22 | 35 | -13 | 17 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Farnborough | | 20 | 3 | 8 | 9 | 15 | 28 | -13 | 17 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Hayes | | 20 | 2 | 6 | 12 | 12 | 32 | -20 | 12 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
priam Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 Way to go.. ! An eight match unbeaten run in the league with seven wins.... how can the crowds not start to flock to the Dripping Pan..? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbhtfc Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 Ben Andrews Sadly not with us this season, he joins loads of other ex-Burgess Hill players at Worthing. On the subject of Worthing, check out Sam Francis, he is a good backup striker and you should get him for nothing Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 8, 2005 Author Share Posted November 8, 2005 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by danbhtfc: Ben Andrews Sadly not with us this season, he joins loads of other ex-Burgess Hill players at Worthing. On the subject of Worthing, check out Sam Francis, he is a good backup striker and you should get him for nothing </div></BLOCKQUOTE> I refuse to give Alan Pook any money Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 8, 2005 Author Share Posted November 8, 2005 After Ben Andrews turned down our approach on Thursday, we immediatley targeted another player in that left back role. Woking's Liam Cockerill - son of manager Glen - has gone on the transfer list after coming in for some criticism from the Cards' supporters in recent months. We've approached to sign him on a free, although the 21 year old is also a target for a number of other clubs. Saturday is FA Cup Third Round day - and with plenty of cracking ties in prospect, with several big clubs facing the little clubs that everyone enjoys seeing do well in the famous old competition, now in it's 125th year. Bognor Regis Town v Lewes - Conference South Game 21 (07/01/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin, Legge, Mackay, Zadkovich, Kennett, Johanssen, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Taylor, Barker Martin Johanssen replaces the tired Harkin for the trip to another Sussex side, Jack Pearce's Bognor Regis Town. The West Sussex outfit are doing well themselves this season, although went down to Cambridge City in midweek. Both sides began brightly with Sigire close for us with a stooping header before Fletcher smashed an effort against the bar for the Rocks. Chances continued to fly for both sides, but slowly, we began to sieze control, and on 40, Jean-Michel Sigire finished off a move which wouldn't have looked out of place in the Premiership - several buildup passes before a diving header from the French striker flew into the far corner. We made two changes at the interval, with Kennett off for Okuonghae and Barker replacing Zadkovich, who again became the target for some dangerous challenges. Bognor looked better after the break, they too having made a change, and on 66, scored through that substitute - Steve McGlinchey intercepting a pass from Hankin to 'keeper Wilkerson to slot home from 30 yards. It was a classic case of a mix-up - after a free kick, Hankin had turned to head upfield when he recieved the ball from the 'keeper, and with the young Scottish striker closing in, had little option but to attempt a pass back. With Taylor replacing Holligan late on, we added a second on 81 - Jean-Michel Sigire bustling past Rowland from Johanssen's pass to score from just inside the box. Again, Bognor would fight back - Beck's cross found Russell on 82, but by the time his shot hit the net, the referee had long since signalled for a free kick for offside. When it did come, the leveller came in injury time - Piper's pass was more of an undignified hoof, and Steve McGlinchey was onto it in a flash. Wilkerson's attempts at narrowing the angle futile - and a point from a game we could have won. I let the lads know of my disapointment after the game, and I think the words hit hard. Bugger Bognor, as a certain King might once of said, indeed. Bognor 2 - Lewes 2 Attendance; 411 MOM; Steve McGlinchey (Bognor) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 8, 2005 Author Share Posted November 8, 2005 Saturday evening, and while relaxing on the way home, we learnt of the shocks that FA Cup Third Round Day always throws up. This year, there were more than usual - and big ones, too. Mighty Chelsea slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Rushden & Diamonds while Manchester United crashed to Cambridge United . Woking too made a name for themselves, but were eventually undone by Arsenal at Kingfield - a 3-2 win for the Gunners with a late strike. You can never legislate for this wonderful competition, and my only regret looking at the results is that we didn't make it beyond the First Round. Our conquerors, Gillingham , by the way, hosted Premiership Birmingham but went down to a 2-1 defeat. Unfortunatley Saturday was a bad day for Magnus Okuonghae - the defensive midfielder, signed of course from Rushden, will be out for a game after reaching five yellow cards for the season. On Sunday morning, word came back that our - as well as no less than six other clubs - offer for Liam Cockerill has been accepted. We've put our case, and a very impressive package, to the versatile left-sided player, and I'm hoping that he'll choose The Dripping Pan as the ideal place to continue his footballing education. We can only watch and wait now. No news is back by Tuesday - so it's off to St Albans with the existing squad. St Albans City v Lewes - Conference South Game 22 (10/01/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Robinson, Hooper, Hankin, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Kennett, Zadkocich, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Taylor, Johanssen, Barker It's the third in our run of four away matches, and there's a couple of changes to boot - Johanssen and Hustwick left out for the returning Robinson and Harkin. Zadkovich moves to centre midfield, to allow Harkin his traditional 'right to roam' role on the right flank, while Robinson, back after a virus, replaces Hustwick. Johanssen, however, does make the bench - Okuonghae suspended. The first half was a grim affair - but the one genine chane that lit it up, also happened to be a goal - and fortunatley, it was us who scored it. Holligan's header from deep dropped to Kennett, who played a measured ball to Jean-Michel Sigire , and the Frenchman - on form of late - made no mistake. The hosts did rally towards the end of the first period, but only once - through Lee Clarke - troubled Wilkerson. The second half immediatley began better, with Zadkovich smashing an effort against the crossbar, but both sides seemed to lack that cutting edge in the final third. The win is useful, if perhaps a little undeserved. St Albans 0 - Lewes 1 Attendance; 343 MOM; Sean Hankin (Lewes) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 Liam Cockerill KUTGW Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 9, 2005 Author Share Posted November 9, 2005 The bad news arrived on Wednesday morning - we'll miss Mo Harkin for up to three weeks after he damaged elbow ligaments in the victory over St Albans, and to add to our woes, Liam Cockerill has rejected our - and those of the other clubs' - transfer offer. Instead, he's vowed to win a place back in the team to silence the supporters. After a knockback regarding Cockerill, we've instead stepped up the search for a third striker - and have tabled a bid to take a player from Conference National side Cambridge United on a free transfer. Ryan Lockett has made two senior appearances in 4 years at The Abbey, having been with the club since his mid-teens. He's now 19, and coming to the end of his contract with seemingly no new deal in sight. What attracts us to him though is his superb record this season at Reserve level - Ryan has scored 14 for the second string this term. Welling v Lewes - Conference South Game 23 (14/01/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin, Legge, Mackay, Zadkovich, Kennett, Johanssen, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Taylor, Barker Hustwick and Johanssen return, replacing the rested Robinson and the injured Harkin respectivley, in a move which also sees Zadkovich switch to the right flank. What did annoy me early on was some rough treatment which saw Ruben Zadkovich needing the 'magic sponge' - as the Aussie hobbled off for treatment, the offender, former Gillingham defender Barry Ashby, went unpunished. What didn't, was that we scored from the opening chance of the match - on 15 Holligan and Zadkovich played a neat one-two, and with Zadkovich managing to keep the ball on when running down the touchline, his cross found Martin Johanssen roaming with intent, and the Swedish midfielder - who has more than justified our repeated attempts to sign him earlier in the season - got on the end of the cross to net from close range. We were bossing the game, and ater coming close through Sigire and Legge, Gavin Holligan scored our second of the match on 42 after a lovely pass from Zadkovich. The midfield maestro failed to emerge after half time - my decision to protect him influenced by the scoreline - and Chris Taylor got his chance to impress. Welling rallied a little after the break - keen to prevent us going 10 games unbeaten, no doubt, but from Bodkin's centre, Pinnock headed wastefully over. Try as we might, a third just wouldn't come - Sigire did have the ball in the net after a terrific counter-attack, but as he tapped home from Holligan's pass, was ruled - rightfully, for once - offside. Young Steve Barker - another late replacement - had his best game for some time, and after the game, was one of three players singled out by myself as having delighted me with his performance. The march continues! Welling 0 - Lewes 2 Attendance; 340 MOM; Steve Mackay (Lewes) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 9, 2005 Author Share Posted November 9, 2005 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> http://www.bbc.co.uk/football - League One - Tuesday 17th January 2006 'MK Dons set to offload Frenchman' 'League One highlyfers MK Dons could be set to offload French forward Julian Hornuss after accepting a £2000 bid from Conference South side Lewes for the 19 Year old. Hornuss joined MK Dons from French side Sedan late last season, but has made just 12 substitute appearances this season, scoring once. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> With the deal for Ryan Lockett still yet to complete, we've widened our search, and the discovery of Hornuss is one that excites all of us at the club. Hopefully we'll be able to tie up a deal for the French-born hitman - and maybe he won't be the only arrival at the club. On Thursday, Ryan Lockett did agree terms, and was quickly introduced to his new teammates. Julian Hornuss , meanwhile, will not be joining us - his club, MK Dons, having a change of heart after hauling the 19-year old off the Transfer List. Lewes v Basingstoke - Conference South Game 24 (21/01/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin, Legge, Mackay, Zadkovich, Kennett, Johanssen, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Barker, Lockett With new signing Lockett available, there would be just one change to the 16-man squad - and Chris Taylor was the unlucky one, the signing from Swindon missing out to allow the new striker a spot amongst the substitutes. Despite not making a first team start in two seasons, Ryan looks fit and sharp, and certainly impressed in our light, Friday evening, training session. The start of the match - scrappy, with passes going astray, unfortunatley was a signal of things to come - poor finishing on both sides, typified by Holligan's miss on 10 - it would have been easier to guide the ball into the net. Basingstoke didn't lie down, and after some inspired goalkeeping from Rice, would have gone in positive at the break. We used that interval to change things, Holligan and Johanssen replaced by Barker and Lockett - the new signing getting a warm reception as he ran out to take his place alongside Ziggy. The visitors began the better side after the break, with Wyatt and Ogbodo both close, but on 58, Sigire took a tumble just inside the box from Hustwick's cross. Despite furious protests, referee Ives signalled for a spot kick - and 17-year old Steve Barker made no mistake in front of the Philcox Stand, where some of his most vocal supporters stand. There were further chances for both sides, but Paul Wilkerson and his opposite number, Rice, were by far the busiest of the players on the pitch. Young Lockett had one chance at glory late on - he did link up well, and looks to be settling in already - but scuffed his shot wide with injury time looming. The victory was hardly inspired, but ground out, nonetheless, and we continue our remarkable run of form. Lewes 1 - Basingstoke 0 Attendance; 589 MOM; Paul Wilkerson (Lewes) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 9, 2005 Author Share Posted November 9, 2005 I returned to my office after the game to find, to my delight, that our loan offer for Dean Cox had been accepted. 18-year old Dean is on the books of Brighton & Hove Albion - who, incidentally, are still in the relegation mire at the foot of The Championship. He's a winger - who can play on the left or right - and we've offered to bring him in for the rest of the season to help both ourselves as a team, and Dean as a player to get much needed match practice. There is - of course - a slight ulterior motive to the loan move, Dean being out of contract at the end of the season. Should he accept the temporary move and impress, we may well have the opportunity to make it permanent at the end of the spell. Sunday morning's Non-League Paper had me as odds-on favourite to replace the recently sacked Denis Smith as manager of Wrexham . While it is indeed an honour to be linked to the League Two side, I've little intention of making the move to Wales - and I've told the press so as well, issuing a statement to say that I am extremeley happy at Lewes. Had the news come in October, however, things may have been different - ut after our upturn in fortunes, I've little intention in leaving the club now. On Wednesday morning, however, Dean Cox threw a spanner in the works of that plan - rejecting the move. Annoyingly really - he was quoted in the Evening Argus as saying that he wants to go out on loan for First Team experience. Not here, I take it. Lewes v Eastleigh - Conference South Game 25 (28/01/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin, Legge, Mackay, Zadkovich, Kennett, Johanssen, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Barker, Lockett So after the 'will he, won't he?' saga of Dean Cox - and despite the Friday return to fitness of Mo Harkin - it's an unchanged side for the visit of an Eastleigh side who lie 7th in the table, and who provided us with our first competitive victory of the season, way back in the second match of my reign. Who would have thought then that we would drop to second bottom before going back to the 5th place which we hold ahead of kickoff. Things began badly - Sigire helped off after just 18 minutes after a heavy challenge. Lockett, not unsuprisingly, replaced him, coming on to a warm reception from the home supporters. Unfortunatley, things never really progressed beyond that stage - a dour, drawn-out, 0-0 the result after 90 minutes of football that, for a clash between two in-form sides, was strangely subdued. Lewes 0 - Eastleigh 0 Attendance; 652 MOM; Bradley Thomas (Eastleigh) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Weymouth | | 25 | 19 | 5 | 1 | 70 | 19 | +51 | 62 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Eastbourne Boro | | 25 | 15 | 3 | 7 | 43 | 28 | +15 | 48 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Histon | | 25 | 12 | 9 | 4 | 33 | 21 | +12 | 45 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Bishop's Stortford | | 25 | 13 | 6 | 6 | 25 | 18 | +7 | 45 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | LEWES | | 25 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 44 | 27 | +17 | 40 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Dorchester | | 25 | 9 | 10 | 6 | 35 | 33 | +2 | 37 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Cambridge City | | 25 | 10 | 7 | 8 | 26 | 24 | +2 | 37 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Eastleigh | | 25 | 8 | 11 | 6 | 23 | 20 | +3 | 35 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Carshalton | | 25 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 23 | 25 | -2 | 35 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Weston-super-Mare | | 25 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 29 | 28 | +1 | 34 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Bognor Regis | | 25 | 9 | 6 | 10 | 30 | 32 | -2 | 33 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Basingstoke | | 25 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 34 | 35 | -1 | 32 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | St. Albans | | 25 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 23 | 29 | -6 | 31 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Maidenhead | | 25 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 32 | 41 | -9 | 31 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Newport Co | | 25 | 5 | 15 | 5 | 28 | 25 | +3 | 30 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Thurrock | | 25 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 28 | 32 | -4 | 26 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Sutton Utd | | 25 | 7 | 4 | 14 | 32 | 42 | -10 | 25 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Yeading | | 25 | 7 | 3 | 15 | 28 | 40 | -12 | 24 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Welling | | 25 | 6 | 6 | 13 | 29 | 47 | -18 | 24 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Havant & W | | 25 | 4 | 11 | 10 | 29 | 43 | -14 | 23 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Hayes | | 25 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 20 | 35 | -15 | 23 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Farnborough | | 25 | 4 | 9 | 12 | 19 | 39 | -20 | 21 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 10, 2005 Author Share Posted November 10, 2005 There's little time for reflection - we've got another game on Tuesday evening, so it's straight on with training on Monday evening. It quickly becomes apparent that changes will be needed - especially with Jean-Michel Sigire out for up to a week with a bruised shin. The powerhouse forward did offer to play through the pain with the aid of injections, but with Ryan Lockett now available, we aren't quite so stretched for strikers as we have been in the past, and the rest - and physio treatment - will do him better in the long run in any case. Carshalton v Lewes - Conference South Game 26 (31/01/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin*, Legge, Mackay, Taylor, Okuonghae, Johanssen, Holligan, Lockett Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Kennett, Zadkovich, Barker So Paul Kennett and Ruben Zadkovich are on the bench, and 'Ziggy' is left out through injury. It's a first start for Ryan Lockett in his place, with Magnus Okuonghae and Chris Taylor coming into the midfield - one of our contenders for player of the season, defender Sean Hankin, is again stand-in skipper. While the instruction - as ever, away from home, was to go out and keep it tight early on, the players must have missed it as they trooped out onto the War Memorial Sports Ground pitch - Carshalton had the ball in the net within two minutes, with Nathan Jameson heading home Yiga's centre from close range after Symes had put a free kick to the far post. It was a clinical, well worked move - as was our 13th minute equaliser. A good early ball from Hooper was flicked on by Johanssen, and new boy Ryan Lockett struck it low into the corner to claim his first goal in a Lewes shirt. On 27, we should have been delighted - but instead, were left cursing our luck. Despite Jamie Furber's dismissal for a foul on Steve Mackay - Furber the last man as the Scot sprinted through - it would be Carshalton who benefitted. 'keeper Searle's huge punt upfield bounced invitingly for Hankin to simply head back to Wilkerson from outside the box. He attempted the straightforward-looking backpass, but didn't get nearly enough power on it - and Dan Nwanze made no mistake, gathering the ball to sidefoot past Wilkerson. Going in behind at the break isn't something we've been used to recently, but go in behind we did - and the players got something of a rollocking at the break for their troubles. There was, however, no changes - and we responded well, with Martin Johanssen rifling home Steve Mackay's well placed cross. Despite changes however there would be no faiytale finish for either side - just one further chance for either side, with Lockett's header well saved. Still unbeaten, but hopefully we can return to winning ways soon as well. Carshalton 2 - Lewes 2 Attendance; 1133 MOM; Martin Johanssen (Lewes) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 10, 2005 Author Share Posted November 10, 2005 Wednesday morning, and word has come through from Conference HQ that Steve Mackay will be banned for one match ater racking up five yellow cards since his arrival in England. The left winger has been a revelation - and to add to his ban, he has also picked up a cold, so will not be coming anywhere near until that has sorted itself out. Steve Robinson is also back in contention - returning on Friday from an arm injury. With the visit of Cambridge City on Saturday, we are still yet to decide if the youngster will replace Max Hustwick at right back. Lewes v Cambridge City - Conference South Game 27 (04/02/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin, Legge, Taylor, Harkin, Kennett*, Zadkovich, Holligan, Lockett Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Taylor, Barker As it is, there are three changes - Paul Kennett, Mo Harkin and Ruben Zadkovich returning to the starting lineup in place of Magnus Okuonghae, Steve Mackay and Martin Johanssen - Chris Taylor keeps his place on the left in place of the suspended Mackay. The game opened with some very scrappy play - chances limited until after the half hour mark, when we took the lead. A foolish pass back from Booth just inside the Cambridge City half forced Milliard out of his goal, and the City 'keeper was robbed by Ryan Lockett , who made no mistake from the edge of the are after taking the ball off the ex-Barnet 'keeper. cambridge threw themselves into the game, leaving both Zadkovich and Taylor limping before the interval. Both linked up well, however, in the final minute of the first half - as it turned out, it would be their final actions of the game - Zadkovich supplying the pass for Ryan Lockett to live up to his new nickname, with a peach from the edge of the box. 'Lockett the Rocket' - who said Conference South fans are unimaginative? Taylor and Zadkovich did go off at the break, replaced by Johanssen and Barker, with Johanssen close to adding a third on 47. Cambridge though were beginning to get back into the game, and after Booth had come close with a header, Ben Saunders poked home Sadler's deflected pass on 69. It was then siege time - we were under almost constant pressure, and on 76, Dean Hooper cracked - a tired challenge on Parmenter giving the visitors a penalty, and Hooper his fourth sending off in a Lewes shirt for a professional foul. Fortunatley, Parmenter blasted the penalty over the top, but in injury time, David Sadler scrambled the ball over the line for an equaliser that looked inevitable. It was a real game of two halves, and although we bossed the first period, the second was a pale imitation. Gavin Holligan could have won it right at the death, but after Lockett had fed the 19-goal hitman, his effort flew wide of the upright. Disapointing. Lewes 2 - Cambridge City 2 Attendance; 584 MOM; Ryan Lockett (Lewes) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 10, 2005 Share Posted November 10, 2005 Brilliant story so far - very entertaining! And good to see that the results are starting to look up. I was brought up in Lewes (going to the school and college just down the road from The Dripping Pan) so this story is closer to home than the usual ones. Keep going... and good luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 11, 2005 Author Share Posted November 11, 2005 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by pdansurrey: Brilliant story so far - very entertaining! And good to see that the results are starting to look up. I was brought up in Lewes (going to the school and college just down the road from The Dripping Pan) so this story is closer to home than the usual ones. Keep going... and good luck! </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Cheers - Quite often park at the College when we go to the football, if the club car park is full. As the players sat in the changing room after the match, I laid into them. We were simply not good enough, and the players were told exactly that - no punches pulled. I did, however let the lads know that - contrary to recent rumours - I will not be applying for the vacant post at Darlington - depsite being linked by the media to the League Two strugglers. If I can get Lewes into the Football League, I will manage in the Football League. If not, I can't see myself leaving The Pan any time soon. That, however, didn't stop Darlington chairman Stewart Davies from offering me the job on Monday morning. A three-year contract on £350 a week - considerably more than the £100-a-week deal I have to take me up until the end of this season - was rejected, much to the suprise of some of my family. Although it would have given me more security, I believe that I owe it to Lewes, and to Terry Parris in particular, to sit out this season at least, and if I'm offered a new contract, we'll discuss matters then. Davies informed me that he was disapointed by my decision, by letter, on Tuesday morning - although interestingly, he said that he would 'hope to have a chance to make you the club manager in the future'. It's certainley flattering - Darlington's new stadium, bankrolled by the now jailed former Chairman George Reynolds, is a very impressive 25000+ seater arena. Later in the week, it was the turn of player news to come to the fore - with, happily, both Steve Mackay and Jean-Michel Sigire available for Saturday. Dean Hooper , who put pen to paper on a one-year extension to his contract, taking him up to the summer of 2007 on Wednesday, of course misses out through, yep, you guessed it, suspension. Havant & Waterlooville v Lewes - Conference South Game 28 (11/02/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hankin, Hinshelwood, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Kennett*, Zadkovich, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Okuonghae, Tanner (GK), Johanssen, Barker, Lockett The suprise change is up front - despite his brilliant brace, Ryan Lockett finds himself back on the bench with Ziggy returning alongside Gavin Holligan. Hankin moves to left back to replace the banned Hooper, with Hinshelwood coming into the centre of defence - and Steve Mackay is also back wide on the left of midfield. We began brightly, and after threatening in the opening exchanges, took the lead on 11 - Harkin cutting inside to pull the ball square for Gavin Holligan to tap home his 20th of the season. We totally bossed the first half - in possession, if not in chances, though Mackay had an effort pushed away by Matthews on 43. We decided against making changes at the break, and Havant came out a stronger side - Vill Powell and David Town both close. It wasn't all going the way of the home side - they failed to put the ball in the net, and indeed towards the end we could have increased our lead - Zadkovich close with a header, and sub Ryan Lockett brilliantly denied by Matthews. It wasn't pretty, but it is a win, and we're well happy with the result! Havant & Waterlooville 0 - Lewes 1 Attendance; 341 MOM; Paul Kennett (Lewes) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 11, 2005 Author Share Posted November 11, 2005 Unfortunatley we'll be without Paul Hinshelwood for around a week - he picked up a stubbed toe in the victory, and will be out for around a week. It's definatley physio treatment too - Paul will return to his parent club for treatment to boot, so no chance of painkilling injections to get Paul through the next game. It was though a quiet week in general - but on Wednesday, I was delighted to have to travel to Wales to discuss terms with 19-year old Mike Williams . Mike is a full back, currently on the books of Wrexham but out of contract at the end of the season. Although he plays primiarily at left back, he can also play at left wingback - similar to Dean Hooper, who although has signed a deal until the end of next season, isn't getting any younger. Williams finally got back to me on Saturday morning - he'll sign for the Rooks on a Free Transfer in June - and becomes the first 'Bosman' signing lined up for the Summer. Lewes v Weston-Super-Mare - Conference South Game 29 (18/02/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Kennett*, Zadkovich, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Okuonghae, Tanner (GK), Johanssen, Barker, Lockett There's just one change, with Dean Hooper replacing the injured Paul Hinshelwood - the veteran defender back after yet another suspension. Weston began well, with Hodge having a header tipped over by Wilkerson on 14 - but three minutes later, Ricky Hodge smashed past the home 'keeper after a Bailey free kick fell to the 19-Year old striker. While we did create chances, they were hardly clear-cut ones - Northmore forced to tip over from Harkin's cross, but there never looked like being anyone on the end of it. The second half, however, was awful - for both sides. Gavin Holligan was closest for us at the end, and that came from an inswinging cross. It wasn't the best of matches, and it's a shame that our first League defeat in 17 comes in such a fashion. Disapointing. Lewes 0 - Weston Super Mare 1 Attendance; 583 MOM; Ryan Northmore (Weston) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
loyalwolvesfan Posted November 11, 2005 Share Posted November 11, 2005 Keep going. Great story. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iron-bullet Posted November 11, 2005 Share Posted November 11, 2005 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by displaced_seagull: <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Macca_SAFC: Nice start d_s, always had a soft spot for Lewes after playing with them on FM 05. Couldn't help but notice Foyewa isn't in the database, any idea why this is? </div></BLOCKQUOTE> No idea. He's done well recently too. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> I went to school with Amos. Nice bloke and could of made it at West Ham but had a couple of bad injuries Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 12, 2005 Author Share Posted November 12, 2005 Cheers - Amos is certainly a good player, and he's done well recently - he earned plenty of critisicm early on though for his refusal to pass Paul Hinshelwood returned on Monday, after being given a clean bill of health from Brighton physio Malcolm Stuart , as well as our own John Houston . Thursday though brought injury news of a different variety - Paul Kennett will be out for up to three weeks after picking up a virus. The skipper, who has been playing very well this season, has been sent home while he recovers. It's a decision taken mainly to protect everyone else at the club - at the expense of having to do without the defensive midfielder for a little longer. Lewes v Bishop's Stortford - Conference South Game 30 (25/02/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin*, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Okuonghae, Zadkovich, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Johanssen, Barker, Lockett There's just the one change then, with the injured skipper Kennett handing his captains' armband to Sean Hankin - and his defensive midfield role to Magnus Okuonghae. Paul Hinshelwood, back after a foot injury, returns to the bench. The Bishop's got an early ball into the box, but Lewis' header flew over on 7. If the home supporters feared another performance like the one against Weston, however, they would have been relieved when Jean-Michel Sigire finished off Mo Harkin's cross with a placed finish to put us ahead. The visitors though were certainly not going to roll over - Wilkerson denying Morison and Essandoh before Manning headed into the side netting on 30. At half time I took a hard line with the players, encouraging - rather than praising - them. It had a desired effect - on 46, with some fans still taking their places after a half time pint, Zadkovich and Hooper combined on the left, the latter swinging in a cross for Gavin Holligan to smash home in front of the main body of Lewes fans. Roy Essandoh, perhaps best remembered for his goal as a Non Contract player for Wycombe which dumped Leicester City out of the FA Cup some years back, was the thorn in our side - and he came even closer on 70, rattling the bar. On 77 though we sealed the win with a cracking goal - hooking the ball away before Holligan put substitute Ryan Lockett through. Lockett ran and ran - with the crowd urging him forward, the 19-year old took the ball into the box before firing past 'keeper Gay. After a gut-busting sprint, he still had the energy to stand in front of the main Philcox Stand and saltue the supporters. Back on form! Lewes 3 - Bishop's Stortford 0 Attendance; 357 MOM; Gavin Holligan (Lewes) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Weymouth | | 30 | 24 | 5 | 1 | 79 | 22 | +57 | 77 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Eastbourne Boro | | 30 | 16 | 5 | 9 | 53 | 40 | +13 | 53 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Histon | | 30 | 13 | 11 | 6 | 35 | 24 | +11 | 50 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Bishop's Stortford | | 30 | 14 | 7 | 9 | 28 | 26 | +2 | 49 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | LEWES | | 30 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 52 | 32 | +20 | 48 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Cambridge City | | 30 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 33 | 26 | +7 | 48 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Dorchester | | 30 | 11 | 12 | 7 | 45 | 42 | +3 | 45 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Eastleigh | | 30 | 10 | 13 | 7 | 26 | 22 | +4 | 43 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Carshalton | | 30 | 9 | 12 | 9 | 29 | 32 | -3 | 39 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Newport Co | | 30 | 7 | 17 | 6 | 35 | 30 | +5 | 38 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Bognor Regis | | 30 | 10 | 8 | 12 | 35 | 36 | -1 | 38 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Weston-super-Mare | | 30 | 10 | 8 | 12 | 32 | 36 | -4 | 38 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Thurrock | | 30 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 34 | 35 | -1 | 37 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Basingstoke | | 30 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 40 | 43 | -3 | 37 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | St. Albans | | 30 | 8 | 12 | 10 | 29 | 34 | -5 | 36 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Maidenhead | | 30 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 35 | 44 | -9 | 36 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Havant & W | | 30 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 35 | 47 | -12 | 32 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Hayes | | 30 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 23 | 36 | -13 | 32 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Yeading | | 30 | 8 | 4 | 18 | 34 | 51 | -17 | 28 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Welling | | 30 | 7 | 7 | 16 | 35 | 54 | -19 | 28 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Sutton Utd | | 30 | 7 | 6 | 17 | 38 | 53 | -15 | 27 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Farnborough | | 30 | 4 | 14 | 12 | 22 | 42 | -20 | 26 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 12, 2005 Author Share Posted November 12, 2005 It's bad news regarding Jean-Michel Sigire , who was forced off after picking up a wrist injury. The Frenchman will be out for up to, but hopefully less, than 3 weeks - a big blow, as Ziggy is a very important player for us - not to mention a popular one amongst the supporters. Sunday morning, and we've had to reject an approach from West Sussex outfit Bognor Regis for 'keeper Russ Tanner . Russ, despite not being a regular since early in the season, still has an important role as the second 'keeper to play, and we certainly won't be letting him go. Sunday also saw the League Cup Final at Cardiff - a match won 1-0 by Chelsea against London rivals Arsenal , £21-Million man Shaun Wright-Phillips scoring the only goal of the match, with the England international striking from 20 yards out on 49 minutes. Sutton United v Lewes - Conference South Game 31 (04/03/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin*, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Okuonghae, Zadkovich, Holligan, Lockett Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Johanssen, Taylor, Barker With the injured Sigire missing out, young Ryan Lockett is returned to the starting lineup in the only change to our starting eleven. Strugglers Sutton got plenty of early pressure, and from Sinclair's cross, Braniff glanced the ball into the side netting on 8. While the home side didn't have it all their own way, they would take the lead at Gander Green Lane on 15 - Olayinka's throw beautifully curled towards the far post by Kevin Braniff - who certainly didn't expect the ball to dip into the net at the far post on his Sutton debut. Lewes had a good early chance on 27 - Harkin's hard work finding Zadkovich, but the Aussie managed to steer his header wide, and was left looking a lonely, disapointed figure as Carl Emberson placed the ball for his goal kick. We began the second half by far the better side, with Holligan close on 50 - before Okuonghae and Zadkovich combined well - the latter passing the ball into the box for Ryan Lockett to crash the ball beyond 'keeper Emberson and grab a deserved equaliser. We went for it, and on 78, I was dispointed to see Hankin's header flash over the bar after the ex-Torquay man got up well from Zadkovich's corner. Unfortunatley though, we were to be defeated - on 84 minutes, with tiring legs perhaps having an affect, Kevin Braniff outpaced our back line to meet Gray's cross. Disapointing. Sutton 2 - Lewes 1 Attendance; 431 MOM; Kevin Braniff (Sutton) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 12, 2005 Author Share Posted November 12, 2005 With Jean-Michel Sigire resuming training during the week - and a game coming up against fellow high-flyers Histon on Saturday - training is focussed on getting the players back into a confident mood ahead of the weekend. Generally though it has been a very quiet week - and we'll have to make a late decision on the fitness of 'Ziggy' as to weather he starts, or even makes the squad. Lewes v Histon - Conference South Game 32 (11/03/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin*, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Okuonghae, Zadkovich, Holligan, Lockett Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Johanssen, Barker, Sigire There is indeed no change to the starting lineup - Sigire amongst the substitutes, with Ryan Lockett continuing after his well-taken equaliser at Sutton. The game began in cagey fashion, with both sides seeming to test each other with occasional probing balls rather than attack from the off. We probably had the better of the early exchanges though, and on 21, took the lead - Ryan Lockett pulled back by Burrows to allow Steve Mackay the chance to rifle a free kick home from 25 yards. On 33, from our next chance, we scored again - Max Hustwick's inswinging cross powerfully headed home by Ryan Lockett , who is really beginning to grow in confidence. We could have had a third before the break - Zadkovich certainly wasn't too far away with a curling effort that skimmed the bar on its way over the top. Sigire replaced a disapointing Holligan at the break, but it was Histon who impressed immediatley after the break - Wark putting Cambridge away before the striker was cynically and brutally tripped by Legge, who was lucky to walk away with just a booking. Mark Burrows slotted home the penalty, and the more pessimistic home supporters perhaps expected a collapse. Instead, we reorganised - after watching Gutzmore shoot straight at Wilkerson on 62, Jean-Michel Sigire's game came to a premature end when he was replaced by Johanssen, with Zadkovich moving into the attack. At the back, Hinshelwood replaced a disapointing and booked Legge. On 73 though those same supporters were silenced - and, at the same time, sent into raptures - Martin Johanssen hitting an effort through a crowd of a players that 'keeper Key really should have dealt with. Although Histon never gave up, that really was about it - and aside from the 20 or so that Histon brought down from Cambridgeshire, the supporters will go home very happy. Lewes 3 - Histon 1 Attendance; 359 MOM; Ryan Lockett (Lewes) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 12, 2005 Author Share Posted November 12, 2005 With a Ryan Lockett inspired victory putting us up to fourth place, we enter the final 10 matches of the season with Weymouth lready out of sight at the top of the table. The 'Chelsea of the Conference South' are backed by plenty of money, and have lost just once in the League this season so far. Yesterday's result for the Dorset side has seen them confirm at least a Playoff Place at the end of the season - and it will be a huge suprise if Garry Hill's men fail to achieve automatic promotion to the Conference National. Monday's sports pages were dominated by the resignation of Tottenham boss Martin Jol - the Dutchman quitting life at White Hart Lane to take the vacant managers post at mighty Ajax . Jol, 50, has done well since succeeding Jaques Santini, and leaves the Lilywhites lying in 8th place in the Premier League - with real hope that they can push for honours this season. More local news arrived on Wednesday, with the return of Paul Kennett after the skipper had been struck down by a particularly nasty virus. Despite his return to physical fitness, as is to be expected, after a couple of weeks without physical activity, Paul certainly isn't yet match fit, and will have to work hard over the coming week - Saturday's visit of bottom club Farnborough will almost certainly come too soon for him. Lewes v Farnborough - Conference South Game 33 (18/03/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin*, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Okuonghae, Zadkovich, Holligan, Lockett Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Johanssen, Barker, Sigire An unchanged side then for the visit of a club who were widley expected to be doing a lot better than they indeed are this season - Kenno still isn't ready after that virus, so Magnus Okuonghae continues in the holding role. The ex-Rushden man was involved in our first attack in the third minute - not far away with a powerful header from Hankin's deflected cross. On 23, however, we would take the lead - Steve Mackay playing a lovely ball outside the full back for Lockett to cross onto the head of Gavin Holligan , who made no mistake from point-blank range to beat Scriven. One should have become two on 39 - Mackay earnt a penalty after being manhandled by Travis, but Mo Harkin saw the young 'keeper equal to his underhit penalty. Harkin failed to emerge after the interval, with Johanssen replacing him. On 53 though the Dripping Pan was lit up with a moment of individual brilliance - from the Rooks' Ryan Lockett . With 'keeper Scriven off his line and the young striker picking up on a Legge long ball, Lockett went for a chip. With the the home crowd begging for the ball to drop into the net, 'Scriven arched his back, but was unable to get a touch - and could only turn and watch as the ball did nestle into the corner of the net. Cue delirium, and from then on we could have run riot. Hankin wasn't far away with a 71st minute corner, while Lockett was wasteful from a late one-on-one. Wilkerson did have something to do - denying Townsend late on - but Farnborough are a side who seriously lack confidence, and were ripe for the picking. Lewes 2 - Farnborough 0 Attendance; 431 MOM; Steve Mackay (Lewes) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 13, 2005 Author Share Posted November 13, 2005 Sunday morning, and despite a 2-1 defeat at Bishop's Stortford , Weymouth have won the Conference South with 9 matches still to play, Garry Hill's men achieving promotion to the Conference National. For the record, we'll face Weymouth next Saturday... - Still, at least we'll do it when we are holding the highest position we've yet achieved - currently we lie third in the Conference South. Wednesday, and another injury for the unfortunate Steve Robinson . The young right back has twisted his ankle, and as there is little chance that he will be involved, such is the current form of Max Hustwick, against Weymouth, we've decided to allow Steve's injury to heal with just the aid of the physios, instead of asking the 18-year old to play through the pain with the aid of injections. Weymouth v Lewes - Conference South Game 34 (25/03/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin*, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Okuonghae, Zadkovich, Holligan, Lockett Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Kennett, Johanssen, Sigire With Weymouth coming off the back of a defeat and ourselves off the back of a morale boosting victory, there's just one change to the squad for the trip to Dorset - Paul Kennett back, but only on the bench, for the trip, replacing young Steve Barker. A shambolic opening saw Gavin Skelton crack home a free kick for the visitors on 4 minutes, before Paul Wilkerson embarrisingly put through his own net - the 'keeper mishandling a Wheeler cross, and dropping the ball over the line. We did pull one back two minutes later, but it was hardly a sensational strike - Steve Mackay curled in a cross that evaded Holligan, who was steaming in at the far post, but instead went in - bobbling over the line with 'keeper Matthews beaten. It wasn't over there - Daniel Webb headed home Byrom's corner on 15, and when Chukkie Eribenne got on the end of Byrom's 29th minute cross, things were effectivley over. At 4-1, I thought that things wouldn't get much worse. When Daniel Webb met Jackson's cross with a header on 42, they did - 5-1 down at the break. There wasn't much I could do at the break - the boys were simply shellshocked. We made a couple of changes, but hardly expected a comeback - which wasn't forthcoming. The second period was a pale imitation, for both sides, of the first, although Sigire four ourselves and Webb for Weymouth both had chances. Oh well, at least we won't have to play Weymouth again this season! Weymouth 5 - Lewes 1 Attendance; 609 MOM; Chukkie Eribenne (Weymouth) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 13, 2005 Author Share Posted November 13, 2005 Despite his side having thrashed us, Garry Hill decided to seek pastures new - leaving his promoted side to join Brentford in succession to the recently dismissed Martin Allen on Sunday morning. By far the biggest news of the week though - on a personal basis at least - came on Friday morning. The board have seen fit to offer me a three-year contract. The £80-a week is a slight comedown from the £100 a week that I had been used to, but comes with the security of a longer deal. With three months left on my previous contract, I'm now contracted up until the summer of 2009 - if a contract means anything in Football Management. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Sussex Express - Football - Friday 31st March 2006 'Johanssen - Fairway Capable of Great Things' By Derrick Shaw, Express Sports Reporter Lewes manager Stuart Fairway has signed a new contract with the club, to manage at The Dripping Pan until the summer of 2009. The Express spoke to midfielder Martin Johanssen about the news - and the Swede couldn't have been any more positive in his assessment of the man who signed him from Ryman League side Horsham in August. "Stuart has proved himself an accomplished manager" Johanssen said. "I'm delighted that the board have seen sense to offer him a longer contract - we twice thought we may lose him earlier in the season, when he was offered the job at Darlington and linked to Wrexham , but he showed fantastic commitment to the club, the fans, and especially us players, several of whom he brought to the club". </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Hayes v Lewes - Conference South Game 35 (01/04/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin*, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Kennett, Zadkovich, Holligan, Sigire Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Johanssen, Lockett Two changes after what will go down as a 'blip' against a rampant Weymouth. Hayes, however, are in 17th - and have recovered after an awful start. Skipper Kennett and goal hero Jean-Michel Sigire are back, replacing Okuonghae and Lockett respectivley. The game began quite slowly, with both sides sounding each other out. On 23 however, the home side took the lead - Spencer's cross headed goalwards by Kevin Warner, and the winger was able to beat Wilkerson to claim his 2nd goal of the season. Although not much as a spectacle, Hayes probably had the best of the first period - and Spencer could have added a second before the half time break. Holligan and Harkin made way after the break - replaced by Ryan Lockett and Martin Johanssen. The latter had a critical part to play in our 49th minute equaliser - Dean Hooper's throw finding the Swede, who drilled a shot goalwards that took a deflection off James Saulsbury , hit the woodwork, and rolled over the line. It was a bizzare own goal - and the second half continued in a positive vein for us - the pace of Ryan Lockett adding an extra dimension to our attack. Martin Johanssen too looked busy, and his thunderbolt narrowly flew over on 69 before hittng the stand and rebounding back onto the field, such was the pace of the shot. On 72, however, he needed lengthy treatment for a knock, and on 79, was replaced by Okuonghae. Just as I was beginning to settle for a draw - privatley, of course - Hankin played the ball down the left, and with Lockett steaming into the middle, Steve Mackay hit the ball to the far post. The Scot's cross was perfect - but cracked off the post and went in past an out of position Davies. Hayes threw the kitchen sink at us in a bid to get back into the game - a fine double save denying Bartley, before Hooper and Hankin hooked the ball clear. Two bizzare goals - but we'll take the win! Hayes 1 - Lewes 2 Attendance; 426 MOM; Steve Mackay (Lewes) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | C | Weymouth | | 35 | 28 | 5 | 2 | 92 | 27 | +65 | 89 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Histon | | 35 | 15 | 13 | 7 | 41 | 30 | +11 | 58 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | LEWES | | 35 | 16 | 9 | 10 | 61 | 41 | +20 | 57 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Cambridge City | | 35 | 15 | 11 | 9 | 41 | 32 | +9 | 56 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Bishop's Stortford | | 35 | 16 | 8 | 11 | 34 | 31 | +3 | 56 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Eastbourne Boro | | 35 | 16 | 6 | 13 | 57 | 49 | +8 | 54 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Dorchester | | 35 | 13 | 14 | 8 | 52 | 47 | +5 | 53 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Newport Co | | 35 | 10 | 18 | 7 | 41 | 33 | +8 | 48 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Weston-super-Mare | | 35 | 13 | 9 | 13 | 38 | 42 | -4 | 48 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Eastleigh | | 35 | 11 | 14 | 10 | 29 | 27 | +2 | 47 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Basingstoke | | 35 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 46 | 46 | 0 | 47 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Carshalton | | 35 | 10 | 16 | 9 | 33 | 34 | -1 | 46 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Maidenhead | | 35 | 12 | 10 | 13 | 42 | 48 | -6 | 46 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Bognor Regis | | 35 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 42 | 42 | 0 | 44 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | St. Albans | | 35 | 10 | 14 | 11 | 35 | 39 | -4 | 44 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Thurrock | | 35 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 37 | 44 | -7 | 41 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Hayes | | 35 | 8 | 13 | 14 | 28 | 43 | -15 | 37 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Yeading | | 35 | 10 | 5 | 20 | 39 | 57 | -18 | 35 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Havant & W | | 35 | 7 | 13 | 15 | 39 | 54 | -15 | 34 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Welling | | 35 | 9 | 7 | 19 | 42 | 62 | -20 | 34 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Sutton Utd | | 35 | 8 | 6 | 21 | 43 | 62 | -19 | 30 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Farnborough | | 35 | 4 | 18 | 13 | 24 | 46 | -22 | 30 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 16, 2005 Author Share Posted November 16, 2005 Sunday saw three FA Cup Quarter Final replays, with Everton, Northampton and WBA joining Leeds in the Semi Finals. The rise of League Two Northampton has taken everybody by suprise, but after the shock of seeing Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd all drop out to 'lesser' opposition, it's hardly a shock that there are teams who you usually wouldn't expect to feature at this stage in the competition still remaining. Elsewhere, Walsall beat Chester 3-2 with an Extra-Time winner to lift the LDV Vans Trophy at Cardiff, thanks to Jorge Leitáo's late, late strike. Monday morning saw Spurs announce Claudio Ranieri as the successor to Martin Jol at White Hart Lane - Ranieri, much praised despite dismissal at Chelsea , is well liked in English football, and will no doubt relish the chance to take control of Spurs' crop of talented youngsters. Lewes v Yeading - Conference South Game 36 (04/04/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin*, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Okuonghae, Taylor, Holligan, Lockett Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Kennett, Barker, Sigire Three changes then for the visit of strugglers Yeading - Kennett, Zadkovich and Sigire rested, with Magnus Okuonghae, Chris Taylor and Ryan Lockett all back in the starting lineup. Young Steve Barker is another recall, brought back onto the bench. We began very brightly, and within 8 minutes, were ahead - Ryan Lockett adding to his growing reputation by firing a Mackay cross into the far corner. After the early shock, Yeading rallied - Blake close on 13 - but several bookings for both sides didn't help the flow of the game, and what had started as a positive, attacking game on a chilly Tuesday evening dropped off a little as the first period progressed. On 43, however, Gavin Holligan lit up the Dripping Pan again - smashing home from Mackay's well-worked free kick. Three minutes later, and into injury time, Gavin Holligan cut cleverly in front of Blake to meet another Mackay pass, and again beat 'keeper Hart from close range. The home supporters went to their half time pint happy, while I made changes - Taylor's comeback was short lived as he was replaced by Barker, with Hinshelwood replacing Leon Legge at the back. The second half took it's time to get going, and when it did, Charlie Mapes put Jermaine Roche through for the diminutive striker to pull one back on the hour. Whilst Lockett wasted a one-on-one, Lewes seemed content to sit back - Rundle grazed the bar for the visitors, but a comeback never looked likely - we managed to hold on for a very useful result. Lewes 3 - Yeading 1 Attendance; 691 MOM; Steve Mackay (Lewes) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 16, 2005 Author Share Posted November 16, 2005 Again the name of Steve Mackay was on everyone's lips on Wednesday morning - the Dingwall born winger picking up his 8th Man of the Match award in just 27 Lewes appearances. On this form, we'll struggle to keep hold of the player who we signed on a free after his return from a short spell in Iceland. With the Rooks up to second in the table - promotion, of course, not automatically guarenteed - if we finish in this position after 42 games, it'll be the playoffs - all at the club are in a positive frame of mind going into the final five matches of the season, starting on Saturday at Thurrock. Thurrock v Lewes - Conference South Game 37 (08/04/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin, Legge, Mackay, Zadkovich, Kennett*, Johanssen, Sigire, Lockett Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Barker, Holligan Again we've reshuffled the pack for the trip through the Dartford Tunnel - Zadkovich, Kennett, Sigire and Johanssen returning, with Holligan and Harkin rested and Okuonghae missing out. Steve Mackay was a slight doubt ahead of kickoff - he is looking a little jaded, but we've decided that with no midweek game next week, we'll start with the Scot at least. We began brightly, and on 7 minutes, took the lead - Ryan Lockett exploding past one-time Lewes target Christian Hanson before firing home from the edge of the box. We continued to attack, and Johanssen fired wide before Zadkovich had a shot turned away. On 34 though Mackay played a risky ball back to Wilkerson - and Mat Bailey nipped on to beat the 'keeper to the ball and hit the target from the edge of the box. It was a frustrating blow - after our hard work we'd thrown the lead away. Sigire then tested Knowles on 42, but would have been denied by a clear flag from the line, and we went in a little downbeat at half time. Lockett could have immediatley regained our lead on 47, but instead blaxed over - and on 52, Mat Bailey took advantage with a close range finish when Kennett deflected Davidson's cross into the six-yard box. Thurrock then shut up shop, despite the physical threat of late sub Holligan, and continued to frustrate. Right at the death, another substitute could have stolen a point, but Steve Barker's header hit the side netting after the youngster did well to even get in position for an attempt. Disapointing. Thurrock 2 - Lewes 1 Attendance; 326 MOM; Mat Bailey (Thurrock) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 16, 2005 Author Share Posted November 16, 2005 What we could have done without after a frustrating defeat was an injury - especially not one for Steve Mackay , who picked up a toe injury in the latter stages of the game against Thurrock. Whilst this could usually be controlled with injections, with the hope that we'll be involved in the playoffs, I've decided to authorise Physio treatment - meaning that Steve will be out for up to a fortnight. As it was though, it turned out to be a very quiet week at the Dripping Pan - training focussed on the two games over the coming Bank Holiday weekend. Fortunatley for us, but perhaps not so for any finanically stretched supporters, both matches are at home - so there will be some degree of squad rotation definatley required. Lewes v Newport County - Conference South Game 38 (15/04/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin, Legge, Taylor, Harkin, Kennett*, Zadkovich, Sigire, Holligan Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Johanssen, Lockett Steve Mackay's ommision through injury was assured - but we've also brought Mo Harkin back in for Johanssen, with Zadkovich moving to the centre of midfield. On the left, Chris Taylor comes in, while up front Lockett is rested for the 'first choice' strike duo of Sigire and Holligan. We began by far the brighter side - Taylor tricking his way down the left, befoe pulling the ball square for Sigire to come close with a stooping header. It did set the tone, however, and on 13, Gavin Holligan picked up on Sigire's pass to lash home his 25th goal of the season. Other than the goal though, the first half was something of a disapointment - Cortez Belle's 33rd minute header not too far away being the only real opportunity for the visitors. The second half definatley began better for the Rooks - Bulman tipping away from Zadkovich before Holligan fired the rebound over the top. Newport's strength in attack is literally that - their physical presence is something to be feared, and in particularly that of Belle - Hustwick bravely throwing himself in front of a 52nd minute effort to deflect it away, before Wilkerson excellently turned away a Lee header from ex-Wales International Jason Bowen's cross. Newport did always look likely to score, and in the end, an equaliser came on 63 - from a Lewes attack. Taylor flew down the left, but his overhit cross caused problems for Zadkovich, and when he was robbed by veteran Rob Lee, Hillier worked the ball forward to Hall, who threaded through for Ashley Williams to run beyond the Rooks back line and fire past a stranded Wilkerson. After an all-action period at the start of the second half, things slowed down - Belle and Hall both close for Newport, but Gavin Holligan perhaps guilty of wasteful finishing - heading over Hankin's cross after Jones had made a real hash of his clearance. The point, however, was well earned by both teams, and is probably a just result. Lewes 1 - Newport 1 Attendance; 736 MOM; Mark Hall (Newport) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 17, 2005 Author Share Posted November 17, 2005 Saturday's results also saw Kidderminster Harriers winning promotion back to the Football League at the first opportunity - Kiddy winning the Conference National by some distance. Who they will replace in the Football League is by no means certain, with three sides scrapping it out to avoid finishing in those bottom two places. Lewes v Dorchester - Conference South Game 39 (17/04/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hinshelwood, Hooper, Hankin, Legge, Barker, Okuonghae, Johanssen, Harkin, Sigire, Lockett Subs; Hustwick, Tanner (GK), Kennett, Zadkovich, Holligan It's three out of four changed in the midfield then for the Bank Holiday game which will kick off in the 'traditional' rain - a wet and miserable day in Sussex as the Football Season heads towards it's conclusion. Barker replaces Taylor, while Okuonghae starts in place of Kennett, Johanssen in for Zadkovich and also up front Lockett starting in place of Holligan. At the back, a final change sees Hinshelwood start in place of a tired Hustwick.We inevitably took time to adjust to the changes, and it was Dorchester who created the first real chance - Wilkerson making a comfortable stop from Smith's header. While Dorchester did boss the game into the break, we had our chances - Sigire not far away on 40, while Ryan Lockett was denied on 45 by a brave challenge from Morgan - had he got it wrong, it would have been a certain red card as the last man. To his credit, Lockett didn't hit the deck, and the sides went in level at the break. We began the second period in equally energetic fashion - Lockett again close - but on 66, Smith's cross to Robinson not reaching it's target thanks to a push by Barker - allowing Jamie Brown the chance to score from the spot. On 71, however, it was our turn to celebrate - Holligan manhandled as he strived to reach a cross, giving us a penalty. With the fans in the Philcox Stand willing it in, Mo Harkin strode up - and scuffed his penalty wide, never troubling 'keeper Bradshaw. When Dean Hooper's second yellow resulted in his 5th dismissal of the season on 81, the game was virtually over - Johanssen well wide of snatching a late point. Dismal. Lewes 0 - Dorchester 1 Attendance; 585 MOM; Scott Morgan (Dorchester) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 17, 2005 Author Share Posted November 17, 2005 After the disapointment of one point from a possible six over the Bank Holiday weekend, we've dropped to Fifth Place in the League. The really bad news, however, comes on the injury front - Gavin Holligan could well be out for a fortnight after suffering a groin strain. Again, we've rejected the option of painkilling injections - Gavin played through the pain earlier in the season, but it certainly affected his game, and to be honest, neither myself or Gavin feels too confident in such a situation. With us needing to step up a gear again to be assured of a playoff spot, we certainly need that in abundance. Meanwhile, it also doesent look as if Steve Mackay will be back on Saturday - the winger is fit in theory, but in practice he definatley looks as if he could do with a rest. With three games remaining - and a crucial local derby on Tuesday night against Eastbourne Borough , we'll leave him out of the squad on Saturday. Maidenhead v Lewes - Conference South Game 40 (22/04/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Harkin, Hinshelwood, Legge, Taylor, Kennett*, Johanssen, Zadkovich, Sigire, Lockett Subs; Okuonghae, Tanner (GK), Hunt, Harkin, Barker The suprise name on the teamsheet then is that of 18-year old Micheal Hunt - one of the youth team, Hunt is an all-action type, and is considered something of a prospect. Elsewhere, it's a case of patching up the side - a lot of players are struggling for fitness, but it's all about getting the right blend for these final three games - then getting the lads totally fit and focussed for what will hopefully be a successful playoff campaign. First though we've got to achieve a playoff spot - and what we certainly didn't need was to see 'keeper Paul Wilkerson limp off injured after just seven minutes. Russ Tanner immediatley warmed up to replace the stopper - and immediatley saw the comforting sight of Ryan Lockett smashing home the rebound after Kennett had seen a shot blocked from the edge of the area. We scored again in almost identical fashion on 20 minutes - this time, Chris Taylor's cross-cum-shot caused problems for 'keeper Wainwright, and Ruben Zadkovich was on hand to fire the ball over the line. On 24 though Maidenhead broke - Tanner doing well to deny Hamici, before Cook cracked the ball over the top. A minute later, however, the replacement stopper would be beated - Laurent Hamici knocking past Tanner from Bacon's well-worked cross. Tanner was even earning applause from the Maidenhead fans at times towards the end of the first half - a terrific stop to deny the dangerous Hamici. Johanssen made way for Harkin at the break, and on 54, we added a third - Scott Dann heading past his own 'keeper from a Sigire cross. However, just as we were beginning to feel comfortable, John Bacon shot past Tanner from a Parsons cross - back to within one goal. It took just three minutes for us to retake the lead in a pulsating encounter, with the unfortunate Dann heading back far too weakly, and although 'keeper Wainwright narrowed the angle quickly, Ryan Lockett was there in a flash to shoot home from the edge of the area. Our defence then shone - Hankin, Legge and Hinshelwood in particular impressive with some strong challenges in dangerous areas. Maidenhead did make it a nervy finale - ex-Lewes man Fontana passing to Andy Dugdale, who beat Tanner from the edge of the area, but when Ottley foolishly kicked Barker off the ball and was promptly sent off, our win was virtually assured. Edge of the Seat stuff, but a win is a win! Maidenhead 3 - Lewes 4 Attendance; 602 MOM; Ryan Lockett (Lewes) <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | C | Weymouth | | 40 | 32 | 6 | 2 | 104 | 29 | +75 | 102 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Bishop's Stortford | | 40 | 19 | 9 | 12 | 44 | 37 | +7 | 66 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | LEWES | | 40 | 18 | 10 | 12 | 70 | 49 | +21 | 64 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Eastbourne Boro | | 40 | 19 | 6 | 15 | 62 | 52 | +10 | 63 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Cambridge City | | 40 | 17 | 12 | 11 | 49 | 39 | +10 | 63 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Histon | | 40 | 16 | 15 | 9 | 45 | 35 | +10 | 63 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Carshalton | | 40 | 15 | 16 | 9 | 41 | 35 | +6 | 61 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Dorchester | | 40 | 14 | 16 | 10 | 59 | 55 | +4 | 58 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Newport Co | | 40 | 12 | 19 | 9 | 47 | 42 | +5 | 55 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Bognor Regis | | 40 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 52 | 48 | +4 | 54 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | St. Albans | | 40 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 43 | 44 | -1 | 53 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Eastleigh | | 40 | 12 | 16 | 12 | 34 | 34 | 0 | 52 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Basingstoke | | 40 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 55 | 57 | -2 | 52 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Weston-super-Mare | | 40 | 13 | 11 | 16 | 45 | 53 | -8 | 50 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Maidenhead | | 40 | 13 | 11 | 16 | 51 | 61 | -10 | 50 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Thurrock | | 40 | 12 | 12 | 16 | 41 | 50 | -9 | 48 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Havant & W | | 40 | 9 | 15 | 16 | 46 | 58 | -12 | 42 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Sutton Utd | | 40 | 11 | 6 | 23 | 57 | 72 | -15 | 39 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Welling | | 40 | 10 | 9 | 21 | 49 | 73 | -24 | 39 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Hayes | | 40 | 8 | 14 | 18 | 34 | 54 | -20 | 38 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Yeading | | 40 | 11 | 5 | 24 | 48 | 75 | -27 | 38 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Farnborough | | 40 | 6 | 19 | 15 | 30 | 54 | -24 | 37 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 17, 2005 Author Share Posted November 17, 2005 Disaster for Paul Wilkerson - he's broken his arm, and will be out for up to a month - effectivley ending his season. It's not good news for us either, as we are currently without a third-choice 'keeper - but time effectivley prevents us from bringing one in, so it'll be a bench role for one of the talented youth teamers, Dean Leach . Saturday's results also brought the Championship title for Crystal Palace , who will go up along with Coventry - while Ipswich and Leeds are assured of Playoff spots. In the FA Cup , Northampton's fairytale run came to an end at the Semi Final stage - the Cobblers going down 2-1 to Everton , who, it emerges on Sunday, will face West Bromwich Albion in the Final. Everton last appeared at Wembley in 1995, when they famously beat Manchester United , whilst WBA haven't reached the showpiece occasion since they last won the Cup, in 1968 - ironically enough against Everton. Eastbourne Borough v Lewes - Conference South Game 41 (25/04/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Tanner, Hustwick, Hooper, Harkin, Legge, Mackay, Kennett*, Johanssen, Zadkovich, Sigire, Lockett Subs; Hinshelwood, Leach (GK), Okuonghae, Harkin, Barker The short trip to Langney, and the Priory Lane home of Eastbourne Borough, is a very important one. A victory tonight would give us a certain playoff spot, whilst anything else means that we would go into the final Saturday of the season not knowing if we will have the chance to compete for promotion to the Conference National. On the team front, Tanner, Hooper and Mackay are all included in the starting lineup - hopefully the return of Mackay in particular will inspire the victory we crave. An electric atmosphere is already in force at kickoff - and unfortunatley for us, that was improved after just two minutes when 'Boro's Yemi Odubade picked up on scraps in the penalty area to put Sports ahead. On 15 though we picked up a huge boost - Legge's monster clearance falling for Sigire, who's goalbound sprint was halted by a crude Kevin Hemsley challenge. The big defender knew the punishment - dismissal for a professional foul, as the last man. Justice was swift and deadly - Steve Mackay planting a free kick in the bottom corner, much to the delight of the Lewes support. After a pulsating opening, play began to drop off - but on a rare foray forward, Dean Hooper saw his effort curl well wide. With Zadkovich revelling in space, and going through his full repartoie of tricks, we won a corner on 45, which the Aussie took himself. Sean Hankin met it with a thumping header, and after starting badly, we would go in ahead at the break. There were inevitably no changes at the break for a Lewes side playing with real verve and panaché - and one who could have scored on 57, again through Mackay. Boro' seemed to be struggling, despite changes, and were often forced to defend deep. On 88 though that line was breached - Max Hustwick's floating ball from the half way line picking out Steve Mackay , who drilled the ball beyond Lee Worgan from just outside the area. When referee Buller blew the final whistle, the noise from the away contingent probably could have been heard back at The Dripping Pan. The supporters instantly knew what this meant! Eastbourne Boro 1 - Lewes 3 Attendance; 938 MOM; Steve Mackay (LeweS) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 17, 2005 Author Share Posted November 17, 2005 With our final League game of the season on Saturday now effectivley a 'dead rubber', the players and staff of Lewes FC were going to hit the town on Wednesday night. As it turned out, we would be back in Eastbourne, for a boozy night of fun and frolics at Atantis that saw some very dodgy dancing - no names, in the interests of team spirit! We also welcomed Steve Robinson back on Thursday - again though, he will probably need a while to recuperate fully, and is definatley unlikely for Saturday. On the subject of Saturday, talks with Stuart Cash have revealed that we have the same ideas - Saturday's side will probably not be our strongest side. Thursday, meanwhile, also saw Middlesbrough beat Chelsea to reach the UEFA Cup Final - they'll face VFB Stuttgart in Rotterdam. Lewes v Bognor Regis - Conference South Game 42 (29/04/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Tanner, Robinson, Hooper, Harkin*, Legge, Taylor, Harkin, Okuonghae, Barker, Sigire, Lockett Subs; Hinshelwood, Leach (GK), Kennett, Johanssen, Zadkovich Contrary to previous thoughts, Robinson does return - with Taylor, Harkin, Okuonghae and Barker also brought into the starting lineup. It was, however, a disasterous start. A red card and a goal down from a penalty inside the opening two minutes. Amazingly, Dean Hooper again saw red - this time for a professional foul on Nightingale. Craig Campbell scored the penalty, and it was downhill from there. Luke Nightingale knocked home the second on 39 - after McGlinchey, who lit up the opposite fixture, saw his shot hit Hankin. Ryan Lockett pulled one back on 40, but it was then damage limitation time - and we failed on that front. Luke Nightingale (42 and 46) scored either side of half time, whilst Joe Fox steered home a fifth on 65 - after Sean Hankin had become our second dismissal, again for a professional foul, on the hour. Dismal - and we can only hope the playoffs bring a return to the form we know we are capable of. Lewes 1 - Bognor 5 Attendance; 947 MOM; Luke Nightingale (Bognor) Final Nationwide Conference South League Table - Season 2005/06 <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | C | Weymouth | | 42 | 33 | 7 | 2 | 109 | 32 | +77 | 106 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | Pl | Histon | | 42 | 18 | 15 | 9 | 50 | 38 | +12 | 69 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | Pl | Bishop's Stortford | | 42 | 19 | 11 | 12 | 46 | 39 | +7 | 68 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | Pl | LEWES | | 42 | 19 | 10 | 13 | 74 | 55 | +19 | 67 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | Pl | Cambridge City | | 42 | 18 | 13 | 11 | 51 | 39 | +12 | 67 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Eastbourne Boro | | 42 | 19 | 6 | 17 | 63 | 56 | +7 | 63 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Carshalton | | 42 | 15 | 17 | 10 | 41 | 36 | +5 | 62 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Dorchester | | 42 | 15 | 16 | 11 | 63 | 59 | +4 | 61 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Bognor Regis | | 42 | 16 | 12 | 14 | 58 | 49 | +9 | 60 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | St. Albans | | 42 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 46 | 45 | +1 | 59 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Newport Co | | 42 | 12 | 21 | 9 | 49 | 44 | +5 | 57 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Basingstoke | | 42 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 57 | 59 | -2 | 55 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Eastleigh | | 42 | 12 | 17 | 13 | 34 | 35 | -1 | 53 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Weston-super-Mare | | 42 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 48 | 55 | -7 | 53 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Maidenhead | | 42 | 13 | 12 | 17 | 51 | 63 | -12 | 51 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Thurrock | | 42 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 42 | 51 | -9 | 50 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Havant & W | | 42 | 10 | 15 | 17 | 50 | 62 | -12 | 45 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Welling | | 42 | 11 | 10 | 21 | 50 | 73 | -23 | 43 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Yeading | | 42 | 12 | 5 | 25 | 53 | 79 | -26 | 41 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Sutton Utd | | 42 | 11 | 7 | 24 | 59 | 75 | -16 | 40 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | R | Hayes | | 42 | 8 | 14 | 20 | 37 | 61 | -24 | 38 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | R | Farnborough | | 42 | 6 | 20 | 16 | 30 | 56 | -26 | 38 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 20, 2005 Author Share Posted November 20, 2005 We finish Fourth then, and the less said about the Bognor game, the better. Hayes and Farnborough have been relegated, both down on the final day after Farnborough drew with Thurrock and Hayes went down to Yeading. Sutton United , the only other side with fears of relegation on the final day, went down 2-1 to Dorchester in a game which ultimatley, didn't matter. While Arsenal have won the Premiership, my beloved Brighton & Hove Albion suffered a final day defeat to Hull that will condemn them to relegation. Perhaps more importantly though we've found out our opponents in the Playoff Semi Final - it's a two-legged affair against Bishop's Stortford , with the first game on Thursday at The Dripping Pan. We'll have to do without both Dean Hooper and Sean Hankin - both are banned for one match - although they'll be back for the second leg, we're going to have to make the most of our home advantage. Lewes v Bishop's Stortford - Conference South Playoff Semi-Final First Leg (04/05/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Tanner, Hustwick, Taylor, Hinshelwood, Legge, Mackay, Zadkovich, Kennett*, Johanssen, Sigire, Lockett Subs; Robinson, Leach (GK), Okuonghae, Barker, Harkin Chris Taylor is in at left back - the midfielder signed from Swindon certainly not a natural in defence, but he does possess a useful left peg, and should hopefully slot in well. Mackay, Zadkovich, Kennett and Johanssen also return after that appauling performance last time out here against Bognor. We certainly began well - and after just 36 seconds, took a dream lead. Kennett robbed Rainford straight from the kickoff, and he played the ball forward for Jean-Michel Sigire . 'Ziggy' did well to hold off his marker, and kept his cool to slot into the corner and put us ahead. We were definatley having the better of the match - Lockett and Zadkovich both close. Bishop's though looked dangerous when they did break, and after earning a corner, levelled on 35 - the ball never really cleared, and after a Thanda throw, Fennemore crossed for Alex Martin to head the ball past Tanner. At half time I told the boys to merely concentrate and that we could still win the match - we had, after all, began very brightly. Unfortunatley, the visitors had other ideas - Duane Jackman cracked home from close range on 58. We threw men forward, with Lewis in particular a constant thorn in our side at the back - Sigire getting frustrated in particular in the air. With Mackay moving to a forward role towards the end, the winger broke forward to meet a Harkin ball, but found the ball falling to him on his weaker right peg - and it flew well wide. Sigire too had a couple of late chances - but we'll go into the second leg needing an away victory. Don't let me down now, boys... Lewes 1 - Bishop's Stortford 2 Attendance; 1325 MOM; Ben Lewis (Bishop's Stortford) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 20, 2005 Author Share Posted November 20, 2005 We'll at least be able to have another go at Bishop's Stortford on Sunday - and we'll do it with Dean Hooper and Sean Hankin back after suspension. Inevitably, it's a quiet few days - although I've not allowed the mood in the camp to get too downbeat. The other playoff, incidentally, is at a similar score - in a Cambridge derby, Cambridge City host Histon with a 2-1 advantage. Bishop's Stortford v Lewes - Conference South Playoff Semi-Final Second Leg (07/05/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Tanner, Hustwick, Hooper, Harkin, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Kennett*, Zadkovich, Sigire, Lockett Subs; Hinshelwood, Leach (GK), Okuonghae, Johanssen, Barker We simply have to win this game, so there are players involved who, while not 100% fit, will certainly give it their all. Hankin and Hooper return after suspension to boot, and the players and supporters who travelled to Bishop's Stortford did so in good voice. As we sat, pre-game, in the changing rooms, we could hear those visiting supporters singing - an inspirational event. The home side started the brighter, with Essandoh close with a header on 3, before Danny Gay saved brillianly from Harkin on 18. Four minutes later, our persistance paid off - Mackay tripped by Manning, allowing Zadkovich to swing in a free kick from the right. As the Aussie delivered the ball from wide, Sean Hankin rose to head past 'keeper Gay. After going behind, Bishop's Stortford attacked with force - Essandoh having an effort parried by Tanner before Edwards fired over the bar. Immediatley after the interval, we added another - Mackay's cross from Hooper's throw nodded in at the near post by Ruben Zadkovich , who had timed his run, ghosting behind the defender, to perfection - meeting Mackay's cross with a powerful header. Five minutes later though the home side managed what I had been dreading - pulling a goal back. Roy Essandoh was again the dangerman - heading home from a Bob Thanda centre - and we went into a situation which would see extra time. On 62 I decided on a gamble - throwing on Johanssen for goalscorer Zadkovich - and 8 minutes later, it worked. Johanssen's ball to Sigire took a kind deflection off Lewis, and when the Frenchman played Ryan Lockett through, the young striker made no mistake. There was no stopping us now - although Bishop's threw men forwards towards the end, some inspiriational play from Paul Kennett in particular, allowed us to seal the victory. Here we go! Bishop's Stortford 1 - Lewes 3 Lewes win 4-3 on Aggregate Attendance; 1781 MOM; Steve Mackay (Lewes) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 20, 2005 Author Share Posted November 20, 2005 We had specially chartered a coach to take the players back south - but after the victory, we decided to pull into a pub as soon as we were outside Bishop's Stortford and away from any gutted home supporters. It was there that we heard our opponents for next Saturday's final at Stamford Bridge - Cambridge City . It's not all good news though - Paul Kennett ,warhorse and captain fantastic, may well miss the biggest game in Rooks history - he picked up a facial injury against Bishop's, and may be out for up to two weeks. Wednesday night - as well as the fantastic news that Gavin Holligan is fit to resume training after his arm injury - brought disapointment in Europe for Middlesbrough , who lost the UEFA Cup Final 1-0 to VFB Stuttgart . Let's hope it's the only time that a German side beat an English one this summer, especially with Sven's men due to face the Hosts in the Group stages of the World Cup - along with Camerroon and South Korea. Friday - and while the local media previewed the game, it was time for a chat with Paul Kennett . Should we win, and go up, he'll collect the trophy - but he'll do it in a suit - unfortunatley for him, and for us, there is no way he'll be fit in time. It's a real shame, but Paul is a trooper, and has taken it fairly well. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Sussex Express - Football - 12th May 2006 'Lewes Go For Glory' By Derrick Shaw, Chief Sports Reporter Stuart Fairway's Lewes go for glory tomorrow afternoon in the Conference South Playoff final. Fairway's men face Cambridge City , who finished in 5th place in the League and edged out Histon over two legs. It has been a remarkable tale for the Rooks this season - when Fairway took over, he inherited a side full of promise - but despite some additions which seemed like good moves, saw his side slip to 21st in the League at one point before finally his men gelled as a unit. Speaking to the Express, Fairway said; "We took our time, but now we are playing well and we thoroughly deserve to be involved in the playoffs. Should we go up, I feel we'll be able to hold our own in the Conference National next season, although it will be hard work". Fairway himself is in his first managerial role - the former Hailsham Town striker recently handed a new 3-Year contract as Lewes manager after turning down the Darlington post. Rooks Chairman Terry Parris said; "After seeing him turn down a big job such as the post at Darlington to stay at Lewes, we knew that we had to offer Stuart a longer deal. He's been such a success since his arrival here, and we want it to continue that way. To even be in with a shout at promotion is more than we expected really, and we're looking forward to Saturday's game" Team News Lewes - Paul Wilkerson and Paul Kennett are definatley out, whilst Gavin Holligan could well return after a month out with a broken arm. Paul Hinshelwood is set to leave Lewes on Sunday at the end of his loan deal from Brighton & Hove Albion , so will be involved. Cambridge City - Will be without young defender Brady Stone and, crucially, 29-goal striker Paul Booth , both of whom are injured. Ex-Rook Craig Dobson is expected to start. Head To Head Of the two matches played this season, Lewes and Cambridge City have both been evenly matched - Gavin Holligan scoring in a 1-1 draw at the City Ground whilst Ryan Lockett got a brace for the Rooks in the return fixture, which finished 2-2, at the Dripping Pan. Lee Chaffey, Ben Saunders and David Sadler scored the goals across the two matches for City. Referee Tomorrow's referee is 31-year old Richard Marshall from Sunderland . He is known as a card-happy official - in 23 games this season he has flashed 56 Yellow and 7 Red cards, at an average of over 4 bookings a game. Good Luck Lewes! </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Lewes v Cambridge City - Conference South Playoff Final (13/05/06) Stamford Bridge, London Lewes; 4-4-2; Tanner, Hustwick, Hooper, Harkin*, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Okuonghae, Zadkovich, Sigire, Lockett Subs; Hinshelwood, Leach (GK), Johanssen, Barker, Holligan With the FA Cup Final kicking off across London at the same time, attendance was perhaps a little down on what it could have been - but both sets of supporters made plenty of noise in any case, and the atmosphere hit fever pitch as the two sets of gladiators marched onto the field. Cambridge settled the quicker, and when ex-Rook Craig Dobson got away on the right, his ball to Molesley was quickly slipped through to Micheal Gash - and within 4 minutes, we were a goal behind. It was a devastating, crushing blow - and when Tanner held onto a Scott free kick, we still looked lost on the Stamford Bridge pitch. On 10 though Zadkovich siezed control on the right, and hit a big, switching pass to the opposite flank. Hooper fed Mackay, and the winger crossed - Ryan Lockett firing home on the half volley to level the scores. We then seemed to gain control of the game - Milliard saved well from Lockett's 23rd minute header, before disaster struck on 35. A foul by Molesley on Ruben Zadkovich saw the Australian midfield maestro withdrawn in some pain - Johanssen replacing a player who was one of the catalysts for our autumnal 'rebirth'. We could have led into the break - Lockett smashed an effort from Sigire's pull back against the crossbar - but instead went in level at the break. There would be no changes - and we attacked from the off in the second period. Cambridge looked to be fading rapidly, but with Sigire seeing a piledriver brilliantly tipped over by Milliard, there would be no early goal. There certainly should have been one, however, on 52 - Scott fouling Sigire inside the box. As the referee showed Scott a yellow card, Mo Harkin - having missed his last two penalties - tried to compose himself. He ran up to face Milliard in the end populated by the City supporters, and perhaps it put him off - an awful penalty, given the circumstances, was cracked wide. After what was a big disapointment, Johanssen fed Lockett on 61, but the striker was denied by the excellent Ricky Milliard. At the other end, Russ Tanner - who has gone from the Sussex County League to playing at Stamford Bridge in less than 12 months - was not to be outdone, saving from Chaffey on 63. We became increasingly desperate - Sigire saw a diving header saved, before Mo Harkin made way for Gavin Holligan on 77. There would be no late goal - and extra time loomed. We started the overtime period with intent, and with the Stamford Bridge clock showing 95, Leon Legge's hopeful ball forward caught Cambridge cold - Holligan provided the assist, and Steve Mackay notched up his 10th of the season with a powerful, but placed, volley into the corner. We were in dreamland - but perhaps, allowed ourselves to drift off too quickly. Within two minutes, City levelled - Tanner doing well to parry from Saunders, but Carl Williams made no mistake, rifling home his first goal in a Cambridge shirt at exactly the right - or wrong, depending on your choice of team - time. At half time in Extra Time I made another - a final - substitution. Enter Steve Barker, replacing a tiring Okuonghae. Unfortunatley, he had little time to impress - there was just a chance apiece in the final spell, with Scott firing over for the East Anglian side whilst Sigire saw Ricky Milliard again brilliantly deny him with a one-handed tip over from a volley. Only one conclusion - penalties. Myself and my opposite number, Gary Roberts, both came onto the pitch to talk to our players. I let the players choose who would take the kicks - and it would be in their hands now. Penalty shootout; Jean-Michel Sigire (Lewes)..... Miss Steve Parmenter (Cambridge C)...... Miss Steve Mackay (Lewes).... Scores! Matt Langston (Cambridge C)..... Scores! Sean Hankin (Lewes).... Scores! Richard Scott (Cambridge C)..... Miss Martin Johanssen (Lewes).... Miss Adam Smith (Cambridge C).... Scores! Gavin Holligan (Lewes)..... Miss Jamie Southon (Cambridge C)..... Miss Steve Barker (Lewes).... Miss Ben Saunders (Cambridge C)..... Scores! Lewes 2 - Cambridge City 2 Cambridge City win 3-2 on Penalty Kicks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 20, 2005 Author Share Posted November 20, 2005 The boys were flat after the game - especially those who had missed in the shootout, and in particular Mo Harkin, who missed from the spot in the game - had he scored, we may well have not needed Extra Time, let alone the lottery of kicking from 12 yards to decide the match. It'll be a similar feeling for the players of Everton - who lost the FA Cup 2-1 to WBA , a side who only just stayed in the Premiership this season. So now what? - Well, one thing is certain - Paul Hinshelwood is returning to Brighton & Hove Albion , whilst Ruben Zadkovich will be out for a month after breaking his arm in that challenge with Molesley on Saturday. Ruben, and the rest of the squad, now have just over a month off - they will return for Preseason Training on the 26th of June. On Sunday, Exeter went up to Wembley - and captain Glenn Cronin followed in the footsteps of WBA's Paul Robinson - climbing the famous 39 steps to pick up a Cup that was won in a hard-fought game. Braintree provided the opposition in the FA Trophy final, and the Grecians edged out the Essex outfit by the fateful score of 3-2 on penalty kicks. Wednesday's European Cup Final was an all-Italian affair - Juventus beating Inter Milan 1-0 thanks to a goal from Allesandro Del Piero in Lisbon. While the contracted players are enjoying their summer break, the Coaching and Medical staff - as well as myself - will still be in. We will have some company, as we plan to invite several trialists, all of whom have been let go by League clubs, down to the Dripping Pan to assess them, and hopefully unearth some talent - as well as helping them find another club. We are by no means certain to sign any of them, let alone all, but by getting in early we should at least have the pick of the bunch. All those selected for trials have been offered two weeks at the club, so it'll be a while before we know who - if any - will get the chance to start to rebuild their careers in a Lewes shirt. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 20, 2005 Author Share Posted November 20, 2005 http://www.lewesfc.com - News - Saturday 3rd June 2006 'Four Sign as Trialists become Permanent' 'Four young players have signed permanent deals at Lewes after impressing manager Stuart Fairway during trial spells at the club. Of the four, three were previously on the books of Premiership sides, with the other player on the books of a Championship club. Brief profiles are below; Joe Martin Joe is a left-sided midfield player, formerly with Tottenham Hotspur , who was released at the end of last season. Although he is currently a little lightweight, Joe impressed Stuart with his technical ability, and is a quick, tricky wideman. Liam Bridcutt Young Liam joins Lewes from Chelsea , and is a defensive midfielder. He is very highly rated, and the Rooks have done well to secure his signature ahead of other clubs. Strong in the challenge, Liam is also very brave and, crucially, has plenty of positional awareness. Antonio Bryan Right winger Antonio has an Italian-sounding moniker - but was actually born in Didsbury. He joins Lewes from Manchester United , where he was noted for his positive, never-say-die attitude, and, crucially for our level, his high workrate. Bally Smart The final member of the quartet is a striker - 17-year old Bally is a quick South African-born striker. The ex Norwich City frontman is quick, and has a good first touch. He is yet to make a senior start in English football, but was a prolific scorer at Youth level in his native country, and qualifies for an English passport through his mother. Sunday 11th of June - and a day which I have long feared. Oldham Athletic have met Ruben Zadkovich's £100,000 Minimum Fee Release clause - the Australian midfielder accepted soon after, and will join Oldham when the transfer window reopens on July 1st. Unfortunatley, we'll have to give Notts County 25% of the fee - but it will be a good opportunity for Ruben, and he'll leave with our best wishes. 9 Days later, with the World Cup very much in progress, and the players due back on the 26th, I was called to a board meeting. The board informed me - as I had suspected - that they were very pleased with me, and would be again hoping for a respectable position in the League this coming season. What I didn't expect was a brilliant boost with regards to Transfer funds. Without taking into account the money for Ruben Zadkovich, I'll have £28,000 to spend. At the heart of this is the extended sponsorship deal with Pinkie Jones , a jewellery company who have sponsorted the club for three years now - this deal will take them up to the summer of 2010. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 20, 2005 Author Share Posted November 20, 2005 Tuesday morning also saw the announcement of the Fixture list - the day after the traditional End of Season Party and awards ceremony. We'll begin with a trip to Conference South newcomers Billericay , before welcoming another new team - Braintree to the Dripping Pan, and then a trip to Basingstoke . Three 'B' teams in the opening three matches is a freak coincidence really, but the chance to play two new teams in the opening two games is certainly a boost - hopefully we'll be able to start the season well against sides still adjusting to the higher level of football. Something that is also a bonus is our Boxing Day and New Year's Day fixtures - both of them, against Dorchester and Bishop's Stortford respectivley, are at home. That awards ceremony - as usual - was a fun - and booze - packed event. With local brewery Harveys providing the good stuff, Steve Mackay walked off with the main award of the evening - presented by Supporters Club Chairman Cliff Hart with the 'Supporters Player of the Year' gong. Manager's Player of the Year, presented by myself, went to Sean Hankin , while there was only really one contender - especially in light of recent events - for the Young Player of the Year award - Ruben Zadkovich , who'll leave the club before the season kicks off. The final award, the Sussex Express Newcomer of the Year trophy went to a player who had a huge impact in his 21 Lewes appearances towards the end of the campaign - Ryan Lockett . <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Sussex Express - Football - Friday 23rd June 2006 Rooks announce packed preseason plans Report by Derrick Shaw, Chief Sports Reporter Lewes manager Stuart Fairway has announced a comprehensive preseason friendly programme. Lewes will travel to Hailsham Town on Saturday 15th July, before going to Ringmer (Wednesday 19th). From then on its big matches - nearly - all the way. Brighton & Hove Albion come to the Dripping Pan on Saturday 22nd, while the visit of Gillingham on Wednedsday 26th will bring back memories of last season's FA Cup First Round tie. Fairway's men then welcome Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday 29th July, before a Southampton XI visit on August 1st, a Tuesday evening game. Finally, the Rooks go to Littlehampton Town on Saturday 5th August, a week before the big kickoff away at Bilericay . The Sheffield Wednesday game is expected to be made all-ticket in the next few days, after consultation with Sussex Police. Please contact the club for updates, or check the website. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> As expected, Ruben Zadkovich completed his transfer to Oldham on July 1st - with Notts County getting £26,000 richer - and me left facing a slight backlash from supporters, who, understandably, have critisiced our decision to put the lad on a contract with such a low release clause. Still - they'll soon have a new hero, no doubt. The same day also sees Mike Williams arrive at the club - the Welsh fullback, who can also play on the left of midfield, signs on a pre-arranged Bosman deal from Wrexham , where he spent 3 years after coming out of the Dragons' Academy at 16, without making a senior appearance. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> http://www.bbc.co.uk/football - Monday 10th July 2006 World Cup Roundup Just in case you were asleep all summer, here's our handy guide a pulsating World Cup Finals in Germany. England topped Group A, edging the hosts into Second place - including a memorable victory over Germany in Monchengladbach in which Micheal Owen hit a hatrick. On the whole, however, there were no real suprises in the Groups - and little Togo's first World Cup was a disapointment - the West Africans failed to score a goal or win a point, although Argentina required goal difference to scrape through to the Second Phase after a spirited showing by another African nation who have long been tipped to do well, Ghana . In the Second Phase we waved goodbye to Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, Argentina, Nigeria, Portugal and the Czech Republic - Brazil bowing out to the Hosts whilst England disposed of Russia. France needed extra time to beat Nigeria while the Dutch sent Czech Republic back over the border on penalty kicks. Onto the Quarter Finals - with England finally overcoming their demons and despatching Sweden 2-0, with a very impressive performance capped by goals from Owen and Andy Johnson . The hosts also crashed at this stage, going down 2-1 to Italy . Whilst France beat Croatia 3-2, the shock result of the tournement came with Norway beating the fancied Holland 2-1 to reach the last four. With England facing France in the Semi Finals, the Engish media became particularly - and predictably - patriotic - and nationalistic - with all the old stereotypes emerging - stories of Waterloo, Agincourt and the like filling the press in the buildup to the game. After plenty of talk and expectation, the game suprisingly lived up to its billing - Jermaine Defoe heading the only goal of the game on 57. Inevitably though there would have to be a villian - and this time, that role fell to one of the World's greatest players. Zinedine Zidane collided with Micheal Owen - causing the Newcastle striker and England hero to break a rib, ruling him out for a month - and out of the World Cup Final. In the other Semi Final, Italy ended Norway's run in comprehensive fashion, with a 3-0 victory. While Norway became the darlings of the media with a penalty victory over the French in the Third/Fourth Place Playoff, Italy became the enemy in the run up to Sunday's World Cup Final . And then? - well, penalty kicks were used to decide the game. For once England came out on top, captain John Terry blasting home the deciding kick to destroy the ghosts of Pearce, Waddle, Southgate and their ilk, before raising the trophy like the late, great Bobby Moore had done 40 years earlier - England are, once again, World Champions - and will go to South Africa in 2010 hoping to defend their trophy, the one thing the famous Class of '66 couldn't manage. World Cup - The Players Again for the benefit of those who missed the finals - and how, in today's media age, we wonder, did they do so? - but here's our quick guide to the Players of the Tournement - as rated by FIFA in their World Cup Dream Team . Goalkeeper; Gianlugi Buffon (Italy) Right Back; Chidi Odiah (Nigeria) Left Back; Youseff El Akchaoui (Morocco) Centre Back; Karl Svensson (Sweden) Centre Back; Allesandro Nesta (Italy) Right Midfield; Shaun Wright-Phillips (England) Left Midfield; Stephen Warnock (England) Central Midfield; Anatoily Tymoschuk (Ukraine) Central Midfield; Alexander Faurnead (Sweden) Striker; Ruud van Nistelrooy (Holland) Striker; Obafemi Martins (Nigeria) </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted November 20, 2005 Share Posted November 20, 2005 Bad luck in the playoff final D_S but we'll be looking for automatic promotion this season Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 21, 2005 Author Share Posted November 21, 2005 Cheers Bob - It was disapointing, but as you say, I'm hopeful of better things this year Wednesday, and the injuries have started already - Leon Legge has picked up a calf strain in training, and will miss Saturday's preseason opener against his former club. Hailsham Town v Lewes - Preseason Friendly (15/7/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Robinson, Williams, Harkin, Hustwick, Mackay, Harkin, Kennett, Johanssen, Sigire, Holligan Subs; Okuonghae, Tanner (GK), Bridcutt, Barker, Lockett, Hooper, Martin, Taylor, Bryan, Smart All the new signings involved - Williams starting, with the four youngsters on the bench. Leon Legge misses out through injury against his old side, but ex-Stringer Russ Tanner is amongst the substitutes. Hailsham did well from the off - pressure quickly piled upon Wilkerson's goal - and we were somewhat fortunate to go in level. Changes galore were made at the interval, with the new signings all getting the chance to strut their stuff. On 58 though Martin was outmuscled, and Gibbons slotted the ball through to Mark French, who went on to beat Wilkerson from the edge of the box. Sub Bally Smart looked busy, and tested Byford after a flick from Lockett from the edge of the box. With a minute remaining, however, we did save the draw - Ryan Lockett heading home Robinson's inswinging cross. The result is a fair one - and at this stage of preseason, it's all about fitness. Of the new signings, Smart and Bridcutt looked useful, while Antonio Bryan also looked sharp but, like Martin, faded towards the end. Not bad. Hailsham 1 - Lewes 1 Attendance; 97 MOM; John Irving (Hailsham) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 21, 2005 Author Share Posted November 21, 2005 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> The Sun - Football - Monday 17th July 2006 Sheri returns to Forest Brian Clough may now be managing 'Gods Football Team' - but the wily old fox will have been smiling down on his former club, Nottingham Forest yesterday - as they completed the signing of former legend Teddy Sheringham . Sheringham, 40, rejoins Forest after leaving West Ham - and the player who Clough always referred to as 'Edward' - "It's on his birth certificate" - has signed on for a year to play for Gary Megson's side. In other contract news, Owen Hargreaves , a member of Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup winning squad, has quashed speculation of a move back to England by signing a 3-Year deal at Bayern Munich . </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Training ahead of Wednesday's trip down the road to Ringmer was competitive - we're likely to make a couple of changes from the side who started at Hailsham, and everyone - bar the injured Leon Legge - is in contention for a first eleven role at The Caburn. Ringmer v Lewes - Preseason Friendly (19/7/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Robinson, Williams, Harkin*, Hustwick, Martin, Bryan, Bridcutt, Taylor, Sigire, Holligan Subs; Okuonghae, Tanner (GK), Kennett, Barker, Lockett, Hooper, Mackay, Johanssen, Harkin, Smart With Sean Hankin as skipper, and Martin, Bryan and Bridcutt all drafted in for their first start - as well as Chris Taylor, who missed out on the Hailsham game, hopes were high ahead of kickoff for our game against local County League side Ringmer. It was the home side though who raced into an early lead through Matthews - and goals from Phil Black, who netted twice, gave the Blues a 3-goal advantage before the break. We were shambolic - our first chance fired wide by Bryan, whilst the home side defended stoutly. Kenno took the captain's armband after the break, as we made 8 changes - just Wilkerson, Robinson and Hankin surviving the mass switch. We rallied slightly after the break, but when Robinson limped off and was replaced by Barker, we seemed to raise our game - and Steve Barker did his best to rally the troops, the 17-year old firing into the bottom left hand corner from some 25 yards out. Aside from his moment of class, and some willing runs by Smart and Kennett, we were dismal - and improvements are needed. Ringmer 3 - Lewes 1 Attendance; 67 MOM; Mark Matthews (Ringmer) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 22, 2005 Author Share Posted November 22, 2005 We'll also be missing Steve Robinson for our first home preseason friendly, against Brighton on Saturday - the right back out with a bruised head and concussion that could take up to a fortnight for him to be fully fit for action. On Friday morning however I had transfers in mind - Steve Mackay the subject of an enquiry from Colchester United - the left winger has been a real hit since his arrival, and was player of the season last year, so we've slapped a £120,000 pricetag on him. I, personally, feel that Colchester will baulk at the pirce, but if they did match that valuation we would have to consider an offer. Lewes v Brighton & Hove Albion - Preseason Friendly (22/7/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin, Okuonghae, Bryan, Mackay, Kennett*, Johanssen, Sigire, Holligan Subs; Williams, Tanner (GK), Bridcutt, Barker, Lockett With Preseason stepping up a gear, we'll now be limiting ourselves to five subs - it's now all about finding the right mix. After all of 18 seconds, we fell behind - and from my point of view, it was a conflict of emotions. Obviously it was awful to see us fall behind, but as a Brighton fan, watching the passing move which led to Leon Knight's opener was encouraging. We rallied though - Mackay's cross punched away by Martin with Hustwick lurking - but on 28, the Albion scored again, Federico Turienzo ramming home from close range. On 28 however we did grab one back - Martin Johanssen rifling home after Sigire's energy had caused problems for Albion youngster Breach. The Albion dangerman was clearly England Under 19 international - and 'Cola Cola Kid' - Colin Kazim-Richards. He was particularly inspirational after the interval, and I was glad of the opportunity to bring Williams on for Hooper's tiring legs. Knight too was busy - Wilkerson's terrific stop to parry his effort over on 53 earning applause from all sides of the ground. Albion featured ex-Lewes loanee Paul Hinshelwood, and he was a particular thorn in our side - twice denying the pacey Lockett from running at goal. As the game continued, we grew in confidence - Sigire not far away, with Albion sub 'keeper John Sullivan tested twice in the dying moments. A defeat, but much better performance-wise. Lewes 1 - Brighton 2 Attendance; 97 MOM; Leon Knight (Brighton) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted November 22, 2005 Author Share Posted November 22, 2005 On Monday we tied up contract talks with four players - Leon Legge, Paul Wilkerson, Gavin Holligan and Paul Kennett all accepting extensions. However, the reply from Colchester regarding Steve Mackay gave us real food for thought - the Scottish winger's valuation matched by Phil Parkinson, with a £120,000 offer landing on my desk. With Steve out of contract at the end of the season - and Chairman Terry Parris telling me that the money will be as good as a major Cup Run for the club - we decided to accept the offer. The fans, however, will most likely not be happy - especially after voting Steve player of the season last term. Lewes v Gillingham - Preseason Friendly (26/7/06) Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin, Okuonghae, Harkin, Martin, Kennett*, Johanssen, Lockett, Holligan Subs; Williams, Tanner (GK), Bridcutt, Barker, Sigire Three changes then to the side who narrowly lost to the Albion - Harkin replacing Bryan, Martin in for an in-talks Steve Mackay, and Ryan Lockett replacing Sigire. Again it was a good effort - but ultimatley, we were beaten by the fitness of a professional side. Darren Byfield grabbed both of Gillingham's goals, in the space of two minutes - but we played some good football, and Barker hit a post after coming on as a second half substitute. Again, we've been a little unlucky - but hopefully, we'll get it together soon. Nothing is going majorly wrong, but a lot is going right - and we've been a little unlucky of late - and the fact that Gills 'keeper Bullock collected the Man of the Match award is a testament to our attacking force towards the end. Lewes 0 - Gillingham 2 Attendance; 74 MOM; Tony Bullock (Gillingham) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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