retired_brinker317

The team talk at the end was not one of critiscim - it was one of praise. The boys played superbly, especially youngster Barker, who was a real thorn in Gillingham's side after coming on. Unfortunatley, Steve Robinson picked up a knock - a gash to his head, in the match. Although he completed the game, he did so - Terry Butcher style - with a bandage surrounding his forehead. He'll now be out for up to a fortnight.

Lewes v Weymouth - Conference South Game 12 (8/11/05)

Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Lovett, Coulson, Hankin*, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Johanssen, Hooper, Sigire, Holligan

Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Beckford, Zadkovich, Barker

With a very tough game on Saturday as well as tonight, there are inevitably changes with players tiring as we enter the winter peiod of sodden - or worse, frozen - pitches. Hinshelwood, Zadkovich and Taylor are all rested, with Robinson out injured. Lovett comes in at right back, with Hankin taking back the captains armband in defence. Harkin replaces a tired Zadkovich on the right, whilst Hooper replaces the tired goal hero of Gillingham, Chris Taylor. The game started at an all-action pace, and after Sigire had seen one saved, Weymouth came to our end and planted one in the net. It wasn't quite that simple, however - Varney theatrically falling under a Hankin challenge, but getting the penalty nevertheless, which Lee Elam despatched coolly. On 14 Holligan came close for us, but on 29, Hooper showed petulance with a sly push on Hutchinson, and Andy Harris made no mistake, curling in a free kick. Johanssen came off at half time, but the team talk was more one of encouragement than anything else - Barker replacing the Swede. What we certainly didn't need was Dean Hooper's third dismissal of his Lewes career on 62 - another shove on Hutchinson which this time didn't escape the attentions of the officials. Ruben Zadkovich immediatley replaced Sigire - and then scored two minutes later, meeting the rebound after Barker's shot had come back off 'keeper Lee-Barrett. Steve Barker could have levelled on 70, bombing past Harris only to shoot over, before Lee Elam tapped home Jackson's centre on 79 to leave us in the dust again. It was then mostly going in Weymouth's favour - Wilkerson making a couple of superb stops - but after Barker again fired into the Philcox Stand, Gavin Holligan fired a shot that hit both posts on it's way in as the match went into injury time, Mackay's cracking lofted ball creating the opportunity. No comeback - but against the League Leaders, this was not a bad result. The performance, again, was - yep, that word once more - 'encouraging'.

Lewes 2 - Weymouth 3

Attendance; 341
MOM; Lee Elam (Weymouth)

retired_brinker317

Instead, my anger was reserved for Dean Hooper . Three dismissals in his short spell at Lewes to date is simply unacceptable, and Dean has been fined a week's wages. It would hardly suprise me if the discaplinary committee decided to extend his suspension either.

On a far more positive note, reports have come back on three players that we've been watching - with two permanent and one loan deal potentially on the cards. We're trying to keep everything under wraps at the moment, so no deal is likely before the weekend, but it would be excellent if we could get even one of the three - all of who currently play for Football League clubs.

Alfreton Town v Lewes - FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round (12/11/05)

Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Lovett, Hankin*, Hinshelwood, Legge, Taylor, Harkin, Johanssen, Coulson, Sigire, Holligan

Subs; Hustwick, Tanner (GK), Beckford, Zadkovich, Barker

With Hooper suspended and Mackay rested, there are two inclusions from the side who lost at home to Weymouth - Chris Taylor and Paul Hinshelwood return to the starting lineup. Alfreton, as would have been expected from a side lying top of Conference North, attacked early on - Stevenson firing an overhead kick horribly wide before Turner grazed the bar. We too had chances, but the first half, as a spectacle, was woeful. At the break I introduced Zadkovich and Barker, and told the lads that one goal would probably win it. They responded well, and when a long ball over the top found Ruben Zadkovich , the Aussie midfielder ran on to score a fine goal. Holligan took a knock soon after, and was replaced by Beckford, with Zadkovich and Harkin providing an unusual strike paring. Stevenson again let his side down as the game ticked towards a conclusion, but on 87, Ruben Zadkovich cut across the box from Beckford's through ball to net with a good strike. In injury time, Ruben Zadkovich claimed his hatrick - and weather the new signing or myself was more happy is a matter for debate. Whatever, the ex-Notts County man changed the game, and a 3-0 victory is a fantastic result. Now to turn the corner in the league!

Alfreton 0 - Lewes 3

Attendance; 183
MOM; Ruben Zadkovich (Lewes)

retired_embartl

well that's a much needed win eh? Still - nice cup run while it lasted good for the fans but still with Zadkovich in on a permanent basis should be able to get a good run going. Excellent as usual. Good luck! :thup:

retired_brinker317

Cheers Bri - I was pleased to get him. Hopefully we'll start to improve in the League now.


While the board, and myself, were delighted with the performance, there was disapointment to come in the form of a rejection from one of those transfer targets - Stockport defender Ludovic Djé saying No to a move down to Sussex. Meanwhile, Russ Tanner has also picked up a cold - we'll send him home until he's fully recovered, as the last thing we need now is a virulent illness spreading throughout the club. Transfer target three of three (No, he's not part of The Borg), Jamie Brooks - who would have come on loan from Oxford, has also said no. Dean Hooper's ban has also been extended.

On Monday, however, one of the three did agree to make the move - Rushden & Diamonds defensive midfielder Magnus Okuonghae , 19, was born in Croydon to Nigerian parents, and has said that he is 'delighted' with the opportunity. Hopefully his arrival will take some of the pressure off Paul Kennett , previously the only natural in the 'holding' midfield role. Meanwhile, in one of those strange footballing ironies, we'll play Croydon in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy - Magnus' parents will be pleased.

Wednesday evening saw a shock in the World Cup Qualifying Playoffs - Spain will not go to Germany 2006 after crashing out to Poland. Norway and Portugal complete the European Qualifyers. There's now just the playoff games between the Oceania group winners - Australia and South Americans Uraguay, and in Asia Kuwait face CONACAF side Jamacia.

Disaster strikes on Thursday morning, with a very ill-looking Jay Lovett calling into my office. He's picked up a Virus - not a mere cold like Russ Tanner . We've sent him home, with instructions not to return to training until he is feeling better - there is no way that we want that spreading around the place either. Steve Robinson , however, is fit, reducing the pressure on the right of defence slightly.

Farnborough v Lewes - Conference South Game 13 (19/11/05)

Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Coulson, Hankin*, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Okuonghae, Zadkovich, Sigire, Holligan

Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Beckford, Johanssen, Barker

With Tanner shrugging off his cold in time to travel to fellow strugglers Farnborough, and a debut for new boy Magnus Okuonhgae, there is real confidence ahead of the game. Hustwick replaces Lovett - Robinson not considered fit - while Zadkovich starts and Mackay also returns on the left wing. On a bitterly cold, wet, Surrey afternoon, the home side opened the scoring with their first chance - Micheal Rankine seeing his cross evade everyone and nestle in the bottom corner, without really knowing how he did it - not the best of starts. We recovered well though, and on 14, Sigire fed Steve Mackay for the Scottish winger to draw level with a placed effort from the edge of the area. With new signing Okuonhgae working his socks off in midfield, we began to establish a real presence in the game, and after forcing a save through Harkin on 22, took the lead 10 minutes later. It was a real howler for young Farnborough 'keeper Scriven - as he came out to intercept a pass, Gavin Holligan took the ball off his toes and slotted home from the edge of the area. We went in by far the happier at the break, and immediatley after it, came out and grabbed another - Sigire's inch-perfect pass finding Holligan, who flicked through for Ruben Zadkovich to beat Scriven with a low effort into the corner. It was now all Lewes - Sigire and Holligan both having chances. A change on 65 introduced a young man who surely has a big future, and just three minutes later, Steve Barker added to that growing reputation - finishing a Zadkovich pass from just inside the box. We reached dreamland - and could have had more. Farnborough did pull one back when Bobby Howe poked Warner's cross beyond Wilkerson three minutes later, but there would be no comeback. Worse still for Farnborough - Lewis Haldane saw red for a petulant push on Hinshelwood in injury time. A win? - Check. In the league? - Check. Happy? - Check, Check, Check!

Farnborough 2 - Lewes 4

Attendance; 685
MOM; Ruben Zadkovich

retired_sjernigan

This is exceptionally well written and very entertaining. :thup: Your story's now at the top of my "must read" list - and there aren't many on there.

retired_brinker317

Cheers priam

We remain 21st, but Paul Kennett's return from injury is another boost after a superb performance and our second win of the season - now to reward the 'Home' fans with a win back in Sussex.

With the FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round coming up on Saturday, and then a crucial game against bottom of the league Hayes in the League next Tuesday, training will be fairly intensive this week - we'll certainly have to rotate, and it may well be that the Trophy gives way to the League in terms of importance.

Monday morning, and another transfer offer - Karl Beckford this time. Notts County want the midfield man, who has fallen from favour in recent weeks - and we'll accept their excellent offer. £5000 cash, plus half of any future sell-on, as well as a Preseason Friendly match in the summer. Again, the deal wouldn't go through until New Year's Day, should Karl agree personal terms at Meadow Lane. It took until Thursday for Karl Beckford to agree a deal - returning in a very enthusiastic mood from Nottingham after his talks with manager Gudjon Poroarson , an Icelander who had a spell at Stoke not so long ago.

Croydon v Lewes - FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round (26/11/05)

Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Hustwick, Hooper, Hankin*, Legge, Taylor, Harkin, Okuonghae, Johanssen, Holligan, Barker

Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Kennett, Beckford, Sigire

Hooper, Taylor, Johanssen and Barker all start - Sigire, Coulson, Zadkovich and Mackay all rested with one eye on that crucial game on Tuesday. There should still be enough firepower to see off Ryman Leaguers Croydon, in my opinion, and it'll be another chance for new boy Okuonghae to impress, especially in his own back yard and with returning skipper Paul Kennett amongst the substitutes. The opening was scrappy, with Dean Hooper marking his return to the first team with a booking after just 12 minutes. We did seem in charge though, and on 22, things got better - Croydon's Craig Barnett sent off for a professional foul on young Barker. 8 minutes later, we took advantage of the extra space - and in some style too. Hankin, Hooper, Barker, Johanssen and Taylor were all involved - the latter pulling the ball level for Mo Harkin to drill into the corner of the net. We continued to pressurise - Taylor crossing for Harkin to head over just before the break, before Holligan and the goalscorer made way at the break for Sigire and Beckford. Leon Legge, having a blinder, made a rare error on 59 - fortunatley Walker looked the gift cross in the mouth, so to speak, and headed well wide. While chances were coming for both sides, we never really looked likely to concede, and on 88, Martin Johanssen rifled Taylor's pass in off the woodwork. We've reached the First Round proper!

Croydon 0 - Lewes 2

Attendance; 800
MOM; Leon Legge (Lewes)

retired_brinker317

£3000 and progression to the First Round proper of the Premier Non-League Cup competition is just reward for what was a slightly weakened side. We've now won three on the bounce, and I couldn't be happier with recent performances - now to gun our way back up the table to the safe, mid-table position predicted at the start of the season - or the playoff spot which I still hold out a slight hope of achieving.

Tuesday morning's draw sees us pull out a trip to Unibond First Division side Warrington Town in the First Round of the FA Trophy - it's a long trek, and as the game comes the Saturday before Christmas, I'm not expecting us to take many fans with us.

Lewes v Hayes - Conference South Game 14 (29/11/05)

Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Robinson, Coulson, Hankin, Legge, Mackay, Harkin, Kennett, Zadkovich, Holligan, Sigire

Subs; Hinshelwood, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Johanssen, Barker

No less than six changes after the FA Trophy victory - Robinson, Coulson, Mackay, Kennett, Zadkovich and Sigire all return - Hustwick, Hooper, Taylor, Okuonghae, Johanssen and young Barker all missing out, although the final three all make the bench. We started by far the brighter, and after just five minutes, won a free kick which Steve Mackay scored from 30-yards out. Our West London visitors were reduced to 10 men all of three minutes later - McKenna dismissed for continued dissent. While Paul Kennett was settling well on his return to the team, he was unfortunate to deflect Micheal Bartley's driven effort - a shot which required a good stop from Wilkerson on 15. Five minutes later, we put some more breathing space between ourselves and the opposition - Sigire tripped by Jeffrey, with Mo Harkin drilling the penalty straight down the middle and into the net. Sigire, Holligan and Mackay then had a succession of chances, with Kennett also close on the stroke of half time - and it was something of a miracle for the visitors that they had just a two-goal defecit at the interval. On 51, after no changes at half time, we did add a third - Mackay's pass finding Sigire, who crossed for Gavin Holligan to net with a firm, sidefooted effort. Zazkovich made way for Barker on 64, but on 73, we were forced into a second change - Legge helped off after a heavy challenge, with Hinshelwood coming on for the ex-Hailsham man. Hayes best chance came on 81 - Knight hitting a powerful volley which Wilkerson did well to stop. As Hankin hooked the ball away, play quickly switched from our penalty box to the Hayes 18-Yard area - and Sigire struck the side netting. A little silliness marred the end - our Sean Hankin and Hayes' Stuart Goodall dismissed after a set-to - but when Barker and Kennett combined, Gavin Holligan smashed the ball home with almost the final kick of the game to make it four. Superb!

Lewes 4 - Hayes 0

Attendance; 344
MOM; Steve Mackay (Lewes)

retired_brinker317

The physios have informed me that Leon Legge has picked up a bruised jaw that could see him out for up to a fortnight. Sean Hankin is also certainly banned for one game, and that could be extended. In any case, we'll appeal - it looked that the Hayes lad caused more trouble than anything else.

The almost inevitable reply - that the FA won't reconsider Sean's ban - came back on Thursday. It's a blow, but with the discaplinary committee meeting to discuss the case on Tuesday, it could get worse. On the whole though, it was a quiet week, and though we'll go into the game on Saturday with a patched up back line, opponents Yeading are on a run of three defeats. As we know, that's certainly a confidence sapper.

Yeading v Lewes - Conference South Game 15 (3/12/05)

Lewes; 4-4-2; Wilkerson, Robinson, Coulson, Hinshelwood, Hustwick, Mackay, Harkin, Kennett, Zadkovich, Holligan, Sigire

Subs; Hooper, Tanner (GK), Okuonghae, Johanssen, Barker

Hinshelwood and Hustwick in, the injured Legge and banned Hankin out. Otherwise we are unchanged, and started like it too - Holligan smashing over the top on 7 before Jean-Michel Sigire fired home Zadkovich's through ball to beat 'keeper Hart at the far post. It was then all Lewes - Harkin hit wide, Zadkovich headed over and then Sigire had a cross cut out by Hart. Yeading Player/Manager Johnson Hippolyte had the home sides' best chance on 16, heading across goal only for Wilkerson to cut it out. 8 minutes later, he would be beaten - by one of his own players. As a corner flashed across the goal, Paul Hinshelwood lunged, and only succeeded in hooking the ball into his own net. It wasn't what we needed, but our play inspired confidence, and on 40, Mackay bravely dived in to a challenge, knocking the ball loose to Ruben Zadkovich , who needed no invitation to put us back ahead with a piledriver from the edge of the area. Harkin made way for Johanssen at the break, and the Swede was instantly amongst the action, firing wide twice in his first five minutes on the pitch. Yeading were playing with all the confidence of a side in their situation, and it was hardly a suprise when Coulson's cross provided Gavin Holligan the opportunity to notch up his 10th goal of the season. Hooper came on for a tiring Robinson towards the end, but aside from a Leach header that was tipped over by Wilkerson, the game trickled to a conclusion with little further action.

Yeading 1 - Lewes 3

Attendance; 331
MOM; Steve Mackay (Lewes)

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Weymouth | | 14 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 40 | 12 | +28 | 33 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Bishop's Stortford | | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 12 | 7 | +5 | 28 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Eastbourne Boro | | 14 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 24 | 14 | +10 | 27 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Bognor Regis | | 15 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 18 | 12 | +6 | 26 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Histon | | 14 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 18 | 11 | +7 | 24 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Dorchester | | 15 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 21 | 17 | +4 | 22 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Weston-super-Mare | | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 17 | 14 | +3 | 22 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | St. Albans | | 15 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 17 | 15 | +2 | 22 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Cambridge City | | 14 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 12 | 0 | 22 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Newport Co | | 15 | 4 | 9 | 2 | 18 | 14 | +4 | 21 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Maidenhead | | 15 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 16 | 24 | -8 | 19 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Basingstoke | | 14 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 21 | 22 | -1 | 18 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Thurrock | | 14 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 18 | 13 | +5 | 17 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Carshalton | | 15 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 14 | 21 | -7 | 17 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | LEWES | | 15 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 22 | 21 | +1 | 16 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Havant & W | | 15 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 16 | 19 | -3 | 16 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Farnborough | | 14 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 13 | 19 | -6 | 15 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Yeading | | 15 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 14 | 22 | -8 | 15 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Sutton Utd | | 15 | 4 | 2 | 9 | 21 | 26 | -5 | 14 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Eastleigh | | 15 | 2 | 8 | 5 | 12 | 17 | -5 | 14 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Welling | | 15 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 16 | 33 | -17 | 12 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Hayes | | 15 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 9 | 24 | -15 | 9 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_brinker317

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)

retired_brinker317

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)