Men's football news
Written by: Shrey
A new chapter dawns at the Dripping Pan as Bradley Pritchard steps into the dugout for his first season in charge of the Rooks for the 2025/26 Isthmian Premier League.
And what better way to kick things off than with seven pre-season friendlies as we gear up for the campaign ahead.
Fixtures:
Saturday 12 July: Eastbourne United A)
Tuesday 15 July: Corinthian (A)
Saturday 19 July: Eastbourne Town (A)
Tuesday 22: Hollands & Blair (A)
Saturday 26: Worthing (H)
Tuesday 29: Tonbridge Angels (A)
Saturday 2 August: Gosport Borough (H)
All season ticket holders have free access to Lewes FC’s pre-season home games.
You’ll get your first chance to see the Rooks in action on Saturday 12 July, when we head down the coast to face local neighbours Eastbourne United AFC. They finished third in the Southern Combination Premier last season – not a bad early test for our new-look squad.
Next up, it’s a Tuesday night away day on 15 July to rural Kent, where we’ll take on Corinthian FC, before we head back to Eastbourne on 19 July to face Eastbourne Town, a club close to our assistant manager Ben Austin’s heart – and boots – having once donned the yellow and blue himself. They’re Isthmian South East opposition and should provide another sharp challenge.
Our fourth consecutive away game takes us to Gillingham on Tuesday 22 July, where we face Hollands & Blair FC. It’s our first meeting with the Kent-based side, who play in the Southern Counties East Premier Division – and it rounds off a scenic opening tour.
Home games at the Pan
Then, finally, it’s time to return home. The reason we have not scheduled any home games until 26 July is down to the much-needed pitch renovation works, which have got underway this week. The new grass needs time to grow and we expect a lush carpet come out first home game of pre-season.
Saturday 26 July marks our first home game under Bradley Pritchard – and what a game it is. We welcome Worthing FC to the Dripping Pan. The Rebels have been flying high in the National League South recently and have been part of some memorable Pan occasions – including that electric 2-1 encounter in 2022 in front of a sold-out crowd. We’re ready for another.
Our final away day of pre-season takes place on Tuesday 29 July, when we visit Tonbridge Angels and a familiar face – former boss Craig Nelson, now at the helm there. They’re also a National League South side, so it’ll be another proper test under the lights.
And to wrap up pre-season? We’re back at the Pan on Saturday 2 August, as we welcome Gosport Borough FC – a Hampshire-based club who competed in the Southern League Premier South last season – for one last tune-up before things get serious.
Ticket information
02 Aug – Lewes v Gosport Borough
If you’ve already grabbed your season ticket, you’re all set. Your pass is valid for all the pre-season games at the Pan.
Let the countdown begin.
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