Bromley clash will complete Lewes FC’s pre-season schedule
Lewes welcome a Bromley FC XI to The Dripping Pan this Saturday as they finalise their pre-season campaign.
Following victories over Rusthall and Hastings United and a draw with a Gillingham XI, the Rooks stepped up their preparations with tests against Dorking Wanderers and Eastbourne Town in the past week.
Last Saturday, they fell to a 2-1 defeat to National League South side Dorking, with Danny Bassett’s second-half penalty sandwiched by Josh Barrett and Todd Alcock strikes.
On Tuesday night, Billie Clark’s 11th-minute strike against a Town side with whom he spent the second half of last season settled a physical contest 1-0 in Lewes’ favour.
“It was about getting more minutes in the legs of the boys that haven't had minutes prior, so we left a few out,” said manager Craig Nelson after the midweek game.
“I think in the first half, we were good. We manipulated the ball really well, had boys in the right places, and our rotations were really good. Some of our connections and intricate plays were excellent. We got a really good goal, but I think after the goal, we died a little bit.
“We'll look to get back to having what we feel will be close to our XI on Saturday. Then we've got a hard week ahead to ensure that we're ready for Enfield, but we’re positive.”
This week, Lewes confirmed three further additions to their squad for 2026-27, with winger Clark officially unveiled, followed by centre-back Olly Hamstead and full-back Ben Mundele.
All three are back for second spells at the Dripping Pan, with Hamstead having made 20 appearances, Mundele 19 and Clark 12 in their previous attachments.
The trio’s signatures take the Rooks squad to 21 players signed on at present, with an encouraging blend of experience and youth, and retained players alongside new signings.
This Saturday, they prepare to take on a Bromley side that will feature a mix of youth players.
“Up until last week, it was going to be a really decent squad that Bromley were bringing down,” said Nelson.
“They've now got another friendly they've had to prioritise based on what they require for their pre-season, which is totally understandable. But their youth teams train every day.
“It tests us differently, so we have to ensure that we're ready for that, because they'll be good. They're not signed to a professional club for no reason.”