Lewes hope for Bonfire week sparks – or full-on fireworks
Lewes resume their promising Isthmian Premier Division campaign this weekend as they play the first of two momentous home matches in four days.
In the biggest week in Lewes’ civic calendar, bonfire season peaks alongside a potentially huge pair of fixtures.
As they prepare for them, while not having played last weekend, Lewes have confirmed some changes to their squad.
Striker Calum Newson and winger Billie Clark have left the club permanently, with Newson returning to former side Canvey Island and Clark linking up with Whitstable Town.
Newson departs after scoring one goal - a memorable added-time effort at St Albans City in August - from 14 appearances, while Clark spent the initial stage of the season with Steyning Town.
Andrew Briggs and Tom Bender remain long-term absentees for Lewes until December at the earliest, although the squad was boosted before its break by the additions of midfielder Kurtis Cumberbatch and winger Omar Al-Saedi.
The Rooks first welcome an in-form Wingate & Finchley side to The Dripping Pan this Saturday, attempting to break the visitors’ four-match winning run.
Last weekend, the North London side won in the FA Trophy, progressing to the Second Round with a 2-0 win at Needham Market.
With home wins against Carshalton Athletic, Stanway Rovers and Ramsgate preceding their cup success, the Blues have been riding high since the return of a former striker.
Gianluca Botti, who also represented Lewes in the 2024-25 season, has scored four goals in his first three starts back in Wingate colours.
The former Whitehawk, Tonbridge Angels and Horsham striker initially joined Dartford this season, but after failing to score in his first eight games, he and the club mutually agreed to part ways.
Following a first spell at the Maurice Rebak Stadium in which Botti netted 21 goals in 23 appearances, a return to North London looks to have rejuvenated the striker.
Lewes follow up this contest on Tuesday night with a dedicated ‘Bonfire Special’ fixture against 4th-placed Dartford.
Despite their lofty position, just two points below the Rooks at this stage, Dartford are on a tough run of late, losing four of their last six matches.
Ben Greenhalgh occupies the rare position of player-manager in North Kent, and with Gillingham youth coach Scott Wagstaff also lining up in the Darts’ midfield, the former National League South side boast considerable experience.
With ex-Folkestone Invicta striker Dan Smith, ex-Whitehawk and Dover Athletic defender Joe Tennent and former England U18 goalkeeper Ryan Sandford forming a solid spine, the Darts are ranked amongst the league’s best teams for good reason.
The Rooks kick off at 3pm this Saturday against Wingate & Finchley, and 7.45pm on Tuesday against Dartford. Tickets are on the club’s website.