Lewes welcome Hastings for friendly derby - as Fisher and Cox join
Lewes continue their preparations for the 2026-27 season with their first in a run of home friendlies this Saturday, as they face Hastings United.
The Rooks step up their rehearsals with the test of Isthmian League South East Division opponents, who are under new management this term.
Following David Altendorff’s move from Hastings to become an assistant manager at Lewes, the U’s appointed ex-player Ronnie Dolan in his first managerial role.
Dolan ended his playing career at promotion-winning Isthmian Premier Division side Folkestone Invicta last season, making 37 appearances across all competitions and becoming the 10th-most-appeared player in the Kent side’s history.
In their first two friendlies under Dolan, Hastings travelled to Haywards Heath Town – where they lost 4-0 – and Rusthall, winning 2-0 at the latter.
Lewes kicked off their own pre-season campaign at Rusthall last Saturday, coming away from the Southern Counties East Football League (SCEFL) Premier Division side with a 2-1 victory.
The Rooks fielded a different XI in each half, with the first half containing only three players who had already been signed, while the second half featured six confirmed additions.
After the runout, Lewes announced the signings of Noel Fisher and Tyler Cox, who both featured in the first half.
Fisher, 21, scored 18 goals in 27 appearances for Horsham YM last season, and has also previously represented Lancing and Three Bridges.
“Noel is one of the most exciting young talents in Sussex and, in my opinion, has all the attributes to become a real star of the future,” said Lewes manager Craig Nelson.
“We believe we’ve secured one of the brightest young prospects in the county and we’re excited to give him the environment to fulfil that potential.
“If Noel continues to work as hard as he has so far, I genuinely believe our supporters will be watching the early stages of a very special journey.”
Cox, 25, is a versatile full-back or winger who netted six goals in 25 outings for Raynes Park Vale last season following previous spells at Whitehawk, Leatherhead and Aveley.
Nelson said: “Tyler was a player we were really keen to bring in because every successful squad needs players with his versatility.
“He can play at right-back, left-back, on the right or left wing and wherever you ask him to play, you know you’re going to get a consistent, committed performance.”
Entry for Lewes’ match this Saturday is £8 for adults and free for under-16s.