After last weekend’s FA Cup win Invicta return to Isthmian League action as we travel to The Dripping Pan to face Lewes

From The Managers

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s match, joint Head Coach Micheal Everitt said:

“It’s a really big test of where we are right now. They’re a very good side, they play good football, they score goals and they’re undefeated so far this season and it’s up to us to go and try to change that. I’d expect it to be a game where both teams go for it and maybe it’s decided by who is more clinical which is something we know we need to be. But of course we are looking forward to it, we expect there to be a big crowd and the pitch will be good so we have to go and make the most of it.”

Speaking about injuries within the squad:

“Gayley is progressing well and we hope to have him available soon although Saturday may come too soon for him.”

Previously

Invicta’s record against Lewes doesn’t make for good reading. The Rooks have won the last 4 meetings between the sides home and away, while Invicta have taken only a single point from the last 4 visits to The Dripping Pan.

Invicta’s last league win over Lewes was in March 2019, with Ira Jackson Jr scoring a hat-trick, his first goals at Cheriton Road. A goal on Saturday would be his 50th for the club.

The Opposition

Lewes will be without the familiar face of Joe Taylor who departed the club for Ramsgate on the eve of the new season. The former Invicta forward has been top scorer for The Rooks for the past 2 seasons but has headed home to Thanet, much to the relief of defenders across the Isthmian Premier Division.

Other players to depart this summer include Razzaq Coleman De-Graft who joined Maidstone United having impressed during his 2 year spell in Sussex and goalkeeper Lewis Carey who has moved across the county to Horsham.

Lewes’ main goal source so far this season has come from Paris-born winger Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala who has 5 goals in 6 appearances so far to help The Rooks to an unbeaten start to the season that has seen them pick up 3 wins from 5 in the Isthmian Premier Division as well as a 4-0 FA Cup win away at Faversham Town. 

The Venue

The Dripping Pan is often cited as one of the best grounds in non-league football. Isthmian Premier Division supporters voted it their favourite venue to visit in August 2022 although it was dethroned by Chatham Town last month, although Lewes can surely still claim the crown given that The Bauvill was voted number 1 by supporters of teams in the South East Division.

Regardless, The Pan’s carpet-hybrid pitch that installed last summer thanks to a Premier League grant aimed at supporting the growth of the women’s game, is flanked behind either goal by two steep terraces that offer supporters great views of the action.

Travel

Always check rail times/strike action before you travel. 

The ground is just a few minutes walk south of Lewes train station with the town centre just a few minutes in the other direction for any supporters requiring refreshment on what is forecast to be a sweltering afternoon.

Admission  

You can pay on the gate or buy tickets in advance: