Bostik Supporters Predictions 18/19: Lewes

We asked supporters of our Bostik League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-20 (or 22) will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off.

Adam is here to talk to you about being a Rook, his painful nether regions, missing Hastings, beer - and looking forward to being back in the Premier Division!

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

Last season was excellent for so many reasons; there’s loads I could say. Starting so well, vastly improving the defence (and the protection it received), the stickers, the away trips, the nights at the Pan, Winnie’s Vietnam-war-film-like-shouting, the goal-scoring centre backs: it really was great and ended in a deserved promotion. Nevertheless, something that sums up the season as a whole has to be Corinthian Casuals away. A tough place to go, they’d beaten us at the Pan, and yet we took the game to them and went 2-0 up very quickly. The fact it’s got a train going past the main stand and both our centre backs scored, plus the top quality of the beers, made it the highlight.

2. And your worst moment?

I guess losing at home to Carshalton was tough to take. We absolutely pelted them in the last few minutes and came agonisingly close. Saying that, they still had brilliant chances and we had Winnie (our sadly missed keeper) to thank for keeping us in it. However, as I had money on us to win the league at 14/1, that was a particularly large kick in the nether regions.

3. How will you do this season?

I thought it was fashionable to say playoffs last year and I am changing that slightly, so mid table obscurity with the light dusting of a playoff challenge. I’d be incredibly pleased to be proved wrong (in the positive way), but the ghost of Tooting from 2017, who battered us towards their promotion and then got relegated the next season, is at the forefront of my mind. Saying that I’m pretty enthused by our signings and think we should have enough to stay in the division. I know the club will be aiming higher than that, but I’ve been Wengered for so long I can’t be too optimistic.

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

The Sussex away derbies are right up there: Whitehawk, Worthing, and Burgess Hill especially. I’m just hoping they put them on days where a big crowd is possible and we can hold our own, especially against two sides who were in the National League South last year.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

I really enjoyed going to the Pilot Field last season for Hastings; it was a big place which seemed steeped in history. The big ‘home’ end was decent, with a roof, which helped the atmosphere. Big shout outs to Chipstead for the death-defying experiences getting there and Ashford for the view from the clubhouse. This season has loads of new ground for me, which is exciting.

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

Being a fairly-newbie and after last season I’m hoping we can take points off Carshalton. I would have said Hastings for the Sussex nature of the rivalry but we won’t be playing them in the league next season. Shame.

7. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?

Same as last year: use public transport and make the most of the sheer amount of decent pubs. I’m not really a Harvey’s fan but if you can find anywhere that sells Burning Sky beer (The Brewers or The Snowdrop are usually guaranteed to have at least one on) then get yourselves there. It’s also pretty close to Brighton if you wanted to go for it over a weekend.

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?

Unfortunately the bloke I was a big fan of, and probably the most skillful player in the Bostik South, is only dual signed this year so we probably won’t see him too much: Mr Jamie Brotherton, the Bostik Bergkamp. After last season it has to be one of the centre backs who were just imperious, so Frankie Chappell or Lloyd Cotton. There were a couple of good stickers floating about with them as the subject too.

9. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?

Bognor Regis Town, Folkestone Invicta, Leatherhead, Tonbridge Angels, Carshalton Athletic