Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Lewes

By Ian Townsend

We head to the Dripping Pan for the latest supporters preview, delivered with panache by Adam Haddington- who doesn't like Arsenal any more (a bit like most Arsenal supporters if Arsenal Fan TV is anything to go by...)

We asked a supporter from each of our member clubs to answer the same series of questions as part of our preview of the new season. We also asked them to predict how their particular division would finish, from one to 24- and their answers will be revealed in a collection of Supporters Prediction Tables to be released the day before the big kick off.

Here are the answers of Adam Haddington, representing Lewes.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

The 3-0 win at South Park in March. It really looked like we’d make the play offs after that, and the game had everything. Quality goals, mass brawls, tension, rain, all sorts. I went to retrieve the ball at one point for a South Park goal kick and was ordered back by our fans. It was an excellent advert for the entertainment the Bostik League can provide, and showed the positives of being so close to the action.

2. And your worst moment?

It was probably the 3-1 home defeat to South Park back in September. It had been a pretty indifferent start, especially after being some people’s favourites for promotion before the season kicked off. That game showcased the worst of us: inability to hold a lead; some slack passing out of the back; and an inability to create clear chances. I’d given up watching Arsenal (to an extent because of modern football) for the same reasons, so it was incredibly harrowing to see the same mistakes being carried out by my new love! Thankfully we regrouped after that game and kicked on a bit.

3. How will you do this season?

I really have no idea. Being a veteran of reading FourFourTwo predictions, I’ll have to say play offs as that always seems fashionable. We were really very close last year, so if we’ve adequately replaced the four departed players (Coppola, Okoh, Harrington, and Dixon), added some steel, and got rid of our penchant for conceding some ridiculous goals, we’ve got a great chance of going up. Harrington at times was our only difficult player to play against; I said I’d given up on Arsenal yet all of their negatives do seem to be repeated here! Maybe it’s just me.

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

Probably the games against Hastings and Horsham. We didn’t beat either last season, so it will be nice to hopefully enact some revenge. Hastings also brought some pretty interesting fans to the Pan, so I’m looking forward to seeing/ hearing them again. Same with Horsham’s lard army. I’d love to visit the Dark Star pub in Horsham too but the fixture gods always put us against them on a Monday, the only day the pub is shut!

5. What is your favourite away ground?

I’ve only been going for a couple of years (bandwagon alert) but I really enjoyed the trip to Molesey; easy to get to and in an area with no shortage of excellent pubs, and a quality offy for after the game too. Chipstead was an interesting day; they don’t appear to have heard of pavements there. Both of these provided quality days out, and reminders of why non-league provides such excellent value for money compared to the bigger leagues I’d followed before.

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

After they’ve poached one of our most impactful players and the fact they put eight past us last season I’d have to say Hastings. For their fans as well, who may have done a bit of damage in the far corner of the Pan on Easter Monday. Bring on the August Bank Holiday for my first trip to the Pilot Field.

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

Get the train. The pubs are immense, and the bar at the Pan (The Rook Inn) normally has a decent range of Harvey’s. I’d particularly recommend the Elephant and Castle or the Brewers if you want to watch some footie on the tele before or after too. It’s a lovely little town with loads of history and plenty of other things to see or do if drinking’s not your thing.

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

As I’ve only recently jumped on the non-league bandwagon I don’t profess to be an expert on our history, so I’ll have to pick my current favourite. Jamie Brotherton, the Bostik Bergkamp. I’ve got a soft spot for lads who don’t particularly look like footballers and he fits the bill, plus he’s surprisingly strong and skilful. I’ll also have to give a shout out to James Hammond, as me and a few mates are sponsoring his shirts this season!

9. Finally, predict who will fill the top five positions at the end of the forthcoming season:

Carshalton Athletic, Greenwich Borough, Corinthian Casuals, Lewes, Hastings Utd

Where next?

Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Mildenhall Town We cried 'Let There Be More Light,' and Damon Barton delivered a saucerful of Mildenhall Town secrets.
Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Thamesmead Town For the next in our supporters season previews, we head to Thamesmead (well, Dartford now), and get the lowdown from Steve Panther.

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