Pitching In Isthmian Supporters predictions 23-24: Lewes

1. Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?

There were quite a few highlights from last season. Our 4-0 home victory over Haringey. Our 8-0 win against Sheppey in the FA Cup, where Joe Taylor scored 5 goals. Our 94th minute winner away to Folkestone, thanks to Deon Moore, which sent the travelling support into a frenzy. My number one choice though, has to be away to Bognor, where we won 4-1 with 10 men, and I saw the greatest travelling Lewes support I've seen for years. Lots of noise, pints and goals. Joe Taylor blessed us with a Messi-esque celebration, that was iconic.

2. And what was the worst moment?

Some would say the worst moment was missing out on the playoffs by a goal difference of 2, but if we're talking about a specific game, I'd say it was our 2-1 defeat to Hastings on Boxing Day. It summed up our first half of the season, as after that game we really kicked on. There was also train strikes, followed by a woeful game of football in the freezing cold. Just an ordinary weekend in my life. The first half of the season was what cost us a playoff spot, as the second half of the season we were much better.

3. Which member of your squad was your Player of the Season - and why?

Joe Taylor - The man should have a statue outside the Pan at this point. 2 years of non-stop goals, along with being a showman on the pitch. Countless iconic celebrations, and game winning moments. A leader on the pitch, and has quickly become one of my all-time favourite players. The league's top goalscorer last season, and you should expect to see more of the same next season. Legend.

4. Moving on to your current squad- which players do you think will make a big impact during the 2023-24 campaign?

There are a few who I am excited to see. Chris Whelpdale is a talented attacking midfielder, who will link up well with our forwards. Our wide forwards, Deon Moore and Ryan Gondoh, were key players for us last season, and I expect to see the same next season. Our new signing, Arthur Penney, I'm excited to see too. A highly rated centre back from Millwall's academy.

Tony Russell has a good record of developing players, such as with Ollie Tanner and Razz De-Graft, so I hope Penney will be the next in line for that. Perhaps a bit more under the radar, is Archie Tamplin, who was with us last season, but after watching him in pre-season, it's clear to see he's been putting in a lot of work during training, and I have a feeling he could contribute a lot next season.

5. Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?

This has been our best transfer window since Russell has joined. After just missing out on the playoffs in both of the last two seasons, I think next season we'll finally do it. Keeping the core squad from last season, as well as Russell signing on for another 2 years, has created a real buzz around the club. Top 5 finish at least. Anything less will result in the lobbing of my shoe at the TV.

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

Lots of our younger fans are looking forward to Hashtag United away. Can't say I'm that bothered, but another away day to Pitsea!? What's not to like... For me, all the Sussex derbies are always a good day out, particularly Whitehawk away on Boxing Day. If I had to choose one, it'd be away to Folkestone. Our last two away days there have been crucial games, and both times we came out on top. We travel there, again, at the end of March, where undoubtedly it'll be another huge game. Last season, the game ended in controversy, as Folkestone received a red card, and our goal quickly followed afterwards. A lot of Folkestone fans took to Twitter to voice their concerns, and I just sat on the sofa when I got home, reading all the tweets with a glass of wine, chuckling. I wish every game was like that. 

7. What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

Has to be Folkestone. Beautiful views around the ground, with a decent terrace behind one of the goals. I'm looking forward to going to Dulwich Hamlet, and back to Cray (I'd give this to Cray, but it's Bromley's ground they play at), who have a great stand behind the goal. 

8. If you regularly travelled away, which ground served the best food?

Last season, on a freezing cold midweek evening game away to Kingstonian (Tooting & Mitcham), I ate jerk chicken pasta which was pretty good, but again, as they're not playing at their own ground, I'm not sure I can give this to them. I quite liked the food at Hastings, but then again, I love a grubby burger. I recall Wingate and Finchley having decent food too.

9. Choose your top five:

Hornchurch, Billericay Town, Dulwich Hamlet, Lewes, Cray Wanderers

Right, it's your turn! If you'd like to represent your club, please email Ian at townsendaround@gmail.com and you'll see your answers here soon.

Follow the Pitching In Isthmian League on Instagram. Head here or search for theisthmianleague on your app. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.