Worth the wait

Saturday 4 January 2025, Lewes 2 Cheshunt 2 - Isthmian League, Premier - Dripping Pan

Yes, I know - not sure why it had taken me so long to visit, I knew the ground would be great, I had even had a quick look in on the way to a Brighton-Ipswich game a few years ago,

I am sure most on here have been, but if you like me, have put it off- do not wait much longer - it is worth the trek - the food, beer, beach hut executive boxes, stands, the wall, the terracing and even the statues to remember two women pirates! The ground has it all.

Football wise, Lewes were mid table and the visitors near the bottom, however it was Cheshunt who dominated the first half and took the lead after 25 minutes. Lewes looked out of sorts, with their number 9 Botti looking very poor. Game was delayed for a while as a member of the crowd had to replace an injured lino!

Second half was more even but Cheshunt still looked like the team more likely to score, on 60 minutes a Lewes attack again came to nothing, ball cleared to midfield, picked up by Alfie Allen of Lewes who hit a long distance shot, top corner of the net.

This gave Lewes the boost they needed and the last 30 minutes were much more even and with just 3 minutes to go Lewes took the lead, however Cheshunt then went straight up the other end and equalised. Lewes will be gutted that they never held on to their lead for the last 3 minutes but Cheshunt will be disappointed that they ever let Lewes back into the game after they had dominated for so long.

Relegated - but a cracking ground.

Saturday 22 April 2017, Chatham Town 0 Lewes 0 - Ryman League, Division One South, Sports Ground, Maidstone Road

Chatham are down but they were the better team today as Lewes seemed to have already left for their holiday! But for all their domination they never looked like scoring- maybe the reason they were relegated?

This ground  will be a loss to the Ryman League, 2 cracking side stands - very different in style, a bar, club shop, obviously a club that cares about it's history - hope it is just one season away from the Ryman.