Burgess Hill edge a tight Sussex derby
Wednesday night at the marvellously-named Dripping Pan in Lewes was about as mild as Adams Park was cold last night. 449 cheerful folk turned out to watch the local derby between Lewes and upwardly-mobile Burgess Hill Town who won the Ryman League South title last season. Having appointed a new manager in Darren Freeman, Lewes were hoping to pull away from the relegation zone of the Ryman League Premier Division.
With several new faces in the team it wasn't surprising that Lewes struggled to gain any cohesion in the first few minutes and Chris Smith gave the Hillians the lead after 11 minutes. The visitors should have increased their lead but failed to capitalise on some good chances. This gave Lewes the opportunity to claw their way back into the game and they equalised right on half-time with a bullet header from George Brown.
The second-half was very even and the quality of Burgess Hill just did enough to secure all three points with a 78th minute winner from Lee Harding. The result was tough on Lewes but they showed enough fight to suggest they will pull away from the drop-zone.
If ever you get the chance to watch a game at the Dripping Pan do take it. It's right by the railway station and there are lots of real ale pubs nearby (Lewes is home to Harvey's of Lewes brewery). The ground has got to be one of the most quirky in the country!!! The main stand runs along two-thirds of one side. Opposite is a very large grass bank with a walkway and railing at the top (where spectators can watch the game from). One end has a steep uncovered section of terracing right behind the goal. The other end has the dressing-rooms, social club and a big covered terrace with a multi-curved roof reminiscent of a European ground. Also behind the goal is partly a large grass bank. At the top of the bank are four of the best "executive boxes" you'll ever see at a football ground. They are, in fact, four beach huts, complete with red, white and blue bunting. Very British, very Sussex and very individual. A lovely ground to visit!
Comments
Like the first bluebell of spring this type of post is a joy in a sea of depression.
Thanks and looking forward to the next one.
The Dripping Pan is a fantastic place to watch a game.
Is Steve Brown (not that one!) still in charge there or has their poor start cost him his job?
He resigned at the end of September
I love these reports @A_Worboys, please never stop.
Hear hear. Keeps us in touch with the roots of the game.