CAFC vs Lewes FC – Preview
Carshalton Athletic gear up for their first home clash of the 2025-26 Isthmian Premier campaign when we welcome Lewes FC to Colston Avenue Monday night.
Lewes
Lewes kicked off the 2024-25 campaign in sensational fashion, securing their best start in over a decade. The Rooks won their opening five league matches and went unbeaten in their first eight, a run that earned manager Craig Nelson the August Manager of the Month award.
However, their early momentum was abruptly halted by a 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Harefield United in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round replay in early September. This marked the start of a prolonged dip in form, with mixed league results and occasional heavy defeats such as a 5-0 loss at Potters Bar.
Despite league struggles, Lewes made progress in cup competitions, notably edging Ashford United 8-7 on penalties to reach the FA Trophy Second Round Proper. Yet, their cup runs ended with defeats to AFC Totton in the FA Trophy and Eastbourne Borough in the Sussex Cup, compounding frustrations.
The festive period was winless, with draws against Dulwich Hamlet, Wingate & Finchley, and Folkestone Invicta, plus losses to promotion-chasing sides Chichester City and Hashtag United. A tough start to 2025 followed, including a five-match league winless streak.
Lewes managed a few encouraging moments, such as a draw against promotion-chasers Dover Athletic and a narrow win over Hastings United. March saw a genuine upturn in form, with notable wins against Dulwich Hamlet, Dartford, and a stunning 4-3 victory over high-flying Cray Valley PM. However, inconsistency persisted, and the Rooks finished 13th in the league with 58 points, just outside the top ten.
After three seasons of regular play-off challenges under manager Tony Russell and assistant Joseph Vines, their move to Ramsgate marked a summer of transition for Lewes. Before their arrival, the club had narrowly avoided relegation in consecutive seasons (18th in 20/21 and 16th in 19/20). Under Russell and Vines, Lewes improved steadily, finishing 7th, 6th, and 8th, with the 2023 FA Cup run reaching the fourth qualifying round, their best in over a decade.
Following the season’s end, Lewes took part in the Fenix Trophy in Italy, reaching the semi-final before bowing out to Football Club United of Manchester.
Manager Craig Nelson has since left the club to join Tonbridge Angels, ushering in a new era at the Dripping Pan. Nelson had overseen a major squad overhaul, signing fifteen new players and navigating the club through a period of significant change.
Team News
Since Craig Nelson’s departure, Lewes have undergone significant changes both on and off the pitch. Bradley Pritchard has been appointed as the new manager, supported by assistant managers Nathan White and Ben Austin. Steve Harman joins the backroom team as the new goalkeeper coach.
The playing squad has seen key additions including experienced campaigners such as Kaan Bennett, Jordan Maguire-Drew, and Jack Burchell. Louis Rogers has been signed to guard the goalposts, while Ian Gayle, Jabari Christmas, Hassan Ibrayhi, Ryan Bernal, Devonte West, Perri Landolo, Clem Asiedu, Finlay Chadwick, and Daniel Bowry have all strengthened the squad, adding depth and versatility across the pitch.
These moves signal a fresh start for Lewes as they aim to build on recent progress and push for improved results in the coming seasons.
Pre-Match Analysis
Lewes scored 59 goals last season, ranking 13th for goals scored in the league. Defensively, they conceded 64 goals, placing them 10th for goals conceded. Their away form was a struggle, with 6 wins, 6 draws, and 9 losses, ranking them 15th for away performances, a concern for the Rooks given they face us at Colston Avenue.
Key Player
Jordan Maguire-Drew stands out as a pivotal figure for Lewes whenever we face them. The 27-year-old attacker brings a wealth of experience from clubs like Dagenham & Redbridge, Lincoln City, Coventry City, Leyton Orient, and Grimsby Town.
A Brighton & Hove Albion academy product, Maguire-Drew’s versatility allows him to operate anywhere across the frontline — a major asset for manager Bradley Pritchard’s adaptable tactical approach.
Born in Crawley, Maguire-Drew’s impressive résumé includes over 80 EFL appearances and significant time with top National League sides, making him one of the most dangerous and experienced players in the Isthmian Premier Division this season. His ability to influence the game is crucial for Lewes, and stopping him will be a key focus in our upcoming clash.
The Gaffer
Lewes announced Bradley Pritchard as Craig Nelson’s replacement in late May. Bradley returns to the Dripping Pan having played three seasons for the Rooks between 2021 and 2024. The Lewes FC Hall of Famer made more than 100 appearances for the club.
“Forming connections with the Lewes FC community, I didn’t think I was going to do that when I first came here,” he says. “But I did and I’ve really enjoyed it, and really seen the benefits of it.
“I’d love for our staff and players to do the same and feel that sense of purpose and belonging when they come here.
“I want to be someone who has an impact on players, both on and off the pitch. I want to develop people and put them in a better situation than when they first arrived with me.
“My ambition is to make people better and, by extension, make the team and the club better. It’s a constant search for improvement, which ultimately defines everything I do. Trying to deliver a more positive impact.”
Reflecting on why he chose Lewes, he added: “The sense of community and connection at Lewes FC is so important as these are the relationships that make you want to keep coming back.
“If you enjoy where you work, you want to come back in to work. I want my players and staff to enjoy coming to work and I want us to see the fruit of that labour. I know where we are in the ecosystem of football and if we can get players playing higher and helping them achieve their ambitions then I’ll be very happy.”
Match Details
Date: Monday, 11 August, 2025
Venue: Colston Avenue
Kickoff: 7:45 pm
Tickets: Buy Tickets Here
