Such is the tightness of the current Division One South table that though the Hamlet’s opponents at Champion Hill today, our friends and foes from Leatherhead, might find themselves ensconced in the relegation zone; defeat for Dulwich could see the Tanners leapfrog them into the supposed security of a mid-table spot. Three points separate the Tanners from rock-bottom Tooting, manager less and last in the chase, but similarly just three points ahead lie the Hamlet. Perversely should Dulwich prevail, victory could see them back into a playoff spot and move within touching distance of current leaders Crawley Down Gatwick. Curious times indeed.

After a promising preseason that included impressive wins over Carshalton Athletic and Guildford City, a battling draw away to Bognor Regis and narrow defeat at home to Welling United, the Tanners got off to a flying start in the league with back to back wins in their opening two games, former Sittingbourne striker Tom Brabrook claiming the only goal on a blisteringly hot afternoon at home to Whitstable before demolishing Tooting 3-0 at Imperial Fields. However the chaser for silverware once more seemed to distract the Tanners as only a single goal victory split a run of four defeats in five league games. Meanwhile Leatherhead seemed to cranking up for one of their famous FA Cup runs as they disposed of Horley Town (after a replay) and Tooting on their way to a Second Qualifying Round meeting with Blue Square South side Chelmsford City. However it was not to be as Brabrook’s late goal was not enough to save a tie dominated by the Tanners’ loftier opponents.

However the hunt for silverware now turned to the FA Trophy as a 4-0 thrashing of Northwood up in Middlesex was followed by a similarly convincing victory away to divisional rivals Faversham Town, setting up a trip to Whitstable Town a week today in the Second Qualifying Round. Yet that form when AWOL in the league as the Faversham hangover set in. Leatherhead, missing first choice ‘keeper Matt Reed with a gyppy back, never recovered from an early error from stand-in number one, Daren Hawkes, as they went down 3-1 at Merstham. Things did not improve in midweek as Worthing repeated that scoreline at Fetcham Grove before a trip to Ramsgate ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat last Saturday. Midweek brought premier division crisis club Carshalton Athletic, whose manager-chairman recently sacked himself, and though the result ended the run of defeats in normal play, the Tanners were ultimately unsuccessful as the Robins progressed 4-1 on penalties after a scoreless stalemate in 90 minutes.

Tanners’ supremo Richard Brady, a name well known to many of the Pink and Blue persuasion, after past sojourns at Champion Hill has assembled an experienced side at Fetcham Grove but has yet to meld them into a consistent side that can challenge for the promotion as their predecessors have done. Up front, Brady possesses almost an embarrassment of riches with probably one of the most potent strike forces at this level of football. The stalwart Tommy Hutchings, fiercely loyal despite the temptations laid at his door, and the pesky Greg Andrews now joined by Brabrook who was ever a threat in his days with Sittingbourne. Defence boasts former Hamlet favourite Jamie Coyle who moved from Sittingbourne to the Mole Valley as part of the Brady Bunch.

Meanwhile Gavin Rose, still smarting from Saturday’s Maidstone debacle looks to be making changes to his squad with Jide Ogunbote coming into midfield for the midweek League Cup victory away to Eastbourne Town. That game also saw a couple more new faces on the bench with West Ham youngster Lamar, a versatile right sided midfield player, and Danny Stenning, a technically accomplished midfield from Chelsea’s Academy. With some young talent itching to break through the competition for first team berths looks to be hotting up!

Wednesday night’s long road trip to the South Coast also saw the welcome return of Frankie Sawyer who put in an excellent shift after his long layoff capping by a beaut of a goal to bring Hamlet level on the night. Frankie’s return must be welcome relief for Rose after Dulwich’s recent frustrations in front of goal, not least at Maidstone where had chances spurned become chances taken the day might have borne an entirely different complexion altogether.

This afternoon's game kicks off at 3.00 pm at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD. Despite the heavy rain of yesterday evening, no pitch inspection is planned and the weather set fair for the day.

Before the game why not enjoy a drink or snack in the ground cosy cocktail bar with live sport on the big screens, conveniently situated just a short walk from the turnstiles?

ADMISSION PRICES

£9 for Adults
£4 for Concessions (Seniors - 60+, Under 16s, Unemployed (UB40) & Full Time Students with valid ID)
Under 12s FREE accompanied by a paying adult.

Correct change would be appreciated in order to speed admission. Many thanks!

Programmes: £1.50