Differing fortunes indeed for this afternoon’s two protagonists, Dulwich unbeaten in four outings and within a whisker of the Kent giants, Maidstone awake and roaring, Margate rudely prodded awake with newfound gelt. Meanwhile for Lewes it has been a middling start to the new campaign with an opening day draw away to newly promoted Witham followed by a late fight back at home to AFC Hornchurch as Luke Blewden’s last gasp penalty snatched a share of the points. However that gutsy rally failed to spark a change of fortune as an early brace saw the Rooks surrender the points away to a robust Billericay side (“tell me about it” wail the Dulwich faithful in unison) before their trip over the border into Kent ended in unmitigated disaster away to relegated Tonbridge Angels. A goal down to Jerome Sobers’ first half goal the Rooks’ hopes suffered a blow well Jordan Sanderson got his marching orders for a second caution. With a quarter hour left Ollie Rowe joined his teammate in the showers after his second yellow, salt rubbed into the wound as Alex Teniola made it an Angel Delight night as he bagged his side’s second goal four minutes later to leave the Rooks still searching for the that elusive first win.

Though both players are available for selection with their suspensions not due to kick in until next week, Rooks’ boss, Garry Wilson and his number two, Danny Bloor were left with further headaches after both centre halves, the influential Gary Elphick and his teenage sidekick Alex Malins, limped out of the Tonbridge clash. With the queue outside the physiotherapist’s door ever lengthening one might might imagine the management lament echoing the Scottish play – “What, will the line stretch out to th' crack of doom?”. With the loss of his central defensive pair, Wilson turned to 38-year-old defender Ben Austin, a former Eastbourne Borough stalwart with 467 appearance for that club as they rose for Sussex County League minnows to become big fish in the Conference pond. Wilson had turned out 31 times for the Rooks left term, netting three times, but had called an end to his playing days in the summer. Yet when the emergency call came the pipe and slippers have been cast aside.

This afternoon’s game kicks off at 3.00 pm at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD.

The turnstiles will be open from approximately 12.45 pm with refreshment facilities available in the ground for early arrivals. As a very healthy crowd is expected, why not avoid the late rush and relax. Before the game enjoy a drink or snack in our cosy clubhouse with live sport on the big screens, conveniently situated just a short walk from the turnstiles?

ADMISSION PRICES

£10 for Adults
£4 for Concessions (Seniors - 60+, Under 18s, Unemployed (UB40, Full Time Students and Members of the Armed Forces and Blue Light Services. PLEASE present valid ID)
Under 12s FREE accompanied by a paying adult.

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

Programmes: £2.00 (Today’s match sponsors The Gowlett Arms are offering 25% off your first round if you show a copy of the programme on ordering.)