Built in the image of their manager, former Hamlet supremo Craig Edwards, Billericay’s heavyweight football may not appeal to the purist but it’s certainly helped them punch above their weight of late. Relegation from the Conference South a couple of years ago and an indifferent start to the current campaign looked to have consigned them to a mediocre season in mid-table. However, of late as the pitches have suffered in the inclement weather of late, the Blues’ physical approach has proved invaluable as silky football becomes a premier product on all but the best of pitches.

Since being dumped out of the FA Trophy at Met Police back at the start of November, Ricay have been on the wrong end of the scoreline just twice, both times away on Essex fields by Grays and East Thurrock. Elsewhere, barring a 5-0 mauling of Enfield Town akin to putting a Munchkin in with the Mannassa Mauler, victories may have been more on points that landing a knockout blow but Edwards’ prize-fighters punch and jab style has proved effective more often than not. Their desire to go the full twelve rounds was especially apparent in their December draw with another team in form at the time, Lewes. Behind 2-1 and down to ten men after the dismissal of talismanic striker Ricky Sappleton, the Blues kept battling to the bell and earned their reward with a last gasp penalty converted coolly by skipper Richard Halle.

Thanks to his red card Sappleton will be missing from Ricay’s line-up this afternoon whilst the experienced Halle limped out of the East Thurrock defeat on New Year’s Day but news from the Blues expects Edwards to pick from his strongest squad from what looks to an intriguing clash of football philosophies, the artist and the artisan perhaps?

When Dulwich travelled north to the New Lodge it was the artisan that prevailed. On a pig of a pitch, Dulwich were never truly allowed to settle into their preferred pattern of play and though their took the lead through Bagasan Graham’s debut goal, the Pink and Blues were indebted to a stunning from Inigo Echepare to deny Seedy Njie only for the defence to be caught dozing as defender Steve Sheehan headed home the resultant corner. More defensive dithering cost Dulwich the points as Njie bundled home a cross late on.

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 12.30 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