As time turns, the world changes, and so does the great game we call football. Last season Dulwich Hamlet managed the treble over our adversaries tonight, winning 2-0 at Champion Hill on a Tuesday, coming from behind to knock the Kent club out of the FA Cup a few days later before one of the great come-from-behind wins.

After battling their way through traffic chaos that meant a delayed start and unscheduled stay on the Kent coast for many fans that missed the last train to London, Dulwich found themselves 2 down at the break. However, after Kevin James had lit a spark of hope, pulling a goal just before the hour mark. Inspired, Dulwich threw everything into attack and were rewarded as Dean Lodge levelled with just 7 minutes left. Not content with just a point Dulwich bagged the lot with stoppage time goals from Xavier Vidal and Erhun Öztümer to complete a memorable victory.

Since then much water (and several shekels) has passed under the bridge and both sides will bear significant changes to that night with departures and injuries meaning that of the XI that started that night only Vial and Lewis Gonsalves were involved at Billericay on Saturday.

Meanwhile at Hartsdown Park a mighty wind of change has blown through once dusty corridors, new money means new names and only Anthony Riviere remains of the squad that faced Hamlet that thrilling night of the long drives. Under the stewardship of Terry Brown and backed by new financial clout, the Blues are attempting to re-climb lofty pinnacles once attained, consign recent years when extinction became less a threat more a certainty with their ground closed and the taxman knocking.

Quoted at 5-1 for the title ante post, the punters have been backing the Blues to the hilt such that the bookies are offering the shortest odds on a potential Isthmian Champion in living memory. Considering that Brown’s includes a wealth of experience at Conference National and Football League, this is no surprise and once the season began in earnest, they set about justifying their favourites tag.

Opening day produced a narrow win, as a Lewis Taylor header 13 minutes from time was enough to give the Blues the points against a stubborn Hampton and Richmond Borough side. Goals from Charlie Allen and Sam Rents, the former’s a stunning drive from distance, made it two from two away to Grays Athletic. They rode their luck a little away to Harrow Borough as Allen’s penalty and Kane Wills' deflected effort was enough to seal a third win on the bounce, 2-1.

Allen was on the mark from the spot yet again as East Thurrock left Hartsdown empty handed after a 3-1 defeat, Ryan Moss second half double clinching the points before the Blues went into overdrive with back to back 5-1 wins over the Bank Holiday weekend, Billericay the sacrificial lambs on the Saturday, Lewes left high and dry at the Dripping Pan two days later.

Going into Saturday’s home encounter with Leiston, the hosts Margate needed a 92nd minute goal from Allen to preserve their unbeaten record as the third placed Suffolk side showed why many fancy them as an outside touch for the title.

In a team much might mention in hushed reverence as Ryman League “Galacticos”, on form Allen will prove a key player. Formerly at Gillingham where he helped the club to their first title in half a century, the tenacious midfielder has made an instant impact with Margate with six goals already. However, he must cede to striker Ryan Moss in the chase for the top goalscorer who has bagged seven so far this term.

This evening’s game kicks off at 7.45 pm at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD.

The turnstiles will be open from approximately 6.15 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 homely 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