“Holy Hamlet” - Dulwich travel to Carshalton Athletic tonight

Penultimate preseason contest for Gavin Rose’s men as they face a dynamic duel with Peter Adeniyi's Robins at Colston Avenue.

With the latest incumbent of the home seat at the War Memorial Ground, one Peter Adeniyi, late of this parish, tonight’s local derby has some extra added spice. Dulwich Hamlet will be aiming to build on last Saturday’s magnificent fightback victory away to current Ryman League champions and National League South newcomers Hampton & Richmond Borough against Ryman South opposition.

Results through the preseason preamble have been mixed for Adeniyi’s Athletic opening with a heavy defeat to a Merstham side already been nicknamed the Dulwich Hamlet Old Boys XI by the CHampion Hill faithful. A 10th minute goal from Anton Douglas put the Moatsiders in the early driving seat but Atletico equalised when tenacious young midfielder Ricky Korboa bent one home from the edge of the penalty in the latter stages of the first half. HOwever not long before the break Merstham regained the lead when Pat Cox proved as deadly as usual from 12 yards, converting a penalty. Though Adeniyi introduced himself at the break, Alex Addai extended his side’s as a fortuitous cross wehn in via the back stick. Phil Wilson found himself busy in the Merstham goal but it was another former wearer of the Pink and Blue, Calum Willock making it 4-1 late on, breaking the offside trap to run on and score.

In the wake of that result one might have expected Kingstonian to inflict similar damage on the Ronins the following Saturday but facing a strong Kingstonian squad, there was a surprise on the cards. Despite dominating possession, Carshalton had to be patient the opening goal coming as K’s found themselves chasing a lightning breakaway from their own corner. Rob Tolfrey did well to block Tommy Bradford’s initial effort but stood no chance as Dan Thompson slipped the loose ball into an empty net. Korboa added a second with just six minutes of the game, K’s unable to salvage the game despite NINE replacements ten minutes into the second half.

The playing surface at Silver Jubilee Park, the new home for Hendon after their I ZIngari existence for so long, should have suited the Robins but with conditions akin to a Swedish sauna it was not the day for high tempo football. Taking on the hosts of the Hendon Invitational Tournament, Carshalton gave a good account of themselves but eventually surrendered to goals from Spencer McCall and Karl Oliyide, one in either half. The following day in the third/fourth place match against Slough Town unsurprisingly the starting lineup was much changed with just two surviving the previous day’s defeat. Reiss Franklyn slotted in a fine shot in as early as the third minute to open the scoring before Charlie Losasso equalised for Slough Town on 10 minutes. Richard Ismail restored the Robins’ lead before half time with the same player adding a delightful second with a long range curler early in the second. Though Slough did pull a goal back through Losasso Athletic held on clinch bronze medal spot.

The latest of the Carshalton preseason friendlies saw them entertain Ryman Premier side Met Police. At half time the Robins were in the ascendancy following a high tempo half. Adeniyi had proved the catalyst for the only goal with his through ball setting up Korboa for yet another well taken goal. As players started to wilt in the second half the Met started to gain more possession. On 62 minute, winger Ryan Gondo latched onto the ball on the left, weaving inside before unleashing an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Jack Minchin. Honours even at the close of play 1-1.

Tonight’s game takes place at the War Memorial Ground, Colston Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 2PW. Kickoff 7.45pm