The Seagulls are coming!

This Saturday sees Dulwich Hamlet open their Ryman League Premier Division campaign with the visit of Canvey Island to Champion Hill.

After finishing in the boondocks of the Ryman League Premier Division last season down in 17th spot the odds setters have not been kind to the Islanders with Canvey quoted as long as 40/1 for the title this term. However the Seagulls must be taken as something of an unknown quantity given the influx of players that have been tempted to Park Lane during the summer by manager Danny Heale. Experience abounds in the likes of midfielder Glenn Poole, multiple player of the year winner last season at Billericay Town, defender Richard Halle, another former Blue, striker Martin Tuohy, ex AFC Hornchurch and former Ryman League Golden Boot winner and Steve Sheehan, centre back and skipper at East Thurrock last term, Add to that more new faces such as utility player Lawrence Yiga and Tambeson Eyong who helped Margate to promotion via the playoffs last season as well as former Maidstone United right back Richard Davies and you can see why those allowed to fancy a flutter might be tempted by those rather generous odds.

Casting a mind back to when the two clubs met last season, Dulwich fans might be relieved to see that George Sykes is no longer with the Islanders having proved a major nemesis to the Hamlet in Canvey’s surprise 3-0 at Champion Hill back in February with a brace of goals.

Ironically Sykes was on target for his new club Dartford in the Gulls’ opening preseason fixtures as the Kent side won 2-0 at Park Lane. A goal fest followed as National League South side Chelmsford City were beaten by the odd goal in seven before a remarkable eight goals were shared in a home draw with Ryman North side Aveley, whom Dulwich comfortably defeated 4-0 away a few days later. A 4-0 defeat at home to near neighbours Southend United followed, the Shrimpers fielding a very strong side but since that it has been wins all the way. A busy pre-season schedule concluded on Wednesday night with a 2-0 against a West Ham XI in front of 2000+ fans with stalwart Jay Curran bagging the opener before trialist Ayrton Coley ensured the Islanders concluded pre-season with a fourth straight victory. Having previously beaten Great Wakering Rovers (4-1), Bowers and Pitsea (1-0) and Ramsgate (2-0), the momentum for the season proper seems to gathering pace at Park Lane.

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

• Free with your Dulwich Hamlet 2014/2015 Season Ticket
• £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