Dulwich have another chance to reclaim top spot at Champion Hill today as they welcome the struggling Rocks to South London.

Not much water may have passed under the bridge since these two sides last met 18 days but much, too much, has fallen on the pitches of the Isthmian league in those intervening days, so much so that the lads from Corringham have not kicked a ball in anger since Dulwich romped to 4-1 victory on a chill night at Rookery Hill.

On an evening of heroes and villains, Dulwich had theirs in Erhun Öztümer who bagged yet another hat trick and returning ‘keeper Chico Ramos who made a fine double save from a spot kick just as the Rocks’ resilience threatened to make for a nervous finish. By contrast the hosts found their bête noire in the man in black as referee Mr Lennard awarded a trio of penalties, two dispatched by the on fire Öztümer, East Thurrock’s own drawing a blank. In addition, the man in the middle drew much opprobrium from the home support for the rather harsh dismissal of Ryan Sammons, reducing the Rocks to ten men just after the half hour with the flash of his red card. Along with much travelled veteran midfielder maestro Stuart Thurgood, the unfortunate Sammons will find himself kicking his heels on the sidelines this afternoon.

That Dulwich game stands as isolated amongst the floodwaters as a Somerset levels farmstead, their two games prior at home to Maidstone United and away to Hampton and Richmond Borough, their three games after at home to first Harrow Borough then Margate, a road trip to Cray Wanderers called off as the inclement weather failed to abate. Others have taken advantage ant the Rocks find themselves entire in the relegation slough, currently occupying 22nd spot (out of 24). However they do have games in hand of most within the clutches of the relegation trapdoor, barring Grays Athletic who remarkably have completed just half their scheduled league games with just over two months to the season’s closing day, giving the Rocks a little bit of breathing space as they look to the future and the redevelopment of their homely headquarters at Rookery Hill.

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 12.15pm with refreshment facilities available in the ground for early arrivals. As a healthy crowd is expected, why not avoid the rush late 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: £1.50