It's a Saffron Saturday at Champion Hill as Dulwich Hamlet open their Advent Calender with the visit of Eastbourne Town in the Isthmian League...

Since Dulwich Hamlet and Eastbourne Town last clashed on a damp October evening under the Saffrons lights, the Sussex side’s season has been gone into free-fall as Danny Bloor’s men have been dragged ever closer to the tentacles of the relegation beast as defeat followed defeat. Though that night both sides made a number of changes from the usual XI’s for the Isthmian League Cup tie, it still proved a tight affair with Dulwich battling back from a contentious penalty to snatch victory thanks to a goal from one of the more unlikely sources, an Erhun Öztümer header!

A glance at the table then saw Town scaling the heady heights of sixth spot just a single victory away from current leaders Crawley Down in a tight division with Dulwich just a couple of points further back, albeit in the bottom half of the table! Since then the tables have been turned with Dulwich now atop the pile whilst Eastbourne Town have slipped all the way down to 18th spot just three points out of reach of the bottom pair of Three Bridges and Walton Casuals.

Coming out of the League Cup defeat, Eastbourne consolidated their position near the top of the tree with a battling victory to edge a seven-goal thriller at home to Walton and Hersham. Experienced Eastbourne skipper, Sonny Cobbs, led the fight back, as Town twice came from behind to take all three points. Two goals in the first 20 minutes from Swans had left Bloor's side reeling but they fought back to level the scores by half time, thanks to goals from Cobbs and Matt Crabb, only to fall behind again early in the second half. Once again, the home side fought back, equalising moments later through Ben Austin before a second goal from Cobbs completed the comeback. That win took them to third in the table after an impressive run of four consecutive league wins.

However Eastbourne were brought crashing back to earth as leaders Maidstone came to Town the following Wednesday. They lost Cobbs early to a professional foul, Paul Booth dispatching the subsequent penalty but a man shy, held out until the walls caved in the last quarter hour, Stones adding two more to cement their victory. Four more defeats followed as Eastbourne’s luck deserted them, losing a half time lead to go down 2-1 at Corinthian Casuals, beaten by the odd goal in five at Leatherhead despite a courageous second half revival that threatened to nick them a share of the points, beaten by ex-Saffron Scott Kirkwood’s goal in the Sussex derby at home to Worthing before going down 2-1 at Crawley Down, their fifth straight defeat.

A chance to put some space between themselves and fellow strugglers went out of the window as last weekend’s visit of Walton Casuals fell afoul of the weather. Midweek brought some relief though as Town triumphed in the Sussex Senior Cup, a modicum of revenge on the cards for Crawley Down Gatwick were the victims, local lad Dan Bolwell and Jon Lansdale the scorers.

It is in the likes of youngsters such as Bolwell that Bloor is placing the future stock of Eastbourne. However whilst youth plays an important role at the Saffrons the side boasts a great deal of experience in the likes of Cobbs, Lansdale and the Crabb brothers, Sam and Matt, injuries though have taken their toll this term.

Like his counterpart Gavin Rose has suffered an extensive injury list and this afternoon he has another headache to add to the problems with Lewis Gonsalves suspended leaving him bereft of a recognised senior centre half unless someone makes a speedy recovery.

This afternoon’s game kicks off at 3.00 pm at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD. Please note that East Dulwich Station is closed today due to improvement works, alternative travel details are published here.

Before the game why not 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? Happy hour prices right up to kick off time.

ADMISSION PRICES

• £9 for Adults
• £4 for Concessions (Seniors - 60+, Under 16s, Unemployed (UB40) & Full Time Students with 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