Time to get the promotion chase back on track as the E’s come to town.

Looking at the form guide, there is a perverse, topsy-turvy feeling about this afternoon’s encounter. Dulwich sit in third spot with their graze firmly fixed on the prize of promotion, whilst Enfield are still haunted by the spectre of demotion having only recently dragged themselves up out of the drop zone, with games in hand of most of their rivals from relegation and a point clear of the last relegation spot currently occupied by East Thurrock United. However whilst Dulwich have been on a poor of late winning just two of their last seven games and losing the last four, the E’s have found a new lease of life under the management of former Hamlet hero and non-league legend George Borg. Their last eight games have seen the North London side beaten just once, that a 3-1 reverse at the Met Police as they picked up 15 vital points in the battle to stave off the drop.

Fans will need no reminding of the storming encounter when the two clubs met at Enfield’s Donkey Lane back in late November last year. Coming off the back of the extra time FA Trophy exit at Concord Rangers, Dulwich dominated the first half and eventually opened the scoring in the 25th minute when Erhun Öztümer mesmerized the home defence with a sinuous run from inside his own half before finishing with a left-foot shot from 18 yards that took a wicked deflection to cruelly wrong-foot Noel Imber in the Enfield Town goal. Eight minutes later, the Wizard of Öz made it 2-0, running into the goalmouth to bullet header home a left wing cross from Dean Lodge. Unfortunately, Dean was sent off just before the interval as he reacted rashly after being chopped down from behind as he set off on yet another marauding raid down the flank.

The man disadvantage seemed to have little if any effect on the Hamlet as Dulwich got off to a flier in the second half with Abdul Mansaray twice missing chances he might have been disappointed not to put away. However, Enfield’s main marksman Liam Hope gave his side just that as his glancing header across goal from a left wing evaded the reach of Phil Wilson. The goal galvanised the hosts and five minutes later, the comeback was complete as defensive dithering allowed Anton Olondo to ram an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net from 15 yards.

Still the game had more twists and turns and with ten minutes left Erhun Öztümer wriggled free in the box, his rising shot certain to find the back of the net until defender Mark Kirby produced a fine save to punch the ball on to the crossbar. The Enfield captain was promptly red-carded and, as he completed a circuitous walk of shame to the dressing rooms, Erhun despatched the resultant penalty. Better was to come as, with two minutes left on the clock, Ian Daly won possession on the half-way line before freeing Xavier Vidal down the right; Xavier promptly made tracks for goal before unleashing a mind-blowing strike from the corner of the 18-yard box which beat Imber all ends up and dipped under the crossbar. Enfield were not yet dead and buried. Almost straight from the kick-off Enfield broke down the right through Tyler Campbell whose shot was too hot for Phil Wilson to handle. A nervous final few minutes until the whistle blew and though both Xavier Vidal and Ian Daly had opportunities to restore Hamlet’s cushion, Enfield had proved themselves worthy adversaries.

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 12.30 pm with refreshment facilities available in the ground for early arrivals. As a 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

• £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