Dulwich welcome the Brewery Boys with top of the table within grasp for both.

In the topsy-turvy world of Ryman South, where struggling Leatherhead can bow down to the Hamlet on a Saturday before knocking Crawley Down Gatwick out of the sky in midweek, Faversham Town have been one of the surprise packages of the season. That is to those outside the cloistered walls of Isthmian Football.

Back in the summer, when the odds-setters priced this division, the fans of the Salters must have been more than a little aggrieved to see their heroes given odds of a mighty 40-1 for the title, the bookies seeing them as near certainties for a drop back in the County leagues. However, those with their finger on the pulse of Kentish Football might have been rubbing their hands with glee and hotfooting of to their local turf accountants with a month’s housekeeping in hand. For much has changed beyond the gates of Salters Lane and the boys from the brewery town are much changed from a side that often flattered to deceive last term, experienced players failing to perform when the chips were down finishing in a lowly 17th spot.

Yet after a wobbly start to the season, just one league win, that at rock-bottom Tooting, and exits from FA Cup, FA Trophy and Kent County Cup, the Salters have hit a strong run of form through October. Beyond the bald facts of course two of those cup exits, in FA Cup and Kent Cup, came at the hands of loftier opposition in the shape of first Margate after a replay and Dartford though the FA Trophy departure to Leatherhead at home must have rankled coming as it did off the back of a battling home draw with highflying Crawley Down.

With autumn leaves falling, Faversham fans must have feared the worst as their began October trailing 2-0 at Whitstable with a quarter hour remaining but the team dug deep to hit back with a three goal salvo that turned the contest on its head. Victory over Horsham followed, Folkestone were held at the Buzzlines, Daniel Lawrence’s goal dispatched Burgess Hill and Premier Division Cray Wanderers were sent packing in a seven-goal League Cup thriller. Seven days ago, Faversham again showed their fighting spirit as Dave Botterill’s goal 9 minutes from time salvaged a point from a home game with Three Bridges.

In midweek, the Salters made the long trip to Sussex to take on a Worthing side in some disarray, having been beaten in four of their five previous league matches at home. Once more, the Brewery Boys found themselves trailing as Jamie Brotherton bagged an early brace but again they rose to the challenge stunning the Rebels with a magnificent fight back. In one of those virtuoso performances were everything seemed to slot into place, Luke Harvey produced a dramatic four-goal blitz to lead Faversham to a 5-3 success on the night. Having given his side a lifeline Harvey tore Worthing apart with a 17-minute hat trick early in the second half, a victory that lifted Faversham into fourth place in Division One South.

Speaking to the Kentish Gazette Faversham manager Ray Turner enthused, “Luke was outstanding and, in fact, he could have had five or six because he hit the woodwork a couple of times as well.”

Looking ahead to today’s trip to Dulwich Hamlet, Turner continued, “Dulwich are particularly good at home and they have got some experienced players. They are going to be one of the teams who will be up there come the end of the season and so it’s a big test for us.”

After Dulwich’s last gasp win at foggy Whitstable in midweek that lifted them back within touching distance of table toppers, Crawly Down, this afternoon is set for a fascinating battle that could see one or other of the combatants taking over the leadership of the division come full time.

This afternoon's game kicks off at 3.00 pm at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD.

Before the game why not enjoy a drink or snack in the ground cosy cocktail bar with live sport on the big screens, conveniently situated just a short walk from the turnstiles? Remember its HAPPY HOUR in the bar all day with prices reduced.

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