THIS AFTERNOON’S MATCH PREVIEW – HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH (HOME)

It is Non-League Day and PAY WHAT YOU WANT DAY at Champion Hill as Dulwich Hamlet welcome the Beavers to town.

After last season’s late run towards the playoffs, bolstered by the goals of the prolific Charlie Moone, a run that only faltered in the final furlong as the backlog of games began to weigh heavily on the their backs, the Beavers must have been itching to get their teeth into the coming campaign.

A single goal opening defeat away to much-vaunted Margate was no mean feat in itself, their opponents’ expensively assembled with promotion their aim needing a 77th minute to break the résistance.

However any early optimism soon evaporated as proceeded to lose their next four games shipping FOURTEEN goals in the process. Wingate started the rot with a 4-1 win at the Beveree, promoted Witham followed suit as they turned round a 1-0 halftime deficit scoring at will as the hosts crumbled to a 4-2 defeat. A trip to Maidstone and the plastic pitch proved a little less traumatic through the result was the same as goal in each half left the Beavers’ fans still scratching around for a point.

The Beveree continued to be a playground for visiting sides with Grays the latest to run rampant on their travels in the dark heart of Middlesex. A four-nil tonking ensuring that left the Beavers with not a sausage from their opening five matches and rock-bottom in the table.

Relief finally arrived last Saturday when the Beavers held on for their first win of the season against Lewes despite Ben Osman to a red card just as the Rooks had been thrown a lifeline. A Moone penalty and a George Wells header with the space of four minutes just after the break seemed to set the Beavers on their way but when Ollie Rowe halved the deficit the subsequent dismissal of Osman left Hampton clinging on for dear life in the last twenty minutes. Lewes did all they could to share the spoils, even having a “goal” chalked off for a foul but the ten men held firm for victory.

With one win under their belt, the Beavers proceeded to make it two from two as, despite trailing to a 9th minute goal at Harrow Borough they rallied to level through Billy Dunn before Ben Harris converted a 89th minute penalty to lift the spirits.

With the Beavers coming back into form, fans can look forward to an intriguing encounter particularly in light of last season’s Champion Hill encounter when the sides shared four goals in a thrilling contest as a 95th minute equaliser from the league's leading scorer Charlie Moone saw the Beavers snatch a point after going 2-0 down well before half-time.

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 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
PAY WHAT YOU WANT!!

£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 "responsible" adult.

Correct change would be appreciated in order to speed admission. Many thanks!

Programmes: £2.00