Dulwich Hamlet welcome in-form Horsham to the Hill as the Christmas campaign hots up...

It has been many moons since Dulwich Hamlet and Horsham last crossed swords in anger, more than six years having passed since the Hornets snatched a last minute point at Champion Hill thanks to Carl Rook’s equaliser with the very last kick to complete an unlikely comeback. That afternoon Dulwich had looked to be cruising to victory after goals from Billy Warner and Chris Dickson had cemented their early dominance. However, Hornets’ stalwart Eddie French gave his side a lifeline, heading home on the stroke of half time and though Dulwich held the whip hand for much of the second half, they could not stretch their advantage before Rook’s late leveller.

That hard won point proved so valuable in the scheme of things as, having been beaten in the promotion playoff final at home to Bromley the previous season, Horsham clinched their place in the Premier Division finishing runners-up goal difference. In addition, the final of the Sussex Senior Cup was reached for the first time in 17 years but silverware was denied them as they were beaten 3-1 by Lewes.

This promotion proved the beginning of a purple patch for the Hornets with little sign of the dark clouds gathering beyond the horizon. They proved consistent performers at the top level of the Isthmian League, challenging for promotion in 2007-2008 before a late season slump extinguished those hopes. However, it was on the national stage that the Hornets were truly buzzing as a FA Cup run that began with a 7-1 demolition of Arundel, saw a place clinched in the First Round Proper with a 3-2 win at Chippenham Town. Remarkably, for a club with such a long and distinguished history this was just the third time this feat had been achieved in more than a century of existence. Queen Street was packed to the gills as Conference South side Maidenhead United were taken to the cleaners giving Horsham a home tie with Welsh giants Swansea City. With Sky Sports camera in attendance Queen Street was once more awash with fans and they were not to be disappointed as Lewis Taylor kept his cool to dispatch a 85th minute penalty to hold the Swans to a 1-1 draw. For a while in the replay a shock result seemed on the cards as Lee Farrell bagged a brace to put the Hornets 2–1 ahead but Swansea recovered to win the tie 6–2.

At the end of the 2008 season, quaint, historic Queen Street was sold to housing developers with a new ground planned but whilst Horsham relocated to Worthing for that campaign, political machinations contrived to deny the Hornets a new nest. Though Horsham would return to the town, moving in with next-door neighbours Horsham YMCA, just a stone’s throw from the luxury homes that have replaced their spiritual home, efforts to relocate to a place of their own have faced continual frustration, impacting on the playing and management staff. Last term long time supremo John Maggs departed for flush Crawley Down Gatwick as the budget dwindled to a trickle as the Hornets slumped to bottom spot in the Premier Division, their relegation confirmed long before the season’s end.

There might have been those who feared for the future of the Hornets after their relegation. However under the stewardship of former Worthing boss, Simon Colbran the club have consolidated themselves in the cluttered mid-section of the table. Yet in their form there is a stark difference between home and away. At Goring’s Mead with its notoriously undulating surface have lost just once in the league since drawing their opener with the Corinthian-Casuals, their home form almost matching that of the Hamlet. Yet on the road they have picked up just 5 points out of a possible 24, their only league win coming on their last away trip at Leatherhead on the 17th November, a result that ended a painful run of 26 matches without a win stretching back to the 27th August 2011!

That much needed victory was part of a four match unbeaten league run that saw the side pull themselves away from the relegation zone, a run capped by last Saturday’s demolition of Three Bridges. Hero that afternoon was young striker Billy Medlock who has repaid Colbran’s faith with a steady return of goals this term, culminating in hat trick that sunk the Bridges. Also on target that day was Scott Tipper who has proven pedigree after scoring goals for fun in his days at Arundel and though he released by Worthing after a change of footballing policy that seemed to exclude centre forwards of the old school, Tipper is another who should ensure the Dulwich defence earn their corn today.

Whilst the youngster might be grabbing the Horsham headlines, one player stands out in the Hornets ranks. Although he may have had the odd sojourn at Walton & Hersham and Eastbourne Borough, Gary Charman has found his way back to his roots having made more than 500 appearances for his hometown team. Now number two to Colbran and originally the scourge of full backs on the wing, Charman now adds his experience to the defence.

With Lewis Gonsalves having served his suspension and Josh Turner coming through last week’s roller-coaster ride with Eastbourne Town, Dulwich look set to return to their established centre half pairing for this afternoon’s game, freeing up Peter Adeniyi to return to his conducting role in midfield.

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 our cosy clubhouse with live sport on the big screens, conveniently situated just a short walk from the turnstiles? Happy hour prices from 1.30 pm right up to kick off time, just £2.50 a pint.

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