THIS AFTERNOON’S MATCH PREVIEW – MET POLICE (AWAY)

Proceeding in an orderly fashion towards Imber Court Dulwich are on the beat in leafy Thames Ditton as they take on the Boys in Blue, currently sixth

Although the battle for the title is looking increasing like a Kent seaside dust up between Maidstone’s multitude and Margate’s moolah, the battle below them is looking to be one of the most intriguing for years with a few surprise names in the mix such as Hendon and Wingate and Finchley. The Met too are something of a dark horse amongst the early running given a disappointing finish spot of 17th last term with injuries much touted to blame by long serving manager Jimmy Cooper.

However after a shaky start the current campaign has provided a bit of as tonic to their royal supporters with the Police suffering a beating in just one of their last eight league outings, that at Margate. Even then they had the advantage going into the break with striker Bradley Hudson-Odoi’s fine individual goal giving them the lead and Stuart Searle’s inspired ‘keeping keeping the Margate floods at bay until the second half when that lead evaporated.

Hudson-Odoi’s goals have proved vital for the Met revival this term but in the charts, he must play second fiddle to Michael Collins who has bagged nine in all competitions so far. Yet it is far from a two man show with a number of players in the scoring mix such as the vastly experienced Matt Pattison, once of Kingstonian, and the versatile Ryan James, late of this parish. Another who has traded the Pink and Blue for the Royal Blue of Her Majesty’s Constabulary is midfielder Billy Crook who has been a mainstay of Copper’s midfield engine room. The Dulwich Old Boys contingent may be further swelled after Copper announced that Nigel Neita is training with the club having been released by Billericay Town.

This afternoon’s game kicks off at 3.00 pm at Imber Court Sports Club, Ember Lane, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 0BT. Nearest railway stations: Thames Ditton or Esher (South West Trains). Ten minutes’ walk from either and ask for directions.

Admission prices: Not shown on website