Three Bridges next on the agenda as Hamlet travel to Jubilee Fields...

Something old, something new, something pink, something blue. Though Dulwich Hamlet and Three Bridges have crossed swords on a number of occasions previously, most notably back in 1988 at the start of a FA Cup run that took the Hamlet all the way to the very brink of the competition proper, this afternoon will see the two sides meet in Isthmian League competition for the very first time. That 1988 meeting settled by a single goal at the previous incarnation of Champion Hill was the precursor of a run that ignited the hopes of the Hamlet until finally they were extinguished by Fisher Athletic in a 3-0 home defeat following a battling draw at their opponents’ Surrey Docks home.

But this afternoon is no place for nostalgia for whilst Fisher Athletic and the crumbling edifice that was Champion Hill of yore are now to be found only in the dusty pages of football’s history books, Three Bridges have written their own history in recent years. Last season the investment finally paid off as dingdong battle for the title with Rye United and Lancing went down to the wire, the destination of the Championship resting on the result of the final game, fittingly first versus second, with Bridges knowing just a draw against old foes Rye United would be enough to seal the title. It was a typically tight game but Three Bridges made sure of things thanks to a deflected Williams Peauroux shot on 54 minutes that proved the only goal of the afternoon. Lifting the title made it a double success for manager Paul Failli and his men, for they had already retained the John O'Hara League Cup, the boss praised his side’s team spirit.

Though the Bridges opened the maiden Isthmian campaign with a 2-1 home reverse at home to Sittingbourne, they made their mark the following Tuesday when, despite twice blowing a lead at Sussex rivals Worthing, they held off a second half Rebel revival to pip the game by the odd goal in seven. However dreams of FA Cup glory proved stillborn as they slumped to defeat away to struggling Combined Counties side Epsom and Ewell. Back to the league and the goals continued to flow as they shared EIGHT away to the usually frugal Corinthian-Casuals, got the better of Hythe Town, no mean feat in itself, and dispatched Chipstead from the League Cup to brighten the mood around Jubilee Field. However, the dark clouds were soon back as a run of four defeats in five league games sent the club tumbling down the table. Cups brought some respite, Bridges winning derby bragging rights as bitter rivals Crawley Down Gatwick were sent packing in the FA Trophy whilst Premier Division table toppers Hampton & Richmond were knocked out of the League Cup after a Danny Willmott’s 90th minute winner settled a 5-4 goal fest. Hampton would have their revenge in the FA Trophy but Bridges were far from shamed in a single goal defeat against their loftier opponents.

Yet still the league proved problematic, a 2-2 draw away to Faversham Town and 3-2 win at Whitstable that helped hastened the departure of the Oystermen’s manager, Justin Luchford, countered by defeats at home to Merstham and last Saturday’s apparently controversial downing at Folkestone that left the Bridges management fuming about officialdom. Had Walton Casuals been able to hold on to their 89th minute lead at Maidstone, that Folkestone defeat would have left the Bridges propping up the table. Yet with a hearty, “What, me worry?” Three Bridges returned to the mad, mad world of the League Cup featuring a TEN goal game at Hastings United that featured almost no defending and the appearance of 48 year old Non-League Legend, Gary Abbot. After turning round 4-0 in arrears at the break one might have expected the Bridges to have been burned but an unlikely fight back began as Marlon Maxwell opened their account after 56 minutes. Tom Bold’s 18-yard drive reduced the arrears further ten minutes later and Charlie Cooke’s strike from much further out made it 4-3 with 20 minutes left. Hastings United pulled away again, Abbott bagging his side’s sixth. Though Joel O’Hara snatched one back almost immediately time proved the enemy as Three Bridges adventure ended in Pyrrhic victory.

With a footballing philosophy that seems to echo the days of the Frank Murphy-era Hamlet, the sages have this afternoon’s game down for a corker. The main danger man looks to be striker Marcus Elliott already with ten goals to his name in all competitions whilst colleagues Joel O’Hara, Abu Touray and Tim Rivers, the latter a former England Under 18 schoolboy international have also chipped in to bolster the goal bank. Then of course, there is the formidable figure between the sticks, Alan Mansfield, who has recently re-joined Bridges after 6 years away. The veteran custodian often played a blinder in his days with Worthing when Hamlet were in opposition.

This afternoon’s game kicks off at 3.00 pm at Jubilee Fields, Three Bridges (click here for map).

ADMISSION PRICES

• Adults: £8
• Senior Citizens: £5
• Young Supporters (5 -16): £2
• Very Young Supporters (Under 5): Free