Can Dulwich throw a spanner in the spokes of the Wealdstone title juggernaut this weekend?

Dulwich Hamlet make their maiden trip to the Grosvenor Vale, home to Gordon Bartlett’s Wealdstone pacesetters, with the tough task in hand of stymying the seemingly inexorable charge of the hosts towards the Premier Division title. With less than a month until the end of the season the Stones have opened up a ten point lead at the top of the table as the rest of the championship pretenders, Dulwich included, have seen their own title aspirations flounder.

Unbeaten since early January Wealdstone will be looking to make it thirteen league games without defeat since blowing a 2-1 lead at Canvey Island when the Seagulls dumped on them with goals from Tom Strickland and Nick Humphrey in the last five minutes. That reverse saw them slip from the summit they had attained four games earlier. However nine wins, three draws and nine clean sheets later the Stones had motored into a commanding lead and today find themselves sitting ten points clear with three games in hand of the Hamlet.

By contrast the form of the Hamlet has been disappointing of late as the rigours of the season have taken its toll on Dulwich’s young squad. Four straight defeats had threatened to extinguish the hopes of the Hamlet, not just of the title but even of gaining a foothold in the playoffs. However contrasting draws and the malfunctions of others have given the kiss of life to Dulwich’s dying dreams.

In midweek, whilst the Stones were busy going about the dismembering of Lewes side that had once harboured pipedreams of gate-crashing the playoffs courtesy of goals from Tom Pett, Luke Pidgen and the vastly experienced striker Scott McGleish, Dulwich girded their loins to graft out a hard-earned point away to a surprisingly subdued AFC Hornchurch team. Moreover, whilst form may favour the hosts, Dulwich have an added spur in the defeat they suffered at home to Stones back in November. Then a superlative first half performance from the visitors capped by a stunning solo goal from another of Wealdstone’s former Football Leaguers, Glen Little, set them on the way to a 4-1 victory though Dulwich were far from outclassed and but for some spirited defending from their opponents might have made the final score a lot closer.

For those travelling by public transport please note that Ruislip on the Piccadilly & Metropolitan Lines (Travelcard Zone 6) is the nearest station. However there are engineering works affecting several sections of the District and Piccadilly lines to the west of central London, so the best bet is to pick up the Metropolitan Line at Baker Street or Finchley Road, (approx. ½ hour’s journey time from Baker Street). Check www.tfl.gov.uk if you need more info.

This afternoon’s game kicks off at 3.00 pm at Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip, HA4 6JQ.

ADMISSION PRICES

• £10 for adults
• £5 for concessions
• £2 for under 16′s
• If you hold a Season Ticket for another club (except Dulwich (sorry!) entry to the game is £5.

Programmes: £2.50