With Maidstone idle this midweek, there is the opportunity for Hamlet to reclaim top spot as they travel to Carshalton for a rearranged league match

Originally scheduled for New Year’s Day, this game fell afoul of the weather but with the Robins currently struggling in the basement of the Premier Division, the omens must be set fair for Dulwich to get back on track in the hunt for honours come season’s end.

Reprieved from relegation at the end of the last campaign thanks to the indiscretions of others, Carshalton Athletic failed to take advantage and have continued to struggle in the lower reaches of the Premier Division. Of the meagre 17 points so far garnered in league competition more than two thirds have been picked up on the road with last Tuesday night’s hard fought win away to Bury Town their third of the season on their travels. That game was marked by the debut of teenage stopper Michael White from Whyteleafe and a rarity for the Robins – a clean sheet – their first since October.

Back at Colston Avenue, it is a different story however with the Robins’ nest constantly at threat of the magpies picking off the points with impunity. The War Memorial ground has become something of a Belgium with the invading hordes rampaging through on their way to three points. Not since late September have the Robins managed to claim victory on home turf when Billericay were their victims thanks to Kieran Woodley’s first half goal and some spirited second half rear-guard action to deny a ‘Ricay team looking to extend a three match unbeaten run.

December threatened some relief as AFC Wimbledon were turned over in the Surrey Cup, a valuable point was picked up an Enfield Town and Maidstone United were made to battle all the way before sneaking a 1-0 victory on the Gallagher 3G. a trip to fellow stragglers East Thurrock United on Boxing Day gave the long suffering supporters a marvellous late present with a 3-2 victory but defeat two days later at home to Bognor Regis put the skids under any though of revival. Since then only the Bury road trip shines as a beacon of hope amidst the litany of defeat, six league defeats and an extra time exit from the Surrey Senior Cup leaving Carshalton deep in the mire at the wrong end of the table and ten points shy of safety.

This evening’s game kicks-off at 7.45 pm at the War Memorial Sports Ground, Colston Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 2PW.

Admission Prices

• Adult - £10.00 - Over 18 years
• Senior - £6.00 - Over 60 years
• Junior - £3.00 - U18 - Photo ID must be shown.
• U16s must be accompanied by an adult