THIS EVENING’S MATCH PREVIEW – ENFIELD TOWN (HOME)

I want to be where the Talk of the Town is about last night when the sun went down and the trees all dance… Champion Hill?

Following Saturday’s thrilling, if ultimately frustrating, draw away to newly promoted Ryman North Champions AFC Sudbury, Dulwich Hamlet will be looking to crack into gear at home to Enfield Town in tonight’s opening Ryman League home fixture. Like the Hamlet, the Towners picked up a point from their first outing in this season’ Premier Division. Entertaining Canvey Island at a sun-drenched Queen Elizabeth II Stadium, the hosts endured an exasperating afternoon with the Islanders content to soak up home pressure throughout a goalless first 45 minutes. The pattern remained unchanged throughout the early exchanges of the second half but with 20 minutes left the Seagulls were awarded a penalty following a foul on striker George Sykes. However, Town ‘keeper Nathan McDonald proved his side’s salvation, or so it seemed, as the ‘keeper kept out Sykes’ spot kick. Just a few moments later and Canvey snatched the lead as a scramble in the six-yard box ended with Ryan O’Rawe prodding the ball over goal line amidst the goalmouth mêlée. Defeat seemed destined for Enfield but with time fast fading away home perseverance got its reward when. following a Billy Crook free kick, Tyler Campbell smashed home a loose ball into the roof of the net for a last gasp point saver.

The close season saw Enfield Town lose key players from their squad with the much-envied talents of Corey Whitely snapped up by National League Dagenham & Redbridge whilst Romanian defender Claudiu Vilcu stepped up a level to National League South joining Bishop’s Stortford. Dulwich fans may be relieved that Whitely is on his way; his late equaliser at Donkey Lane, one of 57 he scored in 144 turnouts for the Town, robbing the Hamlet of victory in last season’s away encounter. However, Dulwich fans may be pleased to note that former Champion Hill favourites Harry Ottaway and Billy Crook are still very much part of the Towners setup!

On the incoming side manager Bradley Quinton added experienced central defender Curtis Ujah from Chesham and Merrick James-Lewis, a central midfielder who had previously played with his new manager at Braintree Town. On the eve of the new campaign, Quinton swooped to add a brace of striker to his squad with Kelvin Bossman and Tom Collins joining Town from Chesham United and Hayes & Yeading United respectively.

Tonight’s game takes place at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD, kicking off at 7.45pm

Admission prices:

• £10 for Adults
• £4 for Concessions
• NB: Concessions cover Seniors - 60+, Teenagers (13-19), Unemployed (JSA), NHS Staff, Blue Light Services, Serving Members of the Armed Forces and Full Time Students. (Please bring a form of valid ID for your concession as you might not be admitted without that)
• Under 13s FREE accompanied by a paying adult