The Dockers are back at Champion Hill as London Senior Cup kicks off for the Hamlet...

A senior club for less than two decades, the Dockers have been making fast strides in recent years after stepping up from Sunday football, their progress reaching a zenith when they clinched the Kent Trophy at the end of the 2010/2011 Season. That success stirred the club to challenge for greater honours, manager Tony Russell actively procuring the players that might see them make the jump from county football, experienced players including the likes of Marcus Perona, Leroy Huggins and own very own Ray “Razor” Powell recruited to the cause. After a magnificent start to the season, the Dockers are in with the chance of the Kent League title and a Wembley appearance in the FA Vase. They are also chasing glory in both the Macron Premier Division League Cup and the Kent Senior Trophy.

In Russell’s maiden season he brought the Kent Senior Trophy to Erith Stadium after beating Tunbridge Wells 3-1 in the Final at Welling United. The following campaign he led the Dockers to their best ever Kent League finish of fourth place. This season he saw his team win ten and draw one of their eleven League matches as well as getting to the second round of the FA Vase with Guernsey visiting in November. However others enviously eyed his success and, with his side perched on top of the Kent League unbeaten, Russell departed to take over the hot seat at nearby VCD Athletic.

Russell's final game in charge saw Erith battle back from an early deficit to beat Beckenham Town 3-1 with goals from Chris Walker, Ben Payne and Jamie Humphris at the same time reclaiming top spot from Erith & Belvedere. Following Russell’s departure reserve boss James Collins stepped up to the top job, his opening game something of a disappointment as Erith blew a comfortable cushion in the first leg of Macron Premier Division Cup at Cray Valley (Paper Mills). With six minutes to go Erith looked set to take a two goal lead into the second leg, but the game then turned on its head as the Cray Valley scored twice in three minutes and Dockers’ captain Payne was dismissed for a second yellow card.

Prior to 2010, Dulwich had never met the Dockers in any form of senior football but this will be the fourth meeting between the clubs since then, a Rikki Cable double seeing Erith to victory in an early pre-season friendly before Dulwich gained revenge in the London Senior Cup thanks to Gerry Gonnella's late goal at Champion Hill. Prior to the start of last season the two sides played out scoreless draw at Champion Hill, honours shared and a healthy workout in gutsy, wholehearted game in difficult conditions after “unseasonable” summer rain threatened the game, lacking nothing but goals.

Tonight’s game should see a strong Hamlet XI on show with the Reserves due to travel to Wingate and Finchley in the Capital League President’s Cup tomorrow night (Wednesday). Should be a chance for some of Gavin Rose’s recent signings to make their first start in Hamlet colours with fans eager to see more of former Chelsea Academian Danny Stenning as well as the latest signings, Yacine Gnahore and Louis Hollingsworth.

Remember this game must be played to a conclusion this evening with penalties at the end of 90 minutes if need be (no extra time will be played). At stake is a home tie with ether the Corinthian-Casuals or Cockfosters who meet in their third round tie a week tonight.

This evening’s game kicks off at 7.45 pm at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD.

Before the game why not enjoy a drink or snack in the ground cosy clubhouse with live sport on the big screens, conveniently situated just a short walk from the turnstiles?

ADMISSION PRICES

• £9 for Adults
• £4 for Concessions (Seniors - 60+, Under 16s, Unemployed (UB40) & Full Time Students with valid ID)
• Under 12s FREE accompanied by a paying adult.

Correct change would be appreciated in order to speed admission. Many thanks!

Unfortunately, Season Tickets are NOT valid tonight.

Programmes: £1.50