THIS EVENING’S MATCH PREVIEW – GREENWICH BOROUGH (AWAY) KO 7.45 PM

As attention turns from the league to the chase for silverware, Dulwich Hamlet make the short trip to Greenwich Borough in the Alan Turvey Trophy.

Modesty forbids but tonight’s game might well be seen as the tie of the round, hosts Greenwich Borough currently top of the tree in Ryman Division One South, the Hamlet getting into gear after a shaky start to the season.

Under the guiding hands of former Dulwich Hamlet ‘keeper, Perry Skinner, Greenwich Borough securely back by DGS Marine, allowing manager Gary Alexander to build a strong core of former Football League players and experienced non-league individuals. Midfielder Peter Sweeney appeared in the 2004 FA Cup Final for Millwall, Bradley Pritchard spent time with both Charlton Athletic & Leyton Orient making more than 100 appearances in the Football League. Striker Charlie Macdonald has had a rich and prolific goal scoring career at higher levels most notably with Brentford where he scored 19 goals in his first season with the club helping the Bees to the League Two title in 2009. The following season he was the club’s top scorer despite his season being hampered by a shoulder injury. And of course, one should not forget the long career of manager Alexander, who still plies his trade in midfield for the Boro’ at the ripe old age of 37. Alexander has previously played for West Ham United, Exeter City, Swindon Town, Hull City, Leyton Orient, Millwall, Brentford, Crawley Town, AFC Wimbledon and Burton Albion. He was also interim manager of Crawley Town alongside Martin Hinshelwood.

Though season started in tame fashion with a 1-0 defeat away to Dorking Wanderers, Greenwich responded with a 4-1 home over Horsham, Jack Britnell bagging a hat trick. However, despite dispatching Walton & Hersham from the FA Cup in a replay, the results were mixed. A point was garnered in the Channel Islands as Guernsey held them to a 1-1 draw. Sittingbourne scored thrice in the first 23 minutes to make for a miserable Bank Holiday Monday at Badgers. Walton Casuals popped the FA Cup bubble with a 3-2 victory, goals from former Dulwich Hamlet players Sol Pinnock and Gabriel Odunaike, with a double, turning an early 2 goal advantage for Boro’ on its head.

Yet that sorry start to September planted the seeds of a stunning run of success that saw Greenwich leap out of the midtable mêlée to the head of the pack. Six league games produced a maximum return as wins over East Grinstead (3-0 at home), Herne Bay (2-0 at home), Godalming Town (4-1 away), Ramsgate (3-1 away), Chatham Town (3-0 at home) and Hastings United (3-2 at home) put a whole new complexion on the season. In addition, the ‘Boro progressed in the Alan Turvey Trophy, 2-1 away to Aveley. It came as no surprise then when Alexander was named South Division Manager of the Month and trotted off to get fitted for a new suit as his reward courtesy of sponsors Nicholas Rowe.

If the curse of the Manager of the Month was about to strike someone forgot to tell Alexander and his team, Greenwich starting off with wins away to Chipstead and Lewes, against whom Rob Denness pocketed himself a first half hat trick. The FA Trophy threw up a local derby with VCD Athletic the opponents. With the Vickers languishing in midtable in Ryman North, Boro’ must have fancied their chances of progressing but after a tight 1-1 draw at Oakwood Road it was VCD that went through to a First Qualifying Round tie at home to Ware. Denness had given ‘Boro an early lead but their failed to make use of that advantage, two goals in the spare of ten minutes in the latter stages send the Vickers through. A single goal defeat away to the club’s bête noire Walton Casuals briefly knocked ‘Boro off their perch but with Denness and Mohamed Eisa on target away to Horsham YMCA Greenwich re-ascended the summit just three days later.

On Saturday, as Dulwich were making it back-to-back wins for the first time in the current campaign with a 2-0 victory at home to AFC Sudbury, Boro’ cemented their leadership of the South division with a thrilling 4-2 win over Three Bridges. After controlling the first 45 minutes Greenwich Borough were 3-0 up at the break. Rob Denness took his tally to a round dozen for the season with an early opener, central defender Luis Morrison, picked up from Canvey Island last month, added number two before a Jake Britnell goal just before confirmed the hosts’ superiority. However, Three Bridges roared back at the start of the second half as Maxime Agnoly and Hakeem Adelakun, with a penalty, shaved the gap to just a goal. MacDonald snatched a typical poachers’ goal just two minutes later and that was enough to secure all three points.

This evening’s game takes place at the DGS Marine Stadium, Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, London, SE9 5HT kicking off at 7.45 pm. Please note there must be winner on the night so if the teams are level at the end of 90 minutes the result will be decided by kicks from the penalty mark – there will be NO extra time.

Admission Prices:
Adults: £10
Concessions: £5
Under 16s: £1