THIS EVENING'S MATCH PREVIEW – HARLOW TOWN (AWAY) KICK-OFF 7.45PM

A new town and a new ground as Dulwich Hamlet head north to Essex to renew acquaintances with the Hawks.

Promoted to the Ryman League Premier Division after defeating Cray Wanderers in last season’s Ryman North final, like the Hamlet Harlow Town have made a mixed start to the new campaign. After Alex Read’s 90th minute winner against Kingstonian in strength-sapping heat had given the Hawks the perfect start to the season, the Hawks were left to rue missed opportunities as they went down to Harrow Borough 2-0 at Earlsmead. Harlow might have enjoyed the majority of possession but, in tale all too familiar to fans from Liverpool to Champion Hill, the hosts made the most of their limited openings with Ryan Hope’s 33rd minute opener quickly followed by a Marc Charles-Smith spot kick.

Last Saturday saw Harlow Town head down to the South Coast to take on Worthing, similarly promoted as playoff victors, but again it was to be a frustrating encounter. The unbeaten Rebels, top of the table with a 100% record, continued their winning ways but not without resistance from the travelling Essex boys. Twice the Hawks came from behind, Omar Bugiel’s strike late in the first half cancelled out by Lewis Perkins’ leveller seconds after the restart. Bugiel set up Harvey Sparks for a simple finish to put Worthing back in front but again Harlow fought back Mario Noto converting a penalty after home skipper Steve Metcalf had been dismissed for handling a goalbound effort on the line. Despite being reduced to ten men the Rebels swiftly regained the lead as man of the match Bugiel raced clear to slot home his second and the match winner. The result left Harlow sitting down in 15th spot in the nascent league table.

Saturday also saw the return of fans favourite Joey “The Tank” Benjamin to the Harlow Arena after a short spell away at nearby Bishops’ Stortford. Benjamin also played 7 games under Gavin Rose at Champion Hill in 2015 after transferring from Bury Town, earning himself something of a cult hero status amongst the Hamlet Rabble despite his short tenure with the club.

This evening’s game takes place at The Harlow Arena, Elizabeth Way, Harlow CM19 5BE. Travelling directions can be found on the Harlow Town website by clicking here

Admission prices:

• Adults: £12
• Concessions (60+/Students): £8 (proof of eligibility may be required)
• Under 18's: £2 (proof of age will be required)

Programmes: £1.00