Past encounters might not promise ‘ghouls’ galore but Dulwich Hamlet will be hoping to avoid any scares when Hythe are in town tonight...

Past encounters might not promise ‘ghouls’ galore but with Halloween just around the corner, Dulwich Hamlet will be hoping to avoid any scares when they take on Hythe Town in a rearranged Ryman League Division One South clash this evening at Champion Hill. The two sides have already met in competition in early days of the current season, a bruising August encounter in the FA Cup played in some of the worst conditions that an English summer can throw down. As in both our meetings last term with the men of Kent that game was settled by a single goal, an opportunist effort from Kalvin Morath-Gibbs capitalising on hesitancy within the opposition defence. In the prior campaign, the first time we had crossed swords in anger with Hythe Town, Sanchez Ming’s goal settled matters at Champion Hill shortly after Jimmy Dryden’s red card had seen the visitors reduced to ten men, though they came close to snatching a share of the points with a spirited rally at the death. However, Hythe gained revenge back in deepest Kent on the last Saturday before Christmas when Brendon Cass broke Hamlet hearts shortly after halftime. a Hythe defence that shipped five a week previous at Worthing and would leak a further EIGHT at local rivals Folkestone on Boxing Day proved watertight, dogged defending and the odd dollop of luck keeping Hamlet at bay to prang promotion prospects.

The form of the Forters of late is a little different to then with manager Scott Porter relishing the prospect of facing the Hamlet on the back of good October that culminated in a rugged come from behind win away to highflying Crawley Down Gatwick. Last Tuesday stalwart skipper Dave Cook netted the only goal in the 1-0 win against Horsham at Hythe’s Reachfields home on Tuesday, as the side bounced back from single goal home defeat by Chipstead the previous Saturday. At the weekend, they added to the woes of a stuttering Crawley Down side whose early charge at the top of the table is slowly being eroded by consecutive defeats. By all accounts, a thoroughly entertaining game began at break-neck speed, Luke Blewden taking advantage of a defensive slip to give the hosts the lead after five minutes. Seven minutes later Hythe rampant were levelled as Craig Thompson swivelled and finished from close range. On 21 minutes, Hythe deservedly went ahead, a fluid move ending with Jake Hobbs pulling back for Ronnie Dolan to finish crisply the edge of the area. Hythe’s more rugged side was exposed in a more spasmodic second half as a creaking Crawley Down were frustrated at every turn. In a table were even the most lowly struggler can still climb into a promotion spot after a brief return to form, like Hamlet, Hythe harbour hopes of occupying the top spot a close of business tonight. Neither of the top two, Crawley Down nor Faversham are in action this evening whilst third placed Maidstone United entertain Chipstead.

Speaking to the Kentish Express , Hythe manager Scott Porter was bullish about his team’s prospects, “We play well against the top teams, will be under no pressure but up for the test and believe we can get something out of both games.”

However, Hythe will have to do it without Craig Cloke, sent off at Whitstable in the Ryman League Cup, who will miss tonight’s game due to a one-match ban.

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 cocktail bar 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.

Programmes: £1.50