This Evening’s Match Preview – Staines Town (Alan Turvey Trophy) KO 7.45pm

After back-to-back league wins, attention at Dulwich Hamlet returns to silverware as Staines Town return to Champion Hill.

It has been something of topsy-turvy season for the Swans after their relegation to the Isthmian League at the end of the last campaign with the side currently in 12th spot in the Premier Division table. However they come into tonight’s encounter on the back an eight game unbeaten run that began in the wake of a 7-0 thrashing just over a month ago when Brentwood Town shocked the Swans scoring five times in the last half hour. Since that disastrous day Staines have regained their rhythm and begun a steady climb back up the table whilst also progressing to the 3rd Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup.

The revival began at Farnborough where twice the Swans had to rally from behind before Pat Cox’s 88th minute winner gave them a 3-2 victory and the striker’s form in front of goal must be key to that. Cox’s double helped Staines to a 3-1 triumph over Faversham Town as they progressed in the FA Cup after replay having recovered from 2-0 down after just 11 minutes at home in the first encounter.

The goals were flying in again as they hosted East Thurrock United, the two teams trading goals before Luke Wanadio pounced in the 87th minute to secure the points. Wanadio was again on target as the Swans looked to be heading for all three points away to Grays Athletic. However as Dulwich Hamlet know much to their cost the Essex men after never to be counted out until the final whistle, Sean Cronin levelled with almost the last chance of the game.

Whilst Dulwich were giving their all in FA Cup exit away to Whitehawk, Staines were travelling to Stanway Rovers of the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Premier League. It proved a tougher encounter than the two clubs’ respective rungs on the non-league ladder might have forecast but once more, that man Cox proved the difference. The first half was deep into stoppage time when the striker found the net and his goal proved to be enough to take the Swans through to the next round.

Cox’s fine run of scoring continued as he bagged the opener in a 2-2 draw with Burgess Hill at Wheatsheaf Lane last Tuesday before excelling himself with a hat trick on Saturday in dingdong win away to Billericay Town as Staines Town extended their unbeaten run to eight games. Cox twice put the Swans ahead, Billericay first equalising through Mike Fondop-Talom after Cox had snaffled a 15th minute opener. Cox thought he had scored the winner with four minutes remaining to make it 2-1, only for Louis Hazelwood to level with 89 minutes on the clock. However, in a dramatic twist Staines were awarded a last-gasp penalty with Cox converting to claim the points. That match-winning treble took his tally for the season to 13 in 14 appearances in all competitions.

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

The turnstiles will be open from approximately 6.00 pm with refreshment facilities available in the ground for early arrivals. Before the game enjoy a drink or snack in our cosy clubhouse with live sport on the big screens, conveniently situated just a short walk from the turnstiles?

ADMISSION PRICES

Unfortunately Season Tickets are not valid tonight as this is a cup game, sorry.

• £10 for Adults
• £4 for Concessions (Seniors - 60+, Under 18s, Unemployed (UB40, Full Time Students and Members of the Armed Forces and Blue Light Services. PLEASE present valid ID)
• Under 12s FREE accompanied by a paying adult.

Correct change would be appreciated in order to speed admission. Many thanks!
Programmes £2.00