Dulwich Hamlet pit their wits against the high flying Stones in this evening’s Isthmian League Cup clash at Champion Hill – kick off 7.45 pm

Currently sitting pretty in second place in the Ryman Premier, the Stones will provide a stern test for Gavin Rose’s men in the lead up to big top of the table clash with Maidstone United on Saturday. Currently hot on the well-oiled heels of Whitehawk, Wealdstone ended a run of disappointing results over the New Year that had threatened to derail their promotion challenge thanks to Alex Dyer’s decisive striker on 74 minutes put paid to Bognor Regis on Saturday.

The Stones had been in fine fettle until the turn of the year, defeat away to fellow promotion contenders Lowestoft a rare blip in an excellent season and their first reverse in the league since a single goal defeat away to Lewes back at the end of August. Remarkably, that Lowestoft defeat was the first time since Lewes that the Stones had failed to find the back of the net in the league at that point. However a Boxing Day stalemate with deadly local rivals Harrow Borough was followed by a surprise home reverse at the hands of Wingate and Finchley on New Year’s Day. After giving their opponents a three-goal start, a late rally proved too late as the Stones went down by the odd goal in five. Shut out again the Stones stumbled to a 2-0 defeat at Kingstonian before steadying the ship with 1-1 draw away to FA Cup heroes, Hastings United, Dyer again the savour of the day.

Those of a pessimistic nature might point to one of the rare times Wealdstone fired blanks, a recent Middlesex Senior Cup second round tie at home to Ashford Town (Middlesex) which went to a penalty shootout after 90 minutes football ended scoreless.

Mention of penalties must bring back painful memories for many of a Pink and Blue persuasion for when our two teams last met that was how things panned out after 120 minutes of pulsating football in front of a throbbing Champion Hill ended 2 apiece. At stake then was a place in the newly reshaped Premier Division the Stones sealing their spot as Richard Jolly’s decisive penalty kick in the shootout denied Dulwich a return to the upper echelons of the Isthmian league.

After sojourns away with the likes of AFC Wimbledon, Carshalton Athletic and Sutton United, Jolly was persuaded him to re-join Wealdstone in the summer of 2011 and he has now made over 230 competitive appearances for the club, scoring more than 180 goals, 52 of them last season. Proving he not lost the touch he has continued to bag the goals this term and is already well into double figures to top the Stones’ scoring charts.

Like Dulwich, Wealdstone have placed a strong emphasis on youth though a number of their senior squad, whilst still in their early twenties, have already chalked up treble figures in the appearance tables. None of this can match the grand old man of the Stones, manager Gordon Bartlett, who first joined Wealdstone back in 1995 and has been at the helm for more than one thousand games, astonishing in a game where loyalty is so poorly valued by some.

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).

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