Back to the hunt for silverware at Champion Hill as Dulwich signal in Concord to land with welcome in their smiles and revenge in their hearts...

Though meetings between the two sides have been few and far between it was the last encounter that carried so much weight for both sides. Then it was the Isthmian League Cup at stake on the synthetic greensward of Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium. Dulwich Hamlet, then of Division One South, taking on on the Beachboys, then of the Premier, the sights of both sides momentarily distracted from their foremost task at hand, promotion, by the glint of silver. It was a true gladiatorial battle, South London silk versus Essex industry, full-blooded football at its finest with the islanders ultimately triumphant by the odd goal in five after extra time despite Ellis Green’s superb brace for the boys in Pink and Blue.

Dulwich would ultimately put that defeat behind them in the chase, triumphing in the race for the Division One South title clinched on an emotional afternoon at Champion Hill. Meanwhile the Beachboys, though unsuccessful in their quest to topple Whitehawk from their perch atop the Premier Division would also claim promotion via the play offs nine days later. Finishing in the final play-off berth, Concord upset the odds not once but twice winning 2-1 at fancied Wealdstone before breaking Suffolk hearts as they clinched promotion with a 2-1 at Lowestoft Town, the third straight year the Trawlerboys had been beaten at this stage.

With victory came promotion to the Conference South, the latest rung on a meteoric climb from the lowly levels of Essex Intermediate football as the club finally climbed out of the shadows of their more illustrious neighbours down the road, the eponymous Canvey Island. Formed in 1967 by Albert Lant, the Beachboys found a permanent home of their own on Thames Road in 1985 before going on to clinch an Essex Intermediate double of League and Cup in season 1990/91 providing the catalyst for the club’s rise up the ranks. Denied promotion to the Isthmian League in 1998 after winning the Essex Senior League, the Beachboys suffered a mass exodus from boardroom, bench and dressing room but this proved but a hindrance, albeit a five year one. 2004 saw the ESL lifted again but still promotion was denied them but in season 2007/2008 came the Annus Mirabilis.

Under the current management team of ex-Great Wakering Rovers legend Danny Scopes, and former Brentwood Town and AFC Hornchurch player Danny Cowley the Beachboys celebrated their 40th anniversary, far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. The Essex Senior Football League title was claimed in the tightest of fashions by goal difference on the final day of the season at Barkingside’s Oakside Stadium. They are also the winners of the Gordon Brasted Trophy (formerly the Harry Fisher Memorial Trophy), defeating fellow Essex Senior Football League side Eton Manor 3–2 at Burnham Ramblers’ Leslie Field.

A year later, they were promoted via the play-offs from Isthmian League Division One North to the Premier Division building finally to last season’s double achievement of league cup and promotion to the Conference South once more by dint of playoff victory.

After such rapid progress fans might have feared they might have overreached themselves. Opening day brought Basingstoke Town to Thames Road, and though John Easterford made his mark on in the club’s short history books with Concord’ first goal at this lofty level, it was not to be a day of celebration as a late Basingstoke goal ensured that they would pick up the points with a 2-1 win.

A short trip to Chelmsford followed and so did Rangers’ first point with a 2-2 draw. The long trip to Dover Athletic, two out of two so far in the season, must have been daunting but Danny Spendlove’s belter of a goal gave Concord a lead they were never to relinquish even after playing a man shy for the last quarter hour. A goalless Bank Holiday draw at home to Sutton was followed by a comprehensive 3-1 defeat away to Bath City but the visit of another West Country outfit, Dorchester Town, proved more productive as another three points were banked courtesy of skipper Steve King’s 86th minute winner.

One of each, draw, loss, win, followed a trip to Eastbourne Borough goalless, the visit of Bromley to Thames Road, a dingdong game culminating in win by the best of five for the Lilywhites. The goals continued to flow thick and fast – Maidenhead thrashed 4-1 in a league match before defences had an off day as St Ives Town, two levels below the Beachboys, nearly took them to a replay after a heart stopping 4-3 game.

Another precious point was garnered from a trip to big spending Eastleigh, the FA Cup magic stayed alive as Histon were dispatched but reality intruded with a 5-0 thumping away to Weston-Super-Mare. Concord managed five of their own in a routine dismissal of Waltham Abbey from the Essex Senior Cup but the boot was on the other foot as their FA Cup dream evaporated in a 3-0 defeat away to Edgar Davids’ Barnet.

The return to league football was no less painful as the Beachboys were on the wrong wend of a 4-0 thrashing away to the team formerly known as Gravesend and Northfleet. Midweek saw the unofficial Isthmian League Charity Shield contest as they entertained last season’s Premier Division champions Whitehawk. There was late drama at the Aspect Arena as two injury-time goals ensured it was honours even between the two promoted clubs. Trailing to Sam Gargan’s late goal for the ten man Hawks, four minutes into injury-time Concord got the equaliser they deserved when a scramble in the box fell kindly for Sam Higgins who smacked a half-volley home for a much needed point, that left the Beachboys in 16th spot two points ahead of the relegation slots.

This afternoon’s game kicks off at 3.00 pm at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD.

Before the game why not 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

• £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.

Please remember that as this is an FA Trophy tie then Season Tickets and any discount vouchers are not valid.

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

Programmes: £1.50