THIS WEEKEND’S MATCH PREVIEW – ENFIELD TOWN (HOME) KO 3.00 PM

Dulwich Hamlet come face-to-face with an Enfield Town side in overdrive after victories in six of their last seven league games.

That streak of success has seen the Towners surge up the table from a position of some trepidation in the lower reaches of the Ryman League Premier Division to one where manager Bradley Quinton is once more reviving title talk at Donkey Lane. It’s a far cry from the early exchanges of the season when, at one point Enfield Town sat rock-bottom albeit after only three games had been completed, all defeats within a goal being scored.

That sorry start to the season seemed to be something of hangover from last season’s long-drawn-out playoff farrago as Enfield Town picked up just one win in their opening nine games, picking up just five points out of possible 27 and finding the net a mere three times. However, the fans stuck by their team and were rewarded by a mid-September winning streak that propelled the Towners away from the clutches of the relegation zone.

Key to the Town revival seemed to be the signing of form Dulwich Hamlet striker Harry Ottaway whom Quinton had long coveted and finally persuaded to sign on the dotted line at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in September. The former Champion Hill cult hero made his debut in Town colours away to Billericay Town in the Emirates FA Cup, the Towners progressing through against the Essex men after a replay. Home league wins over Farnborough (4-1) and Wingate & Finchley (2-0) followed, Ottaway bagging his first goal for Town in the Farnborough win. Thanks to a goal from Bonny Devyne Ipswich Wanderers fell victim of the Town renaissance next as Enfield Town fans dreams of a FA Cup run to match those of their sadly-defunct predecessors from Southbury Road began to materialise.

More success in the Ryman League as the points were claimed at Harrow Borough as Samir Bihmoutine struck nine minutes from time to secure a 2-1 win before the Town ran ruin against Leatherhead, the Tanners collapsing as Quinton’s men struck four times without reply. Emirates FA Cup hopes continued to flourish, Despite having to travel to Hitchin Town just two days after a goalless stalemate at Donkey Lane, a second half turnaround saw Ottaway cancel out a first half opener for the Canaries before Claudio Vilcu sealed victory.

The small matter of a home league game with Staines Town interrupted preparations for a trip to Chesham United but with a 2-1 over the floundering Swans, the Towners made it a fifth straight league win. The scene was set for the big day out in Buckinghamshire, Enfield Town having reached the final qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup for the first time in their 14 years since being formed as the country’s first supporter-owned club. However, it was not to be as the game Towners fell just short. Trailing by two goals with time running out, Ottaway threw them a lifeline with a 90th minute goal and might have won them a last gasp penalty but the views of fans & officialdom diverged. Instead it was the Generals that would have their moment in the spotlight as they shocked League Two Bristol Rovers in the first round before bowing out at Bradford City.

Putting their disappointment behind them the Towners made a sixth straight league win as Corey Whitely bagged both goals in a 2-0 win at home to Hendon. Then as one path to glory having closed another opened, the FA Trophy quest beginning with a 4-0 thrashing of Leighton Town. However, November brought frustration. The winning run ended at Kingstonian, K’s defender Alan Inns with the only goal.

Another winning run looked to be started through as Town marched into a 2-0 half time lead at home to Billericay but Craig Edwards’ men showed their fighting spirit as they battled back to secure a 2-2 draw at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium. A surprise exit from the FA Trophy followed as Quinton’s men went down 2-0 away to Ryman North Thamesmead Town and try as they might the league malaise seemed set to continue. Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson’s 16th minute goal for Grays Athletic saw them gain zero reward from a pointless trip to Aveley. Another of the former Dulwich Hamlet contingent in the Enfield Town ranks, the seemingly ageless Stanley Muguo might have grabbed his first goal of the season to put his side ahead against Merstham, Nathan Livings doubling that lead after the break but once more a 2-0 lead evaporated as the Moatsiders shared the points, former Dulwich striker Callum Willock among the goals.

Suddenly a two goal lead seemed to have become more of a curse than a cushion. With Tyler Campbell and Ottaway putting Town 2 ahead at the break at home to Hampton & Richmond Borough, the team seemed set for a much needed win. Even when Tom Jelley grabbed one back for the Beavers from the spot Enfield Town looked to be holding on. But in the teeth of a ferocious wind, the highflying Beavers broke home hearts with two goals in the 90th minute, the first a corner that swirled straight in, the second a comedy of errors straight from the kick-off.

Then the fog of despair seemed to lift. It all began quietly with a 2-1 win away to Brightlingsea Regent in the third round of the Alan Turvey Trophy, the Towners continuing their quest for the Isthmian League Cup after previous wins in the competition away to Brentwood Town (2-1) and in a very local derby at home to Cheshunt (1-0). Needham Market might have been on a run of their own, of which Dulwich Hamlet are only too aware, and in a seesaw game could have claimed at least a share of the points. Still Town prevailed 3-2 in a gutsy performance against a side unbeaten in their previous eight games.

Ottaway, Evans Kouassi and Devyne helped themselves to the goals as Enfield Town claimed a double over Harrow Borough with a comfortable 3-0 win before Campbell’s home brace extinguished an early lead given to Canvey Island by Martin Touhy. An Ottaway double made it three wins out of three as Enfield Town picked up what seems to have become the obligatory three points away to Lewes FC, the Rooks seemingly cast adrift at the bottom of the Premier Division. Yet the Towners left it late both goals coming in the last eight minutes.

Boxing Day proved something of a damp squib as East Thurrock continued to cast the Indian Sign over Town, 15 games now without a win against the Rocks after Ryan Scott’s goal on the quarter-hour settled matters. A rearranged game away to Wingate & Finchley brought things back on track though again it was left late, Vilcu sealing a 2-1 win with last orders sounding after Devyne had levelled following a Billy Healey opener for the hosts. The goal scoring double act topped the bill again on the New Year weekend. This time Devyne opener was cancelled out by visitors Brentwood Town but again Vilcu proved the last minute assassin heading home at the death to cap a 2-1 victory.

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

The turnstiles will be open from approximately 12.30 pm with refreshment facilities available in the ground for early arrivals. 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? The bar will open serving a range of excellent ales including selections from local breweries such as First Team main sponsor Late Knights Brewery as well as Clarkshaws and the Brick Brewery.

ADMISSION PRICES

• £10 for Adults
• £4 for Concessions (Seniors - 60+, Under 18s, Unemployed (JSA), Full Time Students and Members of the Armed Forces and Blues 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

Photo thanks to Brixton Buzz