This weekend’s match preview – Farnborough FC (Away) KO 3.00 pm

Dulwich Hamlet make the trip to the Rushmoor Community Stadium for Saturday’s clash with Farnborough FC on Non-League Day

Turn the clock back to the start of the season and when the fixture list was published the fans of Dulwich Hamlet must have been contemplating a day of leisure or perhaps a tilt at one of the big boys in the FA Cup. For then Farnborough’s place in the Ryman Premier Division was in limbo with the club’s much publicised off field problems to blame. Players left, new ones recruited to fill the gaps. Finally, after complex negotiations with the league, Farnborough’s delayed campaign could begin in earnest, 5 games and three weeks after the rest of the Premier Division.

The loyal fans of Cherrywood Road might have been anxious for their club’s survival in that time but when the action kicked off it kicked off big time. Saturday 29th August saw ‘Boro entertain Lewes, already struggling and just eight minutes in Bobbie Dale found the net to start the ball rolling. The Rooks lost their goalkeeper on a red card before the break, Harry Williams converting the penalty but it took until the 69th minute for the floodgates to open. Dale bagged a second, Williams two more to complete his hat trick before Jordan Wilson grabbed a consolation to make the final score 5-1.

However if a candle of hope had been lit it seemed to be snuffed out quickly two days later as Farnborough went down 3-1 at Burgess Hill on Bank Holiday Monday. Narrow home defeats to Met Police (0-1) and Staines Town (2-3) in the space of three days followed and though they held Kingstonian to a draw at Kingsmeadow in the FA Cup, hopes of a coffer boosting run in that competition came to a shuddering halt as K’s won the replay 3-2 at Cherrywood Road.

The return to league action brought no relief as the team shipped ten goals in their next two outings, beaten 4-1 away to Enfield Town then routed 6-2 at home in a game that saw seven of the eight goals scored in 34 second half minutes. There must have been some trepidation as Bognor Regis Town arrived the following Monday, hitman extraordinaire Jason Prior in the ranks. However, having not scored since finding the net six times in the first five games, Bobbie Dale recovered his goal scoring prowess bagging a brace to shoot down the Rocks as Farnborough picked up much-needed points from a 2-1 victory. However the momentum failed to roll through into last Saturday’s trip to newly resurgent Tonbridge Angels, the gates firmed closed on the ‘Boro as they were sunk by Luke Blewden’s double. The result left Farnborough third from bottom; eight points shy of the Met Police in the last place of safety from relegation. However due to ‘Boro’s truncated season so far they five games in hand of the Boys in Blue.

Up against Lewes in the Alan Turvey Trophy on Monday night, Farnborough once more turned to Dale as their saviour, the striker scoring twice as to see Boro through. However, they were forced to survive a late onslaught from ostensibly a Lewes second-string side, who, by all accounts, should have been put to bed long previous.

The game takes place at The Rushmoor Community Stadium, Cherrywood Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 8UD, kicking off at 3.00pm.

Admission Prices

• Adults: £12
• Concessions: £8
• Children Under 16: £3
• Children Under 6: FREE

For those supporters travelling by car the directions can be found on the Farnborough FC website by clicking here.

For fans travelling by train the nearest station is Farnborough North however this involves a circuitous journey via Redhill, Dorking and Guildford. Fans are better advised to use Farnborough Main. There are four direct trains an hour from Waterloo to Farnborough; the fastest leave at 09 & 39 past the hour, others at 12 & 42 past. They do not all call at Clapham Junction, so check National Rail Enquiries for specific journeys.

From Farnborough Main Farnborough Main station, which is around one and a half miles away from the ground (around a 25-minute walk away). It is might be best to hail a taxi. If you do decide to walk then as you come out the station turn right along Union Street. At the end of Union Street, turn right into Prospect Road. This road leads into Cherrywood Road for the ground.