THIS WEEKEND’S MATCH PREVIEW – HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE (AWAY) KO 3.00 PM

Dulwich Hamlet are Hampshire bound this weekend as they travel to the title hunting Hawks.

Just ten short days have passed since Gavin Rose’s men stymied Havant’s quest to overleap South Coast rivals Bognor Regis in the quest to secure the Ryman League Premier Division title and with it an instant return to National League South. That Wednesday night a dominant Dulwich display saw the below par Hawks succumb to delightful solo effort from Dipo Akinyemi, Dumebi Dumaka’s pinpoint close range header and, making a welcome return from injury, Nyren Clunis arriving in the area to finish off a wonderful team move with an exact finish into the bottom corner.

It may not have been ten days that shook the world but surely ten that have bolstered the Hamlet’s playoff ambitions, bouncing back from a pounding at the hands (or rather heads) of the big hitting, big spending money men of Billericay to move back into the playoff places with Tuesday night’s impressive display. The New Lodge was rocking to a four-figure attendance, its biggest crowd since the glory days of the late 1970s when a trip to Wembley for the FA Vase final become a regular date in the Blues’ calendar. The ground may have been rocking but it was the Hamlet who were on the roll, taking a 21st minute lead when Ibra Sekajja nipped into the box to finish off Ashley Carew’s audacious flicked pass; the midfield maestro adding a second himself with a steamer of a free kick to leave host ‘keeper Alan Julian clutching into the ether.

Meanwhile, down at Westleigh Park, thoughts too were of picking up precious points after a frustrating scoreless weekend on the road at Needham Market. Then, by all accounts, the Hawks had much of the better of the possession, much the better of the opportunities only to find themselves thwarted by a host side equally determined to maintain their challenge for a playoff spot. Marketmen ‘keeper Danny Gay once again earned the applause with a string of fine saves as the game finishes 0-0. Worse news arrives by pigeon post soon after the final whistle as Bognor Regis Town are confirmed victors over Canvey Island, James Fraser’s hat trick propelling the Rocks to a 4-0 triumph that stretches the gap between the protagonists to four points. Tuesday night sees both pretenders back in action, Bognor welcoming Leiston to Nyetimber Lane, the Hawks hosting Harrow Borough. Half time and the omens are not good. Over in Sussex, the Rocks were leading through Jimmy Wild’s 18th minute goal, the Hawks trailing as, after just 5 minutes, L’heureux Menga got on the end of a poor back pass from Ryan Woodford to beat Ryan Young. The breakthrough came early in the second half when Wes Fogden curled one home before Ed Harris guided home a back-post header to put Havant back in the driving seat. Another header settled matters with a quarter hour left on the clock as James Hayter did the business, getting to a delivery first to nod home at the near post. However back at Bognor, though the Rocks would have to battle hard to maintain their advantage against a dogged Leiston resurgence, Wild’s goal would be enough to maintain their four-point advantage in the race for the silverware and that sole automatic promotion place.

This Saturday’s game takes place at Westleigh Park, Martin Road, Havant, PO9 5TH kicking off at 3.00 pm. For directions to the ground and details of parking please click here.

A reminder that engineering works may disrupt your journey this weekend so allow for extra time travelling. Alternatively, why not take advantage of the Supporters’ Coach run by the 12th Man Scheme. Click here for more information on how to book your seat.

Admission Prices:

• Adults - £12
• Concessions - £9
• Up to two children (0-16) get free entry with a paying adult. (Ryman Premier matches only)
• Portsmouth FC season ticket holders £5 entry to all Ryman Premier fixtures