A long trip into deepest Suffolk awaits as the Hamlet seek revenge for double defeats that proved key in last season's slip from the playoffs

Yet victory must be earned this Saturday for the Blues are just one of a quartet of clubs with a 100% just two games into the new campaign, sharing that perfect record with expected challengers Maidstone and Margate as well as the surprise package, East Thurrock United.

A ding-dong 4-3 win on opening day away to reprieved Wingate and Finchley, Leiston with all hands to the pump as their hosts battled back in the latter stages to all but snatch a share of spoils, was followed by another battling display as Billericay’s lead was overturned in the last 13 minutes of an enthralling encounter. A goal down, and seemingly out of contention Leiston rallied, equalising through skipper Tom Bullard’s maiden goal for the club before Craig Parker’s last gasp header sent the Essex boys home pointless.

Dulwich fans who witnessed both encounters will attest to the strength of Steve Ball’s side, a squad that bristles with experience and has been augmented by key signing such as the aforementioned Bullard as well as a new strike partnership in the former of Michael Brothers, back on his old stamping grounds, and the vastly experienced Cliff Akurang. The gargantuan Akurang first came to prominence at Thurrock before gaining Football League experience with Barnet, for whom he scored 10 goals in 45 appearances and has also featured for Braintree Town and Chelmsford City during an itinerant career that never quite fulfilled that early promise and often interrupted by injury.

Last season’s clashes saw the Suffolk side narrowly come out on top on both occasions. The away trip on a dank January Tuesday saw Dulwich take an early lead when Nyren Clunis floater in from the flanks deceived ‘keeper Danny Gay to find the net. However Leiston fought back to take a 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Craig Parker and Joe Francis before Dean Lodge had an “equaliser” ruled out in the dying second thanks to a contentious offside call. Turn the clock forward three months and with Dulwich playoff push back on track, Leiston did their best to derail it with another come from behind win, this time at Champion Hill. Parker was again on target to give the visitors a surprise lead but Clunis bagged a brace to put Hamlet ahead before the break. Second half and Dulwich went sleepy-byes as David Head’s header found the net from a free kick. Despite pressing for a winner Dulwich could not breach a resolute defence, then in stoppage time found themselves caught cold at the back as Parker galloped free to nudge the winner past Phil Wilson at the very death.

This Saturday's game kicks off at 3.00 pm at the LTAA, Victory Road, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4DQ

Match Day Admission Prices

• Adults £10
• Concessions £7
• Under 16s £3
• Matchday programme £2