THIS WEEKEND’S MATCH PREVIEW – VCD ATHLETIC (HOME)

Can Dulwich Hamlet resume normal service as the Vickers pay a call on Champion Hill?

Founded during the Great War of 1914 to 1918, Vickers, Crayford and Dartford Athletic Football Club were originally formed to provide recreational diversion for the workers of the Vickers armaments factory and in their early days could call upon the services of a number of Arsenal players. Not long departed from their South London roots, a number of Gunners players had been completing their war service at the factory and regularly turned out for the Vickers in their formative competitive season after the cessation of hostilities. Given the Vickers parlous position in the lower reaches of the Isthmian Premier Division they might be some at the Oakwood Stadium who might wish for the appearance of an Olivier Giroud or a Theo Walcott among their ranks these days.

It’s been a tough debut campaign for VCD in the Ryman Premier after last season’s imperious march to the Division One North title, snatching that silverware from the grasps of Witham Town when it seemed destined for the Essex club. It took a month of competition before they registered their first victory, ironically Witham their victims and another before a second league win when they shocked promotion hopefuls Leiston out in deepest Suffolk.

Yet despite their travails VCD still harbour hopes of an escape from the clutches of relegation with only two points separating them from Witham current occupants of the last port of safety and a number of key “six pointers” against fellow strugglers to come in the ensuing run in.

Since the turn of the year, they have shown fighting spirit and, though the roll of the dice may not always have been in their favour, draws with Kingstonian, Canvey Island and Leiston at the Oakwood have shown the Vickers should not be taken lightly. Goalkeeper Nick Blue has been at the top of his game of late, none more in last Tuesday’s night vital win over Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Also catching the eye that evening was a certain Leigh Bremner, late of this parish, who shared the plaudits with the home custodian, thanks to a Duracell Bunny performance of non-stop running and though he did not bag a goal in the 90 minutes, he did have a goal chalked off for a marginal offside and was instrumental in creating VCD’s opener.

Along with Bremner, the Vickers have a host of players in their ranks with Champion Hill connections from striker and assistant manager, Ray “Razor” Powell, through wing back Dean “Chippy” Carpenter and centre half Lewis Tozer with Ellis Green and Ahmed Deen (now Aveley) having turned out for VCD before the turn of the year.

This afternoon’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. As a very healthy crowd is expected, why not avoid the late rush and relax. Before the game 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.

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

Programmes: £2.00