TUESDAY EVENING’S MATCH PREVIEW – LEATHERHEAD (HOME) KO 7.45 PM

A week might be a long time in politics so what does that make a fortnight in the Ryman League?

Less than a fortnight on from a frustrating evening at Fetcham Grove when Phil Walsh’s early header separated the two sides, Dulwich Hamlet have a swift chance to right that wrong as they entertain Leatherhead at Champion Hill this evening.

Dulwich have reasserted themselves with a three game unbeaten run in those 13 days, pegged back by leaders Grays Athletic at the death by a returning old boy, brightening a damp Bank Holliday with thanks to a Jacob Erskine double at Kingstonian and saving the best ‘til last on Saturday as Rhys Murrell-Williamson marked his debut with an early goal of the season contender.

By contrast, Leatherhead have stumbled off the pace. The Bank Holiday weekend opened with a trip off into darkest Essex and a pointless return to Surrey after the floodgates opened at Brentwood Town. A Liam Hope penalty just before halftime signalled the start of the goal with Martyn Stokes doubling the lead early in the second half. The stage was then set for maverick goal machine Jamie Guy to mark his debut, sinking a quick-fire double in the space of ten minutes to finish off the Tanners. Though Kieran Hughes-Mason bundled one in at the death, it was too late to have any effect on the outcome.

48 hours later and though back on their home patch for Monday’s grudge match with Merstham, the Tanners failed to click into gear going down 2-0. After the Moatsiders had provided the bulk of the early threat, they took the lead just after the half-hour as Wes Daly's drive from the edge of the box took a deflection off Joe Bruce after a neat cutback from Kershaney Samuels. Former Fetcham Grove favourite Tommy Hutchings had the chance to double the visitors lead early on in the second half, pouncing on some slack defending, but his effort hit the post and trickled along the line to safety with Louis Wells in goal beaten. However, a deserved second for Merstham did arrive on 63 minutes as Hutchings worked his way to the by-line and crossed to provide Fabio Saraiva with a simple tap-in.

Having already shared eight goals in a game at home to Canvey Island at the end of August, the Tanners repeated the feat at the weekend in one of those that might live long in the minds of the neutrals but will haunt managers for months to come, if not longer.

Two goals down at the break after East Thurrock’s Louis Smith had slotted home a penalty then drilled a free kick from the edge of area into the corner of the net, the Tanners found themselves further in arrears when Tom Anderson tucked away his maiden senior goal from a George Purcell cross. However, the goals seemed to ignite a spark in Leatherhead hearts leaving East Thurrock believed they had woken the kraken. Richard Avery began the rally as he hammered home a Stacy Long cross. The second came from the unlikeliest of sources in the unlikeliest of fashions as giant centre half Jerry Nnamani back heeled home after a shot had come back off the upright. On 73 minutes, the contest was all square with Josh Gallagher’s cool finish finding its target. Having already set up two of the goals, Long staked his claim for man of the match with the goal of the game but victory was denied at the death as Harry Honesty saved a point for the hosts slamming home the equaliser in added time.

This evening’s game kicks off at 7.45 pm at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD.

The turnstiles will be open from approximately 6.00 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?

ADMISSION PRICES

• £10 for Adults
• £4 for Concessions (Seniors - 60+, Under 18s, Unemployed (JSA), 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