Despite a disappointing finish to the last campaign that saw Craig Edwards’ side slip away from playoff contention in the latter stages of the season, there were many who expected the Blues to be among the challengers for promotion this time around. However things have not quite worked out as planned and after just one win in their opening seven fixtures, ‘Ricay find themselves back down in 18th spot, 11 points adrift of current leaders Grays Athletic and behind the Hamlet in 9th position.

The departure of exciting young striker Rowan Liburd to Reading on a two year contract and the loss of Ricky Sappleton, leading scorer for the past two seasons, in the summer to Premier Division rivals Kingstonian certainly hampered Edwards’ options up front. That missing firepower seemed to show in the Blues’ opening encounter of the new season as they made the short trek across Essex to take on East Thurrock United. Trailing to Sam Higgins penalty on the stroke of half time Billericay had to dig deep to salvage anything from the game but in added time at the end of the game up popped George Beaven with a point saving goal.

Midweek brought Needham Market to the New Lodge. This time the boot was on the other foot as the visitors snatched a late share of the points with an 86th minute equaliser. Until then Billericay had looked to be in control of things with former Dulwich Hamlet striker Tom Derry having opened his account for the Blues on the half hour. However the Suffolk side refused to lie down and profited when Billericay ‘keeper Jack Giddens spilled a free kick leaving Christopher Hogg with a simple tap in for the leveller.

At the third attempt the Blues got their first win of the season in the back as they entertained Enfield Town in Essex. The 3-0 score line certainly impressed the New Lodge faithful and, but for some generous officiating, might have been more emphatic. A penalty denied early on was soon forgotten when Derry tucked away his second goal in successive games before Es centre forward Tayshan Hayden-Smith got his marching orders for a less than pleasant challenge. Beaven added a second before the break and when Onome Sodje tucked away a 57th minute spot kick the victory was complete. Part of the famous Sodje dynasty, Onome boasts a playing career to shame some of the most dedicated of international ground hoppers having played in Slovakia, Vietnam, Malta, Algeria, Albania and even Nuneaton in recent years!

Though the Blues made the requisite changes for the Alan Turvey Trophy tie at home to North Division Aveley, it still came as something of a surprise when they found themselves exiting the competition at the first hurdle. For the third game in a row Derry found the net but by then it was a consolation with Aveley having secured their passage thanks to earlier goals from Lee Weemes and former Hamlet man Junior Baker.

Still unbeaten in the league, Billericay faced another in the same position as they travelled off to Aveley to face Grays Athletic. Despite a strong start it was the “hosts” who would claim the points, Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson breaking on the brink of halftime to put Grays a gaol to the good and James Stevens ramming home a second half penalty to seal the points.

Midweek saw the Blues welcome Merstham with the Moatsiders putting in the same sort of disruptive display that had unsettled the Hamlet earlier in the season. Somewhat against the run of play ‘Ricay took an early lead when Derry headed one onto the feet of Sodje to finish but they were pegged back before the break when Taurean Roberts found the net. Never side could find that elusive winner and so it finished all square.

The Bank Holiday weekend turned grey for the Blues after a bright start. Saturday took them off on a seaside trip to Bognor Regis and a time it seemed as if it would be jolly day out. Derry scored number four of the season to give Billericay a third minute lead but with Stuart Green and Joe Ellul own goal handing the Rocks the halftime advantage the day swiftly turned sour. Jason Prior took his tally to five with Bognor’s third goal early second half to leave Billericay making the long trek home pointless.

If had been a bad day out of the office, Monday would prove the mother of all hangovers as Town slumped to a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Essex rivals Canvey Island. Up against a Seagulls XI containing many who had once plied their trade at the New Lodge, matters began to deteriorate as early as the 2nd minute. A clash between Tambeson Eyong and Callum Dunne saw the ‘Ricay defender pushed his opponent in the face to be shown a straight red card for violent conduct. A brace of goals in the space of five minutes saw the Islanders take control, Ozzy Adeniji volleying home on 14 minutes before Jay Curran turned home the second from close-range. An off-the-ball incident early in round two saw Ola Williams depart leaving Billericay down to nine men and out of the contest. At the death Curran grabbed a second goal to make it four games without a win for the Blues.

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 12.15 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

Free with your Dulwich Hamlet 2014/2015 Season Ticket
£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