Hopefully we'll get over the line this year, says Dulwich Hamlet boss Gavin Rose

DULWICH HAMLET manager Gavin Rose says his club are ready to win promotion in to the Vanarama National League South for the first time in their proud history.

The Hamlet scraped into the Ryman Premier League play-offs after finishing in fifth-place but they’ve progressed through to the final after beating runners-up Bognor Regis Town, courtesy of a penalty save from Preston Edwards and Ashley Carew’s last-gasp free-kick.

“Very tough game. I thought it was only going to be decided by one goal. Luckily enough it went to us,” said Rose.

“Great save from Preston Edwards. He stood up for as long as he could and managed to get good contact to put it over the bar.

“He’s been good. He’s been in situations like this (play-offs) a lot for many years really so he’s done really well, he’s done really well.”

Dulwich Hamlet travel to Corringham tomorrow to lock horns with East Thurrock United, the prize, promotion into National League South for the first time.

East Thurrock beat Tonbridge Angels 2-0 courtesy of two first half goals from central defender Rickie Hayles and winger Ben Marlow and John Coventry is also keen for his club to win promotion into that league for the first time.

The Essex side lost striker Kye Ruel to a broken leg, going in hard in a tackle on Tonbridge left-back Jack Parter and coming off worse.

“It’s going to be a tough game. We’ve been quite evenly matched over the years,” said Rose.

“I’m expecting it to be a tough game again. We’re going into it with a lot of confidence and hopefully we can pull off a win.”

Tonbridge Angels’ visit to Rookery Hill attracted a crowd of 849 and a crowd double that is expected for Dulwich Hamlet’s visit tomorrow.

Travelling fans have been asked to arrive at the small ground early, as East Thurrock United host their biggest game.

“It’s another match you’re going to have two teams evenly putting everything into it to win the game,” said Rose.

“We win and lose matches every week and it’s going to be no different.

“There’s no how you get over the line?

“We’ve had good travelling support all year, so very happy with the support we get.  We’re expecting them to come down and be loud in voice as well.”

Hampton & Richmond have returned to the artist formerly known as Conference South after an absence of four seasons and Rose is keen to join Alan Dowson’s men.

“We’ve been in and around it for the last three years, very close to getting a chance to compete for this so hopefully we’ll get over the line this year.”

Visit Dulwich Hamlet’s website:  www.pitchero.com/clubs/dulwichhamlet

East Thurrock United  v  Dulwich Hamlet
Ryman Premier League Play-Off Final
Bank Holiday Monday, 2^nd May 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Rookery Hill, Corringham, Essex SS17 9LB