- This is the first match in the 2026-27 Isthmian Premier campaign for Dulwich Hamlet, who come into the season on zero points.
- Maldon & Tiptree also start on zero but a result away from home would be a statement.
- Maldon & Tiptree come into the league on a wave of promotion momentum after winning the Isthmian North in 2025-26.
Back the goals at Champion Hill
Two of the Isthmian League Premier Division teams with promotion ambitions in 2026-27 come up against each other on Saturday and this fixture is a clash of styles.
Dulwich Hamlet are favourites to win the match at 67/50, but there is not much to choose between the two clubs in the betting with Maldon & Tiptree available at 38/25 and the draw priced at 123/50. The game looks good for over 2.5 goals and BTTS as the home team are the slight favourites for the points.
Mark Dacey has done a pretty good job at Dulwich, steadying the ship and building home form that has put the club back on track for promotion. The home fans will be in good voice at Champion Hill for this one and the fixture feels like a statement game for both sides in their respective ambitions.
They look strong in attack and a little loose at the back, which is usually the case for a team that is not quite up to full speed.
Maldon are a tough nut to crack
Kevin Horlock has built a collective that is organised, pragmatic and intense in transitions, so Maldon & Tiptree should be a tough opponent on any given day - even away from home. Their summer has been mixed with a 0-0 draw against Canvey Island and a 4-1 defeat at Chelmsford City, but there is no denying that the structure and shape of the team is there.
Maldon will ride on the promotion momentum from their success in the 2025-26 Isthmian North and won't be easy to get at, so Dulwich must go at them with width and tempo to try to pin them back early on. Nyren Clunis has been one of the better performers for Dulwich in the pre-season, featuring as a scorer and a creator in the attacking third.
Danny Mills has also looked good for the hosts with a couple of goals in a pair of friendlies to show he can nick a big moment on his day. Lonit Talla can also add a bit of sparkle to the hosts' attacking play after getting on the scoresheet in the 5-1 win over Jersey Bulls recently.
Maldon will look to their striker from the promotion run to be the difference, but their pre-season results have shown that they can also land a few punches against bigger teams. Our selection is for the Over 2.5 market at 33/50, while Both Teams To Score - Yes looks a good play at 27/50.
A 2-1 win for the Hamlet looks to fit the bill for this opener, but 1-1 is a dangerous score for Maldon if they stay compact and disciplined.
