ROSE OUT TO SINK PLAY-OFF HOODOO

GAVIN ROSE knows his Dulwich Hamlet are mentally stronger than this time last year – the 2016 play-off final at East Thurrock United when they just didn’t turn up.

Bank Holiday Monday sees the meeting of two clubs who just can’t stand the end of season promotion shoot-out.

Bognor Regis have lost the last two times they have been involved but Dulwich’s record is even worse.

“It’s certainly not the best!” accepted Rose following Thursday night’s 4-2 semi-final victory over Enfield.

“We lost in the final last year and the semi-final the year before that. The year before we won the Ryman South but we had two unsuccessful play-off final attempts before we achieved that so it’s fair to say we’ve not had the best of fortune.

“I would say third time lucky but it’s probably more a case of fifth time lucky! If we can play like we did on Thursday then we’ve got a good chance. We’ve just got to believe in ourselves.”

Unlike at East Thurrock last year, Dulwich won’t have three quarters of the crowd.

“Our fans are fantastic and will travel in numbers but Bognor are well supported as well,” Rose, pictured, said. “I think this team has more resilience this time around. We’re mentally stronger as a group as everyone knows you just don’t know what’s in store in the play-offs.”

If any club needed a show of mental strength, it was Bognor. After blowing the chance of winning the league by drawing with Met Police at home on the last day, Rose’s opposite number Jamie Howell was thrilled as the Rocks scored in the last minute to beat Wingate & Finchley 2-1.

“Last Saturday was really disappointing for us and we knew we couldn’t let that hold us back,” said Howell.

“We knew it couldn’t carry that on and we got our rewards in the end. We did get a little nervous but Ollie Pearce scored two goals for us and he proved the difference.

“Dulwich are a really strong side and it has all the makings of a tremendous final. It’s who performs on the day.”