Norm the Eclectic Rabbi

2100-12-31T11:22:00.000Z

THIS AFTERNOON'S PREVIEW - EASTBOURNE TOWN (AWAY) KO 3 PM

2008-12-20T09:15:00.001Z

The South Coast in late December! Sounds like a rest and recuperation cure from Victorian days. Okay chaps, a brisk morning constitutional along the seafront then a refreshing dip in sea water cold enough to form ice in the blood stream! Still after the R&R of the postponement of last weekend’s home game with Walton Casuals, a hard-fought Surrey Senior Cup victory in midweek to restore confidence after defeat to Kingstonian then surrender to Corinthian-Casuals, manager Craig Edwards will be urging his troops on to a morale-boosting performance that could That recent dip in form for Dulwich was halted in midweek as troublesome Camberley Town were eventually dispatched in a 2-1 victory, narrow on paper if less so on the field of play, thanks to goals from Laurent Hamici and Shayne Mangodza. The game also marked a half-century of appearances for skipper Marc Cumberbatch. Tidy performances across the park from a number of players will also prove a handy boost in confidence for the Hamlet as they go into what promises to be a tough encounter, with Eastbourne harbouring promotion ambitions of their own after a difficult debut season last term. Town seem to be in a much more comfortable position this year, currently sitting in 13th spot, their 27 points seeing them five behind the Hamlet and just two wins off the last play-off spot. Though their form can be erratic, they have proved themselves tenacious opponents against some of the division’s top boys, beating Cray Wanderers at the Saffrons, holding Met Police on their own manor, doing likewise to Folkestone at home and only narrowly losing to the likes of Fleet and Ashford.
They certainly proved arduous opposition for Dulwich when the two clashed at quaint Saffrons, home to the Town since antediluvian days, on an afternoon when a latter-day Noah might have scurried for the gopher wood to construct a new Ark. Luck was certainly on the side of the Hamlet as Town held the upper hand but the goal had Dame Fortune fingerprints all over it, Peter Cooper’s speculative strike from distance slewing in at the post with Sheikh Ceesay unsighted. She had her revenge though, Eastbourne denied a brace of seemingly legitimate goals for offside offences either side of Junior Baker’s equaliser, the substitute on hand to tuck home the ball after Henry Darko’s skidding shot had beaten the ‘keeper only to spring back off the base of the upright to delight the soaked sopranos of the Hamlet Travelling Choir.
Dulwich intend to strike an end to their mediocre league form of late, 1 win in their last 4 nothing to proclaim from the rooftops with Edwards looking to build on that win in midweek and stymie talk of the Manger of the Month curse! That should be assisted by the return to goal scoring form, and in spectacular style too, of leading scorer Laurent Hamici netting his 18th goal of the season on Tuesday evening.
All the better for Edwards will have to call on every resource for today’s game, with suspension and injury taking its toll. Stanley Muguo and Daryl Plummer will both be suspended for today’s game, while Billy Chattaway is unavailable. Potential back up left back Kyle Graham is also likely to be out, injury meaning he was unavailable for the Camberley match, meaning Scott Simpson will be likely to cover this position, where he put in an surefooted if unheralded performance against Camberley. Injury prone right back Peter Martin could also be a doubt, injury keeping him out on Tuesday, Ryan Adams making his full debut in that slot that night. The injury list is certainly growing with Graham and Martin joining long-term absentees Walid Matata, Mo Coly and Charlie Taylor on the sidelines. Tirrell Grant is likely to be included in the squad, Adams might take the right back spot, but may face competition from Mangodza, should Cedric Ngakam drop back to centre half. Theo Fairweather-Johnson could re-take his position on the left wing.
Like Edwards his opposite number at the Saffrons, Ady Colwell, has a number of selection headaches primarily in the vanguard, where he lost striker Danny Leach in midweek after a disagreement. The former Albion trainee, joined Town from Eastbourne Borough in the summer, has scored seven goals for the Ryman Division One South side this season. Colwell will also be without striker Jamie Salvidge for Dulwich Hamlet’s visit as he has a knee ligament injury that could sideline him for a month. Defender Luke Denton is also on the injured list after needing 12 stitches in a head wound picked up in the 1-0 win over Chipstead earlier this month while centre half Lloyd Anthony is out as he is serving a 35-day ban after being sent off in a university match. Town’s squad is further stretched by the loss of Peter Featherstone with a thigh strain but Colwell welcomes back Matt Aldred. Speaking to the local Argus, Colwell said: “Matt is back from Loughborough University and he did really well for us last season over the Christmas period.
“He’s strong and fit as a fiddle. He can play defence or as a defensive midfielder and do a good job.”
The decimation of the forward line by injury and indignation is somewhat tempered by the arrival of striker Ethan Strevett, the young striker quick-footed and dangerous in the box. England Schools trialist James Norwood also boosts Colwell’s options in attack as the frontman is free to play during the holiday period.
Town slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Dulwich in the opening game of the season but Colwell is confident his side are capable of getting something from the return.
He said: “They had a purple patch when we played them but if we can cope with that high-tempo football they play for periods this time I am sure we can take something from the game.”
Today’s game’ kick off is at 3 pm at The Saffrons, Eastbourne.

Dulwich Hamlet 2 Camberley Town 1

2008-12-17T12:39:00.001Z

Dulwich Hamlet 2 Camberley Town 1
Surrey Senior Cup – Second Round
Tuesday 16th December 2008

The faithful few of Champion Hill catch their breath in frozen bursts; the icy fingers of Jack Frost’s bony hands scratch open flesh and inject their chill contagion into thinning blood of thinning crowd. Upon the field of play, the Krooners have come to town. It must be Cup time for December is so littered with these, County Cups and League Cup and so it is, this time the Surrey Senior Cup, a competition of which Dulwich Hamlet are still proud holders of the record victories, despite the long embargo of the 70’s, 80’s and beyond. However the suburbanites of Sutton are creeping even closer to the Hamlet tally and the baton of maintaining that proud history of victory must pass to a new generation.
While Saturday’s torrents had given the Dulwich lads a weekend of early Christmas shopping, the Camberley Krooners pitch had passed muster in spite of the downpours and with a tumultuous 3-3 draw with Molesey behind them, one might have expected them to come into the game a little gingerly, with the weekend exertions still tweaking muscles, grinding joints. But with a strong record in league action, beaten just once, the feisty Krooners proved troublesome opposition all night, fighting back from a Laurent Hamici goal to draw level, until, with ten minutes left and the spectre of extra time, even penalties, looming, Shayne Mangodza pounced on a 'keeper's spillage to tuck away the winning goal. Victory sends Dulwich Kingsmeadow to take on AFC Wimbledon in the next round come early January 2009.
Camberley started the brighter and but for a fine Mangodza tackle might have scored as early as the second minute, Robert Lance craftily flicking a low drive in the penalty area back into the path of John Swift, the Camberley man stonewalled in the act of shooting by the big centre-half's crunching tackle.
Dulwich served notice of attacking intent in the fifth minute as Hamici seized upon a deflected Theo Fairweather-Johnson flicked cross, nipping in ahead of keeper Liam Stone seeing his low shot, drilling in from a acute angle end up in the back of the net. Sorry to say, the route to goal had been through a gap in the net, the game delayed as speedy repairs were implemented upon the offending breach.
Once the game had restarted it was hell-for-leather football. Form a corner Cedric Ngakam flicked a header on to Hamici, a clipped volley finding the ‘keeper hands. A swift breakout almost had Dulwich caught cold, Lance spearing the centre of defence, the goal looking before him until Fairweather-Johnson’s selfless saving tackle on the edge of the area.
On song, The Krooners were within a whisker of a not-undeserved lead as Ian Messenger, wide on the right, struck an angled ball across the face of goal, fractionally wide of the far upright.
Despite scales of chance weighing heavily in the Camberley balance it was Dulwich who took the lead on 35 minutes with a stunning finish from Laurent Hamici, the striker ending a frustrating drought of scoring as he latched on to a flicked pass from a low right wing cross to hammer the ball through 'keeper Liam Stone.
Sol Pinnock was denied five minutes from the break as a cleared corner dropped to his toes, a curled effort smartly tipped over the crossbar courtesy of a springy leap from Stone. The ‘keeper nearly blocked his copybook from the resultant corner as he fumbled the ball in the cauldron of the six yard box but was reprieved when the ball finally ping-ponged into his open hands.
A smart Sheikh Ceesay block from Adam Cornell kept Hamlet ahead going into the break and the second half early manoeuvres saw Dulwich blitzing the Camberley goal. The ball was swept out to Fairweather-Johnson, the tricky winger skipping inside, his shot smacking off a defender into the path of Hamici. His effort too was blocked, running to Ngakam but as if to reinforce ill-fortune the big Frenchman’s drive struck Stone, a defender’s boots finally rubbing out the danger. With Hamici curling a cracker wide of the far upright it seemed as if the Hamlet would make their higher status tell, particularly as Krooner after Krooner seemed to be feeling the effects of their high-octane opening.
However Camberley hit a high note 19 minutes in. A contentious free kick had Hamlet singing a song of protest, but to no avail, and the quick delivery found Dulwich's defence napping and Joe Johnson had the Hamlet rearguard snookered as he was the grateful recipient of a neat delivery, slicing a hole through the middle and firing a fine finish past Ceesay.
22 minutes a deep corner to the back stick saw a looped header from Hamici drop wide of the back stick. Soon after a weak clearance was snaffled up by Scott Simpson, a defence-splitting threaded pass finding Fairweather-Johnson but his scooped shot zipping wide of the far post. Pinnock similarly stuck one wide moments later.
Back and forth the game flowed, neither side able to finish off their chances with a killer touch until 10 minutes from time. Forced into a change as they defended a corner, Lance hobbling away to be replaced by Chris Roderick, Camberley cleared the ball only as far as Scott Simpson, playing at left back. A ferocious shot whistled through on goal, Stone down to block but the drive proved too tasty for the young custodian and snaffling up the loose ball was Mangodza to prod the ball home and spare all concerned an extra half hour in bone-chilling conditions.
The spark in Camberley hearts was still not snuffed out. If fans prayed for the warmth of the snug and the embrace of ale, players still hunted victory. Camberley’s quarry evaded then and at the last Hamlet might have had a fourth. The scent of goal in his nostrils, like the puma upon the pampas, Simpson sped through the tiring Krooner lines, a sweet strike to polish off the charge. Curmudgeonly defence blocked his effort, the ball running to Pinnock, a low curling drive bringing out the best of Stone as he turned the ball away low at the post.

DHFC: Sheikh Ceesay; Ryan Adams; Scott Simpson; Benson Paka (Daryl Plummer 77); Shayne Mangodza; Marc Cumberbatch; Theo Fairweather-Johnson; Cedric Ngakam; Laurent Hamici; Junior Kaffo; Sol Pinnock
Substitutes not used: Famoud Sonko; Stanley Muguo; Tirrel Grant; Jamie Lunan (GK)

CTFC: Liam Stone; Dale Webb; Darren Barnard (Darren Redwood 81); John Swift; Julian Sills; Ian Messenger; Craig Parker (Jack Keenan 59); Jefferson Gowland; Robert Lance (Chris Roderick 80); Adam Cornell; Joe Johnson
Substitutes not used: Paul Barry; Nathan Sayers

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC Laurent Hamici 35th minute
1-1 CTFC: Joe Johnson 64
2-1 DHFC: Shayne Mangodza 80

Officials:
Referee: Mr Eamonn Smith (Mayford)
Assistant: Mr Shaun Farrer (Redhill) & Mr Paul Burton (Redhill)
Fourth Official: Mr Martin Cook

Attendance: TBC

Corinthian-Casuals 2 Dulwich Hamlet 1

2008-12-10T11:42:00.001Z

Corinthian-Casuals 2 Dulwich Hamlet 1
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Tuesday 9th December 2008

Dulwich lost back to back Isthmian League games for the first time since August 2007 as the hair of the dog, following the hangover of Friday defeat to the K's, proved no tonic on a chill night on King George's Field.
It was a heartening start for the Hamlet with Billy Chattaway going close early on, snatching up a feeble clearance and clipping a long-range effort from 30 yards out back over the head of a stranded Colin Harris, the floater beating the 'keeper but landing on the roof of the 'net.
However Dulwich shot themselves in the foot soon after when poor defending gave Corinthian-Casuals a gift start after they had weathered the early Dulwich assault. Kane Sergeant deserted by his marker as a rightwing cross dropped at his feet, Jamie Lunan powerless as a close range effort was hammered home into the far corner.
Matters got worse on 20 minutes when Hamlet's stuttering defence cleared the ball straight to Sergeant, the winger as surprised as any in the sparse crowd as his cross cum shot sailed over the head of Lunan and into the far top corner of the net.
Scott Simpson rolled a decent chance just wide of the far post as the half hour approached then four minutes later Sol Pinnock was hauled to the floor five yards from the edge of the penalty area. The culprit, Casuals' skipper Chris Horwood, was cautioned, but Pinnock delivered further punishment as he delightfully curled the ball over the Chocolate and Pink wall beyond the fingertips of the diving Colin Harris. A rare bright light in otherwise drab Hamlet half, but one that was almost extinguished shortly before the break, when Sergeant came within a whisker of a first half hat-trick as a 15-yard drive narrowly missed the upright.
At least the second half was an improvement but resilient Casuals set up stall to batter away the Dulwich offence. Shayne Mangodza's speculative drive from distance flicked off the head of a defender but instead of deceiving Harris it fell neatly into his hands. A moment later Hamici's run set up Daryl Plummer overlapping on the right, his shot bazookaed low away the six yard box with nary a Hamlet man within range. The Casuals custodian later denied the same player hacking away an angled drive with an outstretched foot.
A quarter hour hammering against the door of the Casuals came to naught and Hamlet suffered a further blow as Pinnock hobbled off. Despite all the possession the Hamlet never truly convinced. A number of decent chances went begging. Laurent Hamici stabbed the ball wide with only 'keeper Harris to beat, and a low cross from Daryl Plummer had the Casuals defence in disarray but none of our players could apply the finishing touch. Harris also made important saves from Sol Pinnock and Laurent Hamici. Later Cedric Ngakam headed wide from close range following a free-kick from Benson Paka. Despite a couple of substitutions a hoped for late rally never materialised.
Counterattacking Casuals might easily have extended their lead as the defence, rudimentary yet effective, did its job. Late substitute Joe McNerney should have claimed a third for his side when the ball was delivered all but gift-wrapped at his feet, a powerful run and shot only denied a goal when Lunan scrambled the ball behind at the base of the upright. Not that it mattered for Hamlet were sinking in a sorry slough of despond, self-inflicted. The red-faced man on the touchline was none too jolly, incandescent with rage.

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Shayne Mangodza; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Cedric Ngakam (Mamadou Meite-Sissocko (79); Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Sol Pinnock (Dominic Weston 69); Laurent Hamici; Junior Kaffo (Ryan Adams 79); Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Fasineh Koroma; Ryan Adams; Sheikh Ceesay

CCFC: Colin Harris; Daniel Sintim; Byron Brown; Jamie Reive; Chris Horwood (Capt.); Tyrone Myton (Eseosa Omoregle 63); Tom Jelley; Joe Funicello; Joe Nwoko; Sam Robinson; Kane Sergeant (Joe McNerney 77)
Substitutes not used: Joe McNerney; Ryan Hughes; Arran Bufton

Goalscoring:
1-0 CCFC: Kane Sergeant 11th minute
2-0 CCFC Kane Sergeant 20th minute
2-1 DHFC Sol Pinnock 36th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Alex Neil
Assistant Referees: Mr Simeon Potter and Mr Stefan Malczewski

Attendance: 81

Corinthian-Casuals 2 Dulwich Hamlet 1

2008-12-10T11:42:00.000Z

Corinthian-Casuals 2 Dulwich Hamlet 1
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Tuesday 9th December 2008

Dulwich Hamlet 0 Kingstonian 3

2008-12-06T16:46:00.001Z

Dulwich Hamlet 0 Kingstonian 3
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Friday 5th December 2008

“Ah! Well a-day! What evil looks, had I from old and young! Instead of the cross, the Albatross About my neck was hung.” The curse of the Manager of the Month cast its spell over the Hill as before a Friday night congregation of 400 or more, Craig Edwards Dulwich Hamlet had their long run sans defeat crushed in controversial style by a Kingstonian side who made a man advantage of more than a half tell to their profit, though it took until the dying minutes, as the cloying ground sapped the last dregs of energy from valiant Hamlet, for a brace of goals to put a victorious sheen upon a tenuous lead that Dulwich threatened to erase for large chucks of a pounding second half.
Four hundred plus at the Hill, the credit crunch forgotten for a night, the promotion crunch the topic for conversation as a judder of electric excitement crackled through the chill air of East Dulwich. Newly crowned Manager of the Month Craig Edwards ranged against the XI of Alan Dowson and his table topping K’s, the former keen to extend his charges’ stampede into the promotion places, the latter anxious to end a winless spell that had seen the chasing pack snap ever closer of the heels of his team. Edwards called upon the same starting eleven that had frustrated and fustigated Fleet Saturday last, Dowson shuffled his pack bringing in erstwhile Hamlet hero Jason Turley to stiffen a rearguard that had proved so porous lately, experience too added at the back with the promotion of old hand Wayne Finnie from the bench.
The pessimistic might have feared a nervous, tentative opening from trepidatious teams eager not to lose points to fellow promotion protagonists. the naysayers slunk back to their darkened dungeons of despondency as the game sprung into animated action ‘ere the first frozen peep from referee Mr Smith had drifted up into the dank dark skies of South London, the game a pulsating amalgam of bulldozer and Ferrari. Dulwich had the better of the early openings, best of the chances from the booming boot of Jamie Lunan as his free kick dropped into the Kingstonian area, flicked on to Shayne Mangodza, the defender nodding the ball goalwards over K’s ‘keeper Luke Garrard but left to watch in agony as the header loping a fraction over the crossbar.
The K’s rejoindered as Carl Wilson-Denis, a flash of summer lightning in a brief Hamlet career before larger purses beckoned, motored past Billy Chattaway at left back, cutting inside and laying a ball sweetly upon the toes of Simon Huckle, the K’s midfielder wasting the opening with shot ballooned over the crossbar.
What might have been a calamitous clearance from Garrard proved the precursor for the evening opening goal 12 minutes in. K’s claiming the sliced hoof in the middle of the park, the ball spread out to the wing and Liam Collins with the turbocharger at full chat. A delivery to Tommy Williams, all peroxide tonsure and bohemian beard, the veteran midfield stroking a sweet strike that deserved to find the back of the net as Lunan was left spellbound. A brief relief as the ball cannoned back from angle of post and bar but all too brief as Wilson-Dennis snuck ahead of the last defenders and tucked the rebound home as he lurked on the edge of the six yard box.
Were it not for Lunan, the deficit might have been rapidly doubled as the diminutive Jamie Byatt switched on the afterburners once more, penetrating Hamlet defences on the left wing after dragging down a steepling crossfield ball. Beating a brace of defenders, Lunan remained his last obstacle but one he could not beat, the Dulwich custodian blocking a close range attempt.
A riposte from the Hamlet as despite slipping on the treacherous turf, Junior Kaffo kept a steady leg to poke the ball into the path of Laurent Hamici, the forward’s bazooka blast rippling the side netting as Garrard flung himself across goal. Moments later and the K’s defence was breached once more, a booming delivery from the right and Benson Paka picking out Daryl Plummer ghosting in behind a heavy-footed Turley. Plummer skipped back Garrard as the ‘keeper prostrated himself before him, but the angle to goal had contracted almost to nothing. Still Plummer got away a shot on target, the ball beating the covering defender but bouncing back into play from the base of the upright before being propelled stratospherically to safety.
Science blended with pugilism on muddied fields, antagonists all as the sides traded chances, K’s the clearer of them with Bobby Traynor, usually a deadly assassin in front of goal, sending Collins rightwing delivery spiralling over the bar after he had stretched out a foot ahead of a diving Lunan. Seconds later and the leprechaun of the left was playing his tricks upon the Hamlet defence but Lunan was once more his nemesis out to block.
A loud plaint from the Hamlet as Lunan’s free kick caused consternation in the visitors’ penalty area, Marc Cumberbatch shoved to the floor as he went in pursuit of a loose ball. A rapid breakout from the men in hoops and a last ditch attempt at a tackle on the edge of the area, the man in black cautioning offender Plummer but Williams’ free kick hardly worthy of the name as the wall absorbed the first attempt and the rebound larruped well wide. Left in a wilderness of midfield, Byatt set sights on goal but a weak effort proved little danger to Lunan.
Eight minutes from the break, the game took a pivotal turn in favour of the hosts. A clash on the half way line say Junior Kaffo sickeningly crumple to the floor, Mr Smith ignoring matters for a moment until drawn to the motionless Kaffo, summoning assistance from the bench. As he was doing so, the furies were unleashed as players rushed from all corners to “discuss” the incident. Turley spat out disparaging words upon the horizontal Kaffo, but it was mild compared to the wrath erupting around him. Amidst the mêlée, harsh words were exchanged, the officials impotent as players played peacemakers amidst the tension. Mr Smith stepped back, summoned his assistants from their distant posts before dispensing long-drawn-out justice. The sentences might not match the time taken to mete out the punishment. Eventually a red card to Stanley Muguo was flourished. K’s Adam Johnstone was summoned top the bench then Laurent Hamici – a yellow card for each. Contrasting reactions from home bench and away, Edwards incandescent, the world against him and his men once more, Dowson a Cheshire Cat grin upon his face as his men escaped the noose. A further caution as 45 minutes rang up, Wilson-Dennis booked as a quickly free kick was blasted against the back of his legs, meant interminable additional time but further chances failed to materialise.
The second half, we mused, might well be the Alamo. K’s were out bouncing around the pitch ahead of the second half long before their hosts, locked in spirited discussion in the dressing room as they planned second half retaliation. Yet it was the K’s who were first to show after the break. Amidst a penalty area mêlée, Simpson’s tackle on Collins draw wails of complaint from red clad warriors but Mr Smith evened his tally of rebuffed appeals, brushing away the pleas.
Missed chances continued to dog the K’s but diminished Dulwich were not prepared to lay down and die. Halftime had seen Chattaway withdrawn with industrious Simpson dropping back to cover that role albeit with an attacking portfolio still to carry. Replacing Chattaway on the field and Simpson in the vanguard was Sol Pinnock, the prodigal son making his return to the Hamlet after errant ways had seen him move from tenants Fisher, down to Kentish Welling and over to suburban Walton & Hersham, but South London’s call could not resisted by the prodigious urban sophisticate, Acacia Avenue switch for Lordship Lane.
The sending off late in the first half proved to much for Dulwich who failed to create any clear cut chances in the second half resorting to long range efforts gaining a few corner kicks at most, which were subsequently wasted. The missing man left gaps, in space if not in heart, and Hamlet pushed ever onwards a bevy of corners forced as the pressure was upped. K’s defence, reinforcements from all over the field called upon when the pink and blue wave drove on, held firm, Dulwich unable to scramble one through, Paka, Hamici and Cumberbatch all trying but failing.
Hamlet spirit could have been bottled in the persona of Kaffo, who strove manfully even when hampered by cramp until replaced by Fas Koroma midway through the half. As the syrupy pitch tugged even harder at tiring limbs, a killer blow came from Byatt with 8 minutes remaining, painfully within moments of a Hamlet attack being thwarted, the pocket-sized wingman with a cudgel blow to Hamlet hopes as he spied a space to shoot and unleashed an unerringly drive low into the bottom corner of the net beyond the fingertips of the plunging Lunan. Byatts’s maiden goal for the K’s saw the winger submerged under a shower of so many kisses one wonder if mistletoe was dangled from the Dulwich bar!
If one hex had not been enough, the moment the Voice of Champion Hill crackled into life to announce Lunan’s merited award as Man of the Match, the Hamlet custodian found himself picking the ball from the back of the net. The game had already moved into stoppage time but K’s with a cushion chose an offensive option for a corner, the ball swung deep across the box to the Simon Huckle, awaiting alone at the back of the box, and taking a single touch to bring the ball upon his spell before letting loose a firecracker strike into the roof of the net.

Teams:
DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Shayne Mangodza; Billy Chattaway (Sol Pinnock HT); Benson Paka; Cedric Ngakam; Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Stanley Muguo; Laurent Hamici; Junior Kaffo (Fasineh Koroma 83); Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Dominic Weston; Mamadou Meite-Sissocko; Sheikh Ceesay (GK)

KFC: Luke Garrard; Jason Turley; Jon Coke; Adam Thompson; Wayne Finnie; Simon Huckle; Liam Collins; Tommy Williams; Bobby Traynor; Carl Wilson-Denis (Jon Neal 67);Jamie Byatt
Substitutes not used: Jamie Beer; Neil Lampton; Rob Sheridan; Luke Naughton (GK)

Goalscoring:
1-0 KFC Carl Wilson-Denis 12th minute
2-0 KFC Jamie Byatt 83rd minute
3-0 KFC Simon Huckle 90+1 minutes

Officials:
Referee: Mr Robert Smith (Croydon, Surrey)
Assistant Referees: Mr Stephen Earl (Mitcham, Surrey) & Mr Roger Wells (Coulsdon, Surrey)

Attendance: 413

Fleet Town 0 Dulwich Hamlet 0

2008-11-30T12:54:00.001Z

Fleet Town 0 Dulwich Hamlet 0
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Saturday 29th November 2008

Football played by the Queensbury Rules, two teams battling through the mud of Calthorpe Park, each endeavour and straining to land just one knock-out blow upon the other but finding it cracking down upon a rock hard chin that would not buckle, would not yield, would not surrender. Oft when one takes the Sunday journals and reads of goalless draw, egality all, the scribe intones that neither side deserved to win but on an afternoon that began soggy, ended sodden, both sides deserved to don the laurels of victory. ‘Twas a shame the referee could not hold aloft the arm of all combatants in triumph and award full points to all.
Fleet brought back long-serving goal machine Eddie Smith to terrorize the Hamlet once, having risen from the bench to strike a goal that killed off a Hamlet revival on Dulwich last trip beyond the Surrey boundaries and into Hampshire but changed nowt else from the XI that had squeaked past Eastbourne in midweek thanks to an own goal. Dulwich too had triumphed in similar narrow yet comprehensive style, coincidently against Sussex foes, albeit on enemy territory. Like his counterpart Andy Sinton, Craig Edwards chose but a sole change to the starting squad with Billy Chattaway returning on the left, whilst Peter Martin on the right dropped to the bench.
December may be just around the corner but Calthorpe Park still wears it autumn dubs, dying leaves fluttering down from the tree lined surrounds of this quaintly rustic setting, a world away from the local high street where lonely Christmas shoppers flittered from half-full shop to market stall. Their festive reveries might have been shattered by the full-bloodied battle going on beyond the arboreal curtain.
Attacking down the treacherous slope, Fleet burst from the blocks, a blue tide flowing onwards but crashing against the breakwater of Hamlet’s defence, the colossi of Marc Cumberbatch, Cedric Ngakam and Shayne Mangodza a red wall before the freer-scoring Fleet offence. There was little to truly trouble either ‘keeper in the opening exchanges, Fleet’s finishing more troubling to perching wildlife than to Jamie Lunan, opposite number Paul Smith protected well by a defence whose redefinition of gamesmanship would draw harrumphs of disapproval from stuffy boardrooms where the G&Ts flow and the retired colonels roost.
Having fended off the blows of there Fleet attack, Dulwich might well have sneaked ahead on 22 minutes when Mark Paterson’s header back in the direction of Paul Smith proved tempting to the chasing Scott Simpson, the Hamlet man almost poaching the ball from the arms of the home custodian as he came to gather. A quick rejoinder from the Fleet as a misplaced crossfield pass proved beyond the reach of Stanley Muguo, Eddie Smith snaffling up the pass and setting his sights on goal. It looked odds on that the Fleet striker would add another to his long tally of goals but he reckoned without the tenacity of Jamie Lunan, who refused to commit himself until his protagonist did, a fine block keeping out Smith effort.
Fleet fingers tightened around the game’s epiglottis. Three minutes after that save, Lunan once more came to the Hamlet’s rescue with a save that gasps of admiration and frustration in equal measures. A fleet-footed move from the Blues, the ball flicked from boot to boot through the Dulwich defence saw Steve Hemmings with the goal at his mercy. Trying to flick the wide of Lunan into the far corner of the net, Hemmings found himself thwarted as the big Dulwich custodian struck out a leg as he dived the opposite way, the ball ricocheting away to safety. Steepling shots from dominant Fleet failed to give the Hamlet custodian the chance to showcase his shot stopping skills as Dulwich crept back into contention as the half waned away. Five minutes before the break Benson Paka’s free kick caused chaos in the area as Cumberbatch nodded a deep delivery back across the six yard box, a tumbling Ngakam’s stabbed effort loping over a prostrate Paul Smith but nodded away from in front of goal by the alpha defender, Mark Paterson. Fleet broke swiftly a booming clearance aimed for Mark Anderson, in the dropping ball in the custody of Chattaway until a wicked bounce took it away from him and left Anderson bearing in on goal until the young defender recovered his ground to make a stunning saving tackle on the brink of the box. Eddie Smith went hunting for the loose ball but went tumbling in an attempt to purloin a penalty when the chance to tuck the ball away was there.
Though the industrious Junior Kaffo rocketed a long range effort wide, half time talk of a pulsating if barren half paled as Simpson was harshly cautioned in the final minute, drawing to shoot as the whistle blew for a skinny offside.
Half time, a pause to catch the breath, the once more onto the breach, my friends, once more. Fleet maintained the upper hand early on, despite now climbing the mountainous slope to Lunan’s goal. An early free kick found the head of Anderson but his header whilst firmly placed inside the back stick lacked the impetus to fluster Lunan. Soon after a towering clearance saw Laurent Hamici impeded within millimetres of the edge of the leaf strewn penalty area. Inside or outside, Mr Cook went for the latter, some supporters demurred. Dulwich did not, an overworked free kick manoeuvre saw Simpson slip the ball to Hamici, a fierce drive whistling wide of the far upright.
As the rain began to stair rod from the heavens and twilight turned to darkest night, the tempo never wavered. The old hands of Fleet might have been expected to enervate, vigour sapped by the gluepot pitch and the constant harrying of Edwards’ young brood. Not nay, thrice. In offence they still threatened, somehow James Field failed to find the trap snatching upon the ball 12 yards out but smacking a low drive across goal and beyond the back stick.
The medieval tonsure of custodian Paul Smith had had the Hamlet troubadours in full, cacophonic, voice but he proved himself back on time when he made a fine save on 55 minutes, denying Hamici as the striker attempted to finish off a sweeping move across the face of the penalty area. However the ‘keeper had no cunning plan, just a prayer and a thank you to the underside of crossbar, when Kaffo came within a whisker of smacking home a header after Simpson’s head had bulleted back a cleared corner into the heart of the six yard box.
The pendulum had now swung firmly in the favour of the visitors. Simpson’s sizzler went wide of the mark, even the defenders were getting in on the act with Mangodza striking a well struck effort from 15 yards out a fraction the wrong side of the post. Fleet players began dropping like flies, Billy Boylan, Paterson inter alia needing treatment as the Hamlet battering continued, but the Blues refused to throw in the towel. Unbelievably the same 22 that started the in the grey afternoon ended in the gloom of evening, though Hemmings vociferous protests at every injustice, every tackle, every contentious decision might have earned reprobation from less tolerant officialdom. In stark contrast, a discordant word from Muguo after a disputed 90th minute throw-in award saw him gain the contest’s third technical caution. Five interminable minutes of stoppage time ensued but goals did not arrive. Fortunately for that would have been stark reward for the effort of all.

Teams:
FTFC:
Paul Smith; Will Salmon; Tom Bird; Billy Boylan; Mark Paterson; Steve Hemmings; James Field; Jamie McClurg; Mark Anderson; Eddie Smith; Nathan Smart
Substitutes not used: Peter Hibbert; Bernard Asante; Ben White; Darren Campbell; Dave Smalley (GK

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Shayne Mangodza; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Cedric Ngakam; Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Stanley Muguo; Laurent Hamici; Junior Kaffo; Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Peter Martin; Gary Noel; Fasineh Koroma; Mamadou Meite-Sissocko; Sheikh Ceesay (GK)

Officials:
Referee: Mr Daniel Cook (Gosport, Hampshire)
Assistant Referees: Mr Chris Miles (Southampton, Hampshire) & Mr Brian Francis (Southampton, Hampshire)

Attendance: 176

Burgess Hill Town 0 Dulwich Hamlet 1

2008-11-26T17:00:00.000Z

Burgess Hill Town 0 Dulwich Hamlet 1
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Tuesday 25th November 2008

As the 300 Spartans did at the Battle of Thermopylae, so the Hamlet when ranged against the world, or at least the perceived injustice of three points lost through the supposed carelessness of administrators rather than upon the field of play. But unlike the valiant men of King Leonidas, Craig Edwards’s little band of men emerged triumphant once more and reclaimed those three points after narrow triumph against a Burgess Hill side languishing in the lower reaches of the table. How the Hillians had ploughed such a trough of despair remains a mystery to your scribe for on a strangely balmy evening at a sparsely populated Leylands Park, the hosts dug into their hearts to delve out an attitude and endeavour that might have brought them something other than another defeat against less determined opponents. Early chances spurned had they been converted might have brought an end to their seemingly interminable barren run but served only to inspire a Hamlet side to slim victory, though had the woodwork not played such a role as twelfth man that triumph might have been more pronounced.
With Billy Chattaway serving the second of his one match suspensions, Dulwich supremo Edwards made changes in the rearguard with the newly-returned Shayne Mangodza, skipper Marc Cumberbatch and Gallic colossus Cedric Ngakam building a defensive wall across the back. This freed up Peter Martin for a more prominent attacking role down the flank whilst Scott Simpson was able to unleash his attacking bent upon the defence of the Hillians. In midfield the prosaic belligerence of Junior Kaffo came in for the poetic artistry of Theo Fairweather-Johnson. Despite their demolition at the hands of Fleet at the weekend, Burgess Hill boss Jamie Howell put in trust in his players, with the only change from that rout the return of Matt Piper to the starting line-up in the stead of Reuben French.
If the points deduction was sinking in it certainly showed in the lacklustre opening from the Hamlet with Burgess Hill, keen to shake off the heavy chains of that winless run, displayed an aggression and attacking intention that cheered the hearts of their long-suffering support. Three minutes in and, after excellent footwork, a delightful chip back from the by-line by Richard Hudson found an unguarded Ben Johnson in the middle but he could only dink his header over the crossbar. Moments later Jamie Lunan’s clearance was nodded back in the path of Hudson by Johnson, returning the favour, but despite cantering away from his markers, the Hillian skewed his shot wildly wide of the target bringing a collective groan from the Burgess Hill Moaners’ Step.
Dulwich rejoindered, albeit with a friendly helping boot from their hosts. A free kick swung in deep to the back of the box might have skipped harmlessly wide but Scott Harris decided to help it on his way, a hefty wallop destined to sneak inside the near post until Craig Stoner reacted smartly to push the wayward strike behind though too late to spare the flush from his colleague’s cheeks. Hamlet pressed, forced a corner and amidst the mêlée Simpson stretched out a toe to stab the ball against the crossbar.
Industrious Hillians matched loftier opponents blow for blow, Danny Gainsford a goliath for the Hill to beat away the Lunan Launches when they rained in, errant shooting from the assiduous Hudson and partner in crime Dan Beck to blame for an untroubled net at the opposite net. A scrambled corner saw Gainsford’s powder-puff header easily cleared off the line and though Johnson pounced upon the loose ball, weight of numbers saw his follow-up blocked.
In dying moments of the half, Martin zipped up the right wing curling in a cross from the corner flag that swung across the six yard box to be met by Daryl Plummer, strangely anonymous til now, but tortuously twisting as he met the ball on the volley, only for Nick Fogden to throw his body ‘twixt goal and ball. Like a good foot soldier he repeated the feat as Laurent Hamici snaffled up the loose ball and unleashed a bazooka blast towards Stoner’s goal. For a moment Dulwich were caught cold and having won the ball from Ngakam in dubious circumstances, retribution was exacted by Stanley Muguo to halt the Hillians’ skipper as he threatened to burst through the last line of defence. Muguo’s act earned him a caution but it was not in vain for the danger had been quashed.
Barely had the second half began and Dulwich had cracked home a stunning goal. Quickly quaffed ale saw the travelling troubadours of the Hamlet out in time to witness Simpson motoring through No Man’s Land, Hamici to the left of him, Benson Paka to the right of him. The Hill must have expected him to go to his strike partner but instead he slipped the ball wide right to the galloping Paka, the midfielder turning on the gas to beat his marker on the outside and from an improbable angle threaded the ball through the eye of the needle, lashing the ball a millimetre inside the near post of Stoner as he watched, incredulous.
The night now belonged to the Hamlet. A Paka free kick was met by Cumberbatch, Gulliver amongst the Lilliputians, a looping head lopping the top of the crossbar. Danger signals for the Hillians once more as right wing cross evaded all to be nodded back across the face of the six yard box by Plummer, Harris furiously lashing the ball clear as the Pink hoard bore down on him. Harper skidded a low-drive free kick wide of Lunan’s upright as Burgess Hill searched for an equaliser but once more they had the woodwork to thank for keeping the Hamlet within range, as Hamici broke free of the offside trap, beating a statuesque Stoner with a curled effort, the ball cracking against the crossbar.
A reoccurrence of injury forced Martin from the field and meant a switch in tactics, if not ambition, for the Hamlet. On for the wingback came Gary Noel, relieving Simpson of his striking duties, Simpson dropping back to cover the left back spot. Noel came close to announcing his arrival in clarion style, a slip by Gainsford letting him in on goal but the fast reacting Stoner denied him getting down swiftly to smother a shot.
Burgess Hill played all their jokers, though the openly laugh came at the expense of referee Mr Woodward who rather harshly cautioned Hillians sub Jon Lansdale for tug on Plummer. Still there was time for Hillians’ star performer, Mr Woodie Woodwork to get in on the act once more, this time denying Hamici for a second time, the Hamlet hitman clipping in an amusing free kick, floating over Stoner but bouncing off the top of the crossbar. It seemed as if Hamlet had done enough but then a carelessly conceded free kick gave the hosts one last throw of the dice, the ball blasted in and met with a full-bodied header from Hudson, but so wide of the mark this scribe wondered why the referee was awarding a goal kick rather than corner!
Defeat perhaps unjust for valiant Hill, but with phantoms haunting the Hamlet at every turn, the exorcism of lost points has begun.

Teams:
BHTFC: Craig Stoner; Nick Fogden; Matt Piper; Scott Harris (Ashley Carr 60); Danny Gainsford; Zac Beda (Peter Martin 85); Steve Harper (Capt); Lloyd Cotton; Richard Hudson; Dan Beck; Ben Johnson (Jon Lansdale 74)
Substitutes not used: Rueben French; Colin Hunwick

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Peter Martin (Gary Noel 64); Shayne Mangodza; Benson Paka; Cedric Ngakam; Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Stanley Muguo; Laurent Hamici; Junior Kaffo; Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Theo Fairweather-Johnson; Nick Ogbanufe; Mamadou Meite-Sissocko; Sheikh Ceesay

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC Benson Paka 47th minute

Dulwich Hamlet 1 Walton and Hersham 1

2008-11-23T11:03:00.000Z

Dulwich Hamlet 1 Walton and Hersham 1
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Saturday 22nd November 2008

What a grey day for the Hamlet. Overcast, sullen skies above and stolid football on field. Walton and Hersham have a plan, one that has stood them in stead as they recovered from the recent stutters that saw an early season lead whittled away as the pack swallowed them up.
Little of note happened in a cagey first half. Walton's Zak Graham headed over from close range when well placed after 13 minutes before a spark of life briefly blazed with visiting custodian Antony Hall magnificently leaping to turn over a screaming 20 yard strike from Laurent Hamici. Not long after a Jamie Lunan free kick was nodded down by Marc Cumberbatch, the ball dropping to Scott Simpson but under pressure he lifted the ball over the crossbar from 12 yards out.
Best effort of the half for the Swans came when Jordan Cheadle chanced his arm with a long range cross shot on the run that had Lunan scrambling down to the base of his left-hand post to shovel away as Phil Cramp lurked, waiting to pick up any scraps. Before a breath could be drawn Dulwich were attacking but the returning Theo Fairweather-Johnson failed to capitalise on a weak header from Dan Nwanze, hooking the ball wide after his opponent had nodded down a cross into his path. Already without regular left back Billy Chattaway due to suspension, Simpson lost to offence as he slotted into cover, Dulwich then lost right back Peter Martin after a hamstring twinge, manager Craig Edwards forced into a reshuffle at the back as Shayne Mangodza cam on in his stead. Not long after a Benson Paka free kick flew tantalisingly across the face of goal, Cedric Ngakam a whisker away from connecting with a header. As the half moved into stoppage time, Daryl Plummer was chopped down on the run by Scott Hassell, the foul earning the Walton man a caution but Dulwich failed to take advantage of a free kick a couple of yards outside the area, Simpson larruping the ball over.
It was a testy start to the second half, Stanley Muguo and Hamici booked in quick succession by Mr Breakspear of Walton-on-Thames, the man in black cautioned Muguo for dissent then, perhaps leniently, putting Hamici's name in the book after the striker had reacted to a lunging tackle from substitute Paul Sears in front of the Walton dugout.
With the hour ticking by a deep cross from the right wing was miscontrolled by Hassell to present Hamici with the sort of half-chance he thrives on, but the Hamlet striker snatched at the gift, a low drive from outside the box dragged wide.
Having negated Hamlet's threats for so long, Walton boss Jimmy Bolton had played the first of his jokers, former Hamlet hitman Sol Pinnock adding a breath of fresh air and attacking ambition to the Swans' offence. Indeed Pinnock might have created a goal against his old employers, capitalising on a slip in defence to drag the ball past Lunan and chip back across goal towards his waiting skipper Nwanze. However Ngakam was there first to nod the ball away from under the crossbar, the big centre half fouled or so Mr Breakspear thought.
On 65 minutes a dropping speculative half-volley from Plummer, standing five yard outside the area, almost caught Hall flatfooted but the ball flopping onto the roof of the net. However six minutes later the stalemate was finally broken with a goal of sublime brilliance from Hamici. Tough tackling robbing Walton of the ball in the middle of the park, a sliderule pass sending Hamici scampering away from the leaden footed last line of defence. Hall made full use of his mighty girth in narrowing the angle, but Hamici was unfazed drilling the ball under the corpulent keeper to give Hamlet the lead.
Walton responded by finally breaking cover, the darting Troy Ferguson off the bench and the perfect foil for Pinnock. At last the contest came alive. Plummer on another day might have scored as he trapped Paka's pass in, turning Hassell first this way then that but lacking the power on his shot to beat the alert Hall. Such is fortune though that Dulwich, the width of a coat of paint from going 2-0 as Hamici smacked a strike against the inside of the upright, found themselves dragged level seconds later. A lightning fast break, Dulwich caught unawares as the ball was swiftly sent upright, a chipped pass in behind defence, twixt Cumberbatch and Lunan and with neither committing was meat and drink for Pinnock, the substitute putting past loyalties behind as he dinked a chip over the fast retreating Lunan and into the net.
If blame could be attached to the 'keeper, he atoned himself in magnificent fashion three minutes later. Midfield fed Pinnock, the ball quickly tapped back to strike partner Ferguson who hit a stunning first time volley from fully 25 yards that looked a goal all the way until Lunan, twisting and stretching somehow found the extra inches to tip the ball away and over from under his own crossbar.
Right at the death one last chance from Dulwich to stretch their winning league run to six on the spin as Plummer whipped in a cross from the leftwing, substitute Junior Kaffo unable to connect as the ball swung across the six yard box and, at the back of the box, Paka unable to turn the ball home as it bounced awkwardly up against him.
Whether this was a point earned or two lost will be a matter to debate over the ales, but Walton will prove tough nuts to crack for more experienced teams than the Hamlet lads.

Teams:
DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Peter Martin (Shayne Mangodza 39); Scott Simpson; Benson Paka; Cedric Ngakam; Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Stanley Muguo; Laurent Hamici; Gary Noel; Theo Fairweather-Johnson (Junior Kaffo 67)
Substitutes not used: Famoud Sonko; Fasineh Koroma; Sheikh Ceesay

W&HFC: Antony Hall; Scott Hassell; Jordan Cheadle; Craig Dunne; Louis Clark; Matt Elverson; Adam Moriarty; Rob Wilkinson (Paul Sears 45); Zak Graham (Troy Ferguson 73); Phil Cramp (Sol Pinnock 54); Dan Nwanze (Capt.)
Substitutes not used: Matt Martin; Sam Butler

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC Laurent Hamici 71st minute
1-1 DHFC Sol Pinnock 80th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Craig Breakspear (Walton-on-Thames)
Assistant Referees: Mr Dave Sheldrake (West Molesey) & Mr John Ryan (Worcester Park)

Beckenham Town 2 Dulwich Hamlet 3

2008-11-19T10:52:00.001Z

Beckenham Town 2 Dulwich Hamlet 3
London Senior Cup – Second Round (at Champion Hill)
Tuesday 18th November 2008

Noël, Noël, born is the King of Champion Hill. Gary Noel was the hero of the hour as he bagged a fine second half hat trick to see off Champion Hill FP, AKA Beckenham Town of the Kent League, the Hamlet fighting back from a first half deficit inflicted by one of their own, Danny Ward.
For a game switched from Beckenham’s Eden Park Avenue, currently undergoing modernisation works, Dulwich’s boss Craig Edwards made a number of changes from the side that had triumphed so emphatically at the weekend, with only skipper Marc Cumberbatch, his fellow centre-half colossus Cedric Ngakam and midfielders Fas Koroma and Stanley Muguo remaining. But tonight was a night for the squad men to show their metal, those that have anxiously twitched on the sidelines, champing at the bit for the opportunity to impress the management. In addition to the understudies, there was promotion albeit to a non-playing role on the bench, for a couple of the youth team’s bright stars, Tom Pratt and Louis Sprosen.
Ranged across from the Hamlet, a plethora of familiar faces in the Cambridge blue of Beckenham, from Michael Holder between the sticks to the combative Ward in the centre of the park. With others once of the Fish, now of this parish, Millwall inter alia there is a strange aura around the Becks, an inkling that these players should be plying their trade in the flurry of promotions battles in loftier reaches not down among the dead men in the depths of county football.
Transmogrified Hamlet stuttered to start as players were alien to one another in the heat of battle, the blood of young hearts pumped fast but the brains and boots of those wilier in the ways of the game thwarted the early attempts of the Hamlet to make a breakthrough. That was until the eighth minute when Famoud Sonko set off on a determined run in from the flanks, letting loose with a mighty wallop on the run, the long-range effort battered away by Holder. Junior Kaffo snaffled up the rebound but in a trice Nick Curran had pinch the ball off his toes.
A pedantic official meant frustrated fans and players alike, his decisions comprehensible to some not all, least of all Kaffo who seemed seriously nonplussed by his caution on the quarter-hour.
On 17 minutes a free kick found the head of Ngakam, a flicked header for the back stick hacked away to safety from the fast-closing Cumberbatch. However, having had the better of the opening exchanges, matters took a turn for the worse on 20 minutes. Ngakam conceded a free kick, booked to add to his woes, then, as if to heap further pain upon the Hamlet, Ward, hardly one for the aerial dogfights, was allowed to sneak in and deflect the ball past Sheik Ceesay. If the young scamp was to be believed the shoulder was provide the final impetus. Typically ebullient Ward’s post goal celebrations earned him a caution but of greater concern to the Hamlet was the disappearance of Ngakam down the tunnel. Had he received a second caution for an injudicious word or a not so bon mot? Seven minutes later an answer came swirling through the fog of confusion as Benson Paka cam on to replace Ngakam who it transpired had sustained an abrasion to his mouth in the lead up to the goal.
Dulwich struggled to get back on terms as the half wore on, unable to break down a resilient Beckenham defence but that all changed soon into the second half. Noel was unfortunate not to bring matters level six minutes in when some tricky skills took him into a great shooting position, Holder getting barely a hand to the Hamlet striker’s effort but rescued as Curran hacked the ball off the goal line behind him. However there was to be no such relief two minutes later when Noel galloped away from the last line of defence to hammer home the equaliser. On fire, the teenage hitman came close to adding his and Dulwich’s second soon after, his intricate footwork bamboozling the Becks defence but Holder paddling his strike. Once more though a chance proved precursor to a goal and again it was the pace of the young pup that proved too much for the old boys of Beckenham. Noel turned on the gas as the rearguard hesitated, cantering in on goal and firing the ball into the net low off the upright.
Just when it seemed as if Dulwich had the game by the scuff of the neck, frenzied defending at a free kick, a loose leg and a tumbling attacker gave Beckenham a lifeline to level as Mr Rowbury pointed to the spot. Ceesay guessed right but Joe Healy showed the touch of an old pro, low, hard and true into the bottom corner and parity reigned once more. Cometh the hour, or cometh the 59th minute, cometh the man, Noel claiming his maiden Hamlet hat trick with the sweetest of finishes, collecting a pinpoint free kick, turning on a sixpence and drilling the ball in low and hard across the goalkeeper and in via the far post.
No way back for the “hosts”, Dulwich rampant might have claimed more but for valiant keeping from Holder, reduced to one hand after a wrist sprain but playing through the agony with some telling blocks. Goalscorer Ward too suffered injury, carted from the field to warm applause after crocking himself as he flung himself in the way of a goalbound effort.
Next up in the competition will be Erith and Belvedere and Dulwich will once more be at Champion Hill, albeit this time in the more familiar role as hosts.

Teams:
BTFC: Michael Holder; Danny Gorman (Darren Wise 52); Nick Curran; John Maloney (Capt.); Luke Milner; Durrand Jemmott; Charley Hearn (Alex Tiesse 20); Danny Ward (Danny Lawson 76); Joe Healy; Danny Hunwick; Chris Hubbard
Substitute not used: Michael Ebanks

DHFC: Sheikh Ceesay; Femi Omegbehin; Kyle Graham; Junior Kaffo; Marc Cumberbatch (Capt.); Cedric Ngakam (Benson Paka 29); Fasineh Koroma; Stanley Muguo; Gary Noel; Famoud Sonko; Nick Ogbanufe
Substitutes not used: Tom Pratt; Laurent Hamici; Louis Sprosen; Jamie Lunan

Goalscoring
1-0 BTFC Danny Ward 22nd minute
1-1 DHFC Gary Noel 53rd minute
2-1 DHFC Gary Noel 58th minute
2-2 BTFC Joe Healy (penalty) 66th minute
3-2 DHFC Gary Noel 69th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr John Rowbury (Orpington, Kent)
Assistant Referees: Mr Baresh Kebar & Mr Andreas Anastasiou

Attendance: 121

Crowborough Athletic 0 Dulwich Hamlet 7

2008-11-15T17:02:00.001Z

Crowborough Athletic 0 Dulwich Hamlet 7
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Saturday 15th November 2008

Crow shooting season is officially open, newcomers to the Isthmian League cruelly put to the slaughter by a rampant Dulwich on golden late autumn day in the Weald. Not since Hungerford have the Hamlet’s travelling band been treated to such a massacre,
A golden day for Laurent Hamici, the rosbif with Gallic flair. The silent assassin leading the charge with a sublime hat trick, the goals of the Hamlet leading hitman sweetly complemented by an excellently finished quartet from his colleagues. But for the heroics of the overworked Mark Oldroyd between the sticks for the hosts the scoreline might have flown into double figures, a new mark chalked up in the annals of Hamlet history.
The Crows have had a heady baptism in the Isthmian League, just three victories to their credit in the current campaign though on their last outing they had stunned impecunious Folkestone upon their own turf. That triumph had instilled new hope in Steve Johnson’s men though ill fortune struck when injury robbed them of leading scorers Wayne Clarke and Gavin Gordon, whose shared 23 goals out of 32 had provided a rare chink of light in a mostly barren season.
The Hamlet were without Walid Matata, forced off in victory against Chipstead, Fasineh Koroma coming into an otherwise unchanged starting XI.
Dulwich began with majestic football, intuitive, quick touches on a shaggy pitch, already in its winter coat and dotted with fallen autumnal leaves, tricky perhaps but not for the Hamlet men who darted here and there, rhythmic, a tad faster than their hosts. Hamici knew it was to be his day. His body language cried out confidence. Lithe and fluent, a touch of arrogance, Six minutes passed and out of nowhere, Hamici opened the scoring. There seemed little opportunity, little danger when a slither of passes saw the ball end at the feet of Hamici fully thirty yards from goal. Without a second thought the Dulwich striker, his eyes on the prize, turned and rifled a shot low and hard towards goal. Perhaps surprised Oldroyd reactions were delayed, ball zipping low inside his right hand post as he belated flung himself across goal but in vain.
Hamici’s gluttony for goals has polarised some but his value cannot be weighted in goals alone. Had Oldroyd not battered out the close range effort of Scott Simpson, it might have been scored one made one, as Hamici lashed the ball low across the face of the six yard box to his strike partner. Electric Hamlet were buzzing, the heavy battalion thrown forward for a corner, industrious defending at last clearing the ball after the ball bounced bagatelle-like across the six yard box. With the Lunan Launch much in evidence, the home goal came under aerial bombardment on a regular basis, Oldroyd marking a brave block at the feet of Cedric Ngakam. Soon through the defence would be breached once more. Daryl Plummer found an extra gear to power past Crows’ skipper Justin Harris, the one-time Lewes defender, left in the wake of the flying winger and the gentlest of tugs upon the shoulder of Plummer sent him tumbling to the turf as burst into the box. Harris’ protestations of innocence bore no truck with referee Mr Rendell, and a yellow card was flashed in the face of the Crowborough captain. All the while Hamici had been awaiting his moment, the ball parked on the penalty spot as Oldroyd ruin through the gamut of Grobbelaar-esque distraction techniques, walking to the ball to confront his protagonist before taking his place on the goalline, springing like Zebedee on acid. Unfazed Hamici took a step up to the ball, no more no less, and calmness personified rolled the ball low into the bottom left hand corner of the net.
Five minutes before the break a needlessly conceded free kick saw Plummer’s name enter Mr Rendell’s pocket book. A somnambulating defence almost paid double as full back Dave Soutar glided in at the back of the six yard box, his first time strike on target but comfortably gathered low by Jamie Lunan.
On the stroke of half-time Dulwich drove an almost fatal stake into the heart of Crows hopes. The big boys were up for a corner, won by the steadfast refusal of Simpson to surrender a lost cause as he chased an overhit pass to the back line. Ngakam worried the defence with his towering presence to ball eventually dropping to his skipper, Marc Cumberbatch who swung a mighty boot at the ball as it dropped to him, Oldroyd scrabbling fingers getting a touch on the burning ball but only to divert it into the roof of the net.
There was no let up for the Crows after the break but to their credit they were not swayed from the philosophy of football. The teams of Steve Johnson and his partner in crime on the bench, Harry Smith, nine years and counting in the hot seat, have always reflected in belief in the game as she should be played, with style, with elegance, with honesty, a fatal error today perhaps. The Crows may have called upon the services of the Sussex journeymen, men of good heart, but these are not of yeoman stock, calloused palms, iron lungs, who in past lives might have had those same lungs blackened by the smog of the forge as they manned the bellows. Artist not artisans swell the ranks of the Crows but against the Hamlet’s thundering herd, those same artists were made as if to be the naifs of the playground, not the masters of the Uffizi and the Prado. Mesmerised but never seemingly demoralised, brief glimpses of a Crowborough fight back swirled out of the gloom that had enveloped the home faithful. Dulwich goal under early siege but lifted swiftly as the Hamlet broke those shackles, Benson Paka floating in a deep, deep cross to the back of the box where it found the unlikely head of Plummer, a looping header leaving Oldroyd clutching at the ether as it dropped into the net behind him.
‘Ere the hour mark had slipped by, the Crows were in tatters, the RSPCA’s hotline burning red as fewterer Edwards unleashing his pack upon the cowering hosts. Quicksilver in his boots, adrenalin pumping, Hamici tore into the blue flank with the savagery of a deerhound upon a wounded stag. Low and hard he drilled the ball across the face of the penalty area Koroma gleefully pouncing upon the ball to larrup it high into the net past Oldroyd, Aunt Sally in a fairground pitch’n’toss.
Centre-stage once, the spotlight fell upon Hamici as he completed his hat trick 5 minutes later, powering away from the last line of defence before tucking the ball past an exposed Oldroyd.
A brutal challenge left Plummer curled in agony upon the floor, the tackle made more distasteful for the dearth of bad blood in the game. One aging wag in the crowd took umbrage, threatened harm upon the referee’s car, his threat greeted with a grin and the revelation said car belonged to ‘er indoors. However the brutality of the Hamlet offence was more shocking, Gary Noel replaced the injured Plummer and moments later was a deflection away from making it seven. Paka galloped away down the left as Crowborough scanned the touchline for offside flag that never came, his effort beaten out by Oldroyd straight to Noel who swung a leg at the rebound only for a defender’s limb to send the ball curling wide. Still the replacement would not have long to add another notch to Hamlet history. Lunan’s free kick seemed overhit as Crowborough pushed their defence up high but Cumberbatch had slipped under the radar, harrying Oldroyd as he fumbled the bouncing ball. With the custodian struggling to regain his ground, Cumberbatch swivelled and slipped the ball across the goal to where Noel was waiting to spank the ball into the net. The rout was complete but time still remained. The Crows threatened briefly, perhaps dissuading the gentleman upon the dressing room for taking a leap, his depression lifted a little by a sterling display of close range shot stopping from Oldroyd, denying Simpson with an acrobatic low one-handed save, repeating the feat within a minute, the saves sandwiching a Hamici drive that whizzed past the far post. Reward for Oldroyd’s busy day and bulging net was man of the match, testimony to the dominance of the Red Army as belligerent in attack as Moscow’s finest, its play as melodious as its most excellent choirs.

Teams:
CAFC: Mark Oldroyd; Tom Boddy; David Soutar; Justin Harris (Capt.); Andy Ducille; Matt Foreman; Kieran Wilson; Luke Gedling; Luke Fontana; John Sinclair; Brendan Sebulida (Ross Campbell 66)
Substitutes not used: James Pallett, Craig Bishop

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Peter Martin; Billy Chattaway (Kyle Graham 77); Benson Paka; Cedric Ngakam; Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer (Gary Noel 65); Stanley Muguo; Laurent Hamici; Fasineh Koroma (Junior Kaffo 82); Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Famoud Sonko; Sheikh Ceesay

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC Laurent Hamici 6th minute
2-0 DHFC Laurent Hamici 33rd minute (penalty)
3-0 DHFC Marc Cumberbatch 45th minute
4-0 DHFC Daryl Plummer 51st minute
5-0 DHFC Fasineh Koroma 60th minute
6-0 DHFC Laurent Hamici 65th minute
7-0 DHFC Gary Noel 72nd minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Lloyd Rendell
Assistant Referees: Mr Anthony Rawlings & Mr Michael O’Keefe

Dulwich Hamlet 2 Chipstead 1

2008-11-12T15:21:00.001Z

Dulwich Hamlet 2 Chipstead 1
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Tuesday 11th November 2008

“We ought to give thanks for all fortune: it is good, because it is good, if bad, because it works in us patience, humility and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country”
Dulwich Hamlet sit proudly in third place in the table after this victory over troubled Chipstead, deserved in execution, fortunate in opportunity for the Chips had none of their own, striking the frame of the goal no fewer than a quartet of times during the course of the contest.
It was a shaky start for the Hamlet against a side whose cup exploits had perhaps o’ershadwed the paucity of their league performances that had seen they slip inexorably into the relegation slots. Not that they had relegation written upon their faces as they sparked into life and posed the greater threat in the opening quarter hour. With greater fortune, they might have built themselves a comfortable cushion of goals before Dulwich had engaged engines. The poor butt of Dame Fortune’s jests was Josh Smith, the nippy young winger left wondered he that detour he had taken through the Battersea Black Cat Sanctuary and Looking Glass Emporium on the way to Champion Hill had been such a good idea.
In 11th minute of the eleventh day of the eleventh month Smith spun inside Billy Chattaway and struck a shot beyond the hand of a diving Jamie Lunan only to see it cannon back off the base of the upright. Dulwich were similarly spared just four minutes later when a shot from lively if luckless Smith took a deflection off a Dulwich defender, arched over a stranded Lunan but rebounded back from the crossbar. As the half roiled on, Dulwich finally decided to take part. A booming long clearance was gathered by Daryl Plummer, the winger scampering clear in the inside-left channel and hitting a fearsome volley on the run, however veteran Chipstead 'keeper James Wastell produced a fine save to batter the ball away well low down to his right. Shortly afterwards, Scott Simpson shot wide from the angle when well placed eight yards out. Three minutes later Plummer was sent away on the left, centring for Walid Matata, free in the middle, to tuck home under Wastell, but much to the display of the wingman, the flag had long been raised against Plummer.
On song this evening Plummer continued to provide the chances. Looking lively on the wing, he found Laurent Hamici with a precise pullback, the striker pulling the trigger on a stinging snap shot but denied by the ever-alert Wastell, though ‘twas a pity there was no one in a Pink and Blue short on hand to profit from the ‘keeper’s parry.
O Fortuna velut Luna statu variabilis, semper crescis aut decrescis;
O Fortune, like the moon you are changeable, ever waxing and waning;
Fortuna waxed for the Hamlet, waned for the Chips as, on the stroke of half-time, Dulwich profited from her favours Jamie Lunan juggled the ball along the top of his own crossbar as he wrestled with a header from a Chips corner.
Manager Craig Edwards made a change at the break for Matata was struggling once more with his persistent injury. He drew Simpson across from the flank into the vanguard, bringing Nick Ogbanufe on for a delayed debut to fill the vacant wide berth.
Was it the change that lit up the Dulwich offence? Of course and who would argue with Mr Edwards! Eight minutes into the half with a masterpiece of a goal, but like all masterpieces, it is not just the signature of the master that makes the work. This was a fine goal, elegant in composition upon the canvas as first Chattaway, then Benson Paka and finally Plummer built the foundations. A neat flick in from the wing from Plummer as if to hand the brush and palette to Hamici, the final brushstroke, the final flourish belonging to the hitman as he shifted the ball to his right foot and from just inside the area drilled a shot with little backlift but almost infinite power beyond the defenceless Wastell.
The lead was short lived however when Simpson gave away a sloppy free kick five minutes later. From the free kick Laurence Buchmann swung in a pinpoint delivery, aided and abetted by a Dulwich defence that went AWOL as the unguarded Fred Fleming rose to head in past Jamie Lunan and off the underside of the crossbar.
Stung into action, Dulwich almost regained the advantage straight from the kickoff as the ball was played out into the left pocket, a chipped cross shot rising just over the bar. Dulwich continued push forwards looking for the winner and a goal-bound header from Marc Cumberbatch, getting on the end of Paka’s delivery, was deflected behind. The best move of the match secured victory for Dulwich when a fine pirouette on the halfway line by Paka enabled him to play a pinpoint pass into Hamici's path, the leaden footed Chips defence vainly pleading for offside. Bearing down on goal the striker had selflessness to turn the ball inside to Simpson in space, who shrugged off the challenge of Fleming to slam the ball home from close range.
Two minutes later, Chipstead were once again left cursing their misfortune when the ill-fated Smith beat the advancing Lunan only to see his shot strike the underside of the bar and ricochet back into play.
Deflated Chips threatened little after that. Dulwich could, nay should, have extended that lead, made it comfortable. A Lunan launch was nodded on by Cumberbatch, Cedric Ngakam swinging a leg at the loose ball, Wastell bravely blocking amidst the flying boots. The corner found the head of Ced but this time he was wide of the far stick. So well were Hamici and Simpson working as a double act, the BBC will soon be commissioning their Christmas special. The pair exchanged dinky passes on the edge of the area to create the opening, shame though that the shot was snatched at and always rising over the bar.

Teams:
DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Peter Martin; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Cedric Ngakam; Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Stanley Muguo; Laurent Hamici; Walid Matata (Nick Ogbanufe HT); Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Junior Kaffo; Gary Noel; Kyle Graham; Sheikh Ceesay

CFC: James Wastell; Jamie Findlay; Laurence Buchmann (Shane Graham 82); Andrew Wareing; Fred Fleming (Capt.); Daryl Coleman; Nathan Campbell; Alec Brown (Aaron Cole-Bolt 74); Liam Oxley; Jamal York; Josh Smith
Substitutes not used: Chris Head; Gavin Quintyne; Barry Coleman

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC Laurent Hamici 53rd minutes
1-1 CFC: Fred Fleming 58th minute
2-1 DHFC Scott Simpson 65th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Matt Foley
Assistant Referees: Mr Dele Sotimirin and Mr Roger Wells

Attendance: 224

Dulwich Hamlet 3 Croydon Athletic 2

2008-11-09T10:30:00.000Z

Dulwich Hamlet 3 Croydon Athletic 2
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Saturday 8th November 2008

Having conceded a brace of goals within the opening ten minutes for the second time in less than a week, Dulwich pulled themselves up by the bootstraps to record a third league victory in succession and move to the brink of the play-off positions. Victory looked a distant dream after a nightmarish start when Shabazz Baidoo cut in from the left wing, toying with Ryan Bernard before curling a crisp shot into the far corner of the net. Things got even worse four minutes later when Baidoo's deep cross in from the flanks was neatly nodded down by Danny Waldren giving Sean Rivers the simplest of tap-ins albeit from a suspiciously offside looking position. Premature chants of "Easy, easy" echoed from beneath the far terrace where the Croydon faithful had thronged.
Come the 12th minute and Dulwich began the uphill task of reducing the arrears with a goal from a textbook corner. Scott Simpson provided the delivery. Marc Cumberbatch battled to the near post to flick the ball across the face of a statuesque Nick Gindre and there at the back stick, sneaking in behind a dilettante Rivers, was Bernard guiding his header into the net.
In treacherous conditions, the pitch only passing muster after sterling work from volunteers, some surprisingly slick football was on show from both sides, the struggling Rams belying their lowly league status. Indeed with more accurate finishing Sam Clayton might have restored his side's two goal advantage but having broken through the last line of defence his finishing was wayward, the shot skidding wide of the far stick.
On the stroke of half-time came an equaliser courtesy of the Dulwich not-so-secret weapon, the Lunan Launch. Dulwich were awarded a free kick inside the Croydon half, the visitors curmudgeonly attempts to delay the kick in vain. A booming delivery into the heart of the penalty area, Gindre vainly attempting to punch through a thicket of own defenders, failing in his attempt and leaving Cedric Ngakam to loop a header over the 'keeper's air punch and into the unguarded net.
Dulwich brought on Peter Martin for Bernard at the break, the punchy young right back eager to reclaim that troublesome berth. His impetus and enthusiasm was reflected in a Hamlet onslaught. Simpson had the chance to give the Hamlet the advantage but he dragged a left strike against the falling body of Gindre.
It seemed as if time might prove the ultimate enemy as dusk settled upon Champion Hill but eight minutes from time cam a blockbuster gaol from the boot of Benson Paka to snatch victory from the early jaws of defeat. Martin and Laurent Hamici linked up well in the right corner, the ball flicked across to Paka lurking on the brink of the box. A quick juggle on to a deadly right foot, Paka packing a punch with a sizzling drive into the far corner, Gindre helpless as he flung himself across but all for naught.
Not content to sit upon their hard-won lead, Dulwich had the scent of goals strong in their nostrils. Moments later the rampant martin had a corker of drive battered away by a fast reacting Gindre. Paka zipped a low drive wide of the upright as the efforts rained in. but further goals were absent.
Sweet victory indeed but marred at the last by the controversial dismissal of Billy Chattaway for a second caution. First yellow had been rash, the young left back reacting in haste to a heavy challenge by erstwhile team-mate Tom Bolarinwa. However a pedantic official had him inconsolable, shocked as, having placed a free kick for Lunan, on his way from goal to take it, Chattaway booked for time wasting as walked away.

Teams:
DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Ryan Bernard (Peter Martin HT); Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Cedric Ngakam; Marc Cumberbatch (Capt.); Daryl Plummer; Stanley Muguo; Laurent Hamici; Walid Matata (Gary Noel 69); Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Junior Kaffo; Kevin Lott; Sheikh Ceesay

CAFC: Nick Gindre; Danny Boxall; Luke Adams (Nathan Green 89); Simon Osborn; Richard Blackwell; Bradley Duke; Tom Bolarinwa (Lamin Ojo 70); Danny Waldren; Sean Rivers (Adam Greenway 81); Shabazz Baidoo; Sam Clayton
Substitutes not used: Ryan Myers; Jeremiah Olusanya

Goalscoring:
1-0 CAFC Shabazz Baidoo 4th minute
2-0 CAFC Sean Rivers 8th minute
2-1 DHFC Ryan Bernard 12th minute
2-2 DHFC Cedric Ngakam 45th minute (+2)
3-2 DHFC Benson Paka 82nd minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Constantine Hatzidakis
Assistant Referees: Mr Gareth Mays & Mr Stefan Malczewski

Attendance: 194

Dulwich Hamlet 3 Whyteleafe 1

2008-11-05T11:17:00.001Z

Dulwich Hamlet 3 Whyteleafe 1
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Tuesday 4th November 2008

On a blustery Tuesday evening Dulwich delivered a rapid riposte to their FA Trophy exit barely 48 hours earlier inflicting a sixth defeat in seven games upon perennial bogey boys, Whyteleafe.
Dulwich quickly seized the initiative and almost took the lead in the third minute when Walid Matata headed narrowly over the angle of post and bar from Daryl Plummer's cross. 'Leafe's Rob Tolfrey was by far the busier 'keeper and after cutting out a dangerous cross from Laurent Hamici, he denied Daryl Plummer when the winger was clean through. Shortly afterwards Matata squandered another gilt-edged chance when he got past Tolfrey, but allowed a defender to rob him with the goal gaping.
After that imposing if stuttering start, Dulwich went ahead in the 25th minute courtesy of Matata's maiden goal in pink and blue. Starting his first game since limping from the field early in the season opener, Matata was expertly poised to take advantage when Jamie Lunan's booming free kick into the post was flicked on by the head of skipper Marc Cumberbatch causing consternation in the 'Leafe six yard box. As 'keeper Rob Tolfrey scrambled to claw the ball away Matata was on hand to hook the ball into the net off the 'keeper's hand.
Whyteleafe threatened briefly when Denva McKenzie unleashed a fierce shot which was well held by Jamie Lunan, but we were soon pressing again and just before half-time Scott Simpson shot wildly over the bar when a fine run down the left by Plummer laid the foundations.
Dulwich were made to pay though for not taking further chances 'ere the second half had truly begun. Wide left, Andrew Martin larruped a deep ball across the box towards Nicky Greene, who had graced the Hill on Saturday in Fisher monochrome. Greene showed excellent poise to nick the ball past Billy Chattaway leaving him man to man with Jamie Lunan who stood not a ghost of chance as Greene pulled the trigger and bulleted the ball past him at close range.
Fears of a 'Leafe revival were not realised and with Laurent Hamici to the fore Hamlet went hunting their lost lead once more. The Hamlet's leading hitman danced a merry dance on the edge of the area, sent to the ground on the very brink of the box but the man in black gave naught but a shrug of indifference. A sniper's bullet from distance almost found its target but the range was off.
Call it greed, call it self-possession Hamici singlehandedly teased and twisted through the green wall, as effective as winter shrub. Lucky for the 'Leafe they had Tolfrey to rescue them as he blocked Hamici' initial effort. The rebound was seized upon, Tolfrey beaten with the drive but this time it was Adam Broomhead as saviour, the surly centre-half hacking the ball off the goal line.
In the 71st minute Matata struck once more to show the Hamlet faithful what they had missed. A free kick whipped across seemed too deep but Daryl Plummer rescued to surrender the ball to the by-line, keeping it in play, skipping around Asher Hudson before chipping the ball to the back of the six yard box. A crashing downward header from Cumberbatch was blocked on the line by Tolfrey but the loose ball was easy prey for the predatory Matata, smashed gleefully into the net from a few feet out.
Rampant Dulwich made victory certain with rare scares when Hamici's jet powered acceleration sent him free of a sluggish 'Leafe defence. Escaping down the left wing with green shirts floundering behind him, he bore down on the now exposed Tolfrey, the custodian powerless as bazooka boots sent a piledriver beyond his despairing dive and into the bottom far corner of the net.

Teams:
DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Ryan Bernard; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Cedric Ngakam; Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Kevin Lott (Junior Kaffo 80); Laurent Hamici; Walid Matata (Gary Noel 80); Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Kyle Graham; Alim Sesay; Sheikh Ceesay

WFC: Rob Tolfrey; Asher Hudson; Michael Harney; Ali Reeve; Adam Broomhead; Jason Goodchild; Denva McKenzie; Sol Patterson Bohner (Ronnie Green 60); Andrew Martin; Paul Scott; Nicky Greene
Substitutes not used: Alhajie Jabbie; Cedric Kabongo; Michael Riley; Carlton Murray-Price

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC: Walid Matata 26th minute
1-1 WFC: Nicky Greene 48th minute
2-1 DHFC: Walid Matata 71st minute
3-1 DHFC: Laurent Hamici 83rd minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr John O’Brien
Assistant Referees: Mr Stephen Earl and Mr Mark Ford

Attendance: 170

Dulwich Hamlet 0 Bury Town 3

2008-11-03T10:39:00.000Z

Dulwich Hamlet 0 Bury Town 3
The Carlsberg FA Trophy – Second Round
Sunday 2nd November 2008

This game was all but over as a contest almost before the quarter hour was out as dozy Dulwich surrendered three goals in the first 18 minutes allowing Bury Town a comfortable cushion which was never truly threatened despite Dulwich territorial domination for much of the remainder of the game. Daredevil defending, tackling timed to perfection, and confident ‘keeping from Marcus Garnham kept the Hamlet at bay and sent the visitors into the 3rd Round of the Trophy and another trip south, this time to Hampton & Richmond Borough.
Lackadaisical defending gifted Bury a lead after just three minute. Michael Steward whipped in a low cross from the right flank and with Dulwich’s defence impersonating a Madame Tussaud’s exhibit, striker Sam Reed zipped into the space behind them and tucked the ball past a wrong footed Jamie Lunan.
Excellent cover tackling from the much-vaunted Tom Bullard in defence thwarted a promising Hamlet attack, but then heartbreak for the Hamlet as Reed, under the watching eye of a Derby County scout, let fly from fully 35 yards out, Lunan slow to react as the ball beat him low at his left hand upright.
A third goal on 18 minutes completed Hamlet’s nightmarish opening. Reed was a whisker away from a hat trick as he flung himself at Stewart’s tempting ball in from the flanks. The ball was trapped on the backline by Lee Reed, his initial effort beating Lunan but cleared off the line by Cedric Ngakam. However the ball fell kindly for the same player and this time Reed made no mistake.
Thoughts of a cricket score troubled the mind, but perhaps with an eye on a big pay day awaiting them in the FA Cup six days hence, Bury took their foot off the gas, content to soak up Dulwich pressure, magnificent defending squeezing the life from each Hamlet threat. Marc Cumberbatch popped a close range header over the crossbar from Kevin Lott’s free kick. Laurent Hamici, hardworking but with a constant blue shadow, briefly shook off Bury shackles to latch on to Scott Simpson’s nod down but larruped his volley over the crossbar. As halftime approached Billy Chattaway’s threaded pass seemed inch perfect for Simpson but Sam Nunn, a constant minder, forcing him off balance at the key moment.
Three minutes after the restart an excellent opportunity for Hamlet to snatch a lifeline. Simpson hooked effort had Garnham clawing at the air, Hamici looping a header over him. Daryl Plummer went in pursuit but up went the flag for offside.
Walid Matata came on in place of Amine Djoumbe, playing out of position in the cursed right back role, a striker replacing a makeshift defender. A free kick awarded on the edge of the area once more presented Hamlet with hope. Plummer drove the ball low and goalwards but the blue wall went unbreached.
A fine save from Garnham to batter away Plummer’s volley, Matata with time, too much time, and placing his effort wide of the mark from 8 yards out. The Hamlet pressure unrelenting, the Bury defence unyielding. Hamici delivered, Cumberbatch rose and fell meeting the ball with a firmly planted header but Garnham was down to smoother. Even when Garnham was at last beaten, the referee’s whistle came to his rescue, the ‘keeper impeded as he came for a free kick, Ngakam taking advantage to nod the ball in but in vain. The young custodian was back in flying form soon after as Hamici’s rocket volley was clawed away at the near post in spectacular fashion.
Dulwich stacked the cards, strikers Junior Kaffo and Gary Noel on in place of midfielders Lott and Plummer, a fifties throwback with such a forward laden line-up. One goal might have unnerved the blue boys but resilience remained even when the loss of midfielder Lee Smith saw them play out the game with just ten men.

Teams:
DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Amine Djoumbe (Walid Matata 55); Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Ryan Bernard; Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer (Gary Noel 85); Cedric Ngakam; Laurent Hamici; Kevin Lott (Junior Kaffo 78); Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Alim Sesay; Sheikh Ceesay

BTFC: Marcus Garnham; Stuart Walker; Ben Coker; Gavin Johnson; Sam Nunn; Tom Bullard; Lee Smith; Michael Steward; Sam Reed (Andrew Wood 85); Liam Barrett (Steve Bugg 73); Lee Reed (Ashley Sloots 85)
Substitutes not used: James Paterson; Dean Greygoose (GK)

Goalscoring:
1-0 BTFC Sam Reed 3rd minute
2-0 BTFC Sam Reed 9th minute
3-0 BTFC Lee Reed 19th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Andy Parker
Assistant Referees: Mr Glen Tilley & Mr Jeff Stanley

Attendance: 245

Dulwich Hamlet 4 Whitstable Town 3

2008-10-29T12:11:00.001Z

Dulwich Hamlet 4 Whitstable Town 3
Ryman Isthmian League – Division One South
Tuesday 28th October 2008

“Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die, Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly, Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams go, Life is a barren field, Frozen with snow”
"Pah to global warming" said Mother Nature, as the first flakes of winter’s snow fluttered down upon Champion Hill, chilling the extremities of those braving the stroke of her chill fingers upon their frail bodies. For warmth the footballing faithful gathered around a fast and furious dogfight, a cauldron of a contest, bubbling over with carefree play and like a filling winter stew laced with drops of fortifying football and dotted with fulsome dumplings, tasty goals that will live long in the memory of those for whom the snow flurries held few fears. Previously impecunious in offence, the Oystermen of Whitstable splurged as their own goalscoring credit crunch were but a myth, twice battling from behind, snatching a lead mid way through the second half, only to surrender to a barrage of breathtaking bullets, first from Benson Paka then from the silent assassin, Scott Simpson, his 80th minute winner breaking the hearts of the Men of Kent.
Master mason Craig Edwards had been out in pursuit of new building blocks for the house of Hamlet, adding the experienced midfielder Kevin Lott, once of mighty Dover, to bring a cool head to the midfield crucible. The new boy introduced himself to his classmates in fine fashion after barely three minutes had elapsed. As smooth as a professional billiards hustler, his pass laid the foundations for Laurent Hamici’s opening goal, Picking up a cleared corner, he rolled the ball into Hamici lurking on the brink of the penalty area, the Hamlet hitman swinging around to leave his marker ghostwatching before drilling the ball low across the diving Kevin Fewell and into the far bottom corner of the net. Second half Hamlet had started a little earlier than expected, but the Oystermen were unfazed. Five minutes had passed and a free kick carelessly conceded wide on the left. Jack Tanner’s delivery a food [parcel to starving men and his skipper feasted, Liam Quinn climbing highest to delicately flick his header beyond the statuesque Jamie Lunan, the ball nestling inside the far post.
As the thermometer slid down, the temperature on field rose. Whitstable won a free kick a couple of yards beyond the Dulwich box, a crashing drive cannoning back off the Pink and Blue wall. Billy Chattaway larruped the ball out of harm’s way, his clearance the catalyst for a Hamlet breakout as Hamici outsprinted the defence. Fewell though was on the mark with a smart save to deny Hamici a second.
Call it naivety; call it candour, Whitstable’s open, free flowing play, a stark contrast to stale, timid Walton, played into the hands of the Hamlet. Eight exciting minutes, another Hamlet corner and amidst the melee, a sliced attempt at clearance cannoned down at an angle from the belly of the crossbar. Howls of anguish from the knot of fans behind the assistant referee as he failed to flag for a goal. The flow of pink and blue became an inexorable tide. Simpson unleashed a screaming free kick, none of your namby-pamby curled but a full blooded belter that left scorch marks on the woodwork as it ripped past. Hamici set up Simpson moments later, this time the shot hammered just over. A booming Cedric Ngakam throw finds Hamici; all hands to the pump as Whitstable block his effort.
A brief respite from defensive duties for the travellers with Danny Dolton’s audacious long-range effort spinning mere millimetres over the crossbar of Lunan. However it would be Hamlet reaping the rewards as they finally converted a chance, albeit in suspicious circumstances, to regain the lead on 32 minutes. The momentum came from Chattaway, in full flow up the left flank, his pass picking out Simpson, possessed of stallion speed turning on the power as he charged into the area. His cross shot beat Fewell and was turned in on the goal line by Daryl Plummer, who cast a nervous glance towards the assistant, but when no flag came began an embarrassed jig of joy. Embarrassment was writ large upon the faces of the Hamlet defence as once more he lead erased in quick and easy fashion. Ian Pulman’s wing wizardry was a joy to behold, but tackles were as ethereal as angel’s breath, Peter Martin brushed away, big Ryan Bernard humbled, Pulman dancing his way through before coiling the ball past Lunan.
Profligate Hamlet may well have restored a lead warranted by opportunity if not execution when 5 minutes before the break, a left wing cross was dropped into the penalty area. Simpson bounced off Hamici as his colleague won the battle for the ball, spinning to smack in a drive from the corner of the six yard box, a fearsome drive that brought the best from Fewell as he clawed away the stinging shot at his near post.
The dressing rooms must have been surreal places at the break, both managers presumably elated at the offensive performances of their respective charges yet apoplectic at defensive laxity on both XI’s parts.
An early Hamlet push that saw Hamici a fraction away from Paka’s drive across the face of goal was all in vain as the Oystermen were allowed to take the lead for the first and only time of the evening. Architect of their opener Tanner escaped on the right, taking his time before whistling a cross into the area. The chances to clear were there but half-hearted and it would take a man of substance to impose order. Unfortunately that man wore red; Paul Ainsworth controlled the wayward ball, pipping a pass to the prolific Dan Wisker who needed no second invitation to crack away his fourth goal in successive games.
An infusion of ambition fuelled the Men of Kent. Despite their lowly league position and the need for points, they resisted the temptation to shrink back into their shells and hide that precious pearl, three points. Pulman could have added to the Whitstable advantage not long beyond the hour mark, a crisp tackle in the middle of the park paving the way for a rampant Pulman to steam away from Bernard and Marc Cumberbatch, only deprived of a second goal by Luna’s smart save low to his right hand post.
Dame Fortune had a hand in the Hamlet’s equaliser coming in the 73rd minute. Simpson’s electric run set the night alight. A lay back to Hamici who pulled the trigger on what should have been a shot but instead it flew into the path of Paka, charging at full pelt towards goal. A first time drive from a chain away pinged down from the underside of the crossbar and this time there was no doubt the ball had crossed the line.
No surrender from either bench, from either XI. Hamlet brought on Walid Matata for his long-awaited debut, Whitstable bolstered the midfield with the experience of Clint Gooding. The night though would belong to a man who had been in the fray from first whistle to last. Ten minutes remained, the snow was flurrying around the Hill. Simpson in space on the left was the beneficiary of a mischievous back heel from Hamici. Red shirts swarmed around him but strength told, Simpson switched the ball to his supposed weaker right foot and lifted a curling, twirling drive over and above the fumbling fingers of Fewell and into the net.

Teams:
DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Peter Martin; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Ryan Bernard; Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Cedric Ngakam; Laurent Hamici; Kevin Lott (Walid Matata 76); Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Junior Kaffo; Gary Noel; Ryan Bernard; Sheikh Ceesay (GK)

WTFC: Kevin Fewell; Gary Sayer; Danny Tipple; Liam Quinn (Capt.); Marcos Perona; Rob Thomas; Jack Tanner; Mark Munday (Sam Denley 90+1); Dan Wisker (Clint Gooding 76); Ian Pulman; Danny Dolton
Substitutes not used: Mick Lingham; Dan MacVickar

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC Laurent Hamici 3rd minute
1-1 WTFC Liam Quinn 5th minute
2-1 DHFC Daryl Plummer 32nd minute
2-2 WTFC Ian Pulman 37th minute
3-2 WTFC Dan Wisker 56th minute
3-3 DHFC Benson Paka 73rd minute
4-3 DHFC Scott Simpson 80th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Peter Georgiou (Earlsfield)
Assistant Referees: Mr Luis Pinto Nunes (Kingston-upon-Thames) & Mr Vince Penfold (Addlestone)

Attendance: 223

Walton and Hersham FC 1 Dulwich Hamlet 0

2008-10-26T10:11:00.000Z

Walton and Hersham FC 1 Dulwich Hamlet 0
Ryman Isthmian League – Division One South
Saturday 25th October 2008

One of the less entertaining afternoons of the season, when autumn leaves put on a prettier show than the football on the field. It was afternoon when a number of sequences came to a conclusion; Dulwich finished their marathon stint away from Champion Hill, this match being their SIXTH on the road in succession. More noteworthy for the hosts was the fact that this match brought an end to a string of winless performances stretching back to early September, the victory celebrated gleefully by the knot of home supporters huddled beyond the running track.
Pretty it wasn’t but effective as Dulwich found themselves seldom able to wheedle they way through a swamp of red shirts packed deep in the Walton half, desperate to defend the lead given them after just 10 minutes when slipshod Dulwich defending allowed Phil Cramp to gallop away from the last line of defence and tuck the ball past a cruelly exposed Jamie Lunan. Cramp had earlier had a gaol disallowed for offside but there was no flag to rescue the Hamlet’s defence, wrapped in Lethe as the Swan’s attacker glided in and slotted the ball into the far corner of the net.
Charlie Taylor might have levelled matters three minutes after the goal but, having latched on to a weak back pass and knocked it past ‘keeper Richard Stroud sprawling across his feet, his honesty got the better of him as he stumbled on it pursuit of the ball only for it to creep over the back line before he could reach it.
A hairy moment for the home defence as the half hour approached, Lunan’s booming free kick, missed by his opposite number amid a flurry of bodies, Cedric Ngakam nodding a looping header towards goal. Somehow the red morass scrambled the ball away though not for long, Billy Chattaway rifling it back across the face of the six yard box. Scott Simpson’s acrobatic swing at the ball failed to connect and the home gaol remained intact. Mere moments later another ball hammered across the box tempted Laurent Hamici, back from suspension, but he too failed to apply a finishing touch.
Walton were forced into a change as redundant striker Zak Graham retired from the fray with a head injury to be replaced by one-time hero of the Hamlet, striker Sol Pinnock, newly arrived at Stompond Lane from Blue Square South side, Welling United. How Hamlet must have wished for a Pinnock of old in their ranks as they held the forward momentum only to fail to penetrate the red rearguard. Barely was Stroud truly tested though he had to be quick-reacting to get down and gather a Cumberbatch header after the big defender had flicked on a free kick.
The second half began with a rare spell of invention from the Swans, some neat footwork from Adam Moriarty out on the flanks capped by a cross to the far-post, from where Scott Hassell volleyed over. Moriarty charged forward to drive a shot in from the edge of the box only to see Luan untested as he fielded the effort comfortably. However those flights of fancy were grounded as Dulwich pushed them back to their nesting grounds. 13 minutes in and a stuttered clearance went straight to industrious Daryl Plummer, his arching effort to lob the ball back over the fast retreating ‘keeper in vain as it dropped wide of the mark. Next Hamlet raid and Taylor cracked an effort, the ball whirling away off a defender’s boot into the path of Plummer cantering up the right wing. Quick thinking Stroud was out like a flash to block at the Hamlet winger’s feet, the ball almost squirming from his grasp.
The chances came thick and fast, if only the autumn leaves mulched upon the turf had blown away as quickly. A third caution for the Swans as Mo Coly’s charge through the field was unceremoniously ended and a free kick in perfect position, central and 20 yards, clipped neatly over the wall by Taylor but floating on high over crossbar too.
Out of sorts Hamici was replaced by Gary Noel, a busy bee in attack at his best but frustrated by this red wall of Walton before him. To make matters worse, Coly was chopped from behind by a former Hamleteer, Sol Pinnock who has swapped the Kentish fields of Welling for Acacia Avenue and stockbroker Walton. The striker was fortunate not to added to the growing list of yellow brandished at the Swans, though was clear concern in his consoling pat on the back of his victim of a limping Coly was helped from the fray. A reshuffle for the Hamlet, but their defences had been weakened. Swans boss, Jimmy Bolton, espied the chink in the armour and brought on flying left-winger Sam Butler, the replacement’s introduction adding some colour to hosts’ bland display. Escaping down the flank with space to drive a number 13 bus, Butler rattled a cross into Cramp bearing down on goal. The second goal seemed certain but Cramp had reckoned without the fearless Chattaway eating up the ground twixt him and his quarry, a magnificent covering tackle sending the ball away for a corner just as the Walton man was preparing to strike.
As the game moved into stoppage time, Simpson hared into the penalty area, seemingly hauled back as he hurtle goalwards. The ball was hacked clear but Chattaway beat his opponent to the ball on the halfway line, hitting the afterburners as he sped up the touchline and unleashing a fearsome shot on the run that brought the best out of Stroud as he stretched to pluck the strike from the air. With all hands committed to attack, skipper Ryan Bernard up in the vanguard, it was inevitable that more gaps would appear behind. Once more Butler took advantage, a searing run down the by-line capped by a pinpoint cross towards Cramp, unmarked mere feet from goal. A simple tap in and a stamp was put on victory but somehow he scooped the ball into the air, Luna stretching a fist to punch the ball away as the striker tried to force in his own miscue. Not that it truly mattered for Dulwich had no time to mount a counter attack of note and defeat was sealed.

Teams:
W&HFC: Richard Stroud; Jon Boswell; Jordan Cheadle; Charlie Emery (Craig Dunne 58); Aaron Nowacki; Matt Elverson; Adam Moriarty; Rob Wilkinson (Sam Butler 77); Zak Graham (Sol Pinnock 32); Phil Cramp; Scott Hassell
Substitutes not used: Paul Sears; Louis Clark
DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Lemi Omogbehin (Mo Coly HT (Amine Djoumbe 70)); Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Ryan Bernard (Capt.); Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Cedric Ngakam; Laurent Hamici (Gary Noel 64); Charlie Taylor; Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Ryan James; Sheikh Ceesay (GK)

Goalscoring:
1-0 Phil Cramp 10th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Dan Austin
Assistant Referees: Mr Nigel Baker & Mr Barrie Small

Attendance: 123

Metropolitan Police 0 Dulwich Hamlet 2

2008-10-19T10:13:00.000Z

Metropolitan Police 0 Dulwich Hamlet 2
The FA Trophy – First Round Qualifying
Saturday 18th October 2008

Wildly misfiring Met Police will rue the opportunities they had to gun down the Hamlet during their now-traditional first half reveries as they seemed to take time to adjust to the arrival of some new recruits to the Dulwich cause. With Laurent Hamici out suspended after picking up his quota of yellow cards, Craig Edwards managed to pick up some young talent, pulling the proverbial rabbit from the hat as the prodigal son returned to the vanguard. From the supporters a frisson of expectation as the name of Charlie Taylor crackled through the Imber Court ether, last season’s goalscoring hero taking the place of this term’s leading hitman. The anticipation of seeing the pair in tandem was almost palpable but the fans would have to wait.
A jealous eye must have been cast from the opposition bench for Jimmy Cooper’s coppers were similarly without their leading hitman, Scott Forrester’s indiscretions in the previous round precluding his participation. Likewise when the police roll call came absent too was influential if erratic defender Tommy Moorhouse, another to fall foul of the officials in that Waltham Abbey game. As early chances fluttered away like city bonuses, how Cooper must have wished he could have raided the ranks for a striker to make the best of the early Police advantage.
An off the ball incident, very much off the ball, had sidelined right back Peter Martin, meaning a debut in that slot for former Watford Academian Femi Omogbehin. With Billy Chattaway playing a more central role early on and Cedric Ngakam swinging across to the left back role, Dulwich seemed a bit disjointed in the early exchanges as they were pushed back time and again by a blue tide. Michael Cobden bombed a ball in from the flanks picking out former Tooting midfielder Vernon Francis who chanced his arm with a screaming 30 yard but harmlessly wide of Jamie Lunan’s goal. Soon after veteran Dave Newman slipped the ball into Craig Carley but the wily wingman cum striker dragged his effort beyond the back stick.
A chance for redemption fell to Carley within moments but from 20 yards out he failed to trouble Lunan. Police marksmanship proved even more wayward when Francis plopped in a cross from the rightwing, a defensive dropping to Stephen Goddard, scorer in both previous outings, but brutally ballooning the ball into the stratosphere from barely five yards out. Close range shooting proved the Achilles heel of the Police once more when from 10 yards out Carley’s shot sailed over to worry the horses of the Mounted Division more than Hamlet’s so far untested ‘keeper.
From the Alamo to attack and gently rolling forward Dulwich managed the game’s first shot on target soon after the quarter hour as Daryl Plummer razed a hole in the thin blue line of defence but his drive from outside the area lacked the power to more than warm the gloves of Will Packham between the sticks.
A cynical foul by Steve Sargent curtailed a promising charge upfield from Chattaway, earning the Met Police midfielder the afternoon’s first caution and allowing the ball to be pumped into the heart of the home area where the Police looked decidedly uncomfortable against the aerial threat of the Hamlet’s triumvirate of big men, Ryan Bernard, Marc Cumberbatch and Ngakam, the latter’s header flicking off the brow of Francis and over for a corner. Once more the Police defence looked jittery but as the ball ping-ponged around the six yard box, a blue shirt threw itself in the way whenever a Hamlet man struck at that elusive object.
From defence the Police built their best move of the match, Packham larruped a free kick from his own half deep into the right pocket, Garry Drewett scooping the ball past his marker and chipping a pass into Michael Cobden lurking on the edge of the area. The strike lacked the necessary power but was on a one way ticket to the bottom corner of the net until Lunan flung himself earthwards pushing the ball out at the last second. Still the danger hovered as Carley chased in the loose ball and this time the game-breaking goal seemed preordained, that was until Lunan spread himself once more to smother Carley’s attempt to tuck home the rebound.
From bumper cars running a circle Hamlet became Ferraris. Snorting like the prancing horse of that marquee, Chattaway, turbocharger at full chat, accelerated from one half to the other before sending in a deep, deep cross-field pass to the prowling Plummer at the back of the six yard box. Serpent of old Nile, Plummer became a mass of contorted sinews as he swivelled to strike the back goalwards, only for defender Stuart Harte, arms flapping in the manner of a demented turkey, to charge down his effort at the back post.
Engines finely tuned Dulwich drove at the Boys in Blue once more, Benson Paka the architect of an outrageous chip from distance that had Packham scrambling across the six yard box to pluck from the air at full stretch as the ball threatened to float past him. As half time whistle brought truce to the field of combat memories of the early Police barrage had long faded in the fog of history, Hamlet at the gallop now preamble over. Breathes were bated as Act II was awaited.
The watering hole is bracing stroll from the arena and uncompromising officials would not wait for your humble scribe to drain the dregs from his dram before the restart and so I must take the word of those present that the Police contrived the most glaring of misses almost before battle had been drawn in anger. Sergeant Sargent of the Police drilled a ball low across the face of Lunan’s goal, Francis and Carley both waiting to snap up the pass but neither connecting as the goal loomed large before them. It was to be the death knell of the Police challenge.
Dulwich replaced new boy Famoud Sonko, of the Stoke City Sonkos, with Tom Bolarinwa, announced as Ballerina by the crusty voice behind the tannoy. More pogo than pas-de-deux was the focused young winger. Within five minutes of the reshuffle the Hamlet had gone ahead, the goal engineered by Taylor on the right, hammering the throttle down as he left his marker choking on his exhaust. The striker’s instinct might have taken over but selflessly he whipped that ball across goal to where Scott Simpson was arriving at full pelt, bringing the ball under his spell, the Houdini of the wing shed the chains of defence, stretching to stab the ball past a helpless Packham. One chance one goal, a pæan to the Police’s coronach of chances lost.
Taylor was now in his element and with Hamlet’s next attack he swept across a deep ball to the back of the six yard where Plummer o’erleapt the full back but directed his header a foot wide of the upright. From engineer to pilot seat for Taylor, another page in the lore of the Hamlet for the prodigal, a goal conjured out of thin air, Merlin, Oz, Potter even bow your heads. Once more the left flank of the Police caved in, a will-o'-the-wisp Bolarinwa danced through before spinning the ball across the face of goal. A defensive touch away but only to Plummer who linked up with Taylor for whom the goal was the bull’s-eye but with a blue wall in the rugged form of Ron Edwards before him, a distant vision. No matter he drew back his foot, the trigger sprung and from 20 yards the ball curling on its inexorable trajectory over the grasping hands of Packham and under the bar.
Looking dead and buried at this point the Police were thrown an unlikely lifeline just two minutes later when Lunan was controversially penalised by referee Mr T Power as he scrambled for the ball after being impeded by Goddard. “Black villainy”, cried the Hamlet! But a Zorro waited to rescue Dulwich as master of the spot kick, Lunan, left his dive late smothering Carley’s precisely struck effort on the goal line. It seems an age since Lunan was beaten from the 12 yard mark, this save added to ones this year against Eastbourne Town, Charlton Athletic and Molesey inter alia.
Still a breath of life in the Police but even that came close to being snuffed out as Dulwich were within a linesman’s flag of screwing the last bolts on the coffin lid. The ball was launched out of defence by Chattaway, Plummer’s run seemingly timed to perfection as he latched on to it, marching on to stroke the ball past Packham only to be called back as the goal was chalked off. Not that it mattered much for with time in scarce supply and opportunities even scarcer, the Police were already preparing their yellow boards of excuse. Meanwhile the Hamlet when hunting in search of more prey, Taylor so unlucky not to put the seal on victory with a third shortly before time was called. A booming clearance beyond the last line of defence had Packham tearing headlong from his goal, only to find himself stranded as Taylor lifted the ball calmly over him. A Montmartre strumpet, the goal beckoned the ball in but as it dropped from the clouds, it sprung back off the hardened goalmouth and bounced back over the crossbar.
Where the hosts had snatched, gulped then regurgitated their opportunities, Dulwich nibbled, tasted then gorged. The Road to Wembley stretches out ahead once more.

Teams:
MPFC: Will Packham; Stuart Harte; Michael Cobden (Craig Brown 60); Ron Edwards (Justin Bowen 77); Dave Newman; Vernon Francis; Steve Sargent; Rob George (Matt Cefai 77); Stephen Goddard; Craig Carley; Garry Drewett
Substitutes not used: Steve Potterill; Mo Maan

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Femi Omogbehin; Cedric Ngakam; Benson Paka; Ryan Bernard; Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer (Junior Kaffo 90+1); Billy Chattaway; Scott Simpson (Gary Noel 80); Charlie Taylor; Famoud Sonko (Tom Bolarinwa 54)
Substitutes not used: Mohamed Coly; Sheikh Ceesay

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC Scott Simpson 57th minute
2-0 DHFC Charlie Taylor 65th minute
Penalty Save Jamie Lunan from Craig Carley 67th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Tony Power
Assistant Referees: Mr Mark Englebretson & Mr Benjamin Furneaux

Attendance: 111

Godalming Town 0 Dulwich Hamlet 0

2008-10-14T13:40:00.001Z

Godalming Town 0 Dulwich Hamlet 0
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Tuesday 14th October 2008

A musty air hung over Wey Court as Dulwich Hamlet were held scoreless by Chuck Martini’s Godalming, a side branded “too nice” by their manager after an FA Trophy humbling by Enfield Town in their last home outing but responding by going from nice to “noughty”! Whether it was good defending or poor finishing must depend to whose standard one nails the colours for Dulwich must have been disappointed not to greater exploit the flanks where the wing twins of Tom Bolarinwa and Daryl Plummer found enough space and time to reseed the potatoes that had earlier been lifted from a uneven pitch, made slick by early evenings showers.
Dulwich started Edwards Martini III (this time it’s managerial!) with the XI that had began the fight back at Sittingbourne, Bolarinwa coming into the starting line-up in the stead of Gary Noel. Likewise the hosts made just a single change from their valiant FA Cup exit at Havant and Waterloovile, prompting a shiver of anticipation amongst the home support, a tremor of trepidation amongst Hamlet’s travelling band, as leading scorer Kenny Ojukwu reclaimed his place in the Godalming vanguard.
First to make his mark was fecund Laurent Hamici, anxious to sign off on a goalscoring note before his season’s indiscretions forced into sojourn for the Hamlet’s forthcoming Trophy tie at the Met Police. Unlocking the offside trap with the dexterity of a seasoned goal burglar, Hamici snuck in to drive a shot across the body of ‘keeper Rodney Chiweshe but beyond the back stick. Early warning not of Godalming threat but of a bizarre display of refereeing from the man in black Mr Robinson came as the Dulwich goal was subjected to intense pressure from a sustained Godalming assault. All the while the assistant referee remained stock-still with flag aloft in indication of a hoist offence. Just as Brahim Eloumani rifled a shot in on goal, the referee waved play on, apparently signalling a Dulwich advantage, Fortunately Jamie Lunan was well-placed behind Stanley’s shot for Mr Robinson might have found himself buried beneath a barrage of protests from every direction.
Eight minutes and Graeme Purdy failed to punish the Hamlet as he missed a most glorious opening, flinging himself to get ahead of Ryan Bernard to Andy Ottley’s rightwing cross and connect with a diving header, only to send the ball wide of the back stick by a country mile.
The fancy feet of Daryl Plummer set up Benson Paka, the midfield maestro swinging the ball wide to Tom Bolarinwa scampering down the right. A deep cross was well met by the head of Scott Simpson, but his header skimmed wide of the upright. Hamici was but a fraction from giving Hamlet the lead after the quarter hour as he stole the ball from the toes of Simpson, his snapshot leaving Chiweshe clawing at the ether, but cracking against the outside of the post.
Ojukwu’s muscular charge into the area setting up Purdy but his shot on goal failed to trouble Lunan. Likewise a Marc Cumberbatch header as the big defender rose highest through the forest of defenders to flick on Lunan’s free kick.
Having traded punches for a breathless if untidy 20 minutes, the combatants took stock, eased off the gas and began to probe rather than punch, looking for that one chance to land a haymaker. Mr Robinson’s whistle began to take centre stage; one half expected the Notting Hill Carnival to parade through the stockbroker belt. Cue angry letters to the Daily Mail!
Having been cancelled out by their hosts, Dulwich gained an upper hand as half time drew closer. A sweeping move, up hill, down dale and along furrow saw the ball wed its way out to Plummer on the left wing. The wingman cut the ball back inside to Hamici, the striker jinking past a flatfooted defender but throwing emulsion upon a meisterwerk when a simple signature was required, the ball blazed harmlessly wide of the far upright. A moment later the chance to atone fell to Bolarinwa, the nippy winger hurling himself headlong ahead of G’s skipper Richard Taylor to connect with a valiant header but the ball brushed the near post.
The balance of opportunity slightly weighted in hosts favours as round two began, but the scales of chance all but bare. Eloumani threatened once more but his shot skewed wide from 15 yards. Plummer’s tempting ball across the box had no takers.
Officialdom gained fewer friends as Godalming believed they had made the breakthrough come the 58th minute. Taylor’s throw towards Carl Hutchings, lurking on the backline, was nodded back into the heart of the six yard box by the one-time Tooting man but as he did so the assistant’s flag went up and the whistle blew. Purdy had a simple task of dispatching the ball past Lunan, but whistle already sounded Dulwich relaxed. Frustrated Godalming protested in vain, believing the ball had not passed out of play before Hutchings had returned it. The Frustration manifested itself in such meaty challenges as yellow cards sprayed about in directions like a host of golden daffodils.
Bombardier Lunan’s free kick rattled the home defence, Godalming struggling to clear after Cumberbatch had flicked the ball on. Bolarinwa inter alia tried but failed and to the relief of the hosts the ball was finally cleared.
Rigid defence denied Godalming few openings, leaden footed offence easy prey for a well-executed offside trap. When the trap did fail, Luna proved adequate cover, denying the ubiquitous Eloumani in a one-on-one after Ojukwu had muscled Peter Martin off the ball and swung the ball in from the flanks. From thee resultant corner Ottley’s drifted delivery found Purdy, a shot rattled off goalwards only to be palmed onto the crossbar by the quick reacting Lunan before being cleared after Stanley shot the rebound into a mass of players. Dulwich tried for a break and might have done so had Purdy’s scything tackle not derailed Martin in flight. A caution followed.
Ojukwu tormented young Martin, spinning off and firing in a strike from the angle but ell high of the target. Glen Stanley also shot wide from an excellent position. Spared Dulwich girded the lions for one last attack as sands slipped through the glass. Two minutes over and Paka’s rifle shot brought a save of pure class from the under tested Chiweshe, his absence from action unapparent as he went full length to batter the shot away. Still time for nervous moments in defence as Taylor’s booming throw into the heart of the penalty area reached substitute Kristian Webb, a dinked head sailing beyond Ojukwu’s forehead and harmlessly beyond the back post.
Come Valentine’s Day 2009, Edwards Martini IV at Champion Hill, tonight’s phoney war will have long faded from memory by then.

Teams:
GFC: Rodney Chiweshe; Andy Ottley (Shaun Elliott 84); Brahim Eloumani; Carl Hutchings; Damien Matthews (Chris Wales 68); Richard Taylor (Capt.); Glen Stanley; Victor Kiri; Graeme Purdy (Kristian Webb 81); James Mariner; Kenny Ojukwu
Substitutes not used: Adam Haddad, Garry Aulsberry (GK)

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Peter Martin; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Ryan Bernard; Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Cedric Ngakam; Laurent Hamici; Tom Bolarinwa (Fasineh Koroma 78); Scott Simpson
Subs not used: Gary Noel; Junior Kaffo; Mohamed Coly; Sheikh Ceesay

Officials:
Referee: Mr Tim Robinson
Assistant Referees: Mr David Gordon & Mr Tony Foster

Attendance: 108

Sittingbourne 2 Dulwich Hamlet 3

2008-10-12T10:30:00.002Z

Sittingbourne 2 Dulwich Hamlet 3
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Saturday 11th October 2008

Save the best for last seems to be the Hamlet mantra these days as the Dulwich recovered from a simply dire first 45 minutes when they threatened little and achieved less to record a famous victory and maintain their Indian sign over Sittingbourne whose fans must be suffering Pink and Blue nightmares after this fourth victory in as many games against the Brickies. Indeed the men of Kent must be dreading the sight of handmade Bourne Park where they have picked up a single, solitary point in all league matches this campaign in stark contrast to the 100% record on their travels around the Isthmian.
It all looked o good for the hosts as they stormed ahead when Richard Brady mesmerised Peter Martin on the left wing, swinging a low ball into the near post where Hicham Akhazzan got ahead of his marker to deftly flick the ball between upright and the diving Jamie Lunan.
With Sittingbourne defence, bolstered by a brace of new signing in Jack Haverson and the experience Rio Alderton, looking as solid as the bricks that once dried upon these Kentish fields Dulwich found openings few and far between, constantly frustrated by an offside trap sprung upon them. Even when Dulwich got themselves in promising positions the red and black walls closed in on them as Cedric Ngakam found when Daryl Plummer took possession of a quick free kick, making a beeline for the by-line before dragging the ball back to his colleague, a stinging shot unleashed only to be charged down with a tender part of the anatomy by Nick Reeves.
Disjointed Dulwich seemed easy prey for hungry Bourne who should have added to their advantage after 20 minutes when Akhazzan returned the favour to Brady, flicking Colin Richmond’s pass into the path of the former Hamlet striker, defence in his wake and with only Lunan in his way. Against the odds Lunan kept his composure, kept his committal to the very last moment, snatching the ball low as Brady attempted to slip the ball around him.
A rare chink of light for the Hamlet as Benson Paka ignited the afterburners, charging through the centre of the park before dispatch a pass to Hamici overtaking on his left. The goal opened up before the Hamlet’s leading hitman but his natural instinct for the spectacular washed over him as a burning strike was unleashed towards the top corner of the net when perhaps slipping the ball across the face of goal might have been the better option. Young ‘Bourne custodian Matt Reed’s save was dazzling though as he clawed the ball behind for a corner. In the mêlée that followed the deliver of the corner a number of Hamlet players attempted to stab the ball home but a red and balk morass engulfed each effort. On defensive foundations the Brickies built yet more attacks and on 33 minutes came a second, and so many might have thought, a killer goal. Once more it was Brady returning to haunt his former team, dancing and dazzling on the wing, his cross was perfect for Richmond lurking in the penalty area, Lunan without a ghost of a chance as the ball was slammed past him for m close range.
A change was called for and the sacrificial lamb was Gary Noel, engulfed and ineffective in attack. On came Tom Bolarinwa, the master plan altered as Dulwich reverted to a traditional 4-4-2. Containment first as the shackles were put on the Brickies raiding parties, then offence but time was against them and the best the Hamlet could offer was a exploratory low range missile from Plummer some 20 yards out that warmed the gloves of Reed as he got down comfortably to smother.
Rambling Act I “Waiting for a Goal” a play about 11 men who divert and disport themselves while they wait expectantly and unsuccessfully for something named a goal to arrive. The Hamlet band as discordant as a Stockhausen symphony, the sheet music torn up at the break swapping cacophony for harmony as the orchestra took the stage for Act II. “Where there is discord, may we bring harmony”, quoth the management! These grating first half caterwauls replaced by flowing strings, great arias as Hamlet the Opera took the Bourne Park stage but then great theatre requires great tension, building to a crescendo for humble beginnings. Such was the Dulwich rampage in the second half that but brief flashes of red and black it was painted all in Pink and Blue.
Hungry Hamlet lions licked their lips, snapped their jaws and bit into the ‘Bourne defence. An early free kick was hammered into the penalty area, a flurry of boots and bodies as Paka drilled a shot towards goal, the ball larruped away to safety as it seemed bound for the bottom corner of the net.
The chances came thick and fast as Dulwich rapped loudly open the ‘Brickies door. “Open the door little piggies or I shall huff and puff and blow your house down”. A swinging Scott Simpson cross from the left proved a fraction to high for Hamici in the middle but Bolarinwa met it with venom at the back of the box, Reed alert to push the ball over. A Dulwich corner was met with a power nod back across goal from Ryan Bernard to his defensive partner Marc Cumberbatch, his header across the face of goal punched away by the overworked Reed whops was back in action almost instantly, stretching to tap away a deep Simpson cross from the menacing Bolarinwa.
The Hamlet impetus was squeezing the ‘Bourne defence further and further back behind enemy lines and soon the pressure would have to tell as a breach was made. With men in numbers up for a corner, ‘Bourne found themselves unable to clear the ball away, Plummer snapping up the loose ball 8 yards and thwacking the ball through a forest of legs into the net.
Rattle, rattle, rattle came the Hamlet charges. Bernard swung the ball deep across the field, picking a Plum, Daryl that is; who spun off his marker but could not beat Reed low at his near post. Simpson set up Hamici for what should surely have been an equaliser but where a feather touch as needed a howitzer blast was exacted, the ball shaking the bounds of Bourne Park as it fizzed wide of the upright.
The energetic Simpson, a player who evokes such heated passion between detractors and adherents, showed both sides a powerful run that left defenders panting in his wake then dancing up a blind alley as the goal loomed, eventually squeezed out as defenders swarmed around him. Jack Haverson denied him the opportunity to make amends as with the very next attack, Simpson brought down the ball to hammer past a stranded Reed, only for the defender to kick the ball off the goal line.
Would these exertions tell upon the Hamlet? A brief fright as a Sittingbourne free kick was headed back into the danger area by Billy Manners, late of this parish and substitute replacing substitute. Richmond latched on the ball with a ferocious volley, the side netting tingling as he just missed the target. The alarums had been rung and Dulwich came hurtling back, Reed added another fine save to his burgeoning portfolio as he tipped over a Paka effort on the volley but he had no chance when his defence went AWOL allowing Plummer a clear dash goalwards. Ben Payne tried in vain to relieve the situation with a last ditch tackle but succeed only in hacking Plummer to the floor. The Man in Black, Mr Brook, showed leniency issuing only a caution to the miscreant, but Hamici would show no sure compassion. Bristling with confidence despite Akhazzan’s feeble sledging, a few steps up to the ball and, bam, Reed was diving away as the ball beat to his left.
Could a winner still be in the tank? Billy Chattaway’s cross was met with stunning Simpson scissor kick as he and Bolarinwa hunted the same ball, the effort skying over. But a minute later predator supreme Hamici completed the unlikely turnaround as a free kick dropped to his feet 12 yards out, the striker pirouetted with the grace of a Nijinsky before hammering the ball high into the top with the power of Tyson punch.
“Do anything, even the impossible; it may only take a little longer when a miracle is required” – Anonymous

Teams:
SFC: Matt Reed; Nick Reeves; Joe Dowley (Capt); Jack Haverson; Ben Payne; Rio Alderton; Colin Richmond; Bryan Glover; Tom Bradbrook (Dave Milton 53 (Billy Manners 72); Richard Brady; Hicham Akhazzan
Substitutes not used: Ian Varley; Joe Horlock; Joe Plant

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Peter Martin; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Ryan Bernard(Capt); Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Cedric Ngakam; Laurent Hamici; Gary Noel (Tom Bolarinwa 40); Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Kyle Graham; Henry Darko; Junior Kaffo; Sheikh Ceesay (GK)

Goalscoring:
1-0 SFC Hicham Akhazzan 6th minute
2-0 SFC Richard Brady 33rd minute
2-1 DHFC Daryl Plummer 60th minute
2-2 DHFC Hamici 82nd minute (penalty)
3-2 DHFC Laurent Hamici 87th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Carl Brook (St Leonards-on-Sea)
Assistant Referees: Mr R Joss (Ramsgate) & Mr K Stone (Maidstone)

Attendance: 171

Leyton FC 1 Dulwich Hamlet 4

2008-10-05T13:06:00.001Z

Leyton FC 1 Dulwich Hamlet 4
The FA Trophy – Preliminary Round
Saturday 4th October 2008

As one road to Wembley is blocked off the diversion signs go up and Dulwich Hamlet set off on a new course to the fabled land, a trek that would commence at the ancient manor of Leyton FC, oldest football club of our fair city. Tucked behind the Hares and Hounds pub lies the Leyton Stadium though the E10 nightspot, home of Essex’s finest podium dancers according to the flyers, now dominates and bankrolls once proud Leyton. Down an alley and through turnstiles that once graced our national stadium and a hidden treasure of the amateur game emerges. Though the arena is still dominated by the twin rickety stands, mini versions of the giant that once dominated lost Green Pond Lane, home of the Lilywhites East London rivals Walthamstow Avenue, new terracing has cropped up at one end, perfect for the Hamlet hoards who arrived en masse, augmented by new blood, an itinerate band of students having adopted the Hamlet for an FA Trophy trek. ‘Twas the first time your scribe has seen crowd on class basis since the Trotskyites met the Stalinists in the old IFL, Ideologues Football League, a game that ended in farce when the Anarchist referee decided to leave the players to sort out their differences themselves.
So to the afternoon’s cast list, blue pencil overworked as the changes rang out. Dulwich manager Craig Edwards’ pre-match plans thrown into disarray with the absence of defender Steve May and the late arrival of Benson Paka and Fasineh Koroma. Interestingly he chose to leave leading scorer Laurent Hamici and loanee midfielder Charlie Howard on the bench, restoring Cedric Ngakam to the starting XI after his enforced absence from the FA Cup. Also returning and reclaiming the skipper’s armband was Ryan Bernard, having shaken off his injury that has kept him out since Ashford. Rehabilitated to the team was Peter Martin, putting in an excellent display at right back in May’s stead.
The Lilywhites made several changes in response to a poor performance in midweek as a mini-revival was stopped in its tracks by a fifth defeat in seven matches. With both leading scorers Paul Killick and Denis Maharjan missing, the management unleashed the beast as Greg Ngoyi was added to an impotent attack.
Bowdlerised cast list in hand, to overture and beginners please. With a howling wind ripping around the field of play, come three o’clock or thereabouts a mighty blast from the trump and to the fray, Dulwich in ascendancy in the initial clashes. “Gentlemen of the free-and-easy sort, who plume themselves on being acquainted with a move or two, and being usually equal to the time-of-day, express the wide range of their capacity for adventure by observing that they are good for anything from pitch-and-toss to manslaughter; between which opposite extremes, no doubt, there lies a tolerably wide and comprehensive range of subjects”. Ready for the sport, fey Lilywhites the prey, Dulwich had the hosts upon the back foot in a lively opening spell, former colleague Gbenga Sonuga and his defensive partners shredded like the finest Teutonic slaw and reduced to blustering rage directed at ‘keeper Rob Blackburne, suffering both a heavy cold and a heavy onslaught. Poor Rob for all his sufferings he got no word of praise for his heroics, some fine saves keeping the Hamlet at bay a particular fine reaction battering out a Marc Cumberbatch header on the quarter hour despite his bedazzled defenders blocking his view.
Flustered by their failure to convert their dominance, Dulwich’s platy began to fray. The Lilywhites threatened when Fabio Jesus’ cross was nodded on to Ngoyi at the back, the well-placed striker blazing the ball over the crossbar. The beast had served warning, a shot across the bows and a precursor to the opener. 26 minutes and the beast bit. The ball was whipped in from the left, Stuart Blackburne provided the service nodding down the cross and Ngoyi spun to larrup the ball low past the diving Lunan. But the beast was down, felled by the once notorious turf. He hobbled to the sidelines, gamely returned to the skirmish cut his courage was not enough and 6 minutes later he was replaced by Kevin Chakaodza.
In the meantime Hamlet began the hunt anew. Scott Simpson battled with Sonuga, the centre-half hanging to him limpet-like as the striker surged into the area, his tormentor’s close attentions preventing him getting in anything more than a shot that tickled the ‘keeper’s gloves.
A collective wince from the Hamlet hoard as Mo Coly was felled by Jackie Chan nee Andy Jones, looking like Savage, Robbie, tackling like one, the Dulwich man prostrate as the physio went to work. The expected caution for Jones never arrived as the miscreant siddled away from the scene of crime, though on the flag of the assistant his teammate, the outfield Blackburne had a yellow card flashed in his face for rash words. Barrack room language from the South London battalions at the escape of Mr Jones from castigation, but the wrath of the Erinyes would manifest itself as the hands of the watch crept over into time added on. The 45 had just ticked by when Lunan dropped a leviathan free kick into the heart of the penalty area; Ross Edwards rose above Bernard to head the first assault away but only the pugilistic Gary Noel, lurking in the D. The ball squirmed through to Cumberbatch 14 yards from goal, Junior Koandu throwing himself into the tackle but too late to prevent the centre half rifling a Winchester crack of a shot that nestled deep and low in the bottom corner of the net.
The mist of unreason descended upon Jones, a crude lunge and a booking. The free kick larruped in once more, Cumberbatch denied a second in as many minutes as he flicked on a header only for Blackburne to fling himself low to the base of his post and turn the ball behind, fans of all persuasions purring in appreciation, though that was lost upon his bickering rearguard. Protracted stoppage time gave Dulwich time to turn the contest once more in their favour. Five minutes in and Cedric Ngakam launched a booming throw into the near post, Jones’ hell intensified as, under pressure from Junior Kaffo, he succeeded not in clearing the threat of the throw but only in flicking the ball across the face of goal and into the far corner of the net.
With the whip hand, Edwards slipped a couple of aces into the game with Laurent Hamici and Charlie Howard replacing Kaffo and Coly for the second half. Fired-up Hamlet ripping and slashing at the ramshackle Lilywhites. Hamici tormented the defence time and again before setting up Daryl Plummer for the third. His marker left trailing in his wake, the substitute striker swept down the right, driving the ball across to his teammate who let rip with a fiery drive from the brink of the box that smacked into the back of the net.
A caution for Hamici put a dampener on things soon after, booked as he attempted to turn in a leftwing cross with a surreptitious hand that might have gone unnoticed but for the dark gloves he chose to don. A rally from the hosts, Lunan stretching to tip a buzzing shot from Jones, blustering but not threatening as a trio of quick fire corners came to naught. Ngakam left the field of battle to a peal of applause, Tom Bolarinwa added as Dulwich went for the jugular. Blackburne continued to defy, another fine save keeping his side within touching distance on scoreboard if not on pitch. Then with 8 minutes left came an academy award-winning goal from Hamici, orchestra stall and gods' bravos ringing in his ears, a superb one man show. He escaped on the left, zipped inside, poised and purposeful, he dragged the ball past defender after defender, dancing and darting as weighed up his options, finally leaving Valenti baffled and bemused and with a handful of shorts, as he drove a looping shot into the top corner, Blackburne’s despairing dive all in vain.

Teams:
LFC: Rob Blackburne; Steve Brady (Fabio Valenti 68); Junior Konadu; Craig McKay; Gbenga Sonuga; Ross Edwards; Paul Marks (Capt.); Andy Jones; Stuart Blackburne; Greg Ngoyi (Kevin Chakaodza 32); Fabio Jesus (Des Thomas 90)
Substitutes not used: Jordan Lockie; Tom Lewis
DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Peter Martin; Billy Chattaway; Mohamed Coly (Charlie Howard HT); Ryan Bernard (Capt.); Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Cedric Ngakam (Tom Bolarinwa 70); Junior Kaffo (Laurent Hamici HT); Gary Noel; Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Kyle Graham; Sheik Ceesay

Goalscoring:
1-0 LFC Greg Ngoyi 26th minute
1-1 DHFC Marc Cumberbatch 45th minute
2-1 DHFC Andy Jones (own goal) 45th minute (+5)
3-1 DHFC Daryl Plummer 60th minute
4-1 DHFC Laurent Hamici 82nd minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr. P Kelly
Assistant Referees: Mr. K Welsh & Mr. S Kay

Attendance: 83

HENDON FC 2 DULWICH HAMLET 1

2008-10-02T13:12:00.000Z

HENDON FC 2 DULWICH HAMLET 1
The FA Cup Sponsored by E.On – Second Qualifying Round Replay

(at Earlsmead, Harrow Borough)
Wednesday 1st October 2008

The dream has died and Dulwich are out, ninety minutes of full-pelt football but over 180 minutes of play not enough to see off the Wandering Dons. The Wembley Arch o'erlowered the journey to Earlsmead, hosts to itinerant Hendon for this rematch of the sleeping giants, taut reminder of what might be, what might be should some oligarch come rapping upon the door. But then to Earlsmead where bright lights burn out the suburban slumber, casting shadows around a ramshackle ground that so often had been the graveyard of Hamlet hopes. Would tonight be different? The first twenty minutes said nay. Daryl Plummer cross from the wing in the very first attack squirmed from the hands of Berkeley Lawrencin. Over the line? The eagle-eyed Hamlet ramble said yay, the assistant referee demurred. On seven minutes the Greens had the lead as Dulwich’s reshuffled defence, still without Ryan Bernard and missing Steve May, trapped by London Transport, succumbed to penetrative thrusting from their “hosts”. Glenn Garner fed the electric Harry Hunt, the young striker hitting the gas to escape the clutches of Billy Chattaway, driving to the by-line and pulling a low ball across the face of the six yard box. Not a touch from defender nor attacker until at the back of the box Dave Diedhiou changed in to smack the ball home at the back stick despite Jamie Lunan’s desperate dive.
Dulwich threatened when a long through ball had Laurent Hamici, still suffering the twinges of injury but fast enough to outpace a trio of defenders, in pursuit but Lawrencin was aware enough to rush from his line and snatch the ball from the toes of the Hamlet hitman. Soon after a corner was one, skipper Marc Cumberbatch in the ascendancy as he rose to meet it but on guar at the back stick Lubomir Guentchev nodded the ball away.
Having rarely threatened since grabbing that advantage, Hendon spotted a chink in Hamlet’s rearguard and exploited it ruthlessly. Regular right back May had been severely delayed by transport trouble (oh for Pericles Johnson and his Athenian vision of London to be born in flesh; each man his own chariot and steed!) and Fasineh Koroma, drafted into that position in his stead had looked uncomfortable in an unfamiliar role. Guentchev flowed past him like a fine Bulgarian wine, Koroma struggling his opponent nipped past and rolled the ball back to the lurking Hunt. No second invitation for the predatory youngster who larruped the ball high past the hands of Lunan and into the roof of the old onion bag.
The ease with depleted Dulwich had been fleeced on the flanks had older supporters calling for the smelling salts as nightmares of a 10-1 mauling by Hendon back in their sixties golden age cam flooding back. However the Hamlet lads, unhampered by ancient memories, girded the loins and came back snarling back at the Dons. From 25 yards out Hamici spun of a brace off green-shirted markers sending a rifled drive a foot over the crossbar. From a corner Lawrencin spilled the ball under pink pressure, amid the melee Junior Kaffo’s stabbed effort deflected wide. The tricky Gray Noel produced a three point turn on the corner of the penalty area that left his markers prostrate upon their posteriors, an angled cross to the back stick nodded back across goal by Plummer but plucked from the head of Kaffo by the alert Lawrencin. A moment later Scott Simpson drove in a bobbling strike from distance that had the Hendon custodian scrambling across his goal as the ball bounced wide of the far upright.
Injury forced Hendon into a change at the break as Rakatahr Hudson was pulled off, James Burgess replacing him. Others might have wished it were them as Dulwich rampaged at them from the off, infused with stirring words from management. “Forward, the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns' he said: Into the valley of Death rode the six hundred.” Six hundred might only have been eleven but to the started Dons, rabbits in the headlines of the chundering Hamlet juggernaut. “'Forward, the Light Brigade!' Was there a man dismay’d? Not tho' the soldier knew some one had blunder'd: Theirs not to make reply, theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do & die.”
Three minutes in and a great chance for Mo Coly but from 10 yards he stabbed the ball into the body of the cowering ‘keeper. The pink and blue wave crashed down again and again until at last the defence buckled. On the hour mark the defenders stuttered, chances to clear went begging and the ball ran to Noel wide on the right of the area. With eyes only for goal, the tyro striker unleashed a ferocious rising drive for the smallest of targets, Lawrencin powerless as the ferocious strike zipped past him into the top corner of the net.
Hendon might have hit back with immediate effect when Garner was allowed a free run to the by-line, pulling the ball back for Guentchev but from close range he found only the side netting. Like a Polar Bears in Marrakech, that chance sat alone. Dulwich roared into attack, Chattaway’s impetus taking him through tackle after tackle before he was felled ten yards from the area. Hamici swept up the loose ball, rattled a shot goalwards that deflected off a defender, cannoned off Noel and looking to be heading for the bottom corner until Lawrencin pounced upon it. Route one for the Hamlet as Lunan bombed a free kick into the penalty area, Coly turning to try and hook the ball home only to find Lawrencin there to block his path.
The Hamlet brought Tom Bolarinwa for Hamici, also pushed Junior Kaffo into a more advanced role as they strove for that elusive equaliser.
Hendon’s Polar Bear found a friend when a lunging tackle saw the Dons awarded a free kick mere yards from the brink of the box, Hamici booked for his protests. However timid execution of the dead ball saw the ball knocked to Guentchev, who found the whole Dulwich army upon him before he let off a shot of note. A Dulwich corner nodded back across goal by the towering Cumberbatch snatched away from Bolarinwa, and then with the tie ebbing from them came glorious opportunity. Simpson was released in an acre of space on the left flank, delivering the most tempting of cross towards Kaffo, dissecting the Hendon centre halves. From five yards out the script had been written for that glory moment but, to the horror of the Hamlet horde, he somehow scooped his header over the crossbar. Like a punctuated balloon, the oxygen drained from the Hamlet. Hendon played keep ball, frustrating Chattaway who was booked after an altercation with an opponent. More frustrating though that Dulwich had succumbed after all their second half endeavours.

Teams:
HFC: Berkley Lawrencin; Kevin Maclaren; Craig Vargas; Marc Leach; Mark Kirby; James Bent; Lubomir Guentchev; Dave Diedhiou (Frank Wilson 90); Harry Hunt; Rakatahr Hudson (James Burgess HT); Glenn Garner (Charlie Mapes 71)
Substitutes not used: Festus Mansaray; Richard Wilmot (GK); Danny Dyer; Kayan Kalipha

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Fasineh Koroma; Billy Chattaway; Mohamed Coly; Junior Kaffo; Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Charlie Howard; Laurent Hamici (Tom Bolarinwa 76); Gary Noel; Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Kyle Graham; Peter Martin; Tyran James; Nicholas Ogbanufee; Steve May; Sheikh Ceesay

Goalscoring:
1-0 HFC Dave Diedhiou 8th minute
2-0 HFC Harry Hunt 22nd minute
2-1 DHFC Gary Noel 60th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Richard Kendall
Assistant Referees: Mr Liam Walshe & Mr Boris Zbirka

Attendance: 139

Dulwich Hamlet 2 Hendon FC 2

2008-09-28T10:47:00.003Z

Dulwich Hamlet 2 Hendon FC 2
The FA Cup Sponsored by E.On – 2nd Qualifying Round
Saturday 27th September 2008

The road to Wembley is a highway littered with many corpses of the hopeful and the hopeless but today Dulwich did not join them, as heart and spirit saw them through to a replay with embattled Hendon. All this despite the loss of Mo Coly to a contentious second caution three minutes before the break. By then Dulwich seemed doomed, already a goal down to a cracking Rakatahr Hudson strike on 23 minutes and playing insipid, directionless football enlightened only by the rapier-like raids of Benson Paka down the right wing. Stirring words stirred failing hearts and stiffened sinews. More controversy as a second Hendon goal was chalked off, much to the chagrin of a vociferous green clad horde from north of the Thames, then from the bench arose a hero in the shape of Gary Noel, whose goal 2 minutes after arriving in the fray levelled matters. Captain Fantastic Marc Cumberbatch snaffled up a rebound from the crossbar after ‘keeper Berkley Lawrencin had lost the ball in the unseasonably bright sun and in the blink of an eye the game had been turned on its head. Victory against the odds seemed on the cards but the Dons found a hero of their own in the industrious Harry Hunt who struck in the 78th minute to earn his side a replay.
The preparation for battle was hardly ideal for either contender. Dulwich had been beaten late in the day at home to Cray Wanderers to slip off the pace in the promotion race, though at least Craig Edwards could welcome back Laurent Hamici to partner Tom Bolarinwa in a changed strike force. Ryan Bernard’s injuries still niggled and with Cedric Ngakam cup tied, it meant a return to the line up for Coly, playing in the floating midfield-cum-defence role ahead of the three man rearguard. Behind that the last line of defence saw Jamie Lunan re claim the gloves after completing his suspension.
“You've Got Your Troubles, I’ve Got Mine”, might have been the theme tune from the North Londoners, defeat at Premier Division title contenders in midweek, paling into insignificance with the breaking Friday news that the gates had been slammed shut at Claremont Road, bolted down for the last time, to leave the Dons wandering homeless in search of pastures new. The FA Cup must have been a welcome relief for the emerald-clad Hendon hordes, for if this was their doomsday beckoning, they would face the grim reaper with a smile and a hangover. The boss, one Gary McCann late of this parish, had other thoughts. Unhappy with some players’ performances he wielded the axe. Experienced custodian Richard Wilmot relegated to the bench in favour of teenage tyro Lawrencin after some below-par displays. Up front Glenn Garner earned promotion from the Under 21’s to join the promising Hunt in the vanguard.
If the cauldron bubbled as the afternoon wore the early exchanges merely simmering, the combatants more ready steady cook than Hell’s Kitchen as they readied the ingredients for what would become a rollicking cup-tie of the old-fashioned variety. The first quarter hour was punctuated with misfires and mishits. Hunt looked lively, Paka livelier. The greatest Hamlet threats when the talismanic midfielder let rip down the wing, but this strike force failing to get on the end of some teasing, tempting, torpedo deliveries. Scott Simpson chanced his arm with a rattling strike on the volley from one cross but it ballooned over the bar by a country mile. A rare shot in anger from Danny Dyer for the Dons failed to test Lunan. On the quarter hour Bolarinwa sprinted on to a defence-splitting pass, only to see the onrushing Lawrencin diving at his feet and scrambling the ball away.
Power Ranger Paka switched from provider to predator as he gathered a long range clearance out of defence from Cumberbatch, bringing the ball under control, switching on the accelerator and hammering past his marker. Cutting into the box, he smacked in a shot but a foot the wrong side of the upright.
Set-piece frailty came back to haunt Dulwich as Hamlet threat was countered by Dons delivery. Cumberbatch threw himself upon the grenade as he blocked a fierce strike from Garner, supplied by Maclaren but for the resultant corner a weak defensive header feel to Hudson on the edge of the area who sacked the ball back on the volley, the ball deflected into the roof of the net off the hand of Lunan.
The Dons, exhorted onwards by the visiting choristers, singing their praises, drank from the well of hope and slowly took command of the game. Rattled Dulwich became ragged, Coly was cautioned for a needless tug back, and the chances began to flow for the visitors. A cross field ball picked out Maclaren, unguarded on the right of the box, his sweetly struck effort comfortably gathered by Lunan at his far post. Hunt got into a good position only to fire wide and then some neat interplay between James Bent and Garner ended with the latter wasted a great opening as skewed a shot wide from 10 yards out.
Brief relief for the Hamlet as they got back on the attack, a corner won, defensive header straight to Paka but a looping header too comfortable for Lawrencin who gathered with ease. A larruped free kick from Lunan booming the box but Cumberbatch couldn’t connect, running through to the Hendon custodian gathering as frustrated Hamlet attackers followed in, sniffing for a slip. Dulwich were spared when Dave Diedhiou and Garner challenged for the same rightwing cross, the former’s header spinning wide of the upright as the two teammates collided. Once more Paka provided the impetus for a Hamlet attack, supplying Hamici on the brink of the box, the striker’s effort blocked but whirling away to Charlie Howard but a snatched effort from 20 yards out proved no danger.
With two minutes of the half remaining Dulwich’s molehill became a mountain as Coly was cautioned for a second time and was sent from the field. Contentious to many, the referee’s decision to issue a second yellow, then the red came as the big man challenged for a high ball with Diedhiou, the Hendon man crumpling to the turf.
Craig Edwards resisted the temptation to make personnel changes at the break, instead switching to a even more offensive formation, one that almost bore fruit in the first minute as Bolarinwa was played in, denied both by Lawrencin at his near post and a fractional offside flag. But then fortune played a telling role as Diedhiou believed he had give his team a second, perhaps, killer goal as Bent’s leftwing delivery squirmed from the hands of Lunan under pressure from Hunt, Diedhiou smacking the ball home, only for Mr Norcott to rile the visitors by ruling that the Hamlet custodian had been fouled.
Sloppy passing from the Dons set up a chance for Paka, now marauding down the middle, a charging run down throat of the defence topped with a screaming low drive but wide of the mark. Hendon wasted a host of half-chances but the game swung back to the Hamlet midway through the half. 65 minutes saw Noel replace Hamici and just two later the substitute struck an arrow into the heart of Hendon hopes.
A slice through the flank led by Daryl Plummer, a pass that left defenders in limbo, Noel on the sprint in pursuit, knocking aside Bolarinwa in his single-minded quest for the ball. Lawrencin rushed out but Noel slipped the ball past him. The angle was acute but Noel kept calm, rattling the ball home despite the best efforts of defenders to recover their ground. Noel’s House Party convened at the corner flag. Barely had the Dons drawn a second breath and where once they had seemed in command, their lead had fully slipped its leash. A free kick was delivered high into the area, defender Mark Kirby getting a head to it but only backwards toward his own goal. Lawrencin attempted to palm the unexpected away, only to turn the ball against his own crossbar. Dons dithered, Dulwich didn’t. Cumberbatch latched on to the loose ball and from 8 yards drilled the ball into the net to spark delirious celebrations that seemed so unlikely 20 minutes earlier.
Forlorn Hendon rolled back, only to flounder on Hamlet breakwaters. Delicious victory seemed within toughing distance of the Hamlet as chances went begging. Then on 78 minutes a heartbreaker as Hunt sealed a razor-sharp charge forward from the Greens. The Assistant Referee was waving his flag furiously as the Dons stormed up field, albeit for a Dulwich offence, only to lower it having failed to attract the attention of the man in black. How cruel that would have been or how fortunate had Mr Norcott noticed and halted play for the ball made its way to Hunt, hovering on the edge of the area, picking out the bottom corner with a 20 yard drive that beat Lunan low, cracking against the upright before swirling along the line to nestle in the far corner of the net.
Pure theatre and epilogue to the goals still more excitement as the protagonists went hell-bent for a winner. Lunan parried away a Hunt effort; Plummer had a smacker blocked by the diving Kirby, Noel unable to turn the loose ball home with a miscued header. The 90 minutes had clicked over when best chance of all went begging as a deep left wing cross was nodded back across goal by Diedhiou for the diving Hudson but a looping header skimmed the crossbar.
Feisty football had failed to find a winner and so we reconvene at Harrow Borough, gypsy Dons home for Wednesday at least.

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Steve May; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Mohamed Coly; Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Charlie Howard; Laurent Hamici (Gary Noel 65); Tom Bolarinwa (Tyran James 85); Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Kyle Graham; Junior Kaffo; Robert Bartley; Fasineh Koroma; Sheikh Ceesay (GK)

HFC: Berkley Lawrencin; Kevin Maclaren; Craig Vargas; Rakatahr Hudson; Mark Kirby; James Bent; Danny Dyer (Frank Wilson 78); Dave Diedhiou; Harry Hunt; Charlie Mapes; Glenn Garner (Lubomir Guentchev 69)
Substitutes not used: Festus Mansaray; Richard Wilmot (GK); Michael Roche; Kayan Kalipha; Marc Leach

Goalscoring:
1-0 HFC Rakatahr Hudson 23rd minute
1-1 DHFC Gary Noël 67th minute
2-1 DHFC Marc Cumberbatch 69th minute
2-2 HFC Harry Hunt 78th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Wade Norcott (Harlow, Essex)
Assistant Referees: Mr Michael Jarvis (Braintree, Essex) & Mr Peter Wilson (Chelmsford, Essex)

Attendance: 353

DULWICH HAMLET 1 CRAY WANDERERS 2

2008-09-24T16:36:00.000Z

DULWICH HAMLET 1 CRAY WANDERERS 2
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Tuesday 23rd September 2008

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” The Crays are the old lags of the Isthmian league, players perhaps not as fleet of foot or as slender of girth as in their salad days but possessed of minds as sharp as that of any young ragamuffin and like the George Dixons of yesteryear only too willing to administer the proverbial clip round the ear when said scallywags play them for the doddering fool. Once like the Peelers of old such a clip might pass without a word, now adolescent officials, not yet ripe in experience, will admonish such behaviour with cards of flaxen hue or crimson red. A full fist of cautions for the Crays this evening as challenges, as honest as they were robust, kept the Hamlet at bay in a game full flowing, played at full throttle and which seemed to belong to Dulwich until a piece of magic conjured not by a young wizard but an old warlock won the points for Wanderers.
Injury and suspension had wrecked havoc upon Craig Edwards’ strategy for the evening. Skipper Ryan Bernard was missing through injury and Dulwich suffered further when leading scorer Laurent Hamici failed a fitness test before kick-off. Cray boss Ian Jenkins too had his headaches taking to the field without Danny Chapman and Jamie Kempster in midfield. Refreshingly he choose an out and out attacking formation with former Hamlet striker Shawn Beveney wide on the right and Tyrone Sterling taking up the respective position on the opposite wing.
The first chance of the game fell to Scott Simpson, whose powerful shot was charged down by a defender. One of the old lags, Steve Aris, whose dastardly departure from Champion Hill still rankles with the Hamlet faithful, played a key role in thwarting the Hamlet offence as part of a triumvirate completed by the equally venerable Colin Luckett and Ryan Royston. On ten minutes Junior Kaffo, understudy for Hamici, looked to have broken through only for Aris to halt him in his tracks. 17 minutes Cray custodian Glen Knight punched thin air as he came for a Charlie Howard free kick, Cumberbatch unable to punish the error as the ball grazed his head to slip wide of the back stick.
With Cumberbatch in the thick of it, a header at a corner from the centre half struck the back of a defender, the Dulwich skipper follow-up blocked again. The ball ran to Daryl Plummer, his shot cannoning around the area like a loose ball upon the baize, only to fall at a Cray boot and be hacked to safety.
As the half progressed Cray enjoyed their best spell of the match. Luckett pumped in a free kick, Royston meeting the ball with a bullet header that crashed down from the underside of the crossbar and out. A moment later and Tommy Whitnell latched on to a nodded on free kick, turning and sending an angled drive flashing over the top. Cray's main threat had seemed to come from the set-pieces and in the 38th minute they paid off when they snatched the lead as a comer from Luckett was nodded in by Royston, the ball appearing to strike a Dulwich player en route to help it over the line.
As the half drew it dying breaths Dulwich came so close to snatching back a goal. Scott Simpson impulsive charge up field was unceremoniously halted but the referee waved play on and Benson Paka took advantage with a squiggling low drive that Knight had to be smartly down to gather. The same player posed the threat once more, Paka finding space out right cracking a cross into the six yard box, Aris providing a telling head at the near post as Kaffo threatened.
Cray went close right at the start of the second half as Tony Atkins got in front of his marker to loop a header over the crossbar but it was Dulwich who drew first blood in the half, just five minutes in. The equaliser arrived courtesy of a free-kick from Howard nodded on towards the back post by Cedric Ngakam where Plummer was lurking to slip the ball past custodian Knight. With Tyran James and Tom Bolarinwa on as substitutes Hamlet’s play began to show greater zest up front and Cray, found wanting in the middle of the park, were hard pressed to keep us out, struggling to come to grips with the darting Dulwich raids, conceding an abundance of free kicks and a surplus of cautions as hook, crook and a few other things in the book were used to thwart the Dulwich assaults.
Beating the offside trap on 64 minutes, Plummer cut in and clipped the ball over the diving Knight, only to cringe as his effort sheared the outside of the near post. Shortly afterwards substitute Bolarinwa zipped into the box but with only Knight between him and goal dragged his shot wide of the far upright. Dulwich had a narrow squeak in the 71st minute when Sheikh Ceesay fumbled an inswinging corner from Luckett against the inside of the back stick, the Cray faithful convinced the ball had crossed the line. Benson Paka beat Knight from a narrow angle, only to see defender Arran Day clear the ball to safety. As the sands of time drifted away a corner saw Ngakam unable to force home in the six yard box, the rebound running to Simpson who cracked in a fine shot from 18 yards which Knight plucked out of the air at full stretch.
It seemed as if the points would be evenly allotted come close of play, but Dulwich had reckoned without the legendary boot of Tony Dolby. Since he had forsaken the pipe and slippers and bench 16 minutes pervious, his wily teammates had been attempting to lure the Hamlet defence into conceding free kicks around the penalty area. Two minutes into stoppage time this subterfuge paid off as Scott Kinch went to ground under a less than gentle challenge. Having sent a similar effort wide some four minutes earlier, Dolby had clearly found his range and this time the old fox winged in a peach of an effort that beat Ceesay low at his far post.

DHFC: Sheikh Ceesay; Steve May; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Cedric Ngakam; Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Charlie Howard (Mohammed Coly 79); Junior Kaffo (Tom Bolarinwa 63); Gary Noel (Tyran James HT); Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Robert Bartley; Danny Baldwinson (GK)

CWFC: Glen Knight; Arron Day; Colin Luckett (Capt.); Dean Morris; Steve Aris; Ryan Royston; Scott Kinch; Tony Atkins; Shawn Beveney (Tony Dolby 74); Tommy Whitnell (Jamie Wood 90+5); Tyrone Sterling
Substitutes not used: Andrew Callaghan; Matt Lee; Jack Bradshaw (GK)

Goalscoring:
1-0 CWFC: Ryan Royston 37th minute
1-1 DHFC: Daryl Plummer 50th minute
2-1 CWFC: Tony Dolby 90th minute (+2)

Officials:
Mr Charles Breakspear
Assistant Referees: Mr Andrew Mawby and Rod Chatfield

Attendance: 241

Ashford Town 0 Dulwich Hamlet 0

2008-09-21T10:19:00.001Z

Ashford Town 0 Dulwich Hamlet 0
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 20th September 2008

Your scribe blames the evils of television and bite sized chucks of football served upon a platter to slavering couch potatoes, with scoring as fast and frequent as a Montmartre courtesan. I remember as a youngster the family would gather around staring intently at this grey face in box in the corner of the room. However television soon arrived, so we screwed down the lid and returned granny’s coffin to the graveyard. For those television junkies whose weekly fix exacerbates the demand for goals as their wages for support this game was as empty as a Lehman Brothers pay-packet even if the woodwork was rattled regularly, so much that the groundsman was last seen applying a tincture of valium to the quivering goal frame once the final whistle sounded.
Past graveyard of Dulwich dreams, the Homelands can be a desolate place at times, far from civilisation and the finest that Kentish hops and barley can muster, but despite the dearth of goals, those who still admire the defensive arts could at least take succour from a contest won by the muscular over the artistic, the Greco Romano school laying into the Slade and coming out with the honours. That neither ‘keeper made a save of note in 90 minutes of full-bloodied no holds barred football from the old school was more testament to two defences, expertly marshalled by Herculean skippers in the Nuts’n’Bolts snorting warhorse Sean Ray and the Hamlet’s verbose sergeant major Ryan Bernard, two fierce combatants who’d be first over the top when the whistle blew, rather than censure of attackers that were constantly snuffed out.
Once more the gremlins had nibbled at Ming the Merciless’ squad, injury meant the loss of Steve May at right-back, suspension claimed his understudy Peter Martin. Jamie Lunan too began a frustrating period of toe-tapping on the sidelines, though Lady Luck did throw a favour the way of the Hamlet boss as Sheikh Ceesay returned from his injury layoff to reclaim the gloves. Having returned from his own enforced sojourn in an Oxhey cameo, Alex Fiddes then called time on his Hamlet career in midweek so more adjustment was called for. Benson Paka moved out to a winger/wing back role with Charlie Howard holding the reins in the middle of the park. Centre–half Cedric Ngakam took on a roving role, midfielder without portfolio, at one moment augmenting the defence with his dominant presence, next spurring on attacks.
The Nuts’n’Bolts’ Steve Lovell might have the heavy weight of expectation upon his shoulders, generous owners eager to elevate Ashford up the Pyramid and match off field ambitions with on field success, but for the third game in succession he could name an unchanged starting XI, one that was eager to rebound from being dumped out of the FA Cup by Division frontrunners Kingstonian.
The wizards of the statistics predicted a goal fest; the turf accountants of Ashford predicted a home win. The former might have been right, the latter so wrong had Daryl Plummer’s fearsome first minute drive from distance found the net, the midfielder latching on to a loose ball after Laurent Hamici’s effort had been blocked. That incisive start laid the foundations for some early Hamlet offensive, capped by a Billy Chattaway free kick that floated over a backpedalling Josh Willis only to bounce off the top of the crossbar to spare the young custodian’s blushes.
The Nuts’n'Bolts finally spluttered into life and on the quarter hour Mitchell Sherwood came within a whisker of adding to his season’s impressive goal tally, stroking a hooked volley wide of Ceesay’s left-hand post. However as a mastodon might confront a mammoth, the two sides battered against one another rearguard making naught but the slightest impression.
25 minutes, an Ashford corner saw Ray, once Sussex Shire, now Kentish Dray, appear in the six yard box to meet the cross with a steam hammer header that crashed back from the crossbar. In the mêlée the ball was cleared but only to Daniel Braithwaite who stroked a low, sweet drive from the fringes of the penalty area, the shot forcing Ceesay to scramble across his goal but ultimately skidding wide of the far upright.
Eight minutes before the break Braithwaite came even closed to breaking the impasse as, standing in space on the edge of the area, he met Robbie Ryan’s cross with a clipped volley on the turn that sprang back off the near post. Whilst the hosts still pondered their ill fortune, Dulwich broke at speed with Hamici seemingly clear through on goal until Ryan precisely timed tackle turned the ball behind as the Dulwich hitman pulled the trigger. The corner was well met by Bernard, the Hamlet skipper outjumping his Ashford counterpart, but the header looping over the crossbar.
Ashford were out raring to go before the chill had gone off the half time bar bill. Dulwich lingered, the Nuts’n’Bolts gathering rust as they awaited their adversaries’ appearance but quicker out of the blocks once the second half began in anger. Town started brighter but couldn’t work out the maze of Hamlet’s defence. Dulwich went close, Paka’s determination taking into the penalty area, a first effort blocked by the sliding Ryan, a second effort spinning over the fingers of Willis but smacking against the crossbar.
The wandering nomad, Ngakam, laced muscle with art as his powerful run set up Gary Noel to chip in a ball towards Hamici but Willis was on the button, rushing out to snatch the ball away from the marauding striker.
Perhaps too young to be midfield general, perhaps a midfield second lieutenant, Howard sniffed out an opened and fired a ball into the path of Noel, the youngster turning on the gas to dash on to the pass but then ruining the good work, firing off a dud with only Willis standing between him and a moment of glory. With all hands to the pump Dulwich kept the Nuts’n’Bolts at bay. Even Scott Simpson joined in flicking away with a header from beneath the bar a deep cross bound for a brace of green shirts at the back stick.
Midfield quicksand engulfed a game; assiduous attackers became boa-constricted by unflagging defence. The fans bayed for goals, the benches bayed for caution, the season is too young to throw away needless points. The afternoon’s must accurate shot, if perhaps its most unintentional came from the boot of Plummer with a quarter hour to go, as his chipped attempt sailed wide to the mark only to plop perfectly into a lonely dustbin on the terraces. The goal expectant would have appreciated the delicious irony.
Seeing his offence frustrated at every turn Ashford manager Lovell shuffled his pack, pulled off striker Bradley Spice, a pauper at the table of chances, and defender Jimmy Elford, brought on reserve team graduate forward Lee Farrell and speedy winger Jimmy Bottle to stiffen his attack. But in the end it was to no avail, if Ashford probed in greater numbers, Dulwich merely redoubled their endeavours in defence. The locals trooped out, home to oast and orchard, and dreams of goals in abundance presented by Linekar. The aficionados stayed to applaud manful deeds.

ATFC: Josh Willis; Jimmy Elford (Jimmy Bottle 80); Robbie Ryan; Daniel Braithwaite; Sean Ray (Capt); Ryan Briggs; Anthony Browne; Danny Lye; Bradley Spice (Lee Farrell 83); Paul Jones; Mitchell Sherwood;
Substitutes not used: Lee Hockey; Anthony Hogg; Jamie Riley

DHFC: Sheikh Ceesay; Cedric Ngakam; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Ryan Bernard (Capt.);Marc Cumberbatch; Daryl Plummer; Charlie Howard; Laurent Hamici (Tom Boloriniua 65);Gary Noel; Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Fasineh Koroma, Junior Kaffo, Tyran James, Danny Baldwinson (GK)

Officials:
Referee: Mr David Buck (Istead Rise)
Assistant referee: Mr Neil Baker & Mr Mick O’Keefe

Attendance: 267

Oxhey Jets 1 Dulwich Hamlet 5

2008-09-14T12:17:00.001Z

Oxhey Jets 1 Dulwich Hamlet 5
The FA Cup Sponsored by Eon First Qualifying Round
Saturday 13th September 2008

Dulwich Hamlet’s ball will be jangling in the FA’s famous velvet bag come Monday lunchtime after Oxhey Jets were shot down in balls of flame, made to look like rickety biplanes by the Red Arrows of the Hamlet. Time and again a flashing streak ripped through to tuck home another goal, Laurent Hamici continuing to mine his rich vein of form with a hat trick to take his season tally to seven from eight games. Also getting in the goalscoring was Daryl Plummer who celebrated his return to first team action after his frustrating injury layoff with a delightful double, only the woodwork preventing him going mano-a-mano with Hamici for the matchball.
For the second round in succession Hamlet’s opposition came from the South Midlands Spartan League but the contrast could not have been greater, Broxbourne’s industrial football replaced by South Oxhey’s industrial landscape, power lines almost draping to the pitch along the touchline and behind the goal, the express line into Euston rattling away in a cutting below but amongst the sights and sounds of urban Britain, horses grazing leisurely behind the goal amidst Hertfordshire’s wooded arbours. Upon the field too the true amateurs of the Jets stuck to the ethos of the beautiful game, perhaps to their detriment. Barely an expletive passed their lips beyond a running tiff ‘twixt garrulous goalie Kevin Paul and his melancholy teammate, Kevin “Moaner” Ayres, five centuries of appearances in Oxhey blue behind him. Bad fouls were in abeyance, bar a winch-inducting scything down of Steve May by Lee Grace, graceless indeed.
Though injury woes remain, manager Craig Edwards almost had the luxury of naming an unchanged team from that that had seen of the challenge of the Casuals in midweek. Ryan Bernard returned to replace the injured Cedric Ngakam as he had done at half time in that victory whilst Junior Kaffo made way for Daryl Plummer returning to the starting line for the first time since Merstham. Also making a welcome return from the physio's table, albeit as a substitute was Alex Fiddes. Frustratingly for the Jets the injury gremlins had been at work with 9 goal striker Tim O’Mara ruled out and the mantle of scorer passed to the lightning fast Jamie Arthur, a constant threat with the pace but lacking in the precision that might have punished defensive woolgathering.
The seasons turn, late summer sun toasted the Boundary Stadium, late blossoming Hamlet fruitful in Hertfordshire fields. A blue wall faced them; Dulwich dismantled it brick by brick. Early Hamlet threats beaten away but in the tenth minute, an armour piercing bullet from the boot of Plummer stripped away the first veneer of resistance. Hamici sent tumbling, a Gallic filling for a Hertfordshire sandwich, as a brace of defenders baulked him at the corner of the penalty area. Left hand down a bit Mr Phillips, as the man in black waved aside protests, the ball running to Benson Paka who slipped the ball inside to Plummer, a measured shot from 18 yards leaving Paul a frozen bystander as it rattled in via the far upright.
Still stunned the Jets defenders found themselves grounded as a Scott Simpson cross from the right was met by a neatly flicked header from Hamici, only to skim wide of the far stick.
Arthur raided for the Jets but a heavy mantle lay upon him and he clearly missed his strike partner, getting into position to supply telling crosses only to consistently overhit his deliveries.
On 27 minutes Paul Turner had the ball in the Hamlet net, though a flag raised some time previous had long seen the Dulwich defence ease off. As if to salt the wound, barely 60 seconds had elapsed when Dulwich punished lackadaisical defending, Hamici sprinting away and in attempting to round the diving Paul having his legs taken away from under him. The Jets custodian might have seen red but Mr Phillips was kind, only a yellow for the culprit, but Hamici was less charitable dispatched a well struck spot kick heartily hammered high to the ‘keeper’s left shoulder to double the lead.
Plummer was a gnat’s wing away from adding a third after 35 minutes when his scooped shot from the edge of the penalty area left Paul standing as it lopped past his right hand, the custodian looking back expecting to see the ball once more nestling in the net but relieved to see it cannon back off the face of the upright.
In command at the break the Dulwich express thundered up a gear as the second half got underway, Oxhey’s hopes of a post-interval revival dealt a killer blow within three minutes of the restart. The home defence was left in limbo as Gary Noel ran on to a pass down the left, drawing the ‘keeper from his goal before magnanimously squaring for Hamici. The silent assassin struck once more as his marker was skipped past and with Paul in No Man’s Land; it was a simple task for the Hamlet hitman to drill the ball into the empty net.
It might have been throwing a drowning man a straw but 6 minutes later, an error from Jamie Lunan helped the Jets to register on the scoreboard. The Hamlet number one came fro a corner, lost the ball in flight and amidst a flurry of boots and bodies Arthur poked the ball home. For a moment blue hearts pumped a little faster as they looked to reduce the arrears further. Substitute Lee Armitt, a hat trick hero in midweek for the reserves, justified his promotion as he replaced Adam Lowton and proceeded to make a series of incisive runs at the Hamlet defence who found themselves working a little harder as the buzzing youngster kept up a continuous assault. Only a magnificent covering tackle from Billy Chattaway denied him a shot on goal after one headlong charge in from the wing into the penalty area.
However the lifebelt soon slipped from the Jets as the waters of the Hamlet finally engulfed them. The industrious Noel was unlucky not to make it four after he battled against the odds to fire a shot in on goal, somehow hooked off the line by a determined Ian Bywater, finding an extra spurt to clear the ball after Paul had been beaten. The respite was brief and three minutes later the sluggish Jets defence was caught napping as Plummer hit the gas to accelerate away down the right, luring Paul into committing himself before nipping round and slipping the ball into the net.
Substitute Peter Martin almost had an instant impact after replacing May, waltzing away from tackle after tackle with impish glee before an audacious attempt to chip Paul from 25 yards glided just over the crossbar. But, right at the death, the rout was completed and so was Hamici’s hat trick. Noel waited in the middle but the goal was Hamici’s only quarry. His body language spoke it. Shoulders back, a soupçon of Gallic arrogance, quicksilver in his boots and fire in his eyes, the tricky striker collected a pinpoint pass from Junior Kaffo. Dancing and darting as defenders fell before him, Hamici toyed with Paul as a cat might torment a mouse, drawing the Jets custodian before hammering the ball into the net to seal overwhelming victory.

Teams:
OJFC: Kevin Paul, Ian Bywater, Lee Grace, Marc Ayres, Chris Harding, Wayne Gladdy, Chris Ingham, Paul Turner (Karl Bull 74, Nathan Roberts, Adam Lowton (Lee Armitt 65), Jamie Arthur
Substitutes not used: Carl Wigg, Michael Wyatt, David Maynard, Colin Jenkins, Owen Deamer

DHFC: Jamie Lunan, Steve May (Peter Martin 85), Billy Chattaway, Benson Paka, Ryan Bernard (Capt), Marc Cumberbatch, Daryl Plummer, Charlie Howard (Alex Fiddes 77), Laurent Hamici, Gary Noel, Scott Simpson (Junior Kaffo 77)
Substitutes not used: Tyran James, Sheikh Ceesay

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC Daryl Plummer 10th minute
2-0 DHFC Laurent Hamici (penalty) 29th minute
3-0 DHFC Laurent Hamici 48th minute
3-1 OJFC Jamie Arthur 54th minute
4-1 DHFC Daryl Plummer 70th minute
5-1 DHFC Laurent Hamici 90th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr C Phillips (Carshalton)
Assistant Referees: Mr E Walker (Colliers Wood) & Mr W Ingram (New Malden)

Attendance: 148

Hampton and Richmond Borough Youth 5 Dulwich Hamlet Youth 0

2008-09-11T09:30:00.000Z

Hampton and Richmond Borough Youth 5 Dulwich Hamlet Youth 0
The FA Youth Cup – Sponsored by Eon – Preliminary Round
Wednesday 10th September 2008

Having rattled home seven goals in their opening Kent Youth League game at the weekend, Tom Pratt leading the way with a hat trick in that demolition of Dartford (North), the boot was firmly switched to the other foot as the young Beavers blitzed the Hamlet with a fistful of goals of their own. Truth be told this scoreline did not reflect the Dulwich’s performance, battling and feisty but punctuated with too many errors in key areas, but did not give the lie to a Hampton side that created the bulk of the chances and punished even the tiniest mistake with unerring efficiency. Me thought I was in Suburbia not Germany!
As early autumn leaffall fluttered around them The Beavers had the accelerator on early, right winger Tom Kanek a constant threat and had Jack Whitbey larruped the ball wide and high, his early penetration on the flank might have been rewarded with a goal. Dulwich hit back with Louis Sprusen’s ball flicked on by Dean Grant into the path of the overlapping Metin Ramadan, a sweet low drive just wide of ‘keeper Joe Talbot’s near upright. Not long after Sprusen fed Ruen DeSilva overlapping down the left, a neat chipped cross into the near post flicked cunningly across the face of goal by Pratt’s head.
Free in the box Spencer Wakeman wasted a golden opportunity as he nodded Kanek’s cross into the arms of the waiting Danny Baldwinson before Josh Guichard was picked out of three red shirts unguarded on the edge of the area only dwell on the opportunity too long and drive his effort into the body of Baldwinson. The Red Tide swept on, Wakeman’s daring 25 yard chip floated just over. Baldwinson made a breathtaking close range block to batter out Liam Camis venomous volley from 8 yards. Another Kanek cross seemed destined for a red head until big Olly Bell at centre half hooked the ball safety, his Hampton harassers as much annoyance as a pair of gadflies.
That storm weathered Dulwich re-gathered themselves for a brief respite as a corner was one but Bell could only hook the ball over the bar as Sprusen’s header fell to him. Back came the Hampton boys, again marauding down Kanek’s flank. Dithering almost cost Hamlet a goal as a weak attempt to clear the ball only reached Guichard lurking on the corner of the penalty area, but surprise at the gift got the better of him and an attempt to chip the ball into the net bothered none but the starlings roosting amidst the arbour.
The hard work seemed done as half time approached but them Dulwich shot themselves in the foot not once but twice in the space of two short minutes. On 43 minutes the ball was lost in the middle of the park, a pass sent forward to Camis scampering in pursuit with Bell blocking his route, but a misplaced attempt to clear the ball from the Hamlet centre half gave him extra impetus and Camis was hotfooting it towards goal with Bell in his wake. A drilled finish low into the bottom corner gave Baldwinson no chance. If that was gutting, a second goal almost on half time would rip the heart from the Hamlet. Kanek’s cross seemed too deep, an easy gather for Baldwinson but for an instant his concentration went, the ball vanished in the floodlights and it slipped from his grasp to fall at the feet of a startled James Wheeler, who kept his composure to guide the ball into the net gaping before him.
Wheeler would once more be the recipient of Baldwinson largesse two minutes into the second half, a killer blow from which Hamlet could not recover. The young Hamlet custodian inexplicably allowed a speculative shot, maybe even a mis-hit cross, from the young Beaver, wide out on the left wing, to squirm through his arms and into the net behind him. Another nail in the coffin came on 55 minutes when Jordan Waller added a fourth from a free kick to leave Dulwich with naught but pride to chase. Of course this opened up more chances for Hampton but off-key shooting keep the scoreline below the bounds of embarrassment as long-range efforts from Abu Rayhan and Liam Camis went wide of the target. Even went the number favoured the hosts with players in the majority, a crunching Bell tackle left Wakeman’s ears ringing with a peal to match the finest campanile. However the defence was AWOL with a quarter hour left as Camis claimed his second, Baldwinson bravely blocking at the striker’s feet but powerless as the rebound was curled beyond him.
Lesser teams might have curled up to wait the final whistle but hearts still pumped pink and blue, and for ten minutes, Dulwich held an ascendancy that had been strange to them for too long. A drop ball swept out to Daniel Craig haring down the left, his cross into the six yard box met by Grant, winning the ball against taller, more numerous, opposition but nodding the ball over the crossbar. A Dulwich corner dropped to Micky Mullane but from 8 yards out he larruped the ball over the bar and as if to heap the pain on, Pratt galloped away of the last defender in a carbon copy of Hampton’s opener, only to drag his effort wide of the near post.

Teams:
H&RBFC: Joe Talbot, Jack Whitby, Abu Rayhan, Josh Guichard (Charlie Matthuis 80), Dean Inman (Capt), Robert Curtis (Jack Grinstead 66), Tom Kanek, Jordan Waller, Liam Camis (Soheil Tehrani 82), Spencer Wakeman, James Wheeler
Substitute not used: Alex Williams (GK)

DHFC: Danny Baldwinson, Micky Mullane, Dan Moosavi, Adam Griffin (Lewis Cashin 60), Olly Bell, Ike Nwanokwu, Metin Ramadan (Arnel Maga 60), Louis Sprusen, Dean Grant, Tom Pratt, Ruen DeSilva (Daniel Craig 77)
Substitutes not used: Tommy Roberts, Tom Gothard (GK)

Goalscoring:
1-0 H&RBFC Liam Camis 43rd minute
2-0 H&RBFC James Wheeler 45th minute
3-0 H&RBFC James Wheeler 47th minute
4-0 H&RBFC Jordan Waller 55th minute
5-0 H&RBFC Liam Camis 77th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr T Pusey (Hanwell)
Assistant referee: Mr D Hookway (Shepperton) & Mr R Ellerker (Harrow)

Attendance: 65

Dulwich Hamlet 3 Corinthian-Casuals 1

2008-09-10T17:12:00.001Z

Dulwich Hamlet 3 Corinthian-Casuals 1
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Tuesday 9th September 2008

With a rat-a-tat-tat and a five minute fusillade of goals, Dulwich came from behind against the incommodious amateurs of Corinthian-Casuals whose obdurate defence of a sixth minute lead given them by Trevor Robinson’s pistol crack strike seemed set to upset the Hamlet on home turf. However a needless push gave Dulwich a lifeline just when it seemed that all their efforts would be in vain, Laurent Hamici’s piston powered penalty levelling matters and becoming the precursor for a blitz of goals that saw that early deficit turned in what was by full time a comfortable victory and a welcome three points.
As full time blew at Folkestone the thunderous look upon the face of Craig Edwards spelt doom for those whose performances were deemed below par and much changed starting XI bore testament to the manager’s desire to ensure such debacles would not be repeated. In a night of long knifes a number of players were given final ultimatums, stay to fight and prove yourselves or find employment elsewhere. A midfield much ravaged by injury and ill-fortune was bolstered as last season Players Player of the Year, Benson Paka, returned to Champion Hill to add his high-octane engine to the Hamlet heart. Alongside him Gillingham prodigy, Charlie Howard, a midfield starlet for the Kent side, out learning his trade in the rough and tumble of the Isthmian League. In attack Junior Kaffo returned to the battering ram centre-forward role he had performed diligently, if without reward, against Broxbourne in the FA Cup whilst there was a first start for former Millwall youngster Gary Noel.
If Dulwich had suffered a lost weekend for the Casuals the previous game, victory over moneybags Ashford Town, had been a welcome relief in a winless season so far as a late fightback won them all three points for the first time this term. Though young Howard’s perceptive cross field ball almost set up Steve May in the third minute, a hurried shot skewed away from goal, the Casuals kept up the Ashford momentum with the evening’s opening goal just three minutes later as from a throw-in Robinson’s deceptive swivel left May sprawled on the turf. Whilst most might have looked for a target in the box, Robinson pulled the trigger and smacked in a drive from the angle, laced with venom and pumped with power, that gave Jamie Lunan not a ghost of a chance, beating the ‘keeper at his near post, leaving the post quivering as it cracked in off the upright.
Age before beauty, Young Hamlet’s spurs and stabs countered by the more worldly-wise Casuals, who created a number of early openings and had Dan Jackson not scuffed a clear chance might have doubled their lead before the half was half done. Dulwich’s ripostes were sharp but infrequent. Kaffo almost got on to the end of skipper Marc Cumberbatch’s header down from a free kick, a defender’s boot to the rescue as ‘keeper Colin Harris hesitated. Were Hamlet over exerting themselves? A blur of legs when they attacked but Harris mainly untroubled as the efforts failed to find the target. The final quarter hour belonged to Dulwich but somehow a goal would not come. Like cobras on steroids Simpson and Hamici badgered the visiting defence. From the edge of the area Noel dragged a shot wide of the ‘keeper’s right hand stick. Next attack and Hamici chanced his arm with a larruped strike on the volley that had Harris flustered as he scrambled to pat-a-cake the ball behind for a corner. With sands running low, Dulwich kept up a move as sinuous and twisting as a Baghdad belly dancer despite copious Casuals attempts to stall it, if only Hamici’s finish had been better.
Having slipped the reins of their minders to play in the park, Dulwich were out for the second half before the Casuals had supped their half-time teas. Svelte ideas, fortified with aggression and adrenalin and the Casuals defence was showed its years as the young pups scythed at them again and again. Simpson’s pinpoint cross in from the left wing was met by Noel, leaping upon winged feet, his header flicking wide of the back stick. Howard smacked one in from distance, fizzing low but wide of the upright.
A caution for Casuals Chris Horwood and a dangerous free kick delivered deep by Hamici, Cumberbatch perhaps unwise to eschew a diving header for a side foot which failed to connect. A flurry of cards followed Dan Jackson’s bone crunching termination of May’s run out of defence rightly punished as was Hamici’s over exuberant leap into a tackle. May’s whipped cross in from the left was met by Simpson at the back of the box but his effort was blocked.
As the wheel of time turned ever on, the hopes of Hamlet never died but it took a moment of madness from Casuals’ substitute Lee Matthews to throw Dulwich the vital lifeline of a spot kick. Howard’s bombed cross from the left seemed to be going too deep and too long for Hamici to reach until Matthews decided to give him a helping hand, the defender’s shove so strong the unfortunate Hamlet man, already in flight, was almost pushed over the crossbar! Unsurprisingly the referee unerringly pointed to the penalty mark. Surprisingly the transgressor went unpunished, though Byron Brown’s protestations earned him the amateurs’ fourth caution of the evening. The imperturbable Hamici exacted his revenge with powerful spot kick hammered home. That was the cockspur for the Hamlet revival. Nerve, sinew, muscle and energy were thrust at the visitors. On 76 minutes the ball swept across the park to Simpson the leftwing marauder. A neat pass back inside to Paka, a low cross beyond the ‘keeper and there was Noel to tie the ribbon as he tucked the ball into the gaping net, a goal capped by an acrobatic flourish for his maiden goal. A double stab to the heart for gallant Casuals as Tyron Myton earned himself a second caution and rather unCorinthian dismissals swiftly became a triple tragedy for the Tolworth team as Dulwich added a third on 79 minutes. Casuals’ Mark Towse dithered too long on the ball in the middle of the park and Hamlet were upon him like wolves upon a wounded deer. A sliderule pass sent May scampering away like a pheasant before the beaters and through Harris tried to narrow the angle it was to no avail as the Hamlet man slipped the ball coolly under his diving body.
Frustration set in for the Casuals and a badge that once waved the flag of fair play as Chronos frowned upon them. Shielding the ball by the corner flag, Hamici was hacked at repeatedly by Matthews as a piece of rump steak upon the slab of some trainee butcher. For a sixth time a yellow card was waved in the face of Corinthian, the ghosts of that great team scowled. All this led for a extended bout of stoppage time but Harris prevented further scoring by the Hamlet as made a smart save, diving to flick away an angled volley from Simpson meeting Noel’s set-up.

DHFC: Jamie Lunan, Steve May, Billy Chattaway, Benson Paka, Cedric Ngakam (Ryan Bernard HT), Marc Cumberbatch, Gary Noel, Charlie Howard, Laurent Hamici (Daryl Plummer 90), Junior Kaffo, Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Peter Martin, Mohamed Coly, Sheikh Ceesay (GK)
Cautions: Laurent Hamici

CCFC: Colin Harris, Carlos Talbot (Lee Matthews 37), Byron Brown, Chris Horwood (Capt), James Rieve, Joe Funicello, Tyrone Myton, Luke Edghill, Dan Jackson , Steve Omonuo (Joe Nwoko 65), Trevor Robinson (Mark Towse 75)
Substitutes not used: Richard Price, Paul Smith (GK)
Cautions: Tyrone Myton, Chris Horwood, Dan Jackson, Byron Brown, Lee Matthews
Dismissal: Tyrone Myton 75 (Second Caution)

Goalscoring:
1-0 CCFC Trevor Robinson 6th minute
1-1 DHFC Laurent Hamici (pen) 73rd minute
2-1 DHFC Gary Noel 76th minute
3-1 DHFC Steve May 79th minute

Attendance: 192

Officials:
Referee: Mr Michael Webb (Woking, Surrey)
Assistant Referees: Mr Gareth Mays (Epsom, Surrey) & Mr Stefan Malczewski (Ashtead, Surrey)

Folkestone Invicta 2 Dulwich Hamlet 0

2008-09-07T13:58:00.000Z

Folkestone Invicta 2 Dulwich Hamlet 0
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Saturday 6th September 2008

After exertions of the FA Cup it was back to league action for the Hamlet as they travelled down to the Kent coast to take on in-form Folkestone Invicta, newly relegated from the upper echelons of the Isthmian League, but among the favourites for a speedy restoration to the Premier Division in light of three wins out of four in their past league outings.
The wide open spaces of the Buzzlines Stadium, beneath the chalk cliffs of Ken, the venue, but buzzing was something Hamlet did little of in a subdued performance which rarely rose above the mediocre. Craig Edwards had a joker in his hand with Ryan Bernard utilised in the battering-ram centre forward role, but his poker hand was regularly trumped by a Invicta defence that refused to buckle and employed gamesmanship of the lowest order, players hitting the deck wit such regularly the local constabulary were last seen scouring the vicinity for snipers hiding amongst the undergrowth.
The home pleaders showed their cards early with a brace of contentious claims for a spot kick ere the quarter hour had passed. Handball was the first shout, waved away by referee Mr Allum, the man in black similarly unpredisposed to award a penalty when James Dryden flung himself to the floor in the area proclaimed a Dulwich hand had sent him tumbling.
A festering undercurrent of malice left a sour taste upon this contest, exacerbated when Lee Spiller limped from the field of play after just 19 minutes a victim of his own malevolence as he crunched into a late tackle on Tyran James. The free kick awarded against the now-departed miscreant created the best chance s far of a lacklustre game, the ball dropping to Mo Coly whose dipping 30-yarder was neatly tipped over by a back-pedalling Charlie Mitten. At the opposite end Dryden flashed a cross-shot across the Dulwich six yard box to cap a flowing move involving Andy Pugh and Jimmy Jackson out on the left flank.
Having allowed so much nastiness from both sides a free rein Mr Allum finally remembered he had brought his cards though Matt Bourne’s playacting as Laurent Hamici lunged in for the ball was as great a contributing factor as the Hamlet man’s challenge.
The Hamlet’s makeshift centre-forward, Bernard, showed those whose regular trade this striking business the way to goal with the first true effort on goal shortly after the half hour, Bernard’s header from James’ chipped in pass on target but lacking the power to trouble Mitten. Bernard’s frustration with an offside decision soon after saw him join Hamici in the book as Mr Allum took exception to his vociferous plaint.
The dread deadlock was finally broken as Folkestone amateur dramatics saw them awarded a free kick on the edge of the area. With Dulwich dithering over the construction and placing of the wall, Dryden, in no mood for procrastination, neatly curled the ball up and over the wall, beyond the clawing fingers of Jamie Lunan and into the corner of the net.
A third Hamlet caution before the break as Liam Friend showed what the theatre had missed and football, perhaps to its regret, had gained, tumbling to the turf over Simpson’s outstretched leg with a squeal that would have dogs converging upon the Buzzlines in packs. Hoodwinked Mr Allum brandished the yellow as the miracle working physio had him up and running quicker than you can say “take up your bed and walk”!
Subdued by goal and cautions, Dulwich were a shadow of a team in the second half, timid in the tackle for fear of Mr Allum notebook, impotent in attack. Invicta smelt that fear and sent in the storm troopers to wreak havoc upon the Hamlet goal. Early chances to claim three points went begging as Dryden blasted extravagantly wide when Jackson’s pinpoint delivered free kick found him unguarded in the area. Cedric Ngakam came to the rescue, clearing when skipper Lee Gledhill drilled the ball in from the right.
When that rare chance for the Hamlet materialized, it was wastefully thrown away, as evidenced on the 57 minutes when great approach work from James set up Daniel Nwanze, only for the big man to shoot tamely into the body of Mitten.
Though Dulwich had been poor in most, if not all departments, the travelling fans had found their scapegoat in Mr Allum, not that he did much to dissuade them from their belief with his decisions, none more so than when Michael Everitt seemingly rained a blow upon the prostrate Steve May after the two had tangled.
A fine chip in from Billy Chattaway proved just too long for Hamici, the young left back returning from delivery duties to defensive ones as he was perfectly placed on the goal line to hack away Dryden’s goalbound effort. Vital defending at the other end as Hamici spun and shot across, a defender’s toes turning the ball in the hands of the diving Mitten. If doors of hope had creaked open with that opportunity, they were slammed shut in the face of the Hamlet in the 78th minute. Pugh collected a drilled pass through the middle from teammate Jackson before sidestepping Lunan and applying a composed finish. A third was on the cards when Jackson delivered a first class free kick on to the head of James Everitt but he could not get enough purchase on the header with Lunan down smartly to smoother.
If the rigor mortis had long since set in, there was a brief animation of the Hamlet in the final throes of the contest, Mitten forced into a stunning save to turn a blazing Hamici drive over the crossbar, Marc Cumberbatch meeting the resultant corner with a firm header but wide of the mark.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Charlie Mitten, Lee Gledhill (Capt.), Mark Green, Liam Friend, Matt Bourne, Michael Everitt, Lee Spiller (James Everitt 19), Andy Pugh, James Dryden, Nick Humphrey, Jimmy Jackson
Substitutes not used: Byron Walker, Josh Burchell, Liam Dickson, Naff Jevons

DULWICH HAMLET: Jamie Lunan, Steve May, Billy Chattaway (Peter Martin 81), Mohammed Coly, Cedric Ngakam, Marc Cumberbatch, Tyran James, Daniel Nwanze (Gary Noel 66), Laurent Hamici, Ryan Bernard (Fasineh Koroma 66), Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Junior Kaffo, Sheikh Ceesay

Goalscoring:
1-0 FIFC: James Dryden 35th minute
2-0 FIFC: Andy Pugh 78th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Rob Allum
Assistant Referees: Mr Jon Stone and Mr Leigh Crowhurst

Attendance: 307

Broxbourne Borough Victoria and Elm 1 Dulwich Hamlet 2

2008-09-03T12:29:00.000Z

Broxbourne Borough Victoria and Elm 1 Dulwich Hamlet 2
The FA Cup – Sponsored by E.On – Preliminary Round replay
Tuesday 2nd September 2008

Dulwich Hamlet dispensed with troublesome Broxbourne at the second time of asking but not without human cost in full-bloodied battle at the Goffs Lane home of their South Midlands Spartan League hosts. The headaches began before the kick-off as Steve May was delayed on his way from work making kick-off with a matter of minutes to spare, a vital cog might have been for May was to move into the centre back role with skipper Ryan Bernard on the bench. 15 minutes of no holds barred football, not tackling but grabbling more suited to a Saturday afternoon at Catford Town Hall with Kent Walton behind the mike. One half expected some stage-managed granny to bolt from the stands, brollie poised to strike down some poor unfortunate whose tackling had riled her. Instead it was a brace of players doing the marching, back down the rudimentary tunnel to the dressing rooms as Peter Martin took exception to a two footed lunge from the Boro’s Saturday saviour and after blows had been traded referee Gavin Muge had not alternative but to brandish a red card and send the crestfallen pair slopping sluggishly to an early shower. The thinning of the numbers should have favoured the hosts, an out and out striker sacrificed for them, a right back for the Hamlet but instead once the blueness had seeped from the night air it was Dulwich who exploited space to take the lead. The ball wheedled out to Scott Simpson, lurking out on the left wing and with defenders snapping a his heels he drove to the edge of the area to let rip with a fierce low drive that gave Mark Virgo in the host goal little chance of rescuing his laboured defence.
If this was promise of a Dulwich rampage it struggled to materialise for though the Hamlet held the noses under lock and key for much of the half they could not make enough of the chances that came their way. A spectacular scissors kick by Fas Koroma, drafted in the hitman role, failed to come off whilst all Broxbourne could muster in reply was a shot well off the mark as a low cross was drilled in from the left. On the very brink of the break it should have been a second for once as Simpson’s industry on the wing, determination and tricky in the box, saw a chipped cross pick out Laurent Hamici rattling in at the back of the box only to misfire with his shot and see the ball flash across the goal and beyond the opposite post.
Barely had the players left the sanctuary of the changing rooms than battle was joined once more. The ebullient Hamici blazed in the opening attack then not long after saw a bullet drive heading for a chink in the top corner of Virgo’s net clawed away by the alert custodian. Mr Muge’s card toaster was soon pinning ready once more as a prehistoric challenge from Bradley Poole saw him become the second Boro’ boy booked.
The high work rate was certainly taking its toll on both XIs and mistake might prove telling. Fortunately when presented with the ball in just such a situation Lee Teagle was not to take advantage of the munificence of the Hamlet, instead shooting straight in the midriff of Jamie Lunan, to whom the ball had been a stranger for much of the preceding hour and a quarter.
Then with ten minutes to go it all went pear-shaped as a booming throw-in caused consternation in the Dulwich defence, the ball was not cleared fully and in the melee a free kick was conceded on the far edge of the area. A severe case of “after you, Claude” as the ball was drilled low across the penalty spot, players of either hue shying from the ball until Matt Kearney struck a booty to stab the ball home from 5 yards out.
What was left in the tank for the Hamlet? Would this be a dagger through the heart that had sustained them so long in a furious battle? The dark shadow of extra-time, maybe even penalties, was cast over Goffs Lane but Dulwich sipped once more from the well of courage. Five minutes were left, a corner was one and rising to meet the delivery as Poseidon from the waves was Marc Cumberbatch, arching to meet the ball with a venom-laden header too powerful for Virgo as it singed his outstretched gloves on it way to the back of the net. Red in shirt, red in blood, red in heart, Dulwich had clinched a place in the next round, a visit to Oxhey Jets. But still this enthralling evening had a bitter postscript. An overjoyed Lunan launched into a jig of joy to which the homesters took exception along with Mr Muge who took his evenings card count to seven, a trio of reds (2-1 to the Hamlet) and quartet of yellows all to the hosts.

Teams:
DHFC: Jamie Lunan, Peter Martin, Billy Chattaway, Alex Fiddes, Steve May, Marc Cumberbatch, Fas Koroma (Tyran James 65), Dan Nwanze, Laurent Hamici, Junior Kaffo, Scott Simpson
Substitutes Not Used: Ryan Bernard, Gary Noel, Erron Dussard, Danny Baldwinson
Cautions: None
Dismissals: Peter Martin, Jamie Lunan

BBV&EFC: Mark Virgo, Dan Odamo (Danny May 77), Rob Kemble, Lee Teagle, Matt Watts, Junior Langsbury (Michael Noble 63), Gary Taylor (Matt Kearney 77), Bradley Poole, Rob Tungett, Ryan Wade, Mark Brennan
Substitutes not used: Lloyd Opara, Obey Murefu (GK)
Cautions: Bradley Poole, Junior Langsbury, Matt Watts, Lee Teagle
Dismissal: Ryan Wade

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC Scott Simpson 17th minute
1-1 BBV&EFC Matt Kearney 81st minute
2-1 DHFC Marc Cumberbatch 84th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Gavin Muge
Assistant Referees: Mr Geoff Graham & Mr Adrian Waters

Attendance: 94

Dulwich Hamlet 1 Broxbourne Borough Victoria and Elm 1

2008-09-01T12:57:00.000Z

Dulwich Hamlet 1 Broxbourne Borough V & E 1
FA Cup (Sponsored by Eon) Preliminary Round
Sunday 31st August 2008

Dulwich and Broxbourne will have to do it all again on Tuesday after Gavin Wade’s 85th minute equaliser meant the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division side were allowed to escape with a share of the spoils in a below par match when few players in Pink and Blue could be satisfied with their performances. Had Hamlet managed to find a higher gear this game might have been put to bed long before that heart-breaking equaliser, all the more gutting that it would come from a mistake from usually sure-footed skipper Ryan Bernard. First chance fell to the visitors; Junior Langsbury stabbed the ball over the bar from close range in an unseemly goalmouth scramble, Dulwich struggling to find their feet, almost as if a sluggish Sunday hangover dulled their skills. However the Hamlet soon grabbed the whip hand and Fasineh Koroma was a whisker away from connected with the ball as Laurent Hamici larruped a drive across the face of the six yard box. Consolation though for the energetic Koroma as he was on hand to drive Dulwich into the lead on the quarter hour. Scott Simpson jet powered free kick was too hot to hold for Broxbourne ‘keeper Mark Virgo and as the ball spilled from his hands Koroma was on hand to stab the ball home under the falling custodian.
The game slipped into a morass of midfield muddling as Broxbourne’s pressing kept the Hamlet from their free flowing best. Little to report until Jamie Lunan was testing for the first time in anger as Dan Nwanze was robbed of the ball by Tony Burke, the onetime Potters Bar man, driving on to set up Mark Brennan, but thought his long range shot clipped off a defender, the deviation in flight was not enough to deceive Jamie Lunan. Spurred into direct action Dulwich were galloping back on the attack with Simpson spinning off his marker but with his shooting satnav on the blink larruping a fierce rising shot over the crossbar from 14 yards out. Though Boro' had the ball in the side netting soon after the chances were going the way of the Hamlet but something was lacking, accuracy. Tyran James skewed a strike off target, right-footed Koroma’s left-wing cross was clawed away by Virgo from the marauding Simpson, Hamici off the mark as he latched to the loose ball.
An escape for the Hamlet as Lunan was caught in No Mans Land but Brennan blew the chance as he stretched to balloon the ball over the unguarded goal. The relentless Koroma seemed the best channel for the Hamlet and twice in closing stages of the half he came close a curled effort deflected wide then a smart save from Virgo denying him in stoppage time.
Bit of a soggy pudding the second half. A long distance screamer from Hamici flew well wide of the top corner. The same player turned provider a cracking cross an agonisingly inch too far in front of Simpson who flung himself with reckless abandon at the ball as it fizzed across his face. An extra inch might have been so vital for connection would surely have equalled a goal. Some excellent industry from Hamici created the opening for himself but a skewed shot fell short of troubling the ‘keeper.
A quartet of replacements as half a half went by, Broxbourne’s were to prove the more production as the Boro’ shuffled their pack, Wade the lion wolf in attack. But for the leg of Lunan, blocking a close range of effort, Wade might have been a hero of Hertfordshire sooner than he did. Still with 5 minutes left Wade’s moment would come as Bernard slipping as he went to block a pass the ball running cruelly into the path of the Boro’s frontman who would run on to larrup the ball beyond a powerless Lunan.
Urgency now running Hamlet heads, a penalty shout fell on deaf ears as Bernard, now adding his weight to the attack, helped a pass on Billy Chattaway, the ball striking a defender’s hand in flight. Chattaway had the chance to rescue the Hamlet from the midweek ordeal of a trip north of the Thames after substitute Gary Noel wide left had picked him out in the middle. But at the death the Boro’ found another hero in the spindly form of Virgo, not once but twice denying Chattaway, blocking at his feet then spreading his hands across as the young wing back tried to force the ball home.

Teams:
DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Steve May, Billy Chattaway, Alex Fiddes (Erron Dussard 67), Ryan Bernard (Capt.), Marc Cumberbatch, Tyran James (Peter Martin 84), Daniel Nwanze, Laurent Hamici, Scott Simpson (Gary Noel 67), Fasineh Koroma.
Substitutes not used: Junior Kaffo, Danny Baldwinson
Cautions: Peter Martin
BBV&E: Mark Virgo; Gary Taylor (Capt.) (Dan Odamo 67), Rob Kemble, Lee Teagle, Matt Watts (Michael Nathan 88), Junior Langsbury, Danny Ward (Rob Tungatt 67), Bradley Poole, Ryan Wade, Mark Brennan, Tony Burke
Substitutes not used: Danny May, Obey Murefu (GK)
Cautions: Danny Ward, Rob Tungatt

Goalscoring:
1-0: DHFC Fasineh Koroma 15th minute
1-1: BBV&E Ryan Wade 85th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Philip Knight (Canterbury)
Assistant Referees: Mr Robert Ayling (Dover) & Mr Tim Amans (Ramsgate)

Attendance 164

Dulwich Hamlet 1 Metropolitan Police 1

2008-08-27T13:05:00.000Z

Dulwich Hamlet 1 Metropolitan Police 1
Ryman Isthmian league Division One South
Tuesday 26th August 2008

Some may decry the Met Police as Mock Coppers (Moppers?), mercenaries will little connection to Sir Robert Peel Boobies or the Bow Street Runners other than the odd run in with a speed camera or a D&D in Kingston Town Centre on a Saturday night but the XI who wore the shirt of the constabulary had certainly been trained in all the finest forms of riot control as Dulwich, rampant at the weekend, were stymied at every turn. Although Hamlet took the lead late in the first half, it went against the grain for the Police had held the whip hand for the bulk of the contest prior to then. An early equaliser broke Hamlet hearts, a lapse of concentration, though a goal not undeserved for all the Met’s belligerence in attack and even when reduced to ten men, though injury rather than dismissal, the Coppers still had the energy, the aggression and the sheer bloody-mindedness to thwart the Hamlet’s ambitions of taking a third win from four. Still against a side bristling with Isthmian League experience a Hamlet side slashed through the middle by injury and the duplicity of rival managers could hold its head up high for surely either side should amongst the title chasers come the dénouement of the campaign.
The fates had once more conspired against Craig Edwards as he prepared his starting line, the poor unfortunate must have crashed his car into a lorry load of black cats on the way to the ground before dumping seven millennia worth of mirrors upon the stricken felines. Star of the Merstham demolition, JP Collier was limping about on crutches, victim of a cruciate ligament injury whilst midfielder Stanley Muguo had been disquietened by a tapping up from a rival manager, alerted by Dulwich’s straightened circumstances in the current climate. Also out was Daryl Plummer still suffering the side-effects of his gallant goal at Merstham that saw him concussed and suffering kidney damage. It meant of the four musketeers who had lined up across the middle for Dulwich at the Moatside only Alex Fiddes survived to be joined by Dan Nwanze, Tyran James and Fas Koroma.
Excused league duty for the Bank Holiday, Notting Hill and all that old bean, and glowing fluorescent yellow the Met Police arrived at Champion Hill all sirens blaring and ready for action decked out in their hi-viz jackets as if newly arrived from that Edwards’ traffic accident, then began the game as if hell-bent on causing one. Numbers all a jumble, number 11 at right back, the stocky yet strutting Rob George, bedecked in the number three shirt but orchestrating his team’s finest moves from a roving role behind a twin pronged attack. In flurry of early chances, George would come closest as he pirouetted in the box, a low drive beating Jamie Lunan only to smack back off the base of the far upright. On hand was Steve May to larrup the ball to safety as Scott Forrester hovered. Dulwich had a strong shout for a penalty as a Scott Simpson was felled on the very brink of the box but referee Mr Wilde was having none of it. The tenacious George again found the target with a strike from distance but this time found Lunan waiting for the ball.
For every roe there is a thorn and the Police plans were disrupted when midfielder James Greenaway had to be pulled off after just twelve minutes, though in his stead came Michael Cobden, a fiery young left-back, a point he would prove when he scythed through James to earn the evening’s first booking seven minutes after his arrival. Prior to that Dulwich had threatened when Marc Cumberbatch met a corner with a header of fearful force that flew a fraction too high.
A Dulwich free kick had Met Police defenders working overtime as Steve Sutherland hacked away the deflected drive, only for Dulwich to pile the pressure on with a series of stabs at goal only for the thin yellow line to hold firm. Best was yet to come and on 27 minutes Billy Chattaway launched a deep, deep cross from the left wing to the back of the six yard box where Laurent Hamici was lurking. The striker waited, waited for the ball to drop. “Let it have it” as Hamici cracked a full-blooded drive towards the bottom corner of the net only for the first reacting Mo Maan to scramble down to block at his post.
The Met’s rejoinder was rapid with Forrester dragging a shot across the face of goal, then the same player guilty of a wasteful finish as he drove straight at Lunan after Craig Carley’s sideline salsa had set up the chance. The luckless Forrester would be denied once more as his header was spectacularly clawed away by Lunan but Dulwich momentum was building. James found Maan in the way of his strike but as 45 minutes ticked past, Hamici found a chink in the Met’s armour, turning on a sixpence to drill a searing shot low inside the near post with Maan undone.
A riveting second half was given its overture by a rousing start from the Rozzers, though Hamlet’s defence must have been wondering how they could have lost their quarry given the luminous attire of the marked men s Hamlet were caught napping three minutes after the restart. Gary Drewett, latterly recruited to the cause of the Boys in Blue, marauding down the right wing to dump a deep cross on the far side of the area. Skipper Sutherland stretched out a limb to drag the ball back across the face of goal and in the ensuring scramble it was the itinerant George ion the right place to prod the ball in the back of the net.
In the trenches battle was joined, if blood serves but one purpose it is to be spilt in battle and battle this was for neither side would cede early season honours to the other. The Police can’t stand losing, they can’t stand losing, habitual play-off failures rankle at Imber Court and were Jim Cooper’s employers of a commercial bent, his success-free spending might have been curtailed by now. By contrast Craig Edwards is Baron Hardup, his cupboard bare but his soldiers hungry for victory. The Police felt that hunger, Tommy Moorhouse was the first to drop, a crunching collision with Simpson his undoing. Forrester followed replaced by Saheed Sankoh, gun for hire and for a moment the Police woke up. But the injury jinx stuck once more as Sutherland clattered into the far upright in a failed attempt to brush home Sankoh’s drive across the face of goal. Shorn of a man, the Police’s attacking ambitious were stemmed but determined not to surrender a hard-fought point already in their grasp they pressed hard on the Hamlet who looked to exploit the advantage but to no avail. Even the addition of an extra wide player could not provide the impetus to wheedle through the solid wall of yellow that sprung up whenever Hamlet dared to attack, leaving manager Craig Edwards frustrated but not unhappy.

Teams:
DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Steve May; Billy Chattaway; Alex Fiddes; Ryan Bernard (Capt.); Marc Cumberbatch; Tyran James (Junior Kaffo 86); Dan Nwanze; Laurent Hamici; Scott Simpson (Gary Noel 88); Fas Koroma (Erron Dussard 79)
Substitutes not used: Peter Martin, Gary Baldwinson (GK)

MPFC: Mo Maan; Steve Sutherland (Capt.); Rob George; Stuart Harte; Tommy Moorhouse (PC Robinson 65); James Greenaway (Michael Cobden 12); Gary Drewett; Craig Carley; Scott Forrester (Saheed Sankoh 70); Steve Sargent; Ron Edwards
Substitutes not used: Danny Platel; Will Packham (GK)

Goalscoring:
DHFC: 1-1 Laurent Hamici 45th minute
MPFC: 1-1 Rob George 48th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Nolan Wilde (Maidstone, Kent)
Assistants: Mr Mark Ford (Cheam, Surrey) & Mr Dave Sheldrake (West Molesey, Surrey)

Attendance: 251

Merstham 1 Dulwich Hamlet 4

2008-08-24T17:09:00.001Z

Merstham 1 Dulwich Hamlet 4
Saturday 23rd August 2008
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South

Perched atop the rolling North Downs Merstham’s Moatside Ground is a oasis of green a bottle’s throw from the dreary dream of the post-war planners whose architectural reveries to restore bomb-blitzed Britain have long dissolved into concrete grey and indifferent inhabitants. No wonder the recent rise of the Moatsiders has brought such joy to the townsfolk and two games into their debut season in the Isthmian League the newcomers had acquired themselves well, winning at squeak down in the Valley at Whyteleafe, before inviting Sittingbourne into their home in midweek only to see the men from Kent run away with the best silver courtesy of a late Richard Brady goal. That match was first defeat in more than 40 games, an eye-opener for Merstham but worse was to follow as Dulwich Hamlet rode into town to inflict upon their gracious hosts their heaviest competitive defeat since late August 2006 when Wembley slammed four unanswered goals past a porous defence. No such porosity for nearly two years though the home defence might hold its head high for quality was etched in Dulwich goals from the moment Jon Paul Collier’s screamer opened the scoring to ripping volley from Scott Simpson that cemented emphatic victory.
The Walton wobbles still clear in the mind, Craig Edwards was relived top welcome back Steve May at his customary right back role whilst Laurent Hamici had recovered from opening day injury to reclaim his place in the vanguard. However it was a new face that would have the greatest impact, tricky midfielder Collier, captured in midweek would make a telling impression but more of that later.
Despite the promise the warning lights were on early to alert the Dulwich defence as bullish Merstham set out their stall in the Hamlet half, forcing a succession of early corners and setting Hamlet hearts a-fluttering as the twin destroyers of the Merstham attack, Kevin Lock and Kwabena Agyei, laid into the Hamlet rearguard with merciless intent of a Russian heavyweight. A jab here, a haymaker there but the scoring punches were missing, the experienced Lock particularly wasteful as his header from a Michael Morgan cross failed to hit the target, then a shot on the run sending restful pigeons from their roosts in the poplars behind the goal. Agyei should have profited when presented with the ball by dithering defenders, a charge on goal halted by a timely tackle from Marc Cumberbatch.
Hamlet’s threats had barely registered on the scale when out of the blue Dulwich claimed a 17th minute lead with a bazooka of a drive from debutant Collier ripped low past the diving Ian Chatfield, a bullet of a strike that sent the strong travelling support into early raptures.
The pendulum had truly swung into the favour of the Hamlet. A storming run from Hamici laid the foundations for Collier to chance his arm for a second barely three minutes later, his curling effort swinging just over the crossbar. Another stunning strike left the hoardings quivering as it singed the outside of the woodwork. Not to left out Simpson outjumped defenders to attack a freekick, awarded after Billy Chattaway’s run had been terminated on the fringes of the area, the striker’s header flying over the crossbar.
It should have been two in 37th minute when Laurent Hamici's determined charge upfield set up Daryl Plummer whose precise drive beat Chatfield, only to cannon back off the bar. Worse was to follow as Dulwich were caught cold on the rebound and when David Smith whipped over a superb cross from the right wing, the experienced Kevin Lock was lurking at the back stick to bring the ball under control and lam it under the body of Jamie Lunan.
The spark was lit in Merstham once more and but for Lunan’s swift charge from his line, Agyei might well have snatched up a ball in behind defence, the burly striker faltering the Hamlet custodian as he cleared and earning a caution for his persistence.
Dulwich picked themselves up from the disappointment of the goal and not long before the break came within a whisker of restoring their advantage as Simpson sent in a sweet curling strike that had Chatfield clambering across his goal to claw the ball away at the angle of post and bar.
Seven minutes after the restart Dulwich had a lead they would not relinquish again. Stick-thin he may be but bravery was etched on his soul as Daryl Plummer threw himself at the ball after his skipper Ryan Bernard had nodded a free kick back across the face of the six yard box. Plummer's bullish marker had no answer as a header from the Hamlet winger looped over a stranded Chatfield and into the net. Plummer’s bravery meant a lengthy session with the Dulwich physio and a dearth of sympathy from his colleagues, one of whom remarked “first time he scores and he gets injured”! But the ringing applause of the travelling hoard must get aided the recovery process.
Merstham might have drawn level once more but Billy Chattaway was on hand to kick a Chris Boulter header off the line as the Merstham man rose highest at a corner. Agyei too wasted a great chance, leaping tall at the back of the back only to flick his header away from the mark. Chances aside Dulwich continued to torment their hosts and some meaty challenges underlined how home defence failed to control Hamlet attack, Boulter and Hassan Nyang both tasting the referee’s ire and cautioning them for reckless tackles that could have seen dismissals from less indulgent officials. The latter gave Collier another opening, his freekick penetrating the wall and bouncing off the body of Chatfield; unfortunately no one was on hand to pounce. Agyei was once more denied by Cumberbatch’s saving tackle, the big man missed a clear header after a deep left wing cross, Lock’s experience deserted him as substitute Greenhouse flicked on the ball into his path, a wise mind succumbing to young hotheadedness as power was scarified for pretty, a delicate chip floating harmlessly over Lunan’s bar.
Having beaten away these Merstham chances, at last Dulwich bolstered their advantage as they broke out of defence, Simpson's industry paving the way for Hamici to drive a scuffed shot low in the far corner of a late-reacting Chatfield's net. In the fourth minute of stoppage the tireless Simpson gained his reward too as a hoofed ball forwards was headed skywards by a defender, the patient Simpson waiting for the ball to drop before larruping it on the volley in the now-rippling net.

Teams:
MFC: Ian Chatfield; Kristian Hale; Matt Francis; Chris Boulter; Craig Vernon (c); Chris Read; Michael Morgan (Hinga Amara 81); Hassan Nyang (Glen Garman 89); Kwabena Agyei; Kevin Lock; David Smith (Nick Greenhouse 69)
Substitutes not used: Dean Gunner, Chris Kennedy
Cautions: Kwabena Agyei, Kristian Hale; Chris Boulter; Hassan Nyang

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Steve May; Billy Chattaway; Alex Fiddes; Ryan Bernard; Marc Cumberbatch; Jon Paul Collier; Stanley Muguo; Laurent Hamici (Junior Kaffo 86); Scott Simpson; Daryl Plummer (Liam Wright 74)
Substitutes not used: Gary Noel; Dan Nwanze; Danny Baldwinson
Cautions: Billy Chattaway; Stanley Muguo

Goalscoring:
DHFC: 1-0 Jon Paul Collier 17th minute
MFC: 1-1 Kevin Lock 38th minute
DHFC: 2-1 Daryl Plummer 52nd minute
DHFC: 3-1 Laurent Hamici 80th minute
DHFC: 4-1 Scott Simpson 94th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Charles Breakspear (Walton-on-Thames, Surrey)
Assistants: Mr Adam Bakalarz (Bromley, Kent) & Mr Jeff Lengthorn (New Eltham, Kent)

Attendance: 190

Walton Casuals 1 Dulwich Hamlet 0

2008-08-17T17:11:00.001Z

Walton Casuals 1 Dulwich Hamlet 0
Ryman Isthmian Division One South
Saturday 16th August 2008

Perhaps the wrong kind of balls as the yellow footballs made a premature appearance, though the driving rain that battered a goodly crowd for this outpost of the Isthmian League made for winter weather. A fifty-fifth minute goal from Victor Asombang was all that it took to divide the sides in a bruising battle beside the Thames, the summer weather fit only for ducks and waiting, ever waiting, for the cricket to start. Both hosts and visitors welcomed season debutants into the ranks of the starting XIs, former AFC Wimbledon hero Rob Ursell, shorn of the adulation of those fans turned out in orange whilst Dulwich had Dan Nwanze returning, albeit in an unfamiliar position as strike partner to Scott Simpson as the Hamlet forward jinx claimed another victim in the shape of Laurent Hamici. Had first half chances been taken a goal feast might have been on the cards but neither side exploited the openings that came their way. Sonny Farr drilled a shot into the midriff of Jamie Lunan, an opportunity that might have cemented the Stags early dominance though Dulwich too went close after an audacious back heel from Scott Simpson set up Alex Fiddes, and a sweetly struck side footed drive curling barely fractions of an inch over Craig Bradshaw's goal. A last ditch interception stopped Nwanze claiming a goal scoring return as John Ambridge sneaked in front of him to get a vital touchback to his 'keeper after Tyran James had whipped in a tantalising cross low into the six yard box. 20 minutes gone and Matt Weston should have broken the deadlock as the Dulwich defence was sliced open, the nippy young forward latched on to the ball ahead of Ryan Bernard, nicking it past a stranded Jamie Lunan but somehow lifting the ball over as the goal loomed open before him. Asombang would join him in the hall of infamy soon after when he somehow drove the ball across the face of goal from the left of the area when the target was tantalisingly close. Punishment almost came instantly as Daryl Plummer zipped in behind a dozing defence, a cheeky attempt at a lob over the stranded Bradshaw wasted as the ball was lifted far too high. With the wind and rain at their backs Dulwich pushed, half chances abounded, Bernard unable to connect with a stinging free kick across the face of goal. Cries of "penalty" rang out when Plummer went tumbling as he nipped in after the ball, touching it past the diving Bradshaw before going to ground, but the official decision went the way of the custodian. Having struggled early on Dulwich had gained the upper hand as the half wore on. A galloping run from Billy Chattaway down the left cut a swathe through the orange flank before an intelligent pullback picked out Simpson lurking 12 yards from goal. Time to pick out a shot, perhaps too much as a Walton leg was flung out to block the strike. Poor Simpson for moments later, snatching up a weak clearance and juggled the ball into position, a fine strike was deflected on to the base of the far upright by a hand no less but a Dulwich one. As if to reinforce the so near yet so far nature of the half Walton signed off the first 45 with a floated cross that left Lunan standing as it bounced back off the crossbar before being larruped to safety.
Talk of missed opportunity and frustrating officialdom dominated the half-time chatter over the Bovril. Yellow balls and not a hint of snow. Did the man in black know something others did not? Global warming? Nay, Ice Age once more. Sell Sun Tan Oil, Buy Oilskins. But more seriously was his inconsistency in punishment, technical offences punished, foul play ticked off at the most. In the same vein he started the second half Walton’s Rico Morris’s mouth rather than his feet earning his club’s second caution of the evening. Still that had been forgotten by the time the evening’s only goal arrived ten minutes into the half. A Dulwich attack broke down and with Boreas at his back launched the ball deep into the Dulwich half. Beneath the dampened turf, the ground still lay summer dry and a booming bounce deceived Cumberbatch, who despite his spring, was left powerless as the ball bounced over him. Asombang, ever the poacher, was on his marks and dashed in like an ebony whippet to nick the ball past Lunan, left leaden footed, and turn the ball into the empty net.
“Protect the lead” came the rallying cry and Dulwich limbs felt the force of a Walton side unwilling to surrender a lead as they had done at Ashford two days previous in heartrending fashion. Borderline tackles incurred the wrath of the Hamlet faithful though Mr Scott erred on the side of leniency, particularly when the crack of boot on shin echoed around Waterside Drive as Weston felled Plummer, surviving with a mere caution. A less elegant foul, if a foul could be so, saw Michael Cayford concede the free kick in a threatening position, a yard or tow from the edge of the area. A low curling drive from Sol Patterson-Bohner drew gasps of pain as it swung low around the wall but a foot the wrong side of the upright.
The changes were rung, muscle in midfield, pace in attack, Fas Koroma for Fiddes, Carlton Murray Price for James, then Nwanze made way for Junior Kaffo. Urgency rang through as Dulwich strove for an equaliser though that opened up gaps behind and Hamlet had to call upon Lunan’s reflexes to prevent Weston knocking in the game killer.
A frantic final few minutes, drawn out by almost six minutes o added time, failed to see Hamlet steal in for a share of the points though they went mightily close. A right wing cross powerfully head on by Murray-Price found Simpson hared to the junction of the six yard box. Under pressure he scooped the ball goalwards from an acute angle but was =unable to beat Bradshaw who clawed the ball away at his near post. A corner ensued, a hurly-burly of boots and bodies in the box, but the ball scrambled away for a corner once more. Again delivery into the fiery furnace of the penalty area, again players went pell-mell after the ball but at the back post it was stabbed wide. Still hamlet hammered away but for all those late endeavours reward would elude them and last word belonged to Walton as Dulwich were almost caught out with two men arrived unchecked at the back of the box for a rightwing cross only for the ball to be skewed crazily off target.

Teams:
WCFC: Craig Bradshaw; Michael Cayford; Rico Morris; Craig Lewington (Capt); Jack Francis; John Ambridge; Rob Ursell; Liam Grier; Matt Weston; Victor Asombang; Sonny Farr
Substitutes not used: Elliot Ransom, Jamal Carr, Steve Douglas, James Kelch, Chris Kiganda

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Sol Patterson-Bohner; Billy Chattaway; Alex Fiddes (Fas Koroma 70); Ryan Bernard (Capt); Marc Cumberbatch; Tyran James (Carlton Murray-Price 70); Stanley Muguo; Scott Simpson; Dan Nwanze (Junior Kaffo 80); Darryl Plummer
Subs not used Peter Martin; Danny Baldwinson (GK)

Scoring:
1-0 WCFC Victor Asombang 55th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Shaun Scott (Guildford, Surrey)
Assistant Referees: Mr Luis Pinto Nunes (Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey) & Mr Liam Walshe (Northwood,Middlesex)

Attendance: 106

Dulwich Hamlet 2 Eastbourne Town 1

2008-08-17T12:54:00.003Z

Dulwich Hamlet 2 Eastbourne Town 1
Ryman Isthmian Division One South
Saturday 16th August 2008

Before kick-off a moving ceremony as the ashes of much-missed supporter Brian Weber were laid to rest beneath the Champion Hill turf, the plaintiff strains of Acker Bilk’s Stranger on the Shore drifting across the ground as supporters of all persuasions stood in reverent silence. And from his permanent vantage point behind the goal, Brian had the perfect view of the goals that would decide this tumultuous match, a typical groan might have emanated from beneath the sward as belligerent Eastbourne Town took an early lead in inelegant fashion as Jamie Lunan somehow allowed a scrambled Peter Cooper effort under his body. But second half brought renewed vigour from the Hamlet, pugilistic inspiration from the manager during the break, an inspirational change and Dulwich sprung into life with a goal fashioned in England but finished with true Gallic flair and punch from debutant Laurent Hamici, before, in stirring style, Dulwich’s Churchillian skipper Ryan Bernard larruped home a second to turn deficit into advantage. That victory might still have been surrendered but a harshly awarded penalty gave Lunan the chance of redemption, an opportunity he eagerly clasped as he dived full length to batter out substitute John Piercy’s well struck spot kick.
Ming the Merciless might have begrudged the summer, for having seen his charges finish the last campaign at the gallop, the close season, no matter how truncated it is in the era of 24/7, 365 football, meant that counted for naught as a new term began in earnest. The curse of Player of the Year had struck once more as Supporters’ choice, Meshach Nugent agonised before taking the tough decision to leave Champion Hill for Maidstone United whilst the Players’ pick, Benson Paka, the bull of the midfield pampas, finds himself person non grata. Missing too was the star in the striking firmament of last season’s closing acts, Charlie Taylor. Mr Edwards moves fast though, the fiery Gaul, Hamici paired with Walid Matata, a goalscorer supreme across the Kent Weald who now returns to his London roots. Also making his first full appearance for the Hamlet after personal circumstances had delayed his debut last campaign was Alex Fiddes, diminutive, greying at the temples, and a dead ringer for Mike the Cool Guy of Young Ones fame!
Whilst Hamlet flourished late, just too late, last term Eastbourne had struggled at the wrong end of the table, despite playing some of the more entertaining football in this division before breaking free of the relegation quicksand in the season’s end game. key players had been tempted away during the summer, Adam Wilde, tricky, pacy winger, off to Sutton United, disgruntled ‘keeper Greg Nessling usurped between the sticks by Russell Tanner, but this is a solid squad built of the blocks that won promotion to the Isthmian League, looking well fed alongside some of Dulwich’s more spindly individuals.
The expectation that crackled through the Pink and Blue contingent as the first whistle drew ever nearer was soon dampened as Eastbourne set of at a canter. Second minute and skipper Greg Manton was allowed to drift off his marker to flick on a free kick with a brush of the forehead, but direction and power provided little test for Lunan. He might though have had harsh words for his rearguard mere moments later when the ball was delivered into path of Jamie Salvidge, thundering through, a cracking drive beating the exposed custodian but sizzling a few feet too high of the crossbar. Dulwich forced a corner, Tanner thumping clear but only to Steve May who scuffed the ball back into the heart of the penalty area, Rob Wilkinson stabbing the ball goalwards at the back of the box only for Tanner to smother the life from the shot at the base of his upright.
A brief aberration as Eastbourne sprung back like a wounded cobra and had the lead on 11 minutes though Dulwich’s dismal defending played too great a role in the goal. Luke Denton unleashed the catapult, bombarding the box with an elongated throw that the defence failed to deal with. In an ungainly scramble in the six yard box Cooper got the decisive touch, the ball somehow creeping under a crestfallen Lunan’s body. Matters might have deteriorated further on the quarter hour but for a last-ditch tackle from Bernard, thrusting out a foot to block Cooper’s effort as the Town man dived in to meet a low left wing cross.
Frustration was building in Dulwich hearts, almost reaching boiling point when the Gallic blood of Hamici overtook his reason, an airborne challenge on Chris Dicker raising the spectre of a red card under FIFA’s edict of the week. Thankfully for Dulwich, the afternoon’s whistler belonged to the old school of refereeing; a school many thought had been lost with the beat bobby who would administer justice with a firm word and click round rather than a forest-decimating ream of paperwork. Mr Smith employed a schoolmasterly word, a booking, no more, no less. One fears though for the careers of those who referee with words and respect not rules and reds.
Luckless Daryl Plummer might well have found an equaliser twice within a trice but officialdom denied him. Sneaking in behind the defence to meet a long punt weakly flicked back in the direction of his ‘keeper by Eastbourne’s centre-half, Plummer almost nicked the ball past an onrushing Tanner but a offside flag was already up. Then he had the ball in the net as a long free kick dropped to him at the back of the box but teammate Billy Chattaway had already been penalised for pushing amidst the crowd awaiting delivery.
Despite a pre-match fitness test, newcomer Matata had clearly been struggling to keep the pace and on the half hour Dulwich were forced into a change with Scott Simpson unleashed upon the yellow-clad defence, injecting much needed dose of venom into the attack. It might have been that he would lose his strike partner Hamici when the Frenchman clashed with Eastbourne centre-half Ben Putland, a trifle petulant with a shoulder to shoulder charge upon the much larger man. Putland’s uncalled for response was to collapse to the floor holding his face in theatrical style, something that was obviously noted by Mr Smith for the feared second caution was not forthcoming. Once more a word of advice sufficed though Putland’s artifice seemingly went unpunished at the time, though his failure to get his tormentor dismissed from the field of play would return to haunt him later.
Having struggled to find rhythm and penetration Dulwich were now in command, looking desperately for that equaliser. Simpson’s zippy run took to the very brink of the box only to be strong-armed off the ball by Adam Davidson who refused to give up the chase. Form close range Wilkinson’s drive was blocked by a diving Tanner, before Plummer was once more caught offside as he nipped in to meet a long punt flicked on by his skipper.
Stirring words from the management at the break, a change in midfield with Wilkinson making way for Tyran James, the winger returning to his Champion Hill taking the right mantle of Grey Owl Fiddes, who moved into the engine room of midfield. It was a change that swiftly paid dividends as Dulwich scored the equaliser after seven minutes of the new half with an expertly crafted goal, finished with aplomb by the rampant Hamici. Plummer’s pinpoint pass released Chattaway overlapping down the left wing and in full flight past the yellow opposite. A pass picked out Hamici lurking beyond the bounds of the box and if Eastbourne expected the Hamlet hitman to bring the ball to them, they were in for an almighty shock as with the crack of a bullet the ball flew from the boot of Hamici, unerring, unwavering, straight in the far corner of net, leaving Tanner rooted, helpless as the net rippled behind him.
Hamlet had the fire now and came within a micron of a second goal before Eastbourne had a chance to draw breath; Plummer’s cross from the flank flicked on in the middle but volleyed a fraction too high from James standing on the far corner of the six yard box. It began Dulwich versus Tanner as he got down smartly to smoother a low curling drive from Plummer before pulling off a breathtaking reaction save from Simpson after he had swayed a defender’s close attentions. To disappointed gasps Simpson flicked a close range header over the bar in the next instant as Hamlet squeezed the tourniquet.
The Captain’s Call and 68 minutes brought the winner. Chaos caused in the visitors’ defence, defending too deeply as a corner was swung in. Amidst the mêlée Tanner made yet another save of quality amongst a flurry of feet but he should no chance as Bernard latched on the loose ball to larrup the ball through the legs of Tanner.
Eastbourne responded with replacements of their own, recharging their batteries and threatened to wipe out Hamlet’s hard-won advantage. An uncontested drop ball after Plummer had been bulldozed by Putland might have created an interesting dilemma had Denton’s booming drop kick not been safely gathered in by Lunan as it threatened to clear him. Having had a rest for a while Lunan was back in the thick of the action as from a corner Manton’s wickedly deflected effort seemed set to crawl over him until the big custodian stretched full out to claw the ball over the bar. Then Eastbourne were thrown a lifeline as a cross from the right struck Bernard as he leapt into its path, a hopeful cry from the yellow hoard, no more but the assistant referee felt a penalty was merited, drawing his flag across his chest as a judge might don the black cap. Protests came to naught, Mr Smith pointed to the spot and high noon at Hamlet as Piercy placed the ball, Frank Miller to Lunan’s Marshall Will Kane. Justice would prevail as Piercy drove for the bottom left-hand corner; Lunan outfoxed him and battered the ball away at the base of the post. “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
The fighting spirit of the Town drained from them though Dulwich still feared more raids, going marauding is search of goals that would cushion their advantage and secure victory. The overworked Tanner, man of the match for Town, made two stupendous saves within a blink of the eye, denying James twice with an outstretched foot before getting his body behind a crisp strike from Simpson after Plummer and Chattaway had teamed up once more on the left. The need to preserve the lead meant such fanciful football made way for pragmatic possession, Dulwich toying with their guests deep in the corners as the clock was run down to victory.

Teams:
DHFC: Jamie Lunan, Steve May, Billy Chattaway, Robert Wilkinson (Tyran James HT), Ryan Bernard (Capt), Marc Cumberbatch, Alex Fiddes, Stanley Muguo, Laurent Hamici, Walid Matata (Scott Simpson 30), Daryl Plummer (Fasineh Koroma 90)
Substitutes not used: Junior Kaffo, Danny Baldwinson (GK)

ETFC: Russell Tanner, Adam Davidson (Nick Barden 70), Chris Dicker, Luke Denton, Ben Putland, Peter Featherstone, Mark Goodwin, Greg Manton (Capt), Jamie Salvidge, Peter Cooper, Simon Catt (John Piercy 70)
Substitutes not used: Charlie Francis, Sheldon Levett

Scoring:
1-0 ETFC Peter Cooper 11th Minute
1-1 DHFC Laurent Hamici 52nd minute
2-1 DHFC Ryan Bernard 68th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Robert Smith (New Addington, Surrey)
Assistant Referees: Mr Andrew Mawby (Woking, Surrey) & Mr Rod Chatfield (Addlestone, Surrey)

Attendance: 215

Wingate and Finchley 3 Dulwich Hamlet 2

2008-08-10T13:58:00.001Z

Wingate and Finchley 3 Dulwich Hamlet 2
Saturday 9th August 2008
Pre-Season Challenge Match

With the season a week away this match was expected to see the framework of Craig Edwards’ opening XI but fate has conspired against the Hamlet manager with his striking options disrupting as Meshach Nugent was tempted away to bolster the attack of Premier Division Maidstone United. In his stead the Hamlet supremo has captured the signature of the prolific hitman Walid Matata, source of the Kent Weald but returning at last to his South London roots. Fate though still a poisoned arrow in her quiver for the newly arrived Matata was denied his first outing in Pink and Blue as he succumbed to injury, a fate that also befell other contenders for the Hamlet vanguard with both Laurent Hamici and Scott Simpson crocked. Also stuck on the sidelines were Stanley Muguo, Tyran James, Kyle Graham and Kevin Fox, though the omens for all the crocks are good as that first home game with Eastbourne Town looms ever closer.
Given the filthy weather conditions that battered exposed and inaptly named Summers Lane, drenching those supporters brave, nay foolhardy, enough to venture from the safety of the Harry Abrahams Stadium magnificent Art Deco stand, set a goodly distance back from the pitch side. For the players there was little if any respite from the lashing squalls but if the winds were cold the temperature of the match was high. Some players seemed determined to desert the rainswept sward as quickly as possible, tackles as close to those that now demand instant dismissal as to try the patience of referee Mr Mackey if not to the end of his tether at least to its penultimate fibres.
Wingate suffered an early blow an injury to their skipper Craig Ellis, the centre-half having hobbled to the dugouts as Dulwich took the lead with a fine goal, flowing up the left wing with the ball at his feet Billy Chattaway penetrated deep into the Blues’ flank. From the wing he whipped in a low ball towards the penalty spot, home keeper Callum Horton skidding out to gather naught but thin air as Tom Bolarinha stole in front of the prostrate custodian, nicking the ball away and, perhaps surprised as finding the goal gaping unguarded before him, tarrying a moment before neatly tucking the ball in the empty net.
Ellis was replaced by the rampaging Ahmet Rifat, who marked his arrival and the odd Hamlet limb with some crunching challenges which might have curtailed his cameo but for the clemency of the Man in Black, though even he must have tired of offering the gargantuan replacement repeated “final” warming.
Wingate’s Chris Chase flicked a marvellous diving header across the face of goal as Wingate looked for an equaliser but this ground is strange conundrum worthy of Arthur C. Clarke’s Mysterious World for despite its pronounced slope sides attacking up it seem to prosper better than those whom it should favour. Seem was the case as the half sauntered on. A cracking header from Carlton Murray-Price, flinging himself full-length, flew a fraction too high. Then as the first 45 minutes drew its dying breathes Darryl Plummer somehow contrived to divert a ball the wrong side of the upright from mere feet out, out of vision of the horror-stricken wingman the assistant had briefly raised his flag as if to indicate offside but this provided little consolation to Plummer.
The blustering showers had not relented for the second half but at least the rag-tag battalions of the Hamlet had shelter as Dulwich attacked down the slope and into the teeth of the tempest. For the lee of the wind those supporters could only stare though the curtain of rain as defensive disaster after disaster gifted the hosts an equaliser within eight minutes of the restart. Hamlet has the chances to make a telling clearance, not once, not twice but thrice but spurned them all leaving Joe O’Brien to bundle the ball home after a colleague’s posterior had played the decisive pass.
The usual raft of substitutions followed, the peripatetic Sol Patterson-Bohner and Byron Thomas first to arrive, more would follow. Jamie Lunan made a cracking save with his feet to deny Chase the go-ahead goal for the Blues but was left standing when Chase met a right wing cross with a bullet header that had the Hamlet custodian beaten only to smack back off the crossbar.
Just as if it seemed a damp squib of a contest might peter out in an honourable, somehow the sodden gunpowder was lit and the fireworks went off in a cascade of goals throughout the final five minutes. Dulwich contributed to their own downfall as the defence went AWOL with a corner being bombed in and Rifat bundled a facile goal home. Less charitable referees might have already sent the big Wingate replacement to the sidelines as his crusade against anything Pink and Blue had continued unhindered by little more than an angry admonishment. Still if there were complaints about that goal from all angles, none but a churl could bemoan Wingate’s third barely seconds after the game had restarted, Daniel Clarke bringing down a long ball down the throat of the Hamlet defence, turning and unleashing a furious drop kick that gave Lunan not a ghost of a chance. At least a grain of consolation arrived with two minutes left, Ryan Bernard lashing the ball high into the roof of the net as Wingate showed they too could defend skipper poorly from corners.
Perhaps though this result had blown away some cobwebs from the Hamlet defence, bedrock of that late, fruitless charge last for this was the first competitive game of the pre-season campaign when the strongest rearguard had lined up together, Steve May, Bernard, Marc Cumberbatch and Chattaway.

Teams:
W&F: Callum Horton; Mark Weatherstone; Anthony Limbrick; Craig Ellis (Capt); Bobby Aisen; Michael Sacks; Steve Velandia; Tim Lees; Wayne Grant; Chris Chase; Joe O’Brien
Substitutes: Kieran Street; Ola Williams; Daniel Stanton; Ahmet Rifat; Jerome Boyce; Daniel Clarke; Dean Williams; Netanel Elraz (GK)

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Steve May; Billy Chattaway; Fas Koroma; Ryan Bernard (Capt); Marc Cumberbatch; Tom Bolarinha; Junior Kaffo; Carlton Murray-Price; Alex Fiddes; Darryl Plummer
Substitutes used: Sol Patterson-Bohner; Mauri Rivera; Rob Wilkinson; Justin Fevrier; Simon St Aimie; Byron Thomas
Substitute not used: Dan Baldwinson (GK)

Officials:
Referee: Mr Michael Mackey
Assistant Referees: Mr Steve Renter & Mr Matthew Young

SUMMER 2008 - PRE SEASON ROUND UP, by Richard Strivens

2008-08-09T09:40:00.002Z

As we come to the end of the summer break and another season looms on the horizon, the dust has almost settled around Craig Edwards's promotion hopefuls, as they hope to banish the past memories of failed promotion that still linger on from last season.
Indeed, Mr Edwards has been busy dealing in the transfer market, replacing departed players and bringing in fresh blood to hopefully spark a Hamlet Championship assault capable of outlasting its promotion rivals.
However, despite the highly encouraging end to the previous season, the squad that came inches away from a play off spot has taken heavy losses, much to the disappointment of many Hamlet fans.
First Team regulars such as Shayne Mangodza and Seb Schoburgh have been deemed surplus to requirements and duly released, with Schoburgh resurfacing at former club Welling United, despite rumours that he had joined promotion rivals Kingstonian. The creative and cunning Alex Martin has also departed, joining Essex side Takeley. Our Austrian-born predator Henry Darko also looks set to leave the club, despite rumours that he may stay at Dulwich for some part of the season, before departing home to his native Austria. As mentioned previously, tenacious midfielder Jason Hawes, leaves for pastures new, as he heads off to the USA. As well as these casualties, recent news that Benson Paka will not return has reached the terraces of Champion Hill, the hole that the tigerish, composed midfielder will leave has caused concern amongst supporters. It has since been revealed that Paka will not be able to play football this season for any club. The losses list continues, with Dulwich having to prepare for the coming season without the services of the nimble and speedy Osman Sesay, left back Ricky Dobson, striker Claudio De Almeida and centre half Tom Ababio.
Much doubt is left over other players futures. Mark Cumberbatch was reported as training with Staines Town and featured in one of their Pre-Season friendlies, despite it being confirmed that he will not sign for Middlesex outfit, concern is sweeping through the ranks of Dulwich supporters as to whether he will return to Champion Hill or not. Steve May is also reportedly attracting interest from Ryman League rivals Worthing, although this rumour was partly quenched after the seaside outfit signed former Hamlet right back Justin Gregory. Dagenham & Redbridge winger Kraig Rochester is also the topic of many conversations, due to the hope that the mercurial and zippy wide man may return for a full season after his ruthless displays in Pink 'n' Blue during the final acts of the season. However, nothing has been stated from the club that confirms whether or not the ex-Leicester City man will return. A major worry for the Dulwich faithful was the absence of Charlie Taylor and although it is unclear whether he will return to Dulwich, it has been discovered that Taylor will be available for selection in two weeks.
But, despite the many players that have left the Dulwich ranks, a fresh battalion of personnel has filled the voids left by Paka and company.
Edwards has scoured the Ryman League and other divisions for determined hopefuls, eager to make the cut for this year’s squad.
With last years triplet of goalkeepers returning - Tim Roberts, Sheikh Ceesay and Jamie Lunan, little to no work was needed to bolster the Hamlets last line of defence. Nevertheless, Edwards has decided to promote young David Baldwinson from the Youth Team and give the Hamlet youngster experience in Pre-Season training and 90 minutes against Sussex outfit Horsham YMCA.
After the departures of Mangodza, Dobson and Sesay, a handful of defenders have been brought in to be viewed by the Dulwich management team. Peter Martin, previously of Fisher, has impressed with his energetic displays at right back and provided vital cover for the - at the time - unavailable Steve May. Dwayne Gyiman, a powerful centre half, joins from Greenwich Borough, as well as Canadian Kyle Graham, who boasts an impressive footballing history on foreign soils. Gyiman featured for Dulwich in the friendly against Raynes Park Vale and was in the squad that travelled to face Carshalton at the London School of Economics playing fields, while Graham was also present against Raynes Park Vale; he has since played against Sutton United and Horsham YMCA and has given cool displays. Trialist Rob Wilkinson has given a brief, solo appearance so far this summer against professional titans Charlton after joining from relegated Molesey. He replaced Peter Martin in the latter part of the second half and featured as a right back. Full backs Simon St Aimie and Falah Malazadeh are the final trialists, fighting for his place at Dulwich's back line. Simon was previously of Dagenham & Redbridge and East Thurrock United and made his summer debut against Horsham YMCA and also made the squad for the home game against Sutton United. Whereas, Malazadeh has featured in the games against Raynes Park Vale and Horsham YMCA, producing fine displays on both flanks.
With an almost complete annihilation of Hamlet's midfield from last season, much work has been done to rejuvenate this area over the summer, as Stanley Muguo and Daryl Plummer were the only recognised midfielders left. Fas Koroma has resurfaced for Pre-Season preparations and at the time of writing is Hamlet's joint top scorer for the summer friendlies with 3 goals. The mastodonic Junior Kaffo has become an ever-present in the build up to the season, being selected for every match squad so far. Central midfielder Kaffo has joined from Blue Square South side Bromley. Edwards has also raided Ryman Premier Club Boreham Wood for young Mauri Rivera, who looks to be an exact replacement for the departed Jason Hawes. The vivacious livewire had broken into the first team at Boreham Wood and had made several substitute appearances. A surprise transfer for most Hamlet supporters has seen the ubiquitous Sol Patterson-Bohner return after spells with Croydon Athletic and Kingstonian. Patterson-Bohner returns to the club having made
22 appearances in last season’s campaign. Marvin Hong also appears to be fighting for his place to succeed the Hawes & Paka in Dulwich's engine, after featuring in a 3 friendlies so far. After the losses of Alex Martin and Seb Schoburgh and the unclear future of Kraig Rochester, an injection of speed and imagination was needed to replace these losses. Four wingers have been brought in as reinforcements to Dulwich's scarred flanks. Tyran James makes his return to a Pink 'n' Blue jersey, after featuring in Hamlet's youth side a few years ago alongside the omnipotent Simeon Jackson.
After spells with Tooting & Mitcham, Chatham and Molesey, the former MK Dons man has boomeranged back to Champion Hill in the hope that he can repeat his defence-tormenting performances that he produced years ago in the youth team. Nick Ogbanufe becomes the second former "Dagger" this summer to arrive at the glowing gates of Champion Hill, after reportedly picking Dulwich as his destination and glowing praise from Kraig Rochester. Ogbanufe is a more recent acquisition for Edwards, however, his solo performance against Horsham YMCA left many impressed. The third wide man to check in at Dulwich is Erron Dussard. Erron joins after boasting a wide range of Semi Professional clubs to his playing history including Ashford Town, Lewisham Borough and Cirencester Town. Like Kaffo, Dussard has also been selected for every match squad in Pre-Season so far. At the age of 17, Tom Boloriniua becomes the youngest winger on Dulwich's 1st team’s books at the moment.
Boloriniua has also made an instant impact, netting a fantastic strike against Ryman Premier Giants Sutton United.
Dulwich's strike force has also seen some changes as well. With the imminent departure of Henry Darko and worrying absence of Charlie Taylor, fresh blood has been shot into the Hamlet's frontline. The mesmerising Laurent Hamici has stormed into the new look Dulwich's attack, after arriving from Bromley.
The hit-man's previous clubs include Croydon Athletic and Carshalton Athletic. Youngster Kevin Fox has also played a part in Dulwich's Pre-Season, giving firm performances against Horsham YMCA and Raynes Park Vale, however, a knee injury kept him out of playing against Sutton United.
From Surrey, Edwards has recruited two more strikers - Scott Simpson and Carlton Murray-Price, both previously at Chipstead and Corinthian Casuals respectively. Dulwich were also trialing another attacker before Pre-season games started, a player that was very familiar with Dulwich supporters. But, although Shawn Beveney returned for summer training in the hope of re-establishing himself in the side he left weeks previously, it was decided that Beveney had become un-employable due to his very controversial departure during the latter part of the previous season.
So there we have it. The outline of Craig Edwards’s new promotion hunters. The trialists will have a few more days to impress Edwards before the opening league game to Eastbourne Town at Champion Hill on the 16 August 2008, when hopefully their preparation will have paid off.

Pretty (worrying) in pink

2008-06-14T13:53:00.000Z

Marianne Kavanagh of the Daily Telegraph explores the sinister side of a favourite 'girly' colour
Barbara Cartland, candyfloss, strawberry milkshakes, flamingos - pink is sweet, cloying and faintly ridiculous. But little girls love it. Blame Barbie, or our willingness as parents to play along, but all little fairies are determinedly rose. Take Emily, three. "When I go into her bedroom," says Caroline, "it's like stepping into raspberry yogurt." A recent survey of 250 children by Kids Allowed child-care centres across the North-West found that 95 per cent of girls chose pink as their favourite colour.
It could all be conditioning. Nowadays we dress baby girls in pink and baby boys in blue (pre-1950, it was more likely to be the other way round), so our daughters are steeped in the colour from day one. Some claim our love of pink is hard-wired. Recent research by Professor Anya Hurlbert of Newcastle University found that women showed a marked preference for pink - or at least reddish shades of blue - because, she suggested, Stone Age women needed to recognise the bright blush of ripe fruit. And nothing much, according to this theory, has changed since the days of woolly mammoths.
But questions of nurture vs nature are academic when you don't have the choice and high street stores are dominated by sickly pinks and violent fuchsia. Sue, who has nine-year-old twin daughters, searches far and wide for alternatives. "Ailsa hated pink from the age of three and Freya was always indifferent because it was forced on them from every front and they rebelled."
You can't help wondering what all this pinkness is doing to the female psyche. Yes, we like pale pink nail varnish, according to a survey by Superdrug; yes, we like pink paint, according to Dulux. But pink phones, laptops and earphones? We're drowning in a sea of bubble gum.
There are signs of a backlash, says Susi Weaser, editor of the girls' gadget blog Shiny Shiny (www.shinyshiny.tv). "When we launched ShinyShiny about three years ago, we made the masthead pink because manufacturers were starting to launch pink gadgets and we thought it was exciting - finally they were recognising that women wanted to use technology, too. In the past year, it's become a bit naff - it's patronising and lazy. Teenage girls are still into pink, and more power to them, but if you walk into a business meeting and bring out a pink laptop, you're going to have to work ten times harder to hold your own."
Technology expert Caramel Quin agrees: "Pink products? It's a phase many tween girls go through, with Barbies and princess suits, but most grown women have no special love for the colour."
So do we need to worry if our daughters go through a phase of pink clothes, duvets, sheets and walls? "No," says psychologist Dr Jack Boyle. "It won't do them any harm. Small children think the genders should wear certain colours - they like to know the rules and prefer rigidity to flexibility. As they get older, they change their mind about their favourite colours every week."
But for some the issue has more sinister connotations, suggesting somehow that girls should confine themselves to princess-like prettiness rather than use their brains. Helen Haste, visiting professor at Harvard Graduate School of Education, talks of pink as cultural baggage.
"It's only gender-oriented in our culture," she says, "but like any cultural symbol, it sends out a message." The message gets more complicated as girls get older. Your teenage daughter may wear pink just because she likes it, but boys may see clues of extreme girliness. As Haste puts it: "Is pink the new blonde?" It's enough to make you want to ban pink from your daughter's life.
But remember that cultural associations, like fashions, change. The MCC is considering using a pink cricket ball for better visibility. And absolutely nothing is less frivolous than cricket.

After centuries, Cornish agree how to speak their language

2008-05-21T11:06:00.000Z

For hundreds of years the dwindling band of surviving Cornish-speakers have been so divided that they could not even agree what their language should be called.
Now after protracted and delicate neogtiations, Cornwall’s hardy linguistic scholars have set aside their differences to settle a standard written form for the language they treasure.
Since the early 20th century there has been a successful campaign to revive spoken Cornish, but the use of sources from different eras meant there were several versions of how it should be written. The result was a rivalry between proponents of Unified Cornish, Kernewek Kemmyn, Modern Cornish, Unified Cornish Revised, Kernowak Standard, Kernewek Dasunys and other variants that would have left speakers of the original language utterly bemused.
As a measure of the differences Cornish-speakers could not even agree whether the language should be called Kernowek, Kernewek or Curnoack.
Now after two years of negotiation, scholars from all the different factions have reached agreement on a Standard Written Form which will be used in future in education, in pamphlets and brochures, and on public signs.
A thousand years ago, Cornish, which is closely related to Breton and Welsh, was spoken by most of the population in southwest England. Its decline began in 1549 when the Latin prayer book was replaced by an English version, provoking a revolt by people who spoke only Cornish. The repression that followed culminated in the massacre of 4,000 rebels and left a bitterness that lingers to this day.
Cornish retreated down the peninsula. The last monoglot Cornish speaker is believed to have been a man called Chesten Marchant who died at Gwithian in 1676. Dorothy Pentreath, the last native speaker, died in 1777 at Mousehole. The last living link with the language was broken in 1891 with the death of John Davey, of Zennor, who took to the grave the Cornish phrases his grandfather had taught him.
By 1900 Cornish was a dead language that survived only in a few manuscripts and the notes of 18th and 19th-century linguistic scholars who had recorded what they could before it vanished completely.
Its reconstruction and revival began in the early 1900s with renewed interest in Cornish heritage and there are now about 300 people who can speak it fluently, with several thousand more who have at least a rudimentary grasp.
Cornish is unique among minority European languages because it was revived after having died out. A team of scholars led by a Norwegian linguist, Trond Trosterud, devised the standard written form under the auspices of the Cornish Language Partnership.
Its development officer Jenefer Lowe, who has been speaking Cornish since she was a girl, said: “There were scholastic disagreements and some pretty firmly held opinions but we managed to reach agreement in the end. The standard form draws on the forms already in existence. This means that users of any form will find much that is familiar, alongside some differences.”
Benjamin Bruch, a former lecturer in Celtic studies at Harvard University who helped to draw up the SWF, said: “It is a critical and extremely exciting time in the history of the language. There has been a huge change in perception and awareness of the language over the past ten years.”
He added that he hopes the move will encourage a stronger sense of Cornish identity. “If you have no language you have no land. A lot of people feel it is part of their identity, part of their heritage. Cornwall is lucky because people are working hard to use it more and more. It gives it a fighting chance when others are going.”
Cornwall County Council is now asking that Cornish be recognised by the EU as an official regional or minority language, like Welsh or Gaelic. That could ease the way for EU funding for teaching – which at present is restricted to DVDs in three secondary schools. Frances Bennett, a teacher of Modern Cornish, said: “Young children are really keen to learn the language. It’s like a secret code to them.”

Starting point
Myttin da Good morning
Dohajydh da Good afternoon
Gorthugher da Good evening
Fatla genes? How are you?
Meur ras Thank you
Marpleg Please
Pinta korev marpleg Pint of beer, please
Yeghes da/Sewena Cheers
A vynn’ta kavoes neppyth dh’y dhybri? Do you want something to eat?
Ple’ma an bysva? Where is the toilet?
My a’th kar I love you
Dyw genes Goodbye (God be with you)

Gwren ni mos mordadha Let's hit the waves

Ple hylliv prena dyenn kernewek Where can I but some Cornish Clotted Cream?

Plema an treth? Where's the beach?

Re wrussys gweles an bus tornysi? Have you seen my tour bus?

Ass yw marthus yma ken keginer Loundres a vynn igerri boestri

Great, another London chef has opened up a bistro here

A wre'ta dos omma yn fenowgh? Dha semlant yw splann

Do you come here often? You look great

Source: Taken from non-colloquial Cornish as the standardised form is a work in progress

From the London Times

Metropolitan Police 0 Dulwich Hamlet 2

2008-04-26T19:45:00.001Z

Metropolitan Police 0 Dulwich Hamlet 2
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Saturday 26th April 2008

Imber Court and a glorious end of season idyll amongst the manicured lawns and playing fields of the peelers. Imber Court, a strange haunt for beyond the blazered factotums of the Metropolitan Police, is there such a species as a dedicated Copper fan? It seems there is, a cantankerous pair reminiscent of the Muppets’ Stadler and Waldorf, standards Olympian-high and pinprick critical of their boys, whose thin blue line seemed paper thin against a Dulwich Hamlet who slashed and stabbed at its soft underbelly and might have rained down an embarrassing scoreline upon their humbled host ‘ere the day was spent. Little recompense was that for the Dulwich Hamlet supremo, Craig Edwards, who witnessed his charges rampaging all over the Met’s tenderly nurtured sward, their collars barely felt by a subdued long arm of the law, for though the Hamlet had finished the season at an almighty canter, their lolloping hosts had already long passed the finishing post and were already milling around at the start of play-off punch-up. Having dispatched Tooting with equal abandon a week earlier, the frustration at missing the invite to the post-season shindig was doubly painful for manager, player and fan alike.
The men in Pink and Blue were at full strength, bristling for action, the Met deliberately shorn of key players but still boasting enviable experience including the venerable on Daly who was signing off with his final regular season Isthmian League game before Father Time finally pinned him down, if not to pipe and slippers, at last to less rumbustious life. Not that the old reprobate was showing many signs of the gears seizing up! If only Messrs Stadler and Waldorf could find something as complimentary to say of some of Captain Indomitable’s colleagues, blessed with chances to stake their claim for inclusion in the starting line-up for the play-offs ahead but blessed instead with the burden of comedy. Barely a minute had elapsed and ‘keeper Mo Maan recklessly walloped a clearance off his own defender straight into the path of the marauding Meshach Nugent. Perhaps surprised at the gift, Nugent spurned the chance as he hooked the ball wide of the tottering Maan’s left-hand post.
Four minutes gone and hefty punt down the middle had the electric Charlie Taylor leaving defenders in his dust, clipping the ball over an advancing custodian but with a modicum too much of uplift, the ball clearing Maan but to his relief also Maan’s crossbar. A crunching Steve Sutherland tackle denied Nugent once more when he tore open another hole in a paper bag defence before Taylor slipped past a despairing Maan only for another of the old guard, Dave Newman, to nod the young striker’s effort off the line. The quicksilver Taylor was soon released tight right, rattling a low cross behind Nugent but met with the wallop of a steam hammer from Daryl Plummer, only for the ferocious drive to miss the target.
Assault on Precinct 13 sprung to mind as the boys in blue found themselves pushed back and trapped almost entirely in their penalty area. Maan found that extra inch to punch the ball from the head of Nugent as he went hunting for a Sebastian Schoburgh cross. 19 minutes on the clock and Dulwich finally had reward for all that effort or did they? As Taylor neatly tucked away Plummer’s delivery, fans celebrations were quickly curtailed by the flag of the assistant referee. Then the siege was lifted, albeit briefly as Dulwich, overcommitted in attack, were caught cold but Craig Carley, goalscorer supreme at Walton Casuals, found the hassling of Steve May too much as his shot went wide of the mark.
Maybe the skipper was frustrated at his forwards poor productivity, the chance to goal ratio still zero, but come the breakthrough it came from an unexpected source but a welcome one for Ryan Bernard had been instrumental in Dulwich’s late season revival, his constantly cajoling and encouragement lifting his compadres to heights most knew their could unachieved but had too often failed to touch. But to Bernard’s goal, a rasping screamer of a low drive as the ball was cleared to him after a bout of head tennis in the home goalmouth. A bullet of a low drive hit with such force from fully 30 yards out the ball was a blur to all even Maan, standing as if petrifying, as it rattled into the back of the net via the base of the upright.
Five minutes later and it was 2-0 as Meshach Nugent juggled a cross from Sebastian Schoburgh out on the wing, slamming a fierce volley home at the second attempt. By now Carley’s mid-half attempt had become but a fading memory, a rare oasis in a desert of Met Police opportunities. As if to rub that in Benson Paka powered on to a pass that had the home defence being eyed up by Madame Tussaud for a permanent exhibit, Maan their saviour as he bravely blocked the Hamlet man’s effort with an outstretched foot.
If the first half had sizzled the second merely simmered as the two clubs coyly toyed with each other, while the fans soaked up the late spring sunshine. Maan denied Taylor the chance to add to his burgeoning tally of goals when he reacted quickly to close down the angle and batter behind the prolific striker's 15 yard strike on the hour mark.
With a quarter hour left Andy Ottley missed the target from close as he got his head to a deep, deep to the back stick. The Police rallied late on though Jamie Lunan was rarely tested until the dying moments when one-time hero of the Hamlet, Jon Daly, almost marked his final game before succumbing to the demands of age and retiring from football with a goal, only for the agile Lunan to brilliantly batter away his late header.
However in the latter stage most excitement for the crowd came from guessing whom might fall foul of the man in black as Mr Laver spent the final ten minutes of the regular season, trying to push his quota of cautions up. Steve Potterill’s potty mouth earned him the first of these, a petulant Carley followed up for questioning the validity of an offside flag. Dave Newman’s attempt to try some old fashioned coppering as he tried to arrest the progress of Schoburgh failed to break the stone face of Mr Laver and it was a third caution for the Peelers. An over-exuberant late challenge from substitute Henry Darko earned Dulwich a yellow of their own but then whistle echoed playground bell. Schools out for summer!

Teams:
MPFC: Mo Maan; Steve Potterill; Michael Cobden; Steve Sutherland (Martyn Lee 26); Dave Newman; Scott Corbett (Andy Ottley 70); Leon Johnson; Steve Flinn; Craig Carley; Jon Daly (Capt); Steve Sargent (Gary Ansell HT)
Substitutes not used: Chris Meikle; Will Packham (GK)

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Steve May; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Ryan Bernard (Capt); Ricky Dobson; Sebastian Schoburgh; Stanley Muguo (Alex Martin 66); Meshach Nugent (Henry Darko 70); Charlie Taylor; Daryl Plummer (Kraig Rochester 77)
Substitutes not used: Sheikh Ceesay (GK)

Attendance: 148

Officials:
Referee: Mr A Laver
Assistant Referees: Mr M Ford & Mr C Hicks

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC Ryan Bernard 26th minute
2-0 DHFC Meshach Nugent 31st minute

Dulwich Hamlet 4 Tooting and Mitcham 1

2008-04-20T13:33:00.004Z

Dulwich Hamlet 4 Tooting and Mitcham 1
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Saturday 19th April 2008

"What a piece of work is man! How noble in reason! How infinite in faculty! In form and moving how express and admirable! In action how like an angel! In apprehension how like a god! The beauty of the world, the paragon of animals!”

Tooting may have their seat on the play-off carousel, the Terrors may have the Cup Final but Dulwich will have this sublime victory, one to truly stir the heart as their deadliest rivals were subjected to their heaviest defeat of the season as their campaign reaches its final crescendo. Ever in charge throughout a first half where pink and blue waves crashed regularly on the shore of black and white defence but with only a single breach from the boot of Sebastian Schoburgh, the Hamlet had to weather a brief Tooting torrent following the prolific Paul Vines; shoddily conceded equaliser, before a team goal of infinite eminence restored their lead, Charlie Taylor starting and finishing a move that had the Hamlet hordes purring in delight. Further goals from Benson Paka and Henry Darko, both once of the rival Tooting faction, cemented victory, though unfortunately too late to keep alive those faint, fading hopes of bouncing above Worthing into an unlikely fifth place.

With that spot in the play-offs already secured and a London Cup Final mere days away one might have expected Billy Smith to give key players a well-earned rest but Billy is a street fighter cast from gunmetal and never one to shy from a challenge. QED, a XI bristling with the best of an Imperial Fields finest.

But then Smith’s counterpart in the home dugout comes from fighting stock too, Craig Edwards’ all-too-aware of the import of this contest to fans even to the exclusion of mattes of promotion and silverware, his troops rallied by stirring Churchillian words before the off. Beneath iron-grey skies those words still rang in the ears as Dulwich leapt off to a stunning start, a spark to light a tinderbox of a game. Four minutes on the clock and Schoburgh latched on to the ball in Tooting territory. Spotting Paka lurking wide on the left, he swung the ball out to the midfield dynamo before haring into the penalty to be the receiving end of the nattily chipped cross. Dave King between the sticks for the Terrors stood not an earthly as Schoburgh pulled the trigger on a rasping volley to rattle the ball into the embrace of the net.

Irresistible Hamlet drove on. Schoburgh legs a-blur as he danced with Tooting full backs, a able batman in Steve May behind him as cross after cross rained in across the face of King’s goal where Meshach Nugent and Taylor buzzed around like angry, flustering Tooting overworked central half pairing. Through the middle Paka, coiffured like a samurai, fought like one, perhaps enthused by a desire to show the travelling Tooting troops what they had once lost.

With the firebrand Allan McLeod within their ranks, a berserker who could start a fight in a phonebook and dismissed along with Stanley Muguo in Hamlet’s early season victory upon enemy soil, there was always the chance for the combustion that so marks these games to once more flare. However the afternoon’s first major flashpoint had neither protagonist within range as Schoburgh reacted angrily to a follow-through from Colin Hartburn, the defender dragging a boot down the back of the his opponent’s leg as he cleared the ball. The brief outburst betwixt the two gave the villainous-looking and theatrical Mr Meillack the perfect opportunity to flash the first brace of the afternoon’s cautions, though he spurned the chance to add to the mounting toll of red that these derbies engender.

Half a half had gone by before the Tooting troubadours had a chance to exercise their larynx’s in anger as a booming bomb of a delivery was nodded down in the path of Vines some distance from goal, the usually executioner somewhat wayward with a curling drive that drifted harmlessly wide of a diving Jamie Lunan’s right-hand upright. Not long after Paka’s storming run across the face of the penalty area was unceremoniously halted some 25 yards out but young Taylor was unable to craft suitable punishment as he clipped the ball over a wall, slowly creeping towards him but over the crossbar as well.

A curious caution for Vines, perhaps for vocal indiscretions rather than physical ones. Then Tooting threatened in quick succession through Romuald Bouadji, the burly Frenchman muscled aside his markers to meet a free kick bopped in by McLeod, only to be denied a Lunan leapt to tip the goalbound header over his crossbar. Bouadji was again in the thick of things as the corner was walloped deep across goal, met par la tête but over once more.

The relief of Mafeking as Tooting over committed themselves in attack leaving themselves vulnerable to a cavalry charge out of defence, in its vanguard Muguo, a brace of monochrome men on his trial. From twenty yards the Dulwich midfielder unleashing a steaming, dropping volley that seemed to have cleared even the behemoth of King until a hand stretched upwards to touch the ball over the net. Fruity words from Dean Hamlin, none too convinced that Muguo was onside when, he received the ball saw him added to the Master’s naughty boys list.

Dulwich were a eurhythmic euphony, a swirling symphony, drum marshals at the rear, pipers of pan in the van, leading befuddled adversaries a merry dance. First half over, second half awaited as a child awaits St Nicholas on a starry eve. It did not disappoint. A symphonic move as Alex Martin wove the midfield baton, swinging the ball out to Schoburgh in full flow down the right, inch perfect delivery to Taylor but not so the finish and ‘twas relief that the assistant’s flag would have nullified any goal. A corner forced moments later met by the head of Marc Cumberbatch, cresting his earthbound markers but plucked out of the air by the hands of King. Taylor, high octane charge down the left, cutting aside the leaden footed Hamlin before a ripper of drive bounced wide of the far post.

Then as to remind one of the fragility of man, the mortality of humankind came a Tooting equaliser, if not out of the blue as painful as a knife to the heart. Twice corners were repelled but then Jamie Byatt whipped in another, poor by past standards but deadly effective as the low ball was missed at the near post and the arch-poacher himself, Vines, hurtled in to hammer the ball into the roof of the net past a mortified Lunan. A spark ignited in one side, that same spark almost extinguished in the other as a Tooting tumult rattled the doors of the Hamlet defence. Dulwich rocked, Tooting rolled. Carl Hutchings latched on to the loose as yet another corner caused chaos in the area, the Tooting man swinging on the ball to whack in an angled strike that cracked against the near post with such ferocity it rebounded almost to the far touchline. Madcap McLeod marauding forwards produced a howitzer of a drive from fully thirty yards that brought the best out of Lunan as he battered the strike away. In disarray Dulwich came within a fraction of conceding a second as May and Lunan tangled under pressure from the hovering Vines, the ball squirming free to Jon Henry-Hayden but with the goal gaping before him like the gateway to hell, he hammered the ball upwards and against the underside of the crossbar from whence it bounced out, Lunan recovering his ground to punch the ball away as Vines thundered in hungry pursuit of the rebound. Dulwich prospects matched the lowering skies. May was cautioned as a crunching tackle laid out Jason Pinnock. But strange days as a substitution designed more to shore up defence proved the precursor for a second Dulwich score; Ricky Dobson replacing Martin and reclaiming his right back spot as Billy Chattaway pushed forwards. Seconds later Taylor began the move he would crown with a goal, slipping the ball out to Chattaway on the wing. A slide rule pass, neatly stepped over by Schoburgh and allowed to run to Nugent was craftily flicked wide of him by the forward, his almost physic understanding of his striker partner’s intention paying off in full as Taylor latched on to the pass, driving the ball low and hard towards the bottom corner of King’s net, even the giant hands of the ‘keeper unable to keep the ball from dribbling home.

“When woes come, they do not come as single spies, but in battalions”. Spots of rain, Tooting tears as rampant Hamlet added further goals to the tally, both from players deemed surplus to requirement at Imperial Fields. First from the samurai Paka, the tip of the blade of a nihontō that would slash a gapping wound in Tooting ranks. AWOL black and white defenders had no answer when Chattaway’s rifled pass across the park picked out Paka scampering into verdant space on the right, the midfielder larruping the ball past the exposed King. Though Vines would threaten twice with booming headers, the last bouncing mere millimetres wide of Lunan’s near post, the final word would belong to another of Tooting’s discards as Dulwich last pair of replacements, Kraig Rochester and Darko combined for number four. Only seconds remained when the ball was delivered low and hard across the six yard box by Rochester, taking on Schoburgh’s rapier role on the wing, the pocket rocket Darko hurtling in at the back stick to wallop the ball into the back of the net.

Even the news that Worthing had finally killed off those waning play-off hopes could not dampen the mood at Champion Hill for with Dulwich playing such mouth-watering football the summer break cannot pass fast enough.

Teams:
DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Steve May; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Ryan Bernard; Marc Cumberbatch; Sebastian Schoburgh(Henry Darko 85); Stanley Muguo; Meshach Nugent; Charlie Taylor (Kraig Rochester 85); Alex Martin (Ricky Dobson 69)
Subs not used: Daryl Plummer; Sheikh Ceesay

T&MFC: Dave King; Dean Hamlin; Colin Hartburn; Romuald Bouadji; Carl Hutchings; Oliver Hunt; Allan McLeod; Jason Pinnock; Paul Vines; Jon Henry-Hayden; Jamie Byatt
Subs not used: Vernon Francis; Guilherme Lopez-Dacruz; Ben Abbey; Ryan Gray; Ronnie Green

Attendance: 431

Match Officials:
Referee: Mr Frank Meilack (Crowborough)
Assistant Referees: Mr Gareth Mays (Epsom) & Mr Adam Williams (Worcester Park)

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC: Sebastian Schoburgh 4th minute
1-1 T&MFC: Paul Vines 57th minute
2-1 DHFC Charlie Taylor 70th minute
3-1 DHFC Benson Paka 79th minute
4-1 DHFC Henry Darko 89th minute

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC: Sebastian Schoburgh 4th minute
1-1 T&MFC: Paul Vines 57th minute
2-1 DHFC Charlie Taylor 70th minute
3-1 DHFC Benson Paka 79th minute
4-1 DHFC Henry Darko 89th minute

Burgess Hill 0 Dulwich Hamlet 1

2008-04-13T13:47:00.001Z

Burgess Hill 0 Dulwich Hamlet 1
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Saturday 12th April 2008

To dream the impossible dream, to fight the unbeatable foe. That is the quest of the Hamlet as a hard-earned victory, their first at the Leyland Park home of the Hillians, meant that mathematically at least their fleeting dreams of snatching an improbable place in the play-offs have not yet breathed their dying breath. Logic says a null point return from their remaining games for both the Rebels of Worthing and the K’s of Kingston combined with mighty triumphs over both deadly rivals Tooting and the mercenaries of the Met Police cannot happen in the real world but then logic has never found a home ion the hearts of the die-hard fan of the beautiful game. Whilst that ethereal shade of hope remains fluttering in front of the Pink and Blue brigade then the switch on the life support of Dulwich Hamlet promotion hopes remains flickering in the ON position.
Friday night had seen Worthing demolish a Corinthian-Casuals, relieved of the spectre of relegation, glassy eyes turning northward to Wembley, a result that leavened the pressure not only upon the Hamlet but upon the hosting Hillians who play-off pretensions carried greater weight than that of their guests. So it came as surprise to many when player-manager Jamie Howell chose to make a slew of changes from the XI taken to the cleaners by Tooting in midweek. By contrast his opposite number Craig Edwards, content to marshal his men from the sidelines unlike his counterpart, was able to recall Marc Cumberbatch from suspension to resume his stonewall partnership with Ryan Bernard at the heart of defence though illness robbed him of striker Meshach Nugent before kick-off meaning a first start for loanee winger Kraig Rochester.
Lachrymose skies relented before the off though they would return at regular intervals throughout the half, sending a ragtaggle band of travelling supporters scurrying for what flora passed for cover at arboreal Leylands Park. With the first whistle, the first punch was thrown by a Hillians side seemingly better recovered from their midweek mauling. Hamlet fans who had endured the Ashford assassination feared more of the same as the yellow clad hordes swept through porous pink. Barely had 60 seconds slipped by than the deadly Shaheen Sadough had battled past Colour Sergeant Bernard, the centre-half rescued by a able deputy in the form of Steve May, across like a whippet to hammer the ball beyond the boundaries and to safety. Keeping Hillians at bay, Dulwich created the games first true opening in the fifth minute as Alex Martin’s snow white boots slipped a pass wide to the left wing where Billy Chattaway came thundering up the rails, Matt Piper left in his wake as he drove into the penalty area. A screaming shot as Danny Gainsford tried to charge down the ball but home custodian Chris May proved its equal, battering down the strike at his near post. The pendulum had truly swung, released by the ubiquitous Martin, Sebastian Schoburgh’s spindly legs became a blur as he zipped to the goal line, pulling the ball back beyond ‘keeper May, stranded at his near post. The stamp of goal was upon Hamlet’s goalmouth assassin, Charlie Taylor, but fate combined with desperate defending as the ball seemed glued to his feet. Amidst a muddled, muddy mêlée a yard from goal the ball refused to be buried in the net and the Hillians’ relief column, Gainsford, cleared the lines. Still Dulwich pressured, a swinging corner to the back of the six yard box was dragged down out of the air on the chest of Bernard, but a yellow swarm blocked his path and the Hamlet skipper was unable to bundle the ball into the net.
Space opened up for Benson Paka, the midfielder clicking up a gear, a Ferrari swishing past the putt putting jalopies of the Hillians defence to drive in a daisy trimmer through the sodden sward. May was down smartly to batter the ball away but Rochester latching on to the rebound, only to dally on the ball as reinforcements arrived. A shot from the neophyte winger, on target, but charged down by a phalanx of defenders, Paka pouncing upon the loose ball to ramrod a hot in on goal, denied as a pair of hands not attached to the custodian beat down the ball. Plaintive cries for a spot kick but not guilty came down the judgement from the beak as referee Mr Robinson signalled no offence. Jesus may love your wife more than she will know but, though Dulwich are long inured to the denial of stonewall penalties, still they rankle and love letters from SE22 may be in short supply for Mr Robinson.
With Hamlet still seething their defence dozed as a Burgess Hill free kick was allowed to drift to Howell, unattended on the edge of the area, but he failed to punish diffident defending as he dragged a low drive well wide of Jamie Lunan’s right-hand upright.
Justice made manifest on 43 minutes as Hillians’ glass-jawed, stood square and toothless, drawn across as Paka ran at them, battering ram against the castle walls. Yellow shirts made to cut him off at the pass; instead Paka merely slid a simple pass to Taylor outside him, neglected by defence. Helpless, May was coolly beaten as Taylor hammered a ball low and beyond him into the far corner of the net, a ninth goal in as many games for the Hamlet hitman. A tenth was but a whisker away in stoppage time as Chattaway clipped the ball back from the back line, only for Taylor to turn and the ball past the upright from eight yards out.
An early threat from the Hillians as Neil Watts went for the spectacular with a long range hooked effort that would have drawn applause from all corners had it found the net but instead buzzed Lunan’s crossbar as harmless as a destung wasp. Touché said the Hamlet, a corner forced, Bernard beaten by the colossus Gainsford but first to the rebound, bicycle kick, nay more a Penny Farthing kick, as the Hamlet skipper launched the ball back over his head and past a startled seagull circling above, the ball dropping from the ether to be claimed by May under pressuring from the hovering Taylor. A steaming run from Paka, a pass from one hired gun, Martin, to another, Rochester, across the field. Distance seemed his enemy but Rochester let fly with a powerful effort from the wings that might have found its aim but for a flick off a defender’s boot that sent the ball over the head of May to ripple the net albeit the roof of the net.
A chance for the gargantuan Gainsford as his markers went AWOL whilst a free kick was delivered. Relief then when the big man failed to exact punishment with a wayward header actress the face of goal. Pumped upfield by Lunan, the dropping ball was plucked out of the air by Paka then slipped left into the path of Taylor but a shot on goal lacked the power to cause more than minor inconvenience to May.
Threat once more from the Hillians as Dulwich found themselves backpedalling furiously as a poor corner left them exposed at the rear. The thunder of cavalry upfield. Sadough had first one chance then another, but his first was beaten off before he overlapped on to a pass from Watts, letting off a steamer of a drive but always, always rising too high over the crossbar.
A rare lapse of concentration. CSM Bernard, RSM Edwards, their barked orders ringing in the ears of the Hamlet foot soldiers, would not allow such a lapse once more. Bernard was up and over the trench once more, venturing deep into enemy territory as he won an aerial dog-fight with Gainsford, flicking a header down towards Daryl Plummer, only May’s alertness denying the substitute an early impression on his introduction into the fray. Desperate now laced Hillians’ play, victory was imperative but they remained pinned in their own half. Gainsford less-than-surreptitious tug on Taylor as he was beaten once more on the fringes of the area saw a caution for the centre-half. Less lenient officials might have been issuing cards of more a crimson hue. Woven from finest silk, Schoburgh’s skills took out a host of defenders as he set up Martin to deliver into Taylor but a poor connection saw the ball hooked off target on the turn.
With the undertakers in and tapping in the final tacks upon the coffin of their dreams, Hillians came mightily close to doing the same to those of the Hamlet as excruciating injury time crept by as a far-flung volley from John Lansdale zipped over the crossbar but the points belonged to the Hamlet. Another new dawn? One last new hope? Don’t turn off the life-support just yet!

Teams:
BHTFC: Chris May; David Piper; Matt Piper; Kenny Hewitt; Danny Gainsford; Nick Fogden; Phil Elkins; James Martin; Shaheen Sadough; Jamie Howell (John Lansdale 70); Neil Watts
Substitutes not used: Tom Edmonds; Ollie Rowland; Lloyd Cotton; Colin Hunwick

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Steve May; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Ryan Bernard; Marc Cumberbatch; Sebastian Schoburgh; Stanley Muguo; Kraig Rochester (Daryl Plummer 75); Charlie Taylor; Alex Martin (Henry Darko 80)
Substitutes not used: Ricky Dobson; Meshach Nugent; Sheikh Ceesay (GK)

Attendance: 160

Officials:
Referee: Mr Tim Robinson
Assistant Referees: Mr Timothy Hatt & Mr Daniel Robathan

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC: Charlie Taylor 43rd minute

Dulwich Hamlet 2 Molesey 1

2008-03-25T15:51:00.003Z

Dulwich Hamlet 2 Molesey 1
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Monday 24th March 2008

Dead men walking, the Moles of Hampton Court are all but condemned to relegation from the Isthmian League, the noose around their neck, the trapdoor creeping beneath their feet. Tasty morsels then for a Hamlet side, keen to exorcise the demons of their Good Friday defeat on the South Coast and resurrect their fading hopes of scrambling abroad the promotion lifeboat that is the play-offs, neophyte Christians dragged into the arena as baying hordes goaded the Dulwich lions. For an hour or more, pink and blue claws ripped at light blue, teeth bared but rarely able to inflict more than a flesh wound. Goals from Charlie Taylor, a fifth in his last six outings, and Meshach Nugent put Hamlet in the driving seat before the referee’s infuriating decision to dismiss Marc Cumberbatch and award the Moles the lifeline of a penalty. Though Jamie Lunan’s excellent save kept out the spot kick, Dulwich found themselves all at sea when Paul Cross nodded in a goal with still quarter of a hour left on the clock. Less timorous teams might have capitalised, the Moles did not.
Ricky Dobson and skipper Shayne Mangodza took a breather from the starting line as Darryl Plummer and Billy Chattaway returned with the captain’s armband passing to the vociferous Ryan Bernard, a brick outhouse with an air raid siren installed. His booming bellicose commands echoed across the field of combat as Dulwich began in earnest with raid after raid upon the Molesey goal. The bludgeoned Moles held off the Hamlet stampede for eight whole minutes, but could resist no longer. A stealthy move flummoxed a statuesque defence as Cumberbatch lit the touch paper with a slide rule pass out to the coltish Sebastian Schoburgh cantering away down the right wing, squaring the ball across to Taylor, strangely neglected, by the Moles’ defence who had gone AWOL. As Matt Nash, cruelly exposed between the sticks, rushed from his line, a nonchalant Taylor had time to check his deodorant before neatly slipping the ball back Nash as the custodian prostrated himself at his feet.
The Hamlet were denied a spot kick two minutes later when the quicksilver Taylor nicked the ball past Nash on the penalty spot, but as he sidestepped the ‘keeper his legs were taken from beneath him. It seemed cut and dried, penalty and dismissal for the miscreant but much to the frustration of all of Pink and Blue persuasion, the man in black waved away all protestations. It would not be the time, he would exasperate the Hamlet. Still as starved of penalties as the Hamlet are, waiting for another as has taken the place of the arrival of Santa Claus at Champion Hill.
Dulwich nevertheless encamped in the Moles’ half. Taylor was unfortunate not to add to his earlier goal as he left flatfooted defence in his wake, neatly lifting the ball over the onrushing Nash, an exquisite chip drawing gasps of admiration, only to be replaced by groans of disappointment as the ball struck the crossbar. Released right Nugent’s pullback was helped on by Schoburgh to Plummer, a coiled chip from the edge of the area just failing to find the top corner. In the thick of it once more Taylor almost had Nash turned inside out as his defence capitulated once more, the ‘keeper dragged out of his area to thwart Taylor on the wing with a textbook tackle as the ball was dragged past him. Those feet were static though when Taylor curled in a twenty yard free kick three later but once more the frame of the goal proved his saviour as the ball rattled it once more.
The crowd bayed for blood as the break drew nearer. A low hard drive from Benson Paka, standing on the edge of the area, quivered in flight, almost catching Nash unawares and it two goes before he smothered the effort. The Molesey defensive horror show continued apace with Phil Caughter almost gifting a goal to Taylor in the final minute but the shot was tepid and Nash spared the blushes of his slapdash skipper.
Molesey posted early intent of a revival with Paul Cross' angled volley clawed out of the air at the second attempt by Jamie Lunan, then Anthony Gale watching as a low strike dribbled wide of the post.
However Dulwich began to see daylight as they added a second on 53 minutes with a training ground corner executed to perfection, short from Schoburgh to Darryl Plummer and met with a bullet header from close range by the leaping Meshach Nugent.
The woes intensified for the Moles not long after as Schoburgh, from an offside position, slid a pass into the six yard area, Nugent unable to stop himself careering into Nash on the sodden turf. Molesey skipper Phil Caughter seemed eager to get the game restarted but it was clear Nash was in no condition to continue and after extensive treatment he was groggily helped from the field. With no substitute custodian on the bench, the onus fell upon defender Aaron Barnett to don the gloves. Remarkably Dulwich seemed to switch off at this point, meekly unwilling to test the stand-in. Chattaway’s mazy charge in from the left paved the way for Schoburgh to worm his way into the box after Paka’s tricky had seen the ball reach him, but the wily winger tried to toy with the defence and soon found himself mugged by a trio of Moles.
The condemned men seemed to draw new inspiration from their troubles and, pressing forward, thought they had found an avenue back into the contest when gangling striker Paul Cross, tangling with Cumberbatch in the area, went to ground. Red card for the Hamlet’s Cumberbatch, much to the chagrin of his teammates and a spot kick for the Moles. Gale took on the responsibility, drilling the ball low for the bottom corner of the net, only for Lunan to pull off a first-rate save at the base of his upright.
But like Frankenstein’s beast, animated by the elemental forces, the Moles found new inspiration albeit for too brief and too late a moment. Four minutes after the spot kick laissez-faire defending made that penalty save of Lunan’s count for naught as Gale swung a free kick into the area, one allowed to bounce to Cross waiting at the back of the box and his tame header easily found the net. All hands to the pump for the Hamlet, strikers and midfielders sacrificed for defenders and the Moles revival was stillborn. Indeed Dulwich might have added to the lead, Schoburgh plopping a cross on the head of Taylor only for the effort to be directed at the ersatz custodian. The ubiquitous Taylor was again in the fray as he was sent spinning to earth on the very brink of the area by last man Joel Korocz, but to the infuriation of the Dulwich bench, no penalty and only a yellow card for the transgressor. As if to rub salt in the wound the free kick too proved frustrating as it swung harmlessly wide of the goal. But by then Molesey had shot their bolt, the ten men of Dulwich retained their composure and an oh-too-valuable three points had been secured. Tantalising and teasing, the play-offs glint in the distance as elusive as the rainbow’s end.

Teams:
DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Steve May; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka (Osman Sesay 83); Ryan Bernard; Marc Cumberbatch; Sebastian Schoburgh; Daryl Plummer (Shayne Mangodza 73); Meshach Nugent; Charlie Taylor (Ricky Dobson 90); Stanley Muguo
Substitutes not used: Henry Darko; Sheikh Ceesay (GK)

MFC: Matt Nash (Fabio Rodriguez 62); Joel Korocz; Phil Caughter (Capt) (Marlon Rodney 90); Steve Brown; Aaron Barnett ; Andy Davidson (Nick Newitt 83); Steve Omonua; Rob Wilkinson; Paul Cross; Jamie Findlay; Anthony Gale

Attendance: 208

Match Officials:
Referee: Mr Nigel Lugg (Chipstead)
Assistant Referees: Mr Peter Georgiou (Wandsworth) & Mr Phil Stevens (Streatham)

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC Charlie Taylor 8th minute
2-0 DHFC Meshach Nugent 53rd minute
2-1 MFC Paul Cross 75th minute

Worthing 2 Dulwich Hamlet 1

2008-03-22T13:16:00.000Z

Worthing 2 Dulwich Hamlet 1
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Friday 21st March 2008

Good Friday. Buttered Hot Cross Buns on the pantry table, hot cross Craig Edwards on the Dulwich bench as defeat left Hamlet’s play-off pretensions hanging by the slenderest of gossamer threads. But for the hosting Rebels, burdened by the portentous, pre-season prognostications of their dapper dug-out despot, Alan Pook, who “could virtually guarantee promotion from the division below...” An albatross around his neck, as the Rebels struggled with injuries and upstart teams who failed to bow down before them, a late season run of victories, now 6 from seven and marred only by a mystifying defeat away to fellow challengers Kingstonian, leaves them in pole position amongst the dogfight for that priceless final play-off position. However for Dulwich, minds must be gradually turning towards 2008-2009, five points a gap not insurmountable but others hold better hands, the Hamlet as much reliant now on the kindness of strangers as for their own endeavours upon the field of play.
“He who dares wins, Rodders. He who dares wins”. Dulwich dared to change. After the young custodian’s nervy performance against Leatherhead, Sheikh Ceesay sat out his first league match since wresting the gloves from the veteran, and inveterate, Chuck Martini. In his stead between the sticks came Jamie Lunan, from North of the Thames, once of Grays, Redbridge, Leyton inter alia. Meanwhile the hosting Rebels welcomed back from injury the versatile Andy Alexander, signed as a striker, but proving a solid rock in defence since switched there in early-season emergencies, whilst Lloyd Skinner and Ben Johnson swapped placed on bench and pitch respectively.
Bright sunshine dappled Woodside Road as the contest began in earnest, never sterile, ever edgy, defeat not an option. Wind at their backs, Worthing flowed forwards on the breath of Zephyrus, Lunan’s goal besieged but unbreached despite spirited assaults from the red-clad Rebels. Nippy and nimble, midfielder Jerahl Hughes almost punished early uncertainty twixt defender and neophyte ‘keeper, finding a spurt of gas in an attempt to intercept an underhit back pass.
The busy Rebels kept coming, Alexander coming closed to capping a dream return from his injury woes with a cracking volley that kept Lunan on his toes with a smothering save. Soon after in came a free kick and skipper Ben Andrews came close to turning the ball home, Lunan shadowing the ball past his back stick. But then the perfidious Anemoi would conspire to deal a deadly blow to Hamlet thoughts of victory. A puff of wind gathered a long pass from midfielder, the ball floating beyond stranded defenders to the feet of Andrews, wide on the right of the Dulwich area. Providence or prodigy, only the Rebels skipper knew for sure as a chip, meant for a colleague charging into the far post perchance but, carried by the wind, left powerless Lunan leaden-footed as it drifted over his head and plopped into the net behind him.
Fired-up Hamlet launched a quick salvage operation but as he ball dropped to Charlie Taylor in the six yard box from Ryan Bernard’s header, the whistle blew for a foul perhaps, the striker’s frustrations manifest and a yellow card brandished.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, the chances were far from clear-cut though the balance of opportunity weighted heaviest on the Worthing scales. But for a piece of inspired improvisation from Lunan, Jamie Brotherton might have doubled the Worthing lead. Alexander’s clumsy pass fooled all but the lively Hughes who nipped past his marker as he collected the ball, getting off a shot, going wide until Brotherton’s interception diverted the ball towards the bottom right hand corner of Lunan’s net and cheered on its way home by the homesters until Lunan stuck out a foot to turn the ball away at the base of his upright.
How Dulwich did not draw level come the 38th minute will remain a mystery to all. Bernard’s precision pass released Benson Paka beyond the defence to gallop into the right pocket. A low driven ball was helped on by the most delicate of touches from Taylor to help the ball on its way to Stanley Muguo thundering in to the back post to connect with venom, but from an English ell the ball slammed against the hoardings, rather than rippling the net. “Flippin’ ell”, chorused the travelling troubadours of Champion Hill.
With Hamlet’s next raid, man mountain Bernard plunged forwards into the penalty, bundled his way past persistent markers but unable to get more than a mild stab on the ball to more than inconvenience Rikki Banks, Worthing’s guardian of the goal. But as if to remind Dulwich who held the whip hand the red tide flowed swiftly back up field with Brotherton again the foil for the raid, a hooked shot to cap the move dropping wide of the woodwork.
A storm would hit Woodside Road at the very start of the second half, its name was Muguo. Barely had 60 seconds ticked by from the restart and, as fans traipsed back into the ground from supping the last of the interval drinks, than the ball dropped to the Dulwich midfielder half a league and more from goal. None expected a shot, least of all ‘keeper Banks, though to be blessed with foresight might have the only saviour of his side, as Muguo smote the ball with a howitzer boot, straight and true into the top corner of the net as Banks clawed in vain at the drive’s steaming vapour trail.
Cue the Hamlet revival, borne on the wind that howled across the field of combat. As if to reinforce Worthing’s worries, the sky blacked. Where once late winter sun had dowsed the arena, now clouds, jet-black, heavy with rain, swept in from the Sussex Downs, dumping their heavy cargo upon Woodside Road and sending the last of the hardy fans scuttling for cover wherever they could find. No such respite though for the players, battling against elements and opponents, as the sheets of rain blocked out the light. Atrocious conditions did not dampen the ardour of the man in black for his book, with both Bernard and Ricky Dobson added to his Dulwich collection in the foul-spotter’s notebook.
Aided by the wind Dulwich yomped through the puddles into Worthing territory. A series of corners threatened but came to naught. From the right, the ball came in to be flicked on by Shayne Mangodza, leaping ahead of Banks but with the ‘keeper lost in Non Man’s Land, Marc Cumberbatch, eight yards out, could not direct a stooping header on target. A cracking header from Nugent, hanging in the air at the back of the six yard box, bounced a foot wide of the back post
Upon a skiddy surface, neither side seemed able to poke its head above the parapet, each afeared that the slightest error might lead to a goal that would condemn them to disastrous defeat. Then a Worthing replacement came within a fraction of breaking the impasse. Johnson, on moments earlier for Skinner, aquaplaned a pass through to Karly Akehurst, darting inside to help on his return cross on to Hughes but the midfielder crowned the cake with a sour cherry as he lamped the ball straight at Lunan. But this was merely a recce, as the teenage midfielder, a local lad on loan from Yeovil, popped up two minutes later to provide the killer blow and drive a stake in Hamlet hearts. Akehurst once more carved open the opportunity, the youngster latching on to the pass, cutting inside on his left foot, tucking the ball close and low beneath the diving Lunan.
Dark clouds parted from Worthing heads, but from the Dulwich bench thunderous rumblings. The brawn of Bernard made way for the pace of Plummer as Darryl rose from the bench. However Worthing, cemented by the returning Alexander, remained impenetrable in defence. Key tackles from the devils in red tormented Dulwich as they searched in vain for an equaliser. Dulwich’s increasing incursions laid bare their defence though further goals might have been harsh on the Hamlet, Brotherton and Akehurst both going close late on before the latter made way for Mark Pulling in the 90th minute. Extended injury time merely prolonged the agony, Dulwich’s season now on life-support whilst Worthing glance up the coast to Hastings as they seek to emulate their surprise success at last season’s post season play-off party.

Teams:
WFC: Rikki Banks; Joe Keehan; Andy Alexander; Stuart Axten; Ben Andrews (Capt.); Dominic Douglas; Jerahl Hughes; Karly Akehurst; Jamie Brotherton (Mark Pulling 88); Scott Kirkwood; Lloyd Skinner (Ben Johnson 66)
Substitutes not used: Enzo Benn; Chris Morrow; James Hancock

DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Steve May; Ricky Dobson; Benson Paka; Shayne Mangodza (Capt.); Marc Cumberbatch; Sebastian Schoburgh; Ryan Bernard (Darryl Plummer 82); Meshach Nugent; Charlie Taylor; Stanley Muguo
Substitutes not used: Billy Chattaway; Henry Darko; Osman Sesay; Sheikh Ceesay (GK)

Attendance: 312
Goalscoring:
1-0 WFC Ben Andrews 14th minute
1-1 DHFC Stanley Muguo 46th minute
2-1 WFC Jerahl Hughes 74th minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr G M Smith
Assistant referee: Mr A Colwell & Mr D Lyons

Dulwich Hamlet 3 Leatherhead 3

2008-03-16T11:04:00.003Z

Dulwich Hamlet 3 Leatherhead 3

Ryman Isthmian League Division One South

Friday 14^th March 2008

"How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form?"

Floating fans making a Friday night pilgrimage to Champion Hill, bearing not the baggage of allegiance to Hamlet or Tanners might have purred with glee at the fruitful fare laid before them. A half-a-dozen goals surely enough to pleasure the proletarian but for the purist only weeping and gnashing of teeth at a hotchpotch contest riddled with clangers, peppered with snatched passes, one neither custodian would care to recall come the cold light of day.

The rag-tag, threadbare throng of travelling Tanners must have feared the worst as a mini stampeded saw Dulwich came hammering at Leatherhead's door from the off. Incisive Hamlet versus desperate Tanners. A whipped Sebastian Schoburgh cross nodded out to Benson Paka, a crowd of green shirts swarming around him to snuff out that threat but then Meshach Nugent latching on the ball, muscling past a marker a striking a sweet shot from outside the area a fraction wide of 'keeper Aaron France's right hand upright. Keystone Kops defending, all pie in the face, banana skin tackles, swinging boots into thin air. Apt then that that the opening goal would come coating with the lacquer of luck, though that it came from the boot of the enigmatic Schoburgh, one is in half a mind that invention outweighed intention. In came a throw bound for the near post and Nugent, but nodded out by a high-climbing defender. The ball reached Schoburgh, lurking on the edge of the area, and with a swing of the boot, the ball was hooked skywards, looping beyond the frozen figure of France, rooted to the spot as the ball arced over him and dropped into the far top corner of the net.

The goal should have been the clarion call for a cavalry charge towards goal from the men in Pink and Blue, but fortune favoured the Green battalion, who survived by hook or by crook, Dulwich frustratingly unable to build upon their lead and ultimately paying the cost as defensive blunderings turned that goal advantage lead into a goal deficit with two crazy minutes. Conceding a needless free kick wide on the left wing, five yards inside their own half, Dulwich readied themselves for Billy Marshall's delivery, green and white jostling with pink and blue. Pelted deep into the penalty area Marshall's free kick seemed to be a textbook gather for Sheikh Ceesay, but his hands failed him as the ball slipped through his grasp and into his net. The travelling gaggle seemed unmoved. A second goal two minutes later similarly failed to rouse them, perhaps inured by the capricious play of their team this term. This time it was collective culpability within the Dulwich defence as Steve McNamara scurried away down the left wing, whipping a low drive into the six yard box, Carl Gibbs the beneficiary as defender and 'keeper vacillated, the Tanners' striker stealing in between the dithering duo to stab the ball across goal and into the far corner of the net.

The balance of global gaucherie was swiftly restored as Leatherhead's France presented Dulwich with an equaliser upon a silver salver 'ere 60 seconds had swept by. In came a free kick, a powder-puff punch from France as he fearfully flapped like a turkey confronted by Bernard Matthews with a smile and a chopper. Amidst the flurry, the ball was knocked across to Charlie Taylor and the tyro striker continued to mine his current rich vein of form, gathering the ball to hook past the discomfited France as he tried to undo his error. Still he managed to reprieve himself as Schoburgh puncture a porous wall with low drilled free kick that the cautious custodian gathered to his breast as a mother might a found child.

The game blended brilliance and bungling, incisive runs from wingers all to provide the panache, defenders and attackers slamming a custard pie in its face with tentative tackles and faltering finishing. The turnaround saw Hamlet fortunes flicker as quick fire start to the second half saw them come so close to restoring that lost lead. First minute and Schoburgh, left alone on the right periphery of the area, flayed a low drive across the face of goal. Taylor went hunting for the ball at the back stick as France was beaten but could not provide the killer touch as the ball zipped the wrong side of the far post. Moments later Taylor was looking to make amends battling his way into the box but with the resilient Ryan Palmer in close attendance he could not fire off a shot in anger.

That cantankerous goal machine Dave Stevens, loved and loathed at Leatherhead as both loyal Tanner and soldier of fortune, as much so at the Hill, once more endeared himself to the locals as he and Ceesay exchanged heated words amidst a cockpit awaiting a corner. For a moment, an ugly scene bubbled at the brink of eruption as the spat sucked into others, but calm won over even though the two antagonists had to suffer the indignity of a schoolmasterly lecture from baby faced referee Mr Austin and cautions. Perhaps Hamlet were suffering the hangover of this scuffle when they were caught out by a first rate counter attack down their left flank mere moments later. Ricky Dobson beaten, the ball was pulled back and absentee defending gifted Leatherhead the go-ahead goal again, with late-arriving midfielder Matt Jones, as lonely as a leper on the edge of the penalty area, met a low ball from the right sweet and true to beat Ceesay low at his near post.

A free kick frittered away as Schoburgh lashed at the ball to send it spinning wide, its architect one of three to be sacrificed with 25 minutes left as Dulwich chased wraith-like victory. Schoburgh, Billy Chattaway and Ryan Bernard all made way with Osman Sesay, Darryl Plummer and Stanley Muguo respectively entering the fray with the requisite urgency injected. Deep throw to the near post, Nugent thrusting past his marker and firing in a shot from tight angle that almost crawled over the supine 'keeper. Having instigated the opening with a pass to Paka, Taylor should perhaps have done better than to hook a shot off target from 8 yards out when Benson Paka's shot deflected off Meshach to him.

Dulwich's requisite "penalty that got away" reared its ugly head soon after when Nugent appeared to be manhandled as he burst in the box, pawing hands trying to pull him back as had the goal in his sights, failing to send him tumbling but doing enough to ensure the final shot crashed into the side netting. Honesty not the best policy methinks.

That injustice was all but forgotten when Dulwich claimed another equaliser just two minutes later. Again providence would play its part. Paka's pass cannoned off the man in black, any recriminations swiftly turned to cheers as the ball fell at the feet Nugent on the edge of the D. Still there was much work to be done, Nugent thundering like Suffolk dray past a brace of powerless defenders, penetrating the penalty area and lashing a low, hard, angled drive beyond the fingertips of the diving France, the ball making a cosy nest in the corner of the net.

It should have been 4-3 two minutes when Nugent trotted into the right pocket, pumping in a pitch-perfect cross right on to the head of Taylor, unattended by lackadaisical defenders 5 yards from goal, but with time to think, maybe too much time, and place the ball the prolific young striker stooped to nod the ball past France but a gnat's breath too high.

The procrastinating tactics of the visitors, eager to hang on to a much-valued point, almost came back as, even at the death, there was a chance for a winner as with the 90^th minute ticking past, Taylor slipped the ball wide to Plummer hurtling up the left but this time France redeemed himself with a fine block low at his near post.

Perhaps another nail has been drilled in the play-off coffin but with a quartet of six-pointers remaining for the Hamlet, their fate still remains within their own hands. However for the management the hand scratching remains. Once frugal defence now philanthropic to goal-starved adversaries, pusillanimous attack now tigerish. "Faites vos jeux, Mesdames et Messieurs", the roulette wheel is spinning.

Teams:

DHFC: Sheikh Ceesay; Steve May; Ricky Dobson; Benson Paka; Shayne Mangodza (Capt.); Marc Cumberbatch; Sebastian Schoburgh (Osman Sesay 65); Ryan Bernard (Stanley Muguo 65); Meshach Nugent; Charlie Taylor; Billy Chattaway (Darryl Plummer 65)

Subs not used: Henry Darko, Tim Roberts (GK)

LFC: Aaron France; Asher Hudson; Ryan Palmer; Steve McNamara (Adam Bernard 82); Iain Hendry (Captain); Matt Jones (Lynvall Duncan 90+2); Stewart Holmes; Gareth Graham; Carl Gibbs; Billy Marshall; Dave Stevens

Substitutes not used: Glenn Boosey; Charlie Marshall; Dan Dean

Attendance: 289

Officials:

Referee: Mr Daniel Austin (Bognor Regis, West Sussex)

Assistant Referees: Mr Graeme Thornley (Harrow, Middlesex) & Mr Reuben Simon (Hounslow, Middlesex)

Goalscoring:

1-0 DHFC Sebastian Schoburgh 7^th minute

1-1 LFC Billy Marshall 30^th minute

1-2 LFC Carl Gibbs 32^nd minute

2-2 DHFC Charlie Taylor 33^rd minute

2-3 LFC Matt Jones 52^nd minute

3-3 DHFC Meshach Nugent 78^th minute

Dulwich Hamlet 1 Chipstead 1

2008-03-09T16:07:00.001Z

Dulwich Hamlet 1 Chipstead 1
Ryman Isthmian League Division South
Saturday 8th March 2008

May I have your attention please?
May I have your attention please?
Will the real Dulwich Hamlet please stand up?
I repeat, will the real Dulwich Hamlet please stand up?
We're gonna have a problem here..

Clouds lowering, fans glowering as disjointed Dulwich, the promotion party in their sights, could only salvage a point against an earnest Chipstead, whose early season anguish is long behind them. With a mid-table position now firmly cemented, the Chips find themselves harbouring hopes of a top half finish in their maiden season in the Isthmian League. For Dulwich that last seat aboard the whirligig of the play-off remains theirs to win or lose, with first one challenger then another nudging ahead before slipping back, Walton & Hersham in midweek, Sittingbourne today beaten by stragglers, Worthing finding a late surge to hold 5th place for this weekend. Dulwich’s visit to Woodside Road upon Good Friday grows in import with each passing game.
But back to today’s events. Injury woes had disrupted the preparations of Craig Edwards and the management. Marc Cumberbatch was lost to the starting line-up with Ryan Bernard dropping back into central defence from that pivotal role in midfield where he had been so influential in the demolition of the Casuals a week previous. Stanley Muguo was recalled to a midfield that lacked the calming influence of the gargantuan Bernard stripped from engine room; pell-mell play confronted by industrious Chippies not enough to provide the service for Hamlet’s vanguard.
Leaden skies foretold what was to come as the guests, late of the Combined Counties, and upon their maiden competitive visit to Champion Hill, made fair weather beneath the foul, forcing a litany of corners in early play. However, despite all the hurly-burly in the Hamlet penalty box, Dulwich affrighted too often as bombardment intensified, but bodies before the ball thwarted the Chips. Fred Fleming had a close range shot charged down before the quarter hour as the ball refused to be cleared. A rumble of thunder? No the grumblings of the denizens of the Hill as the ball wormed its way through to Sam Butler, a alert Sheikh Ceesay somehow scrambling the ball off the toes of the advancing winger.
Not until the 20th minute did Dulwich menace the goal of Andy Parkinson but it was almost a glorious goal to wipe away what little memories had been garnered so far, Benson Paka capping a determined drive, letting fly with a furious strike on the volley, Parkinson snaffling the shot as one might a cannonball. A sup of that formula that turns Hamlet Hyde into Jekyll, Sebastian Schoburgh emerged from the pocket of his marker, turned on the gas and swirled over a deep cross to the back of the six yard box. Spring heeled, Charlie Taylor, leapt above his marker, angling the header back to goal but unable to beat Parkinson. Galloping into the attack Steve May carved a hole in defence, but perhaps panicked with his effort, a searing drive but lashed wide of the angle.
Chipstead’s Butler limped from the field to send the visitors awry and at last the pendulum seemed to swinging in Hamlet’s favour. Schoburgh delivered a deceptive corner, the defence drawn en masse to the front post whilst lurking in the rear was the true target, Meshach Nugent. Ducking to bullet a header beyond Parkinson the stalemate was about to be broken it seemed. But no! With the ‘keeper beaten, Cheops found a saviour in the woodwork as the ball rebounded back into play from the inside of the far upright.
A sweeping move, Billy Chattaway, the young colt, set free on the left wing by Paka’s incisive pass from the centre of the park, Chattaway winging in a low ball across the six yard box, zipping past Parkinson and bound for Nugent rumbling in at the back until Chris Head found an extra gear to hack the ball to safety. The clearance set in motion the wheel of a move that would lead to disaster. Carelessly conceded Dulwich found themselves awaiting delivery of a Chips free kick wide left, the ball’s arrival greeted with not with the stoicism but panic. Ping pong the ball flew from boot to head, dropped to substitute Jamal York, his snap shot clawed down by Ceesay but with defenders frozen Fleming would capitalise, dragging the ball down and with time for a second touch hooking the ball beyond Ceesay into the far corner of the net. From the Dulwich bench came the apoplectic tones of Craig Edwards; Ian Paisley might have berated him for his decibel level and passengers aboard a passing flight muttered reproachfully.
As if to muffle the tumult from the Dulwich dressing room, squalls swept across the arena sending the inmates scuttling for the sanctuary of the stands. The gods had been disturbed. Appeasement would come. Schoburgh chipped in the most delightful of free kicks, Taylor’s leap cried out goal but he failed to connect. Where the artist had failed, the artisan would bring succour. 51 minutes, the unsung Ricky Dobson pummelled a long pass beyond a moribund defence, Taylor cantering through to meet the ball and neatly slip the ball under the body of the exposed Parkinson as he dashed to the edge of his area.
But with the hard work done, Dulwich dozed again and but for a atrocious miss in front of goal by Danny Oakins might have found themselves back behind with 2 minutes, the Chips skipper somehow stabbing a shot wide of the goal after being left a solitary finger in front of goal.
Snake-charmer Schoburgh slipped in a pass to young Taylor to crown an expansive move, Parkinson blocking as the Hamlet forward attempted to prod the ball past him. Parkinson would quickly earn his corn as Dulwich set up camp in his penalty area for a brace of corners. A thumping header from Nugent saw the Chips’ custodian’s elastic arms tip the ball over the crossbar. Next delivery and the nemesis in gloves stretched skywards once move to brush the ball away from Bernard thundering in at the back stick.
One minute headless chickens, the next strutting peacocks, Dulwich’s play fluctuated from exhilarating to exasperating. Paka flicked a header backwards that dropped beyond the diving Parkinson, but beyond too the far post as Chattaway chased in after the ball. Bernard thumped a header into Parkinson’s midriff as he connected with a deep header but caught cold Dulwich almost found themselves torn asunder as Oakins took advantage of an acreage of space the size of Surrey to advance through non man’s land, switching wide to Scott Simpson to his left. But for the invention of Chattaway haring back, Simpson’s cross might have been the catalyst for Chipstead to regain the lead.
Champion Hill under leaden skies, lacking lightning, brief flashes, all too brief. One moment pass to draw the breath, next one to vex ultimately. Both sides guilty of spurned chances, though Dulwich more so for the Chips were relishing an expected point that would confirm their right to dine at the Isthmian table. Then with three minutes left, a bundle in the box, a ball that refused to be cleared and chip over and beyond, Schoburgh in pursuit but foiled as Parkinson slid in to hook a clearance to infinity.
Hearty applause from the acolytes of the country boys come final whistle. For Dulwich military jankers on the pitch.

Teams:
DHFC: Sheikh Ceesay; Steve May; Ricky Dobson; Benson Paka; Shayne Mangodza; Ryan Bernard; Sebastian Schoburgh; Stanley Muguo; Meshach Nugent; Charlie Taylor; Billy Chattaway (for Daryl Plummer 74)
Substitutes not used: Marc Cumberbatch; Ayoola Olatunde; Osman Sesay; Tim Roberts (GK

CFC: Andy Parkinson; Louis Clark; Chris Head; Fred Fleming; Andrew Wareing; Daryl Coleman; Craig Pitterson; Aaron Cole-Bolt; Danny Oakins (Capt); Scott Simpson; Sam Butler (Jamal York 29)
Substitutes not used: Joe Garner; Ashley Reid

Goalscoring:
1-0 CFC Fred Fleming 43rd minute
1-1 DHFC Charlie Taylor 51st minute

Attendance: 275

Officials:
Referee: Sr. Luis Pinto Nunes (Esher, Surrey)
Assistant Referees: Mr Colin Mallows (Burgess Hill, West Sussex) & Mr Simon Griffiths (Horsham, West Sussex)

Corinthian-Casuals 1 Dulwich Hamlet 4

2008-03-02T08:59:00.002Z

Corinthian-Casuals 1 Dulwich Hamlet 4
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Saturday 1st March 2008

"Non Licet Omnibus Adire Corinthum", quoth Horace, "Not everyone is able to go to Corinth". Once mighty Corinth was renowned for the lavish lifestyle of its denizens, famed for the temple prostitutes of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who serviced the prosperous traders and powerful potentates who made this city their home. Most celebrated of all these, Lais, was whispered to possess extraordinary abilities and charged tremendous fees to those who wished to avail themselves of her favours. For ancient Corinth substitute suburban Tolworth, ancient temples to the Gods replaced by nondescript bowling alleys rattling to the constant hum of traffic rushing past, heading somewhere else. Down an alley beyond the iron rail, lies King George’s Fields, grand name, if humble home now to the Casuals of Corinth. To drag your humble scribe away from his humble breakfast of plovers’ eggs, finest Whitstable oysters upon a bed of crushed ice and all washed down with the 1787 Chateau Lafite to these inhospitable environs, the ultimate sacrifice.
Rescued by the vagaries of reorganisation in seasons past, Casuals are once more haunted by the spectre of relegation though the shadow of that dreaded shade seems to have lifted from those who cling proudly to their amateur ethos despite Mammon’s creeping fingers. A sterile goalless draw at Champion Hill less a month previous had helped eased that threat and perhaps this contributed to an, at times, blasé performance from the hosts, though such indifference might have a sting in the tail should the Young Men of Horsham continue to upset their betters in the final weeks of this season.
Struggling oppositions had upset the Hamlet last week, with Hamlet’s usually reliable defence undone thrice by lowly Whitstable. The changes were rung. Steve May dropped back to his accustomed right back role. Ryan Bernard moved into a central midfield holding role, freeing Benson Paka to attack with greater regularity, but it meant no place in the starting line-up for Stanley Muguo. Recalled too was Sebastian Schoburgh who had spent many games straining at the leash on the sidelines, and at liberty at last to gnaw at Casuals left flank.
A shimmering spring sun had replaced the squalls and showers that buffeted the land the night before. Warm weather, almost autumnal, cast a pre-season spell upon the contest with neither side able to settle into any sort of rhythm in the early exchanges, neat but inconclusive. First chance fell to the Hamlet with left-winger, Bill Chattaway, striking a fizzed angled drive from the far corner of the penalty area across the face of home ‘keeper Colin Harris’ net. Casuals were like lightning, appearing in brief flashes and heading nowhere. Meshach Nugent collected the ball on the brink of the six yard box, the ominous presence of Chris Horwood looming over him, unable to turn and fire off a shot as he found himself crowded out.
Nary a clear-cut chance for the hosts in a disjointed, directionless first 25 minutes until one time teen tyro at Champion Hill, now vintage Casuals, Tyrone Myton chanced his arm with a ferocious shot from distance but drawn ever further from the target as it spun through the air.
Perhaps this was the spark haphazard Hamlet needed. Two minutes later and Schoburgh teamed up with an overlapping May, the latter’s low cross skipped over in the middle to allow Chattaway to rifle in a shot at the back stick, one that brought the best out of Harris as he battered the ball around the post. False dawn this was not for another two minutes spun by to Dulwich’s opening goal, as a long free kick was launched into the Casuals penalty area. Nugent rose highest to flick the ball on, and with a Greek chorus of static defenders as his backdrop, Charlie Taylor pounced on the ball to stab a shot under Harris, now sans defense.
Flagellated on the wings, Casuals shrunk back as the red tide swept forwards. 34 minutes and it could, nay should, have been two nil. Frisky young Taylor, relishing his role as a rapier foil to his strike partner’s bludgeon broadsword, danced his way through tackle and tackle, some legit some less so albeit in the Dulwich eyes only. Reaching the backline he selflessly dragged the ball back to Nugent, standing some six yards from goal, Casuals granted a stay of execution as Matt Smith thrust out a leg to block Nugent’s placed shot on the line. Nugent would have his moment though. Come the 41st minute and Schoburgh tormenting Chocolate and Pink, toying with those who had the temerity to attempt a tackle, slipped a pass into Nugent, hovering on the fringes of the area. Grace was replaced by muscle as Nugent threw off the throng of defenders that had engulfed him, turning away to rattle a low drive deep into the far bottom corner of Harris’ net.
Casuals would have their vengeance early in the second half as a crude challenge ended his participation but those curmudgeonly defenders would find little respite as the lamed striker was replaced with a bouncing bomb in the shape of the tenacious Henry Darko. His time would come but next blood belonged to May, fast recapturing his early promise and strengthening Hamlet’s stranglehold on victory with number three on 55 minutes. A bungled Corinthian corner provided the foundations but it was Taylor who would build on those as he sprung upfield. At first he seemed to look for a shot but with homesters streaming back to smoother his charge, he looked instead to May cantering up the right unheeded. With radar set on goal, May ignored the last ditch efforts of Harris and his defence as he slid the ball beyond the advancing ‘keeper and into the back of the net via the foot of a defender.
Unpitying Hamlet would not ease up. Pent-up disappointment translated into relentless attack as Casuals became sacrificial lambs that might appease the gods of soccer. Built like a boxer, dancing like a foxtrotter, Bernard had the woodwork as, with a little jink, a touch of sway - and wallop!, he crashed a drive from distance against the crossbar. Juggling Taylor had defenders mesmerised but drilled a drive mere millimetres wide of Harris far post.
Woes for the hosts as Myton crept gingerly from the arena, victim of a suspected broken ankle. Rejigged Casuals conceded a fourth not long after. Revitalised Schoburgh won a foot race with the dogged Smith, refused to concede that the back line would succeed where Smith failed and stretching to hammer a low ball into the near post. A perfect poacher’s goal for Darko, Harris down in vain as the prowling striker steered the ball home.
Their work done, Hamlet’s fly boys of the wing made way for replacements, first Chattaway for Daryl Plummer then Schoburgh for fledgling international, Jason Hawes. Perhaps Hamlet though their work too was done, for as the last rays dappled suburbia, Dulwich dozed as a corner was delivered, capricious Carlton Murray-Price unwittingly benefitting from somnambulant defending as the ball cannoned in off his net. That apart Dulwich had rekindled their promotion dreams and as if to rub home their superiority promptly strode to the other end where Plummer would find the net with aplomb, only to stymied by a benignly munificent assistant who spared home blushes with an debatable, if ultimately superfluous, offside flag.
Automatic promotion had long since galloped over the horizon, almost certainly into the bandit country of Kent after Dover’s single-goal demolition of Tooting yesterday, but with games against four of the five teams between themselves and disappearing Dover, Dulwich know their fate belongs not in the hands of others but firmly in their own.

Teams:
CCFC: Colin Harris; Matt Smith; Russell Banyard; Scott Hassell; Chris Horwood (Capt); Tyrone Myton (Paul Hunt 69); Luke Gay; Ayokule Olusesi; Hinga Amara; Carlton Murray-Price; Daniel Green
Substitutes not used: Ben Ward; Richard Price; Martin Dunne; Paul Smith (GK)

DHFC: Sheikh Ceesay; Steve May; Ricky Dobson; Benson Paka; Shayne Mangodza; Marc Cumberbatch; Sebastian Schoburgh (Jason Hawes 84); Ryan Bernard; Meshach Nugent (Henry Darko 51); Charlie Taylor; Billy Chattaway (Daryl Plummer 79)
Substitutes not used: Stanley Muguo; Tim Roberts (GK)

Attendance: 124

Officials:
Referee: Mr K Haines
Assistant Referees: Mr A Williams & Mr R P Wells

Dulwich Hamlet 2 Whitstable Town 3

2008-02-24T08:58:00.001Z

Dulwich Hamlet 2 Whitstable Town 3
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Saturday 23rd February 2008

The skies over melancholy Champion Hill wore mourning grey as Dulwich’s play-off aspirations were cruelly punctured by the visiting Oystermen of Whitstable, haunted by the faint spectre of relegation but playing exuberant football that belied their lowly status. Games against such opposition will prove the litmus test for those dreams. Twice Hamlet fought back from a goal behind to toy with the emotions of their disciplines, resilient animals too used to the lows, too long deprived of the highs, witness to many a false dawn. On this murky day, Dulwich had hoped to build on hard-fought victory away to Croydon Athletic, welcoming Whitstable into their web as a spider might an unwary fly, only for prey to turn upon predator, the triumph of the Oystermen further complicating the logjam around that final seat at the play-off party as results elsewhere say that multi-team dogfight concertinaed closer that a motorway pile-up.
The long knives had claimed a half-dozen or more victims as manager Craig Edwards prepared his troops for the final run-in, most high profile departure that of skipper Shawn Beveney who’d been tempted by Mammon to join promotion rivals Kingstonian in their quest to clinch their own play-off berth at the expense of Dulwich. Despite the exodus, the XI that started this game bore only one change from that that had taken the field at the Keith Tuckey, new boy Ryan Bernard added to defence in a traditional right back role. Mantle of captain passed to Shayne Mangodza, whilst on the bench England Schoolboy International Jason Hawes made a return to the squad after his Iberian sojourn.
Fruitless on their travels since almost upsetting Kentish rivals Dover, holding the table-toppers to draw at the Crabble at the close of 2007, Whitstable eschewed the role of underdogs constantly snapping at the heels of the Hamlet in a fast and furious opening passage. Sheikh Ceesay’s goal was threatened early and but for a comedic airshot from David Cory after a slipped pass allowed him to sneak in ahead of the newcomer Bernard, the Dulwich custodian might have found himself drawn into action a little sooner than he might have hoped.
Bernard was again in the thick of things when Dulwich forced a corner soon after, arriving in the box in pursuit of the ball but connecting instead with the head of counterpart Liam Quinn, the Oystermen’s defender sickeningly crumpling to the turf, motionless, whilst the concrete-bonced Bernard dusted himself off. With enough physios to suggest the stricken defender had BUPA, the groggy Quinn eventually staggered to his feet, bravely battling on despite a headache that would shame roisterers of the highest order until forced to depart mid way through the half. Before then though his teammates would continue to take the fight to the Hamlet, Jake Gess unfortunate as a strike from the edge of the area looped off a defender’s leg to loop up and over Ceesay, only to drop on to the roof of the net. With Hamlet’s defending unsteady, Whitstable might have exacted punishment from the resultant free kick but though the rearguard parted before him to allow a clean sight of goal, skipper Marcos Perona seeing his strike bounce through into the arms of Ceesay.
Pricked into action, Dulwich came close to snapping the stalemate when slack marking gave Meshach Nugent free rein to meet a corner delivered to the near corner of the six yard box, flicking a header on that flashed across the face of goal with visiting ‘keeper Kevin Fewell statuesque. That man Bernard was up in enemy territory three minutes later as Charlie Taylor controlled a bomb into the box before setting up his defensive colleague, only for Bernard to scoop the ball over the bar.
When Quinn tottered from the park, clutching his forehead in agony, a sense of foreboding might have engulfed Whitstable. On came Yoffy from Fingerbobs, sorry Steven Lloyd, bearded and balding and towering over his defensive associates, lacking in stature but not in heart. Though looking more like an aging folk singer, the replacement would go on to regularly thwart Hamlet attacks particularity those of an aerial nature.
Perhaps Dulwich could have done with defensive reinforcements themselves for barely five minutes had elapsed than Whitstable had swept into the lead with a well-worked move that owed much to the training ground but also a huge debt of gratitude to lackadaisical defending from a slumbering Dulwich defence. As the defence milled about aimlessly, fast thinking at a free kick saw the ball laid out to Danny Tipple, free on the left wing. His pass inside found Ian Pulman, mining a rich vein of goals at the moment, and having cut back across his marker, the clinical finish of the visitors’ deadliest hitman gave Ceesay not a ghost of a chance as the ball was hammered home into the far corner of the net.
Dulwich had the chances to equalise, Daryl Plummer’s free kick from 25 yards out finding the target but also the grateful hands of Fewell. Heavy pressure saw Fewell smother a close range effort as Mangodza got on to the end of a dead ball winged into the heart of the area. Steve May’s wickedly inswinging corner kept the Whitstable Number One on his toes, Fewell pumping to safety despite the presence of a Hamlet press-gang. Galloping away from sluggish defence, Nugent hammered a low drive from the edge of the box, Fewell the slenderest of touches to divert the ball again the base of the post, the bounce back wrong footing May as he sniffed out the rebound. Finally with 44 minutes on the clock came an equaliser and a maiden goal for the tyro Taylor. A fluvial, sinuous run from ten yards inside the visitors’ half, pursued doggedly by full back Gray Sayer, twisting first one way then the other as he tried to shake off the unrelenting defender. Waltzing into the penalty area, Taylor readied to shoot only for Clint Gooding to slide in to flay the ball from his toes. Fortune though had a cruel card to play as the ball cannoned off Lloyd back towards goal and Fewell attempted to flop on the loose ball, Taylor proved too alert plunging in to stab the ball under the diving ‘keeper.
Once more though somnambulant Hamlet would surrender that ephemeral parity before the half was out. Quinn’s extended therapy session meant inordinate stoppage though many might have argued that almost five minutes was excessive. Still no excuse for Dulwich dithering. Lloyd had drawn a fine full-length save out of Ceesay with a close range header from a left wing delivery but the danger remained and once more Tipple played provider, sticking the ball back across goal. Amid the melee Cory proved most determined, drilling the ball home as the defence exposed itself like a strumpet upon the Reeperbahn. Nary had a second passed from the restart before the man in black ended proceedings for that half.
Hamlet had been mild Dr Jekyll for 45 minute or more. Perhaps the half time libations would bring out Hyde in them. Frustrated early on as the assistant’s debatable flag stopped Nugent in his tracks as he galloped on to a defence-passing ball over the top, Dulwich had Ceesay to be grateful once more as he denied Nick Bagley Whitstable’s third with a smart, snap-save at the base of his near upright, turning the ball against the woodwork.
Forward momentum saw Taylor outpace the rearguard once more but pitiless fate saw the ball bobble as he prepared to shot, the effort flying high over the crossbar. That pace though would be telling when Dulwich claimed an equaliser once more with 64 minutes. The Red Tide had laid siege upon Hamlet’s goal but youthful pace did for brash adventure as the Oystermen found themselves wanting in defence as Dulwich broke away at a rate of knots. Releasing on the right wing the young colt Taylor galloped away, unselfishly looking up to whip the ball across to his strike partner Nugent, a veritable veteran, free, unfettered on the other side of the park. The trigger released first time; Nugent sent an unstoppable shot beyond the now exposed Fewell to bring Dulwich level.
That quick injection of a goal gave new heart to the Hamlet. Moments later a deep free kick bombed into the box, Plummer latching on to it but from the tightest of angles could only loft the ball on to the roof of the net. Then just when Dulwich thought those troublesome Oystermen dispatched, Mangodza was penalised, apparently for holding, and the free kick handed substitute Tommy Martin the hero’s moment. Carpe diem as the one-time Chelsea trainee produced a top drawer, top corner finish, chipping the ball up over the wall and beyond the clutches of Ceesay.
Where once Hamlet had been all but impregnable, twice in three games has the opposition found the net three times. Just twice had Hamlet scored four or more so this would be the acid test for Dulwich. Instead they would find a nemesis in the form of Fewell. 77 minutes and a free kick dropped into the six yard box, expertly brought under control from Benson Paka but a drive from five yards out was bravely blocked by the Whitstable custodian.
With 7 minutes left, Henry Darko came into the fray as a third striker, but try as they might Dulwich could not rescue even a point. From a long throw Taylor flicked an effort on to the roof of the net. Likewise Bernard with a header from a deep free kick to the back of the box. Then in stoppage a thunderous header from Nugent as the ball was swung in from the right wing but Fewell produced a match winning save, somehow stretching to turn the fiery header over the crossbar. A save of superiority that rips the heart from brave men.

Teams:
DHFC: Sheikh Ceesay; Ryan Bernard; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Shayne Mangodza (Capt.); Marc Cumberbatch; Steve May (Henry Darko 83); Stanley Muguo; Meshach Nugent; Charlie Taylor; Daryl Plummer (Ricky Dobson 80)
Substitutes not used: Sebastian Schoburgh; Jason Hawes; Tim Roberts (GK)

WTFC: Kevin Fewell; Gary Sayer; Danny Tipple; Liam Quinn (Steven Lloyd 22); Clint Gooding; Sam Denly; Jake Gess; Marcos Perona; Ian Pulman (Dan Lawrence 80); David Cory; Nick Bagley (Tommy Martin 60)
Substitutes not used: Tom Parker; Dan Wisker

Attendance: 302

Officials:
Referee: Mr Ashley Slaughter (Brighton)
Assistant Referees: Mr Gareth Mays (Epsom) & Mr Gary Dodd (Walton-on-Thames)

Goalscoring:
1-0 WTFC Ian Pulman 27th minute
1-1 DHFC Charlie Taylor 44th minute
2-1 WTFC David Cory 45th minute (+4)
2-2 DHFC Meshach Nugent 64th minute
3-2 WTFC Tommy Martin 73rd minute

Croydon Athletic 1 Dulwich Hamlet 2

2008-02-17T12:51:00.000Z

Croydon Athletic 1 Dulwich Hamlet 2
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Friday 15th February 2008

Beyond the bright lights and fleshpots of neon-lit Croydon, awash to Burberry and cheap lager. Along a rutted ginnel behind the suburban necropolis. There one finds Mayfields, home to the Rams of Croydon Athletic, and now rededicated to the too soon departed Keith Tuckey, denizen and chief benefactor, in Athletic lofty ambitious to wrest the title of that borough’s senior non-league club from their rivals from the Arena. As the Trams have gone off the rails in recent years so the Rams have gambolled in Isthmian Fields, flirted with a return to whence they came but in that time broke dreams of more exalted clubs, among them the Hamlet. In the shadow of the city of the dead, a Friday night encounter beneath a half-spun moon came dripping with more foreboding than a Hammer horror. Would this night be the graveyard of Hamlet play-off aspirations, snuffing out those dreams like the naïve teen in the abandoned summer camp? Or perhaps this would be the night the spark of life was returned to Hamlet’s hopes, resurrected for the final run in to season’s end?
In more productive times, November last year, Dulwich had rampaged through an Athletic side more lambs than Rams but times have changed at Mayfields and so has the personnel. Of the starting XI just five of the Rams had featured in that rout and one of those, Sol Patterson-Bohner, was wearing pink and blue that fruitful afternoon. Dulwich too had rung the changes so not in such drastic fashion. With Billy Chattaway taking on a wing back role, Ricky Dobson had rare departure from the starting line-up whilst young Charlie Taylor made his full debut joining Meshach Nugent in a two-pronged attack.
Did those defensive tinkerings play a part in Croydon’s lightning quick lead for, those Dulwich threatened first, the rutting Rams had carved eventide’s opening goal just 3½ minutes from the first whistle. Dulwich’s defence seemed at odds with itself as the ball was flicked through the penalty area, Jordan Kiffin thundering though, running on to the ball ahead of Chattaway, a mellifluous, imperious drive under the diving body of a powerless Sheikh Ceesay. Too used to conceding the late goal in recent weeks, too, too late to salvage points lost, for once Dulwich had all the time in the world to gird the loins and go in search of recovery.
The Rams claimed the territory, Dulwich posed the threat. A booming Shayne Mangodza free kick exposed the aerial shortcoming of the hosts, Marc Cumberbatch battling for possession, refusing to let the ball run away for goalkick. The pressure remained and when the ball arrived back in the danger area, Cumberbatch set up Shawn Beveney to slip a pass into young Taylor, only for the striker to balloon the ball over the bar. A greater test for Gareth Williams, the Rams’ tyro custodian, as Nugent slipped the bounds of ambling defenders only for a quick-witted Williams to bravely block at his feet on the penalty spot. Fast and furious came the action as the Rams were galloping upfield to claim a corner. With the big guns in attendance, Richard Blackwell climbing above the rest, his thumping header goalbound it seemed until Steve May provided a vital block on the line. A moment later and an Athletic free kick was met by Rams’ latest addition, Bulgarian hitman Evgeniy Kurdov, but, eязък!, a quick fire strike, bound for the bottom corner was turned around they base of his post by the ever-alert Ceesay.
Surviving these scares, Dulwich were back in the ascendancy as the sprightly Williams denied the livewire Taylor once more as Rams' defenders went AWOL. However with the rearguard as pacy as dromedary in the Derby, the slippery attackers of the Hamlet would surely exploit such lassitude before long. The Dulwich faithful would not have long to wait. A cavernous gap down the middle made for perfect passage for Taylor, darting on to a through ball ahead of, not so, Athletic’s central defenders. Precision not power gave Williams a chance to assuage any guilt at a lack of vigilance from his teammates as he got a telling hand to Taylor’s attempt to swing the ball around him. But for skipper Beveney the chance was still alive, the big Guyanese giving chase as the ball threatened to crawl wide of the upright and at the last tucking the ball inside the post from the acutest of angles beyond it could roll out of play.
Ambling Athletic came within a whisker of conceding once more mere minutes later as the dangerous Taylor beat Williams to a lofted ball beyond the last line of defence, stabbing the ball past him but to his, and Hamlet’s, agony wide too of the woodwork. For such a neophyte custodian, the words young Williams used to berate his sluggish rearguard surely had not been learnt in the classroom.
Where Taylor was balletic, Nugent was battling. One surging, boring run, muscling and brushing aside all defensive ambush could only be denied a goal by that man Williams as he flew through the air to pluck a steaming 20 yard humdinger of volley out of the air from Dulwich’s number 9. Not to be denied Nugent would have his revenge before the half was up. The break was four minutes away when Daryl Plummer, quiet but efficient on the left wing, whipped in a cross of exquisite accuracy from the flanks. Spring-heeled Nugent leapt ahead of earthbound defenders, connected with a thunderbolt of a header, arching over and beyond Williams as every sinew was strained in his effort to keep the ball from his net. He failed and Dulwich led.
Dulwich had worked hard for their lead but come the second half and the industry on which they had built that lead would have to be redirected to other departments as Athletic sought parity with a more offensive structure. They would have to do it though without their skipper, Michael Harney, an awkward landing after nodding away a dangerous ball putting an end to his participation.
With Moses Ademola, restrained in the opening 45 minutes, to the fore, the firebrand Rams’ forward the greatest menace to Dulwich’s advantage, sometimes the only menace, Athletic took the game to Dulwich. Eight minutes in Ademola lashed a rising shot inches over the crossbar after defensive dithering had surrendered the ball to the Rams’ Three minutes later and again the ball was given away, Ademola diving in to meet a right wing cross with a crisp volley ahead of his marker that grazed crossbar. A fine block from Williams denied Taylor a deserved goal come the 58th minute but Dulwich were soon on the back foot once more. This time Ademola, an incendiary bomb looking to explode on goal, decided against relying on his colleagues taking a magical mystery tour of final third of the field, a mazy run, down the flank, back up, inside then incisive topped off by a shot on goal from 25 yards but possessing neither the power nor the precision to test Ceesay.
The Rams’ bluntly battered against the Hamlet ramparts to no avail. A loud shout for a spot kick when unheeded as Kiffin’s back of the box strike was charged down by Chattaway. A flurry of chances as time ticked away, the Dulwich box packed so full of Rams the animal rights protesters were rallying to the scene. Ceesay showed his mettle, stretching to tip over a ferocious drive from Luke Adams then making a certainly the match winning save low on his own line, keeping out Greg Andrews’ powerful downward header.

Teams:
CAFC: Gareth Williams; Graham Tydeman; Michael Harney (Capt.) (Terry Fennessy 48); Luke Adams; Richard Blackwell; Sol Patterson-Bohner; Jordan Kiffin; Adam Greenway; Moses Ademola; Evgeniy Kurdov (Greg Andrews 83); Danny Waldren (Arafat Kabuye 84)
Substitute not used: Bradley Duke

DHFC: Sheikh Ceesay; Steve May; Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Shayne Mangodza; Marc Cumberbatch; Shawn Beveney (Capt); Stanley Muguo; Meshach Nugent; Charlie Taylor (Henry Darko 74); Daryl Plummer (Sebastian Schoburgh 74)
Substitutes not used: Michael Kamara; Ricky Dobson; Tim Roberts (GK)

Attendance: 207

Officials:
Referee: Mr Ian Regan (Ashford, Kent)
Assistant Referees: Mr J R Slaney & Mr B Erguven

Goalscoring:
1-0 CAFC Jordan Kiffin 3rd minute
1-1 DHFC Shawn Beveney 26th minute
2-1 DHFC Meshach Nugent 41st minute

Kingstonian 3 Dulwich Hamlet 0

2008-02-10T16:09:00.002Z

Kingstonian 3 Dulwich Hamlet 0
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 9th February 2008

The Hamlet dropped out of the play-off positions after a parlous performance against a Kingstonian side that rose out of their own furrow of depression with victory built on a solid bedrock of a defence that rarely allowed the Dulwich forwards a sniff of goal. With former Brighton Youth Teamer, Michael Kamara, making his début in place of the out of sorts Benson Paka, Dulwich began briskly with Dewayne Clarke buzzing a wing ball across the face of goal as early as the first minute. Not long after the new boy was in the thick of things as he was bundled brusquely to the turf mere millimetre from the edge of the K’s penalty box. But to Dulwich’s dismay naught came of the free kick as Shawn Beveney left the red and white shuddering as he slammed the dead ball into the defensive stockade. The massed ranks of the home guard continued in the same vein as Billy Chattaway larruped the loose ball into the same committed rearguard.
However the dark clouds were already gathering for the Hamlet as K’s sprung into life as Wayne Finnie served notice launching a long throw towards Bobby Traynor on the penalty spot only for the misfiring hitman to strike the ball wide of the mark. Conceding a contentious free kick, Dulwich were almost made to pay as Simon Huckle’s free kick picked out former Hamlet hero Jason Turley, but the ball refused to play ball, Turley unable to tame it and get away a shot of note. The K’s had scented blood and a move of quality tore a gash in the Hamlet flank, Neil Lampton sweeping the ball out to Traynor on the left, the striker slipping the ball to the lively Dean Lodge overlapping around him. The angle might have been against him but the self-possessed wingman lashed a low cross cum shot that took the merest of deflections but enough to send the ball zipping past the far post of the diving Sheik Ceesay. Turley was again threatened his former teammates as he took delivery of Huckle’s pass but always rising drive failed to trouble the net.
Come the 25th the locals, tenants in what was once their own home, at last saw the chances of their heroes become concrete with the opening goal courtesy of Traynor. Finnie’s booming throw with the power, accuracy and damage potential of a trebuchet was flicked on by the head of Huckle, rising highest at the front of the six yard box. Lurking at the back, mysteriously unguarded, was Traynor and the predatory K's man took full advantage to lash the ball low across the face of goal and into the far bottom corner. The lead might well have been quickly doubled had Dean Lodge not smacked his volley from the edge of the area into the body of Sheikh Ceesay, but a missed opportunity that would have carried greater weight had Meshach Nugent's angled drive swirled mere inches over 'keeper Luke Garrard's crossbar.
If there was hope of Dulwich staging a second half recovery, those hopes were soon dashed as K's grabbed number two in calamitous manner within three minutes of the restart. K’s had upped the pressure Huckle nodding the ball across the six yard box but it seemed to be an textbook gather for Ceesay as he tried to clutch the ball out of the air, but it sprung from his hands like a hot potato covered in goose grease. Amid the flurry of boots and bodies Finnie stooped with a head to prod the ball into the now yawning net.
Things were looking ominous for the Hamlet, a third goal only averted by the quick thinking Shayne Mangodza, swiftly across to hack the ball away from the rampaging Traynor who was in hot pursuit of a long ball nodded on.
A rare chance for the Hamlet as the K’s goal was threatened courtesy of a free kick. Dewayne Clarke had a thumping drive, bravely blocked by Jon Coke at close-range and though the Hamlet man was swiftly on the rebound to dart past the still-shuddering Coke, the K’s defender had back-up in the gargantuan shape of Gavin “Hoss” Cartwright, stretching a leg across the charging Clarke to halt his run. Debatable whether ball or man was played as Clarke tumbled to the floor but little compliant from the men in Pink and Blue.
Come the hour mark and a change was called for to reinvigorate the Hamlet. Beveney, Clarke and newcomer Michael Kamara all made way for Charlie Taylor, Sebastian Schoburgh and Benson Paka. For a while it seemed as if the touchline transfusion might have done the trick. Striker Taylor galloped on to a chipped pass into space, dinking into the area and trying to square the ball across to Billy Chattaway free on the penalty spot only for Finnie to slide across to cut out the pass for a corner. But moments later it was K’s rumbling up field once more, Tommy Williams serving a warning with a larruped strike on goal from distance, swinging wide of Ceesay’s left hand post at the last instant.
More medals for the gallant home defence as centre-half Marc Cumberbatch took return delivery of his own throw from Taylor, lashing a magnificent low cross from the back line, destined for Mangodza’s mighty presence in the six yard box, until Simon Sobihy stuck his head in the lion’s mouth to nod the ball away from his defensive counterpart.
The K’s tanks rumbled forward once more, a rising shot from one time hero of the Hamlet, Jason Turley, always, always rising too high as it cleared the woodwork. Still it mattered not a jot to the locals when a third arrived 11 minutes from time. A free kick was lofted into the box, Traynor picked out, a neat pirouette and shot charged down. However the danger persisted, Hamlet struggling to clear their lines, for which they would pay as Williams chanced his arm with a dribbling low strike from the edge of box, one that at first seemed to be routine for Ceesay but perhaps a stray divot caused the ball to bobble for calamity became catastrophe for the crestfallen Ceesay as the ball bounced off the custodian falling body and creep into the far corner of the net.
Though Steve May threatened a consolation lashing a fierce strike across the face of Garrard’s goal in the final minute after Schoburgh’s dance moves on the wing had gotten the better of Lodge, a quick break set in motion as Garrard bowled the ball out to Lodge, scooting down the flank. An inch-perfect cross from the inch high winger found Huckle, in the solitary space of eremite, wide out on the right, but the midfielder, drafted into attack, failed to find the target with a lolloping volley that bounced wide of Ceesay far upright.

Teams:
KFC: Luke Garrard; Jon Coke; Simon Sobihy; Wayne Finnie; Gavin Cartwright; Tommy Williams; Neil Lampton; Jason Turley; Bobby Traynor; Simon Huckle; Dean Lodge
Substitutes not used: Jamie Beer; David Suchy; Saheed Sankoh; Steve Goddard; Luke Naughton

DHFC: Sheikh Ceesay; Steve May; Ricky Dobson; Michael Kamara (Benson Paka 60); Shayne Mangodza; Marc Cumberbatch; Shawn Beveney (Charlie Taylor 60); Dewayne Clarke (Sebastian Schoburgh 60); Meshach Nugent; Stanley Muguo; Billy Chattaway
Substitutes not used: Daryl Plummer; Tim Roberts

Attendance: 337

Match Officials:
Referee: Mr Marvin Thompson
Assistant Referees: Mr Gavin Collins & Mr Andrew Thacker

Goalscoring:
1-0 KFC Bobby Traynor 25th minute
2-0 KFC Wayne Finnie 48th minute
3-0 KFC Tommy Williams 79th minute

Kingstonian vs Dulwich Hamlet

Dulwich Hamlet 0 Corinthian Casuals 0

2008-02-06T15:27:00.002Z

Dulwich Hamlet 0 Corinthian Casuals 0
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Tuesday 5th February 2008

For the 111th time of asking in the Isthmian League, Dulwich Hamlet crossed swords with the Casuals, who eschewed the Chocolate and Pink motley of Corinthians in favour of a plain unadorned strip reminiscent of that historic club who, in former, better times, swapped the white of the Casuals for the white of England. Not since the grey days of early seventies, when strikes and power cuts blighted the land and the only flare came from one’s trousers, had these teams, who had bestrode amateur football like colossi in the sepia tinted days of yore, failed to produce at least a goal in their clashes. However the curse of that fateful number, 111, Nelson seemed to hand over benighted Champion Hill like a pall. Early Corinthian assaults, testing Sheikh Ceesay to the utmost, gave way to Trojan defending from the visitors albeit aiding and abetted by a Dulwich side, blunted in its own attacking ambitions since the curtains came up on 2008.
Dewayne Clarke, the only change for Hamlet from the side that had stilled the tide of Dover for so long on Saturday; his weekend replacement, the electric eel of the wing, Sebastian Schoburgh retaining the place in which he had finished that encounter. For his part Casuals supremo Brian Adamson, the icy presence of relegation hovering at his shoulder, shuffled his pack like a drunken gambler hoping to bring an end to a ten game winless streak, the last five with nary a point. Former hero of the Hamlet, the acrobatic Tyrone Myton whose travels had taken him to suburban Tolworth via Scandinavian fields, started.
By the far the lively in the opening exchanges were the visitors. Hamlet seemed almost stunned that such lowly visitors had the audacity to rise up like neophyte Christians, loath to be devoured by Hamlet lions, the main course ready to smite the diners upon the nose. In a rambunctious opening passage it was the Casuals who would come closest to an early opener, the quicksilver Myton lashing an angled drive fiercely across the goal matching by a flying save from the sprightly Ceesay, turning the ball around his far post with an elastic dive.
Half the half had gone before Dulwich could muster a response as skipper Shawn Beveney muscled and squirmed his way through a wall of white on the edge of the box, only to be robbed of the chance of a shot as the gallant goalkeeper, Paul Smith, flung himself at the striker’s feet to smother the ball. But a moment’s respite for the Hamlet as Casuals’ rapier-like incision won them a corner, taken short to catch Dulwich short. An impudent effort from Matt Smith as he curled in a cross cum shot from wide had Ceesay stretched as if on the rack but the ball crept over the Hamlet custodian’s crossbar.
Stung Hamlet hit back with a corner of their own as Scott Hassell’s timely headed inception cut out Billy Chattaway’s leftwing cross bound for the head of Schoburgh. The delivery found the head of Shayne Mangodza, rising unchallenged but though met with aplomb his effort just failed to find the top corner of the net.
Chances swapped as Matt Smith’s low drive from outside the box after an incisive run fund only Ceesay before the action switched and Paul Smith reacted well to shovel a creeping angled strike from Beveney around the base of his left hand upright. Once more the Hamlet were in the ascendancy as the corner swung across but Beveney could only flick his header agonisingly across the face of goal. However best opportunity of the first 45 would fall to Myton as a cruel bounce deceived Ricky Dobson, letting the Casuals attacker in on goal. A crashing drive on the volley threatened a goal but the ever-alert Ceesay had sprung from his line to narrow the angle and batter down Myton’s shot.
Strangled by his markers, Meshach Nugent at last escaped their clutch on 38 minutes pirouetting on the ball to let loose a strike from 25 yard out. Paul Smith though was its equal as he smothered the shot in textbook style. Allowed to run too far by hesitant Hamlet, Ayokule Olusesi carved a hole through the middle before slipping the ball wide to Byron Brown but he failed to crown the chance with a drive, though on target, too close to Ceesay. Yet Dulwich still found the time to time back once more, another corner fast, Mangodza looping a header on to the roof of the net, but not before the long-travelled referee had spotted an infringement elsewhere.
The break saw a change for Dulwich as Daryl Plummer took over the wing wizard mantle from Schoburgh, almost instantly announcing himself as a rival for that position with some lunging thrusts at the Casuals flank. A trio of corner saw early siege laid at the gates of Casuals’ goal, Nugent twice denied as headers were flicked away upon the very threshold of the goal line. A powerful punch denied Beveney as Paul Smith beat him to the most tempting of crosses. Beveney’s run then set up Chattaway but from 15 yards out he scooped a drive over the bar, having held of a marker twice his bulk. Hamlet had the Casuals under a blanket of Pink and Blue, but on the hour mark a free kick could, nay should, have given them the vital fillip of a goal as Brown ran into the heart of the penalty area, free as a bird, to connect with a chipped in free kick, only to flick his header away from goal, almost as if in agoraphobic fear at the space granted him.
Sweet switchback as Dulwich sculpted an opening with crafted football, Chattaway the ultimate beneficiary as he burst into the box only to stumble under the challenge of Hassell. A brief wail of “penalty” rose from the knot of chilled fans, unsated by their annual spot kick award of the weekend, but unmoved; Mr Burton was in parsimonious mood.
A change was in order and Benson Paka, unrecognisable in form, out of sorts, made way for striker Charlie Taylor. His fellow replacement, Plummer, though was soon earning more plaudits as he won the chase for a long cross field ball, zipping past Richard Price, before clouting the ball goalwards from an unexpected angle, Paul Smith powerless as the ball singed the topside of his crossbar. Not long to wait for Taylor to have an impact, his instinctive run on goal creating the opening for Beveney but upon the tricky surface he drove his effort in the body of the Casuals’ custodian.
All power to the engines as Junior Baker became the final Hamlet substitution with less than a dozen minutes of football ahead. More corners forced, more hardy resistance and no white flag from the men in white, though skipper Chris Horwood might have found himself drowned in ignominy had his wild clearance inside his own six yard not cleared the bar. Gamesmanship that might have riled the spectres of the past gazing down from the Elysian football fields now took hold but it served its purpose as the match dragged into stoppage time, five minutes in all but even that was not enough to throw Hamlet a lifeline, as Chattaway was set up by Beveney, himself the beneficiary of Steve May’s industry in the corner, but the shot dug out rose over the bar.

Teams:
DHFC: Sheikh Ceesay; Steve May; Ricky Dobson (Junior Baker 82); Benson Paka (Charlie Taylor 73); Shayne Mangodza; Marc Cumberbatch; Shawn Beveney; Billy Chattaway; Meshach Nugent; Stanley Muguo; Sebastian Schoburgh (Daryl Plummer HT)
Substitutes not used: Dewayne Clarke; Lumumba Amena

CCFC: Paul Smith; Richard Price (Russell Banyard 86); Dale Hennessey; Scott Hassell; Chris Horwood (Capt); Lee Matthews; Matt Smith; Ayokule Olusesi; Daniel Green; Tyrone Myton; Byron Brown
Substitutes not used: Hinga Amara; Carlton Murray-Price; Danny Sacha; Colin Harris (GK)

Attendance: 264

Officials:
Referee: Mr Gary Burton (Reading, Berkshire)
Mr Stephen Earl (Mitcham, Surrey) & Mr Jeff Lengthorn (New Eltham, London)

Dulwich Hamlet 1 Dover Athletic 1

2008-02-03T12:57:00.000Z

Dulwich Hamlet 1 Dover Athletic 1
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Saturday 2nd February 2008

Relieved Dover Athletic left Champion Hill with the much-needed point that enabled them to fend off the challenge of Tooting at the top for another week but disappointed Dulwich will once more look to a late, late goal that snatched away the chance of claiming all three points almost at the death. Though Dover held the upper hand for much of the early exchanges they failed to batter down the band of brothers in Dulwich's defence, one for all and all for one, as the Red tide swept down upon them. Even when those hardy defences were breached poor finishing served to frustrate the Men of Kent. Backed by their legion of travellers the visitors posted intent with an incisive attack within the opening two minutes, the wily Frannie Collin sent scurrying away in the left pocket, hotfooting it past Ricky Dobson to cut a gash across the face of the Hamlet goal with a low drive, one that should have been better crowned than with Craig Cloke’s off-key larrup into the side netting at the back of the six yard box. A long, drifting free kick headed into the arms of Ceesay, a scuffed shot off target when well-placed by the troublesome Cloke. Jon Wallis failing to punish a Hamlet foul as his attempt to bypass the wall with a whorled effort came to naught as the ball flicked off the Pink and Blue wall. Collin again at the gallop, allowed the freedom of the wing, beat Dobson along the back line, a low cross deflected into the path of an half-aware Wallis but stumbling he lifted his strike into the azure sky.
The siege seemed finally lifted as Dulwich created their first attacks of notes as the half approached its midpoint. Chasing a long ball Meshach Nugent seemed to be hauled back as he bustled his way past Wallis but the referee’s eyes were elsewhere and no punishment was meted out. A quick free kick saw the ball reach Nugent 25 yards from goal, a strike unleashed one that defender Matt Bourne seemed to snuff out with his hands, though not in the mind of the referee. Fortunately Stanley Muguo choose not to wait for a whistle shrugging aside Bourne’s desperate attempt to haul him back but stabbing the ball wide of the post as John Whitehouse spread himself in vain.
Despite this rally such was the dominance of the Dovorians that it came as a shock to the travelling multitude when Dulwich went ahead in the 37th minute, though warning had been served ten minutes earlier when Stanley drilled a close range shot under the body of Dover custodian John Whitehouse only to see the ball crash into the side netting. Hamlet’s goal came courtesy of a kick from the penalty mark. Yes that’s correct after 3569 minutes of competitive football Dulwich had been awarded a penalty as Benson Paka was unceremoniously hauled back by James Rogers as he stretched out a leg to Bill Chattaway’s looped in cross. Initially there was no reaction from the man in black, Mr Robinson of Bognor Regis, but his assistant with a clear view from behind was in no doubt as with the thrust of an executioner he drawn his flag across his chest. Long discussion twixt assistant and referee, a card but not of red hue for the recalcitrant Rogers, though the mercy of the man in black was lost on him. Perhaps anxious glances amongst the Hamlet ranks for none had taken a spot kick in match play whilst donning the Pink and Blue motley. Responsibility fell upon the captain, Shawn Beveney returning from his Caribbean sojourn, and though Whitehouse guessed right, Beveney’s kick was neatly rolled beyond the ‘keeper’s reach into the bottom corner of the net. Wallis might have levelled matters soon after but blasted a strike into the midriff of Sheikh Ceesay after Collin had continued his probing at the Hamlet left flank.
Built on their resilient defence, Dulwich came out snapping at their guests from the off. Nugent dragged a low drive wide after Beveney had nodded a long ball into his path before bringing the best out of Whitehouse, a sizzling shot on the run as Matt Bourne trailed in his wake but pawed away at his near post by an airborne number one.
Barely four minutes later and Dulwich had the ball in the back of the net for a second time courtesy of Beveney but Dewayne Clarke had left his pass a fraction late, slipping the ball pass the onrushing Whitehouse for his skipper to slip into the now unguarded net but from an offside position.
A huge let for the Hamlet as a free kick, twice headed on by Kentish heads in the penalty area, dropped to the unmarked Collin skulking at the far corner of the six yard box. Crisply flicking the ball past a diving Ceesay it seemed to the already celebrating travellers that the equalizer had come but a friendly spirit was watching over Hamlet’s goal as the ball cannoned off the far stick, trundled along the length of the goal line before rebounding back out off the other upright. Collin tried once more but this time with a flick of infinite deftness from an angle surely too acute could only lift the ball on to the roof of the net.
Dover kept hunting for parity. A corner met with power and precision by a rising Shaun Welford was battered over the bar by the outstretched finger of Ceesay. Soon after a lashed drive on the volley whizzed wide of the far upright of the Hamlet goal.
As time drifted by, too languidly for the nervous Dulwich faithful, a chance came for the match winner. Substitute Sebastian Schoburgh slipped a perfect pass into the path of his captain, Beveney latching on the pass as he tore down the left wing. The goal beckoned as first one defender then a second were beaten. Whitehouse committed himself, lost in No Man’s Land, but Beveney dallied too long, a red swarm upon him, the shot blocked and the danger smothered. All too painfully that lost opportunity would lead in turn to a Dover equaliser, deserved perhaps but rough justice for the resilient Hamlet. A deep, deep free kick out of the Dover half was flicked on as the visitors won the aerial dogfights, substitute Byron Walker setting up his fellow replacement Welford who delivered an equaliser with a steaming drive on the left peg, inexorably heading for the top corner of the net despite all the efforts of the heroic Ceesay to reach it.
Little time remained but a Dover side, sensing Tooting’s hot breath on the back their necks at the summit of the Division, refused to accept that a point would be all their reward. Next attack brought a corner, one Dulwich struggled to clear and when the ball was redelivered it took a save of pure instinct from, Ceesay to push out a diving header from James Dryden on the fringes of the six yard box. Interminable injury time brought little respite for the Hamlet, a rare slip from Ceesay as he allowed a Wallis free kick to squirm through his hands went punished by the lurking Dryden, the unfortunate Dryden once more denied the hero-worship of lilywhite supplicants as he nodded over a close range header with just nanoseconds remaining.

Teams:
DHFC: Sheikh Ceesay; Steve May; Ricky Dobson; Benson Paka; Shayne Mangodza; Marc Cumberbatch; Shawn Beveney (Henry Darko 90+1); Dewayne Clarke (Sebastian Schoburgh 74); Meshach Nugent; Stanley Muguo; Billy Chattaway
Substitutes not used: Junior Baker; Darryl Plummer; Tim Roberts (GK)

DAFC: John Whitehouse; Matt Fish; James Rogers (Byron Walker 77); Matt Bourne (Shaun Welford 57); Craig Cloke; Graeme Andrews; Jon Wallis (Capt.); Alan Pouton; Lee Browning (James Dryden 57); Frannie Collin; Laurence Ball
Substitutes not used: Andy Hessenthaler, Dean Ruddy (GK)

Attendance: 484

Officials
Referee: Mr Tim Robinson (Bognor Regis)
Assistant Referees: Mr James Garratt (Blackheath) & Mr Jeff Lengthorn (New Eltham)

Goalscoring:
1-0 DHFC Shawn Beveney (Pen) 37th minute
1-1 DAFC Shaun Welford 88th minute