Tuesday, October 26, 1999

Aylesbury United 2 Dulwich Hamlet 3

Dulwich climbed to within one point of the Isthmian League leaders, Dagenham & Redbridge, thanks to a magnificent last-gasp fightback against the troubled Ducks of Aylesbury. The home side had started the winter clearouts early, dumping their manager and a number of the more expensive players after their chairman, saviour less than two years ago, decided to pull the plug on his investment after his side’s poor start to the season culminating in exits from both the FA Cup and Trophy in the space of a week. Still the old adage about a team being at its most dangerous when full of ambitious youngsters certainly rang true. Trailing 2-1 late on, Dulwich dug deep into their reserves to snatch first the equaliser with 9 minutes left on the clock, then a winner deep in to stoppage time, forced by a nasty-looking injury to Aylesbury’s Kieron Gallagher.
Injuries to Paul Harding and Mark Garland forced Dave Garland into a tactical switch with Dean Holness coming into midfield. The team lined up in an unusual (these days) 4-4-2 formation with Tony Chin and Francis Duku solid at the back.
The surface was made slippery by heavy rain over the past few days, but then again, it normally chucks it down whenever the Hamlet visit Buckingham Road. Still the Hamlet took to the conditions like ducks to water moving the ball around well and creating the bulk of the scoring chances.
A brave tackle on Dave Stevens in the box denied the Hamlet an early goal, after Peter Garland and Dave McEwen had combined to carve open Aylesbury’s defence. Then it was Justin Gregory’s turn to miss the target on 11 minutes. Tony Houghton turned inside his marker and sent over a delightful cross to he back post where Justin produced a trademark diving header, but could not find the back of the net. Stevens’ instincts got the better of him after Dave McEwen’s run looked to have taken him into a scoring position, only for Stevo to nip in to nick the ball, unfortunately from an offside position. However, he was to make up for this within 60 seconds with his 18th goal of the season. Dean Holness was the provider setting up Dave McEwen after good work on the right. Dave’s effort was blocked by Aylesbury keeper and manager, Gary Phillips, but it ran kindly for Stevens, who slotted home despite the best efforts of defenders on the line to block it.
Dulwich pounded the home goal after this opening but somehow could not find a way to increase the lead. After a fine run into the box from Danny Carroll, he picked out Stevens with an accurate cross, but the Hamlet Hitman could only fire his effort straight at Phillips. In the 23rd minute, came the obligatory Peter Garland outrageous attempt on goal. Dave McEwen was fouled close to the halfway line. Just like one of those scenes in a horror movie where the girl goes into the darkened room, you know Pete’s going to try to hit the net, but still the keepers stand way off their line. Fortunately for the veteran Phillips Garland’s pop failed to find its intended target.
It seemed as if number two was just around the corner, but somehow the ball stayed out of the Ducks’ net. McEwen missed when well placed after Tony Houghton and Kevin Smith had linked up on the wing to provide the opportunity. On the half-hour, Dulwich had a reasonable shout for penalty after Justin Gregory’s run into the box had been ended by a crude challenge. Nothing was given and the ball made its way to Stevens, but his effort was weak and flicked off a defender into the keeper’s hands.
Dulwich were to pay for the profligacy before half time when Aylesbury pulled things level. After surviving a few hairy moments, Tony Houghton’s slip letting in Neil Selby whose shot was deflected behind for a corner that seemed to take an age before being Steve Heard blasted over.
In the 44th minute came the equaliser in almost bizarre circumstances. Dulwich cleared a corner upfield, but suddenly the referee’s attention was drawn by his assistant’s flag to Kevin Smith and Kieron Gallagher involved in an altercation deep in the Dulwich half. It seemed as if Smith had reached to provocation by the Aylesbury player, but it was his retaliation that was punished. A yellow card was brandished and Aylesbury awarded a freekick. A classic textbook execution followed as Kieron Gallagher was found on the right wing and his inch-perfect cross was headed home from close range by Selby.
After that late choker in the first half, start of the second was a nightmare for the Hamlet. After Gallagher’s shot had bobbled past the post, the Ducks took the lead with a goal that was certainly wacky to say the least, but more certainly was scored by a player in an offside position. Ian King’s shot looked to be harmless, but as Les Cleevely dived for a easy gather it struck Selby, leaving Les grasping at thin air as he and the ball headed for opposite corners of the goal. To say the Hamlet skipper was unhappy with the decision to let the goal stand would be an understatement, but stood it did.
A lesser Dulwich would have laid down and died, but Dave Garland’s men are made of sterner stuff. They should have been back on level terms within the space of 4 minutes, but Dean Holness’s cross-range screamer smacked back off the post with Phillips well beaten. Next Francis Duku, who seems destined never to score had a marvellous opportunity, after getting into great position to meet Gregory’s cross, he contrived to put the resultant header wide of the post.
In the 75th minute play was brought to halt after a fierce tackle from Danny Carroll saw Kieron Gallagher prone on the turf. It took five minutes before he was stretched from the field with what has been described as ‘puncture wounds down to the bone’, although the injury may not be as serious as first suspected, with Aylesbury saying he’ll be out for two weeks.
That five minutes was to prove crucial in the final outcome. Aylesbury battled to maintain the advantage, but Dulwich rose to the challenge particularly Garland, subject of some pretty obnoxious chants from the home supporters. In the 80th minute came the breakthrough, Stevens chased a ball behind the defence, weaving into the box before pulling it back to Kevin Smith. He flicked it on to Danny Carroll, who made no mistake from close range. This time it was Phillips turn to remonstrate with the officials, protesting that Stevens had been in an offside position.
Deep into stoppage time and remarkably Dulwich grabbed a winner. Stevens turned providing lifting a ball over the rearguard for Garland to run on to. It seemed as if the chance had gone begged when Phillips parried his first shot, but Garland kept his cool to lift the ball over the prostrate keeper for the third. But for a combination between Phillips and the crossbar to keep out Garland’s 30 yard effort and a good block from the keeper to deny Dave McEwen, the Hamlet might have come home from Buckinghamshire with a third successive five goal away haul. The Late, Late Garland Show had wrapped up the points and as the final whistle blew a rainbow appeared behind the terrace occupied by the Rabble. Who knows what crock of gold lies at the end of this season, but with games like this it is going to be fun finding out.

Team:

1. Les Cleevely
2. Justin Gregory
3. Kevin Smith
4. Danny Carroll
5. Dean Holness
6. Francis Duku
7. Tony Houghton
8. Peter Garland
9. Dave McEwen
10. Dave Stevens
11. Tony Chin

Subs (not used)
12: Veli Hakki
14: Gary Hewitt
15: Lee Macken

Man of the Match: Peter Garland: kept his head (rare, I know) and replied to the abuse of the home supporters in the best way possible – the winning goal. There is only one fat b*****d!

Thursday, July 01, 1999

Youngsters share South Youth League Title in controversial circumstances

Dulwich Hamlet’s Youth Team repeated their Southern Youth League success of 1998, when they were awarded a share of the title in controversial circumstances. Having lost their final divisional game 3-1 at Sutton, where Marcus Dussard made his 50th appearance for the side, the youngsters had an agonising wait until the following Friday for rivals Kingstonian to finish their campaign against Croydon FC. Kingstonian had to win to climb above Dulwich, a draw would give the Hamlet the division. A nerve-wracking game to watch ended with Croydon victorious by the odd gaol in seven and Dulwich had retained the East Division and progressed to the Championship play-offs. There they would face the other two divisional champions, Three Bridges and Walton & Hersham, in a round robin mini league, one game home and one away. Walton had already beaten Three Bridges 4-1 in the opening game. The late finish meant that the two games would have to be played in the space of three days. On Tuesday 25th May Dulwich travelled to Three Bridges and won 4-1, thanks to goals from Michael Azzopardi (penalty), Dan Mulligan, Steve Shevel and Rob Hughes (penalty). An unfortunate deflection off Mully in the dying seconds gave Three Bridges their consolation.
Thus was the scene set for the title decider - a winner takes all clash. A draw and the title was shared. With Champion Hill being reseeded, the game was due to take place at Midland Bank’s sports ground in Beckenham. However the day before the Walton manager was on the phone to try and switch the tie, pleading lack of transport. Mysteriously that transport would have been available the following day and Saturday, for which grounds were offered, including the New Den. Dulwich refused to countenance a switch as Walton had been aware of the tie for a week, surely enough time to make provision. Come the Thursday and no Walton and no game. The matter was referred to a League Management Committee. Nearly two weeks later, the decision was announced. Unsurprisingly, it was a total fudge. ‘Since both Dulwich Hamlet FC and Walton & Hersham FC defeated Three Bridges FC by four goals to one both sides had equal goals fore (sic) and against and were equal on points’, so the decision was that the title would be shared. One shudders to imagine their decision should the records not be identical. The penultimate sentence is tragically comic, ‘the League will not tolerate being put in this situation again’. A highly unsatisfactory ending to the Youth Team that will be disbanded next season after Martin Eede’s unilateral decision on financial grounds to withdraw from the Southern Youth League.

Wednesday, April 07, 1999

A Beginners Guide to being a Non-League Supporter

or how to wear your anorak with pride......

Are you a budding non-league supporter? Can you not go another day without half-cooked burgers and ralgex-flavoured tea?

To be a real fan you need to be prepared. Take out a pen and paper (what, you don't have 3 different coloured biros in your top pocket?) and note this down.......

Firstly, you don't need any friends any more! No, you can now spend happy evenings poring over your atlas of Great Britain, planning which ground to visit next. Of course you'll need a copy of the Non-League Yearbook, which should be committed to memory as soon as possible. This will avoid embarrassment at your next dinner party where everyone else knows the location of Bugbrooke St. Michael.

The ultimate achievement of your new-found hobby is to be referred to as a ground hopper, or a non-league buff. Voices are hushed in the bars of grounds up and down the land when a true ground hopper walks in, for we are not often in the presence of greatness. However you have some work to do. First thing is to get kitted out properly. The following list will guide you in the right direction:

  • Anorak. Regardless of the weather, you won't even get off first base if your anorak isn't up to scratch. Nylon in Navy blue is considered ideal, you will score more for a detachable hood (attached), and lots of zippers. Don't put too much thought into trousers, but never wear shorts - slacks with a "perma-crease" are best for most occasions.
  • Clipboard and Pens. Plastic wallet. Essential for keeping your programme in tip-top condition. Always buy two - one to note down the team changes on, the other to keep in pristine condition inside the plastic wallet. This is just in case there's ever a bull market for non-league programmes. You never know, one day 16 manky old pages of adverts might be worth something.
  • Souvenirs. Try to obtain some momento of your trip. Travelling to all 92 league grounds is old hat now - you'll need proof you've been to every amateur ground in the country. Better souvenirs include club pins (pinned to your "non-league" cap), badges (sewn into your "non-league" blanket), or an old can of Ralgex discarded by a player. If there is no club shop, improvise with a piece of turf or some rust from the turnstile.
  • Polite Applause. You simply MUST get adept at a slightly limp hand clap, which you ideally only use when everyone else is completely silent. Half time in the tea queue is the direction you want to be heading in, although you may like to practise first when a player who has been simply terrible is substituted.
  • Half of Shandy. Trying to order this with a "top" isn't considered funny any more.
  • Tactical Awareness. Any in-depth knowledge of football strategy or tactics will rule you out completely. Prior knowledge of a team's sponsors is excellent though.
  • One Foot in the Past. Bringing inflatables into games, especially bananas is now unfortunately for children only. However you can demonstrate your ultra-modern outlook by appearing surprised when you see a black player run out. This one works best in the South West. A rattle or trumpet can be a surprising and useful addition to your armoury.
  • Sense of Direction. Where to watch the game from? Well having arrived 2 hours early to ensure your place in a crowd of 83, the best ground hoppers are often as far away from the pitch as possible, whilst still being in the ground. If you can't stand too far from the pitch, just stand miles away from anyone else in the ground. This will ensure everyone knows who you are. If you take a fancy for a team, try to see both sides by standing amongst the opposite supporters, and shouting things like "CCCMMMMMOORRFFFYYYYWWSS". If you're shy about shouting, then take a rattle (see One Foot in the Past)
  • Transport. If you must drive, make sure it's a MkII Ford Escort with an odd coloured bonnet. Park directly in front of the turnstiles. Your preferred transport is the train - you will be expected to know the train times and locomotive names by heart. Don't, whatever you do, get a taxi to the ground. Walk, even if it's snowing. You'll earn your shandy that way. Asking directions is a sign of weakness and is to be avoided at all costs.
  • Manner. Try to develop a tic, and mad, staring eyes. Stare at people's children as they walk round the ground. Singing to yourself at this point endears you to the true fans. Develop an annoying cough.

Now you've got a few tips, it's down to your ingenuity to stamp your mark on the non-league scene. See you in Millets!

No idea where this was nicked from but was clearing up some old files and found this so if any one knows the origin stick it in the comments box and update with credit where is due!

You’ve drunk the beer, nicked the T-Shirt, now read all about the little village in Belgium that’s home to our favourite tipple.

This comes from a Website entitled Belgium’s Beer Paradise. You can find it at www.bestbelgianbeers.com

The story of Hoegaarden white is as fascinating as the beer itself.

It starts around 1445 when the Begaarden monastic order came to Hoegaarden, a little village in the province of Brabant. The region is blessed with heavy clay soil where the wheat grows tall and strong.

Taking local grown wheat, working by hand and following a secret recipe using nature's purest ingredients, the villagers developed the original white, unfiltered, wheat beer characterized by its very pale, cloudy appearance.

The village developed into a center of the brewing industry over hundreds of years-by the end of the 18th century, Hoegaarden boasted 34 separate breweries-and its long-term prosperity looked guaranteed. But the world outside was moving on. Industrial production techniques, new refrigeration techniques and the irresistible rise of the new clear lagers all took their toll. By 1920 only five breweries were left. The final blow fell in 1957 when the last white brewery, Tomsin, closed its doors. Our story would have ended there-in tears.

But Hoegaarden was saved.

During the record hot summer of 1965, villagers missed the cool, refreshing taste of their unique, local drink. The village milkman, who lived next to the original brewery and who had worked there in the past, dug out the age-old recipe, got his inspiration, and, with a couple of vats sawed in half, an old copper kettle, pure spring water and natural ingredients, began brewing Hoegaarden white beer..

Within weeks business took off. As news of what he had done spread, visitors and beer connoisseurs (from Belgium, Germany, Holland and France) flocked to his brewery.

Hoegaarden white was born... stronger and even more popular than the white beers of the past

Wednesday, February 17, 1999

Whyteleafe Youth 0 Dulwich Hamlet Youth 2

Whyteleafe Youth 0 Dulwich Hamlet Youth 2
Southern Youth League - East Division
Wednesday 17th February 1999

If you’ve never watched the Youth Team away from home, I can always recommend Church Road, Whyteleafe as the ideal place to be initiated. Just a pleasant stroll down a country lane to the ground, set in a rolling valley lined with leafy trees. A pleasant bar with a range of beverages to satisfy both the connoisseur and the CAMRA beardies. Plus points - Dulwich usually win. Minus points - it always rains and the place is full of old biddies playing bingo. (Spot the space filler - Ed)
Whyteleafe are the only other team in the East Division to turn over Kingstonian this season and so a tough game was expected. Whyteleafe are a big, physical side, but their results have been erratic this season. As already mentioned they beat K’s, but they’ve also given T*****g a four goal start in a 4-4 draw. Marmaduke might approve but it’s not really the way to play if you want to win the league. In the end however the more telling opponent was old Mother Nature, with a steady drizzle turning an already poor condition pitch into a mudbath. Good football was hard to come by in the conditions, but Dulwich kept up the pace with leaders Kingstonian, thanks to second half goals from Rob Hughes and a welcome return to the scoresheet from Nana Asante.
A number of changes were forced on the manager with Mully nursing an injury or injuring a nurse, I didn’t quite catch what Steve said especially after the seventh Tia Maria and Babycham. Back into the side came Dan Wallace and there was a full debut for Kenny Low-Hing, whose always impressed in his previous appearance from the subs’ bench. There was also a welcome return for Omari Coleman, although conditions might preclude a repeat of the magic of Bromley. The early exchanges were shapeless with nothing much to write home about. Like two boxers the teams probed each other's defences looking for weaknesses but none emerged. The first incident of not came in the thirteenth minute when Michael Babatunde found his way into the referee’s notebook with an over-zealous on Still. In the 16th minute Dulwich won a corner. The ball reached Marcus Dussard who unleashed a thunderous volley which was deflected wide. Inexplicably the Ref gave a goalkick. Play switched to the far end where Billy Waite was the victim of a bizarre refereeing decision for the second time this year. As he shaped to clear the ball upfield, the Ref called out ‘Seven’ and awarded an indirect free-kick inside the area. The ball was laid off to Mascol whose shot was deflected wide for a corner, which was easily dealt with. The Ref’s decision prompted immediate debate - Steps or Time or had he was thinking of his favourite film and forgetting where he was assumed some indiscretion must have occurred. The dilemma was solved after the game when the Ref told us ‘Steps’, or was that his favourite band? I forget. This does seem a strange law which is hardly ever enforced and is a rarity in allowing the man in black a modicum of discretion. However it is further complicated by the 6 second rule. Which takes precedence?
On the field a game was taking place and Dulwich were starting to gain the upper hand. Michael Babatunde had an effort blocked on the edge of the box. Then McCourty in the home goal spilled a Rob Hughes free-kick but there was no-one in a Pink and Blue shirt to exploit the situation. Dulwich could not afford to be complacent and it took a marvellous saving tackle from Michael Ebanks to prevent Dhiman breaking through the Dulwich rearguard. Eubanks was certainly putting himself about at the back, completion on clearance with an overhead kick and then earning a yellow card for a deliberate handball. The resulting free-kick troubling passing trains more than Billy, although a number of anoraks were spotting frantically scribbling away as a Mitre No 5 sped through Whyteleafe station.
Dhiman was set up by a poor clearance from Billy, but he redeemed himself tipping the ball wide of the post. Croft was left unmarked at the corner, but his shot was calmly held by Billy. All night Nana Asante was getting into dangerous positions and in the last few minutes before half-time, he had a couple of chances to make the half-time tea all that sweeter. Joining the attack, Dan Wallace slotted the ball through to Nana who lifted his shot just over the bar. On the stroke of half-time Nana got to a ball over the top, but it bounced awkwardly and a defender got in to pet him off, as his shot skewed wide.
Seven minutes into the second half and Dulwich were ahead. ROB HUGHES got the ball in the box and he turned two defenders before shooting home.
A goal ahead and Dulwich were looking the more likely to add to their score. Nana got behind the defence and shot across goal, but there was no-one in the middle to finish off the effort. On 57 minutes Michael Azzopardi finally succumbed to an injury he’d been carrying all game and was replaced with Nik Wrightson. As conditions deteriorated good football became more difficult. Dulwich won a free-kick just outside the box, but Rob put the chance over the bar. Nana seemed to revel in the conditions and might have broken his drought but for a weak shot when well placed. Steve Shevel’s attempted lob cleared the keeper, but crept over the bar.
With only a goal between the sides, Whyteleafe still looked a threat and any lapses of concentration might have been punished. In truth though the home side was well stifled although Billy was forced into a full length save from Dhiman.
Two minutes into stoppage time and NANA ASANTE’s persistence paid off as he claimed the goal his hard work so richly deserved. Outpacing the defence, he reached a ball over the top before banging it past the custodian for the second.
With the clock ticking down, Steve decided to replace Nana with Mark Darko, presumably as a time wasting exercise. Mark had little time to make an impact on the game as the whistle went shortly afterwards.
Dulwich have obviously got a taste for wet conditions after victory at the Battle of the Somme, sorry Banstead. The bandwagon rolls on but now attention turns to the League Cup and a chance to make for last season’s disappointment against Chipstead.

Team: Billy Waite, Marcus Dussard, Michael Ebanks, Dan Wallace, Kenny Low-Hing, Omari Coleman, Michael Babatunde, Michael Azzopardi (Nik Wrightson 57), Steve Shevel, Rob Hughes, Nana Asante (Mark Darko 90+3)
Goal: Rob Hughes 52, Nana Asante 90+2

Man of the Match: Nana Asante - tirelessly attacked throughout the game, capped by a welcome return to goalscoring form.

Thursday, February 04, 1999

Dulwich Hamlet Youth 2 Banstead Athletic Youth 1

Dulwich Hamlet Youth 2 Banstead Athletic Youth 1
Southern Youth League - East Division
Wednesday 3rd February 1999
After a month’s layoff, Dulwich got back to winning ways with a battling performance against a physical Banstead XI. Trailing to a penalty early in the second half that also saw the dismissal of Billy Waite, the youngsters drew deep on their reserves of courage and determination to snatch the three points with two fine goals in the last ten minutes of normal time.
The first half promised little in the way of entertainment as Banstead’s physical play attempted to negate Dulwich skills. In the eighth minute Steve Shevel might have given the Hamlet the lead. Michael Azzopardi whipped in a cross from the corner flag, but Steve’s downward header was claimed by the keeper on the bounce. A minute later a stunning crossfield pass from Rob Hughes released Azza down the right. He sent in a low cross that the keeper claimed off the feet of debutant Michael Cane. I resist the attempt to make any of the obvious puns at this early stage, but watch out!!
Rob Hughes fancy footwork was mesmerising the opposition defence and in the 18th minute it nearly brought a reward. Twisting, turning then a pair of stepovers and he’d done his marker. Michael Babatunde picked up the ball feeding Azza, before the favour was returned with a threaded pass back to Baba. A little bobble though and the chance was spooned over the bar.
All the pressure was coming from Dulwich but Banstead stood firm against a repeated battering from the Hamlet. The corner count was well in Dulwich’s favour though I’m not that much of a Statto to give you the exact figures. Maybe Foggy’ll tell you. From one corner Nik Wrightson jinked into the box and drove the ball in hard and low, only for a defender to knock it into touch. From the resulting corner Azza lifted the ball in to Steve Shevel but his header grazed the top of the bar.
Some wonderful footwork from Rob Hughes brought ripples of applause from the appreciative audience twisting first one way then the other then back again as he left his bemused marker for dead, before seeping the ball upfield. Minutes later he tried an audacious effort from long range after a stepover took him past the defender.
Marcus Dussard was first to a loose ball on the edge of the box, spreading the ball out to Azza on the wing. As Dulwich swept out of defence there was Marcus leading the charge as he was first into the box to meet Azza’s cross only for the lineman’s flag to deny him glory. Who was that Dean Palmer anyway?
The Banstead goal seemed to lead a charmed life as their defence tried to deal with a corner in a manner more suited to Billy Smart’s Circus than a football field. A flapping keeper, flying boots as players tried to connect, human pinball, before a relieved defender managed to hack the ball away. In stoppage time good work from Marcus set up Steve Shevel with a chance, but after making space on the edge of the box, the final shot was well wide of the mark.
At half-time, Mark Darko and Derek Pabi replaced Nik and Nana. Not that the manager seemed to notice. As Dulwich won a quick corner Steve shouted from the touchline, ‘Get in there, Nikos!’, only to hear Nik’s protest from behind that he’d already been subbed.
On five minutes disaster befell the Hamlet. A lack of communication between Bill Waite and Michael Ebanks on the edge of the box saw the Banstead centre-forward nick the ball. An almost certain goal until Billy took his feet from under him. A penalty awarded and the referee was left with no option but to show Billy the red card. Dan Mulligan took on the mantle of keeper, and despite a valiant effort his first touch of the ball was to retrieve it from the back of the net as Banstead’s 10 dispatched the penalty.
A goal down. Ten men on the field. Surely victory would slip from the grasp. Banstead took advantage of the extra man to push forward and Mully twice denied the visitors in space of a matter of minutes. First he blocked the 10 with his feet, then as the 9 cut into the box, he made a fine diving save to push the striker’s effort past the post. This seemed to inspire his team-mates and Dulwich regrouped to regain control of the game. Rob Hughes got his head to a cross from the left in front of Steve Shevel, that Steve was probably better positioned to finish off. Bad luck seems in singles as, as the ball was cleared away, Azza collected it full in the face. Worried expressions in the crowd as he was helped from the pitch. Fortunately he returned a few moments later, a little groggy and clutching a tissue to a bloody nose, but ready to resume battle. By this time Evon Casey had joined the fight in place of Alfie? Harry Palmer? Oh god not a lot of people know his name, though that’s true of most players where Kingey’s concerned.
Moving into the final quarter Dulwich sensed that there might still be something in this game for them. Derek Pabi was battling away up front and the supply from the wings and midfield was plentiful. Mark Darko found space on the right, sending the ball on into the path of Azza. His cross fell neatly for Derek who swivelled on the spot, before sending a low shot fractionally wide of the far post. With a little more luck Derek might have levelled things seconds later as Rob took a quick free-kick, but the ball rolled off his toe into the hands of a relieved keeper. Not to be denied it was that man, DEREK PABI, who brought the team’s all square with just ten minutes left to running a ball played through the defence he kept a cool head before firing the ball home.
Suddenly you forgot the one man deficit and the players too knew that this was there for the taking. Derek again was involved beating the offside trap, he laid the ball back to Michael Babatunde. His cross was nodded on by Rob Hughes. In came MICHAEL AZZOPARDI, outjumping his marker to send the ball goalwards. It seemed a goal all the way, until the keeper stretched out to reach it. It was one of those moments that seems to happen in slow motion. Groans as the keeper reached the ball, grudging applause for a magnificent save, but then the ball looped in to the top corner of the goal. 2-1 to the Hamlet. One could almost feel sympathy for the keeper.
No time to rest as Dulwich ensured the crowd had its hearts in its collective mouths in the dying minutes. First the ball ricocheted wildly in the box before Marcus cleared it. Then 3 Banstead players were left unmarked in the box, only for the 4 to head the cross wide. 11 sneaked behind the defence, but bearing down on goal he lost his head and fired ineffectually into the terrace. With almost the last kick of the game, Steve Shevel and Derek Pabi came close to adding a third. Steve hooked Azza’s cross against the base of the post and, following up, Derek’s shot was blocked. At the final whistle Banstead players crashed to the floor while Dulwich were ecstatic. The only minus point would come when the referee’s report determines the length of Billy’s suspension, but for now let us wallow in a marvellous victory gained against the odds.

Team: Billy Waite, Marcus Dussard, Michael Ebanks, Dan Mulligan, Michael Babatunde, Nik Wrightson (Mark Darko 45), Michael Azzopardi, Nana Asante (Derek Pabi 45), Michael Cane (Evon Casey 51), Rob Hughes, Steve Shevel.

Goal: Derek Pabi 80, Michael Azzopardi 82

Man of the Match: Dan Mulligan - calm at the back as usual and a couple of magnificent saves as stand-in keeper which kept Hamlet in the game.

Wednesday, February 03, 1999

OH I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE (PART II)

Didn’t we have a lovely time the day we went to Falmouth. Well, apart from the match that sentiment does ring pretty true. Forsaking the fleshpots of Walton, two intrepid Dulwich fans, Mishi and myself, acting as interpreted, decided to take in the FA County Youth Cup match between London and Cornwall. A number of Dulwich players were selected in the squad - Billy Waite, Rob Hughes and Dan Mulligan eventually making the long journey into the heart of King Arthur country.
With long journeys, refreshment is frequently needed and so half way down the coach turned into a service station. One problem with service stations - no booze! So after a fruitless search of the establishment, plan B went into operation. Spotting a church and using the logic that Church=Village=Village Pub we set off in search of liquid sustenance. After 15 minutes walk it seemed as if this search too might be in vain. Then the Holy Grail appeared. The Friary (Portbury) beckoned us in. A quick pint then laden with supplies for the rest of the journey it was back to the coach. As town turned to country, bemusement swept the coach at the sight of little lambs skipping in fields. Most players had probably only seen them in a doner.
Arrived in Falmouth expecting the usual rundown B&B, but no - a stunning 3* hotel awaited, complete with towels, bathrobes and other souvenirs. First day so decided to introduce ourselves to the locals, greeted with a warm ‘Hello, we’re Cockneys’. After sampling the delights of Falmouth, the Cutty Sark, The Quayside Inn, The Bosun’s Locker, The King’s Head, we stumbled upon the Victory. Apparently a new hostelry, this pub seemed to be populated mainly by Danish Graphic Design students, but it had one saving grace - Hoegaarden on tap and at £2-60 a pint. It seemed that one of them has a sister living in Melbourne Grove, but we failed to get her address. Could be handy for crashing after an evening in the Cherry Tree.
Day two started early, if only because the Fish snores like a road-drill. Match day but still time for a bit of sightseeing in Falmouth. First stop - Falmouth Maritime Museum. This was a typical small museum maintained lovingly by a handy band of volunteers. Next stop the local art gallery and then a long trek back across town for a piece of heritage. Atop the port of Falmouth stands Pendennis Castle, built by Henry the Eighth to defend against the French & Spanish. A bit bleak in winter, but fascinating all the same. Shame some of the players didn’t take in the local culture. Maybe they were saving that for the evening after the game.
With kick-off time fast approaching, it was off to the ground. By this time the heavens had opened and it was back to traditional Cornish weather - p*****g it down. Nice bar/social club. All the important things. Historic pictures. Rizlas behind the bar. Old git propping up bar and regaling all incomers with stories of the glory days. Still I found one way to shut him up. By the 17th time I mentioned that the last time I’d been to the ground was to watch George Best play in an exhibition match in the 70’s, none of them would bother you. Falmouth Town’s ground could put a few Ryman League grounds to shame. Rather ramshackle in places it nonetheless possessed standing cover behind both goals and on one side as well as an imposing wooden stand. The less said about the game the better, although a short report follows this. Cornwall played some excellent football in poor conditions. Martin Eede would have done his nut as the smooth playing surface was ripped to shreds. Billy Waite’s mind seemed to be elsewhere as one minute he’d make a brilliant save and then next a complete howler. Mully warmed up for his heavyweight title rematch and Rob seemed to get sucked up in the mud, reappearing on brief occasions with a flash of skill. The game was a cracker to watch and the only blot was the atrocious performance of the ref, which had even the locals shaking their heads in bemusement. Cornwall’s reward for their six-nil victory would be a long road trip to West Yorkshire or Durham. London had only the night-clubs of Falmouth to dive into.
Cornish hospitality extended to post-match. Not curly cheese sarnies, but a full sit-down meal. Two tables had spaces as we bowled up from the bar. One with the referee and his team. Another with a load of Cornwall FA officials. Definitely made the right choice. The old boys were a great laugh. Apparently the Cornwall players run a scam where the officials are fined a pound for various offences such as wearing a white shirt, too loud a tie or whatever they think of at the time. All the money goes into a kitty that pays for a knees-up at the end of the season. Seems Dulwich used to have regular Easter tours in Cornwall years back and one of the old boys had an autograph book with a number of Hamlet players in it. Mishi looked a trifle worried as he scanned the menu - ‘must be some local delicacy, this ROAST CORNED BEEF’. Draw your own conclusions. Time for the usual speeches and by now a sweep was operating. Apparently the Cornish Youth Secretary has a penchant for saying once again. Just time for a quick rabbit with the Cornwall chairman. Small world, but he lives 5 minutes down the road from my mum.
Saturday nights in Falmouth’s a little different from South London. All the pubs close at 11 and the night-clubs at one. Everyone seems so polite, even the bouncers. Strolling into the Prince of Wales pub at the end of the high street, we decided to settle down to listen to a local pub band. Pretty good they were too. Blues and Rock from Blues Busters. Their first number was announced - ‘Going Down’. Shit, they know we’re from Dulwich. The evening continued on a surreal vein. Rose West got thrown out and then spent 15 minutes trying to get back in by way of various backdoors with the landlord, dressed like a seventies' throwback attempted to keep her out. Then some nutter covered in tattoos stripped off his shirt and started table-diving. At closing time it was back to base, not forgetting a quick thank you to the landlord for such an entertaining evening.
Strolled back to the hotel it was time to claim at least one souvenir. An estate agents sign - Miller For Sale, that’ll do nicely. Having wrenched it out of the ground, we were gently strolling on up the hill when a car pulled up alongside us. Oh no, the Plod! The explanation about finding it lying in the street cut no ice and despite protestations, we had to leave our trophy lying on a nearby wall. By the following morning it had gone. Pykey b*****ds!! Back at the hotel still time to console the players as they drifted in. Oh and to have a row with the night porter (the Cornish Big Vern) as to whether Tavistock’s in Devon or Cornwall.
Next day and it was time to say goodbye to Cornwall. Still at least we know the nearest pub to Gordano Services and the coach stopped by the Pyro in Nunhead. Cheers.

PS: Tavistock is in Devon

Wednesday, January 20, 1999

Dulwich Hamlet U-18 0 Vista U-18 6 (London Cup (Semi-Final))

This was a thoroughly disappointing performance from the Under 18’s. Twice drawing against them this season hopes were high for a good result, perhaps a place in the final. But Vista had other ideas and although they slightly shaded it in terms of skill and luck, Dulwich allowed fundamental errors to creep into their game throwing away a gilt edged opportunity to progress. By the end the lack of heart shown by the players made me ashamed.
The game had started brightly enough when Chris Brown was sent through, but a timely tackle ended his run. Chris was one of Dulwich’s more dangerous players in the first half coming close on a number of occasions, but Dulwich had to do the lion’s share of defending. Vista’s goalie saved a Ben Waldegabriel free-kick which he had curled round the wall to the top corner. Chris back-headed a throw into the keeper’s arms and then, shortly afterwards was instrumental in setting up Kevin Ababio, but his shot flew wide.
Vista nearly grabbed the opener on 17 minutes. The ball was chipped across the goal mouth to the far post where it was headed goalwards. Alec James covering, cleared it off the line. Steve Woodgates in goal had to be on his toes to deny Vista. He bravely dived at the onrushing striker’s feet in a one-on-one. Woody could do nothing about Vista’s goal in the 22nd minute. A ball into the box found a Vista striker in space. His shot took an evil deflection off Kevin Veasey, completely wrong-footing Woody. Dulwich went straight back at the opposition from the kick-off. A powerful run from Tony Odoh opened up the defence and the ball was directed to Ben Waldegabriel. The keeper anticipated well and came to claim the ball before Ben could put his mark on it.
28 minutes elapsed and number two for Vista. A fine strike on the run from outside the box beat Woody all ends up. Accordingly to one of the Vista parents, Mr Green-Sweatshirt, the youngster had pleaded to be sub as he reckoned he wasn’t fit. Ha!
The half-time fast approaching, Dulwich applied more pressure. Vista failed to properly clear a corner and it was headed back into the box. It fell to Chris Brown, whose shot from inside the six-yard box was deflected over. From the resultant corner, Chris attempted a bicycle but it went wide of the mark. Vista had time for one more attack. The number 8 set off down the left wing before pulled it back for his striker. A timely tackle from Rob Veasey and any danger was averted. Two down, but at this point you felt that Dulwich could still get back in it. the opening to the second half seemed to confirm this. A neat interchange of passes between Kevin Veasey and Tony Odoh saw the ball find Ben Waldegabriel. He in turn fed Chris Brown. But the defenders held firm and forced him into shooting wide. Chris was then denied by fine saving tackle in the box.
One player on the Vista team is well known to a number of Dulwich supporters. Their number 15, Veli Hakki, plays in the Southern Youth League team. In the first half he had been marked out of the game. Mr Green-Sweatshirt reckoned he should have been substituted - with hindsight so do I. After being caught offside three times in a matter of minutes and seeing Woody save in a one-on-one situation, he claimed Vista’s third goal. Running on to a through ball he beat the offside trap, rounded the keeper and slotted it home. Four minutes later it was four, Hakki again, and in almost identical fashion. A defence splitting pass saw Hakki collect the ball, round the keeper and slot it home from an angle. The Dulwich manager exhorted his charges to show a ‘bit of pride’, but by then they had dug their own graves. Another five minutes gone and Hakki claimed his hat-trick. The offside trap failed miserably again and the Vista player had the easiest of tasks to fire the ball home. Worse was to come with number six. Woody came out attempting to kick clear a hopeful pass behind the defence, but completely missed the ball, giving Vista’s number the simple task of walking it into the net. Dulwich might have gained a consolation late on when Alec James was brought down for a penalty but Rob Veasey’s kick was more reminiscent of Gareth Southgate than Stuart Pearce. The final whistle ended the torment seconds later, the cup dream thoroughly put to the sword. There has to be a certain pride shown when wearing a shirt with all the traditional and history of Dulwich Hamlet FC. There were players out there today who lacked that spirit and you ask yourself why? Could it be that half of them play for Bromley midweek.
Next stop, Beckenham and after a long trek across country, but not quite out of France. I arrived just in time to catch the last few minutes of the Under 15’s game against Kingfisher. These lads played with twice the heart despite starting the game with just nine men and forced to play a forward in goal. They were further reduced in numbers when two players, one understandably aggrieved, considering the nature of the offence, and the other for two bookings. They might have lost the game, but at least they tried. The same could be said of Bill Wyatt’s Under 16’s, gaining a valuable three points despite some eccentric refereeing.