CORINTHIAN CASUALS 0 DULWICH HAMLET 1 (FRIENDLY)

These two former giants of the amateur game met at Tolworth on Tuesday night. In a hard fought match, Casuals came out of it with a lot of credit, especially when you consider that five first team regulars were absent.
Dulwich, despite being a Premier Division side could not, for nearly an hour find a way through some determined Casuals defending, and only won thanks to a penalty.
Casuals started well and could have taken the lead after two minutes, but Mark Webb's low drive was well saved by the Hamlet keeper. Both sides were lively at this stage; Dulwich more creative with the ball while Casuals battled hard and prevented their opponents from threatening.
Iain Waghorn was next to try his luck for Casuals on 21 minutes, but his shot flew well wide. Moments later John Hotchkiss was forced into a reflex save at the other end when he blocked with his feet.
The half continued to be a good battle, but ended goal less. The second half saw Casuals continue to dig in. Eventually Dulwich finally broke through and John Russell-Smith conceded a penalty. Declan Perkins made no mistake with the spot kick on 55 minutes.
As the half continued Dulwich were slowly building up the momentum, but it has to be said that they rarely penetrated the Casuals back line until tiredness crept in with 15 minutes remaining. Even then they failed to add to their lead.

CCFC Players: John Hotchkiss, Dave Roberts, Mark Pope, John Reddin, John Russell-Smith, Bruce Martin, Micky Owen, Mark Webb (Leon Raishbrook), Iain Waghorn, Jamie Goodwin (Jamie White), Simon Sobihy (Chris Watney)

Taken from the Corinthian-Casuals Website

Preview of the Season 2000-2001

On Saturday 19th August, Dulwich start what is potentially one of the most important seasons in their long and illustrious history. With doubts concerning their long-term future while they await news of their planned redevelopment, supporters are looking forward to the 2000-2001 season with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. Add to this the planned realignment of the non-league pyramid that could see the Ryman Isthmian League reduced to level of a feeder league to the Southern League and you can understand the enormity of the task facing Dave Garland’s men over the next 8 months.
In the early part of last season Dulwich were challenging eventual winners Dagenham and Redbridge until the loss of strikeforce Dave Stevens and Dave McEwen to Hayes and Spurs respectively. However, the final position of 10th was not too disappointing. This season a similar position would be equally welcome.
When it comes to winning the league, there is only one team in the frame – Aldershot. Dulwich get an early test against the big spenders from Hampshire when they travel there on 2nd September. Aldershot have invested heavily during the close season, bringing in the likes of Mark Blake from Southampton. With the deadly Grant Payne due to return from surgery to partner Gary Abbott (40 goals last season), the Reds must be one of the shortest priced favourites for the title in years. Champions 2 years ago, then relegated straight back from the Conference last season, Sutton United have suffered the loss of a number of key players and look unlikely to challenge for honours. The main challenges are expected to be Chesham United, Canvey Island and St Albans. Canvey in particular should be noted as their chairman has already made the proud boast that his side would be in the Conference or Division 3 within 2 years. He put his money where his mouth is with the purchase of Dulwich nemesis, Steve Clark from St Albans. Elsewhere Purfleet have always surprised people with high places in recent years, mainly thanks to the goals of George Georgiou.
Farnborough Town, like their Hampshire neighbours, have invested heavily in players but last season their failed to click on the field. Despite their financial clout, I do not see them as a challenge, although a cup or two might head their way.
With Aldershot possibly winning the title at a stroll, the real battle is going to be at the bottom with a number of clubs striving to avoid the trapdoor into Division 1. Carshalton Athletic just missed the drop last season, and with backroom turmoil and the loss of a number of key players, they will find it difficult to escape this time. Homeless Enfield will be playing all their games at Boreham Wood as they search for a new permanent home and that will surely have a strain on resources. Both Gravesend and Northfleet and Harrow look set to struggle this season. Harrow in particular were lucky to escape the drop last year. Add to this Hendon who’ve seen main hitman Paul Whitmarsh move to Welling and you’ll understand the importance of Dulwich taking points off all these potential strugglers. Of the promoted clubs, Grays Athletic, Croydon FC and Maidenhead, none look likely to set the Premier Division alight. Dulwich will certainly relish a chance to gain revenge Croydon who dumped them out of the Ryman League Cup last season, especially in light of the high number of ex-Dulwich players in their line-up, including Eben Allen who bagged 18 goals in the league.
All in all, it promises to be an interesting season and my prediction is a respectable midtable position for the Hamlet. The Cup competitions could bring some relief with the FA Trophy sending Dave Garland’s men deep into the Forest of Dean to meet Cinderford Town on 4th November. I have a feeling though that, despite everything a good run in the FA Cup is due, despite the potential for a hiccup in the 2nd Qualifying Round (Eastbourne Town or Selsey or Reading Town or Lancing away).