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.

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.

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

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.

Dulwich Hamlet Youth 3 Cobham FC Youth 1

Dulwich Hamlet Youth 3 Cobham FC Youth 1

Southern Youth League Cup - 1st Round

Wednesday 2nd December 1998

Ultimate victory was achieved by the Hamlet, mainly due to a late double strike in the final quarter from Steve Shevel, but this was a slightly unsatisfactory result as Dulwich never really moved out of first gear in disposing of a team who had recently occupied top spot in the West Section. How they managed to remain in the game until the final exchanges is a credit to their determination against the odds.
One gentleman in the crowd, later discovered to be one of their players, was of a differing opinion to the majority of the crowd, constantly exhorting Cobham with derisory diatribes directed at the Hamlet. Imagine Richard Watts on speed for the full ninety minutes and you might get close. What was particularly entertaining was the perplexing fact that his observations bore little or no resemblance to the realities on the pitch. More of this gentleman later, but on to the game.
A whitewash looked on the cards when Dulwich scored the opener inside the first minute. Supporters had barely reached their seats when the Hamlet were awarded a free-kick in a central position just outside the box. Rob Hughes and MICHAEL AZZOPARDI shaped behind the ball, perfectly positioned for a strike on target. We were not to be disappointed. Rob ran over the ball and Azza, following through, curled the ball sweetly over the wall and into the top corner, out of the despairing clutches of the visiting custodian.
This early strike should have inspired the Hamlet to run riot, but despite dominating the opening exchanges they could not find a way through to increase their lead. Nana Asante sneaked in front of his marker to fire a shot straight at the keeper and in the ensuring scramble the ball was skewed wide of the target. Michael Babatunde’s powerful were unnerving the opposition and they often felt the need to resort to strong arm tactics to halt the waves of Dulwich attacks.
11 minutes in and another free kick in a dangerous position as a mazy run from Rob Hughes was ended by a crude challenge. Rob took the free-kick himself and it deflected off the wall, forcing the keeper into a full length save to turn the ball past the post.
Dulwich frequently relied on the ‘Relegation Corner’, short one-two’s between Rob and Azza. One such effort save a whipped in cross, which fell tantalisingly wide of the far post.
Nana Asante was having difficulty reacting to the Cobham offside trap and frequently found himself its victim. When he did get away, there was an expectation that he might add to his tally, but good keeping and stout defending denied him.
In the twentieth minute, hesitancy at the back cost Hamlet the lead. Michael Ebanks gave away a free-kick on the edge of the box as he clipped the heels of the Cobham 10. With Dulwich in temporary disarray as they prepared to defend the kick, the ball was laid back to Cobham No 8 who smacked in a low shot, which Billy Waite got his hands to but could not keep out.
A temporary aberration, but one which seemed to dent the confidence of the Hamlet and let Cobham off the hook. One sensed that they might sneak something from this, especially remembering that the game was to be decided on the night, with extra-time and penalties if necessary. Marcus Dussard’s vision from the back is certainly paying dividends and a delightful ball released Michael Azzopardi down the right. His low cross was met by Steve Shevel whose first time effort was blocked for a corner, from which Omari Coleman looped a header over the bar.
There are times when Nana reminds you of Thommo, not for the obvious reasons, but for his determination to battle through defences, often against the odds and possessive of that streak of ‘selfishness’ necessary for a goalscorer, but sometimes frustrating for the spectator. On one occasion he danced through the defence, only to be denied the combined weight of the Cobham rearguard.
With ½ an hour on the clock, a slip at the back let in Cobham. The ball was hoofed forward, where it was heading back into the path of the No 8. His initial shot was marvellously blocked by Billy Waite, only for the No 9 to slot the rebound in the back of the net. The gentleman mentioned earlier was ecstatic at this. Running all the way along the front of the main stand proclaiming his joy, all the time oblivious to the lino’s raised flag and the taunts of other fans. When he returned to his place on the fence, he revealed the reason for the disallowal to the crowd, “you’ve given the linesman 5 of your cigars”. Most entertaining.
In the stoppage time at the end of the half, Steve Shevel nipped in behind the defence to clip the ball just past the post, but it took a well timed saving tackle from Omari to ensure the scores were still level.
The Cobham custodian must have been shaking in his boots when his defence conceded a needless free-kick in Azzopardi territory ten minutes into the second half but this time the ball was too close to him and he held on to it under the bar. Nana swept the ball out to Steve Shevel running into the right-hand pocket and he picked out Nik Wrightson at the back post with a looping cross. Unfortunately Nik could not direct his effort on target. Moments later, he skipped through a series of tackles as he bore down on the box, only to be blocked in the act of shooting.
As the game became more frenetic, challenges became a little more reckless and a number of players incurred the wrath of the referee. One pearl in this period was a sweeping move out of defence that saw Nana laying a sweet ball into the feet of Steve Shevel, whose cross was slightly wayward, falling behind the inrushing Nik Wrightson. He managed to get a touch to it, stretching back, but could only hook it skywards where the keeper claimed. Omari Coleman swept into the box as the back four parted like the Red Sea. Visions of Bromley ensued, but the ball ran from him and the keeper bravely claimed at his feet.
Dulwich seemed to be gaining the upper hand, but a moment of weakness could prove costly. That moment nearly arrived late on. The Cobham No 8 collapsed like a sack of potatoes under a challenge from Michael Ebanks, about a foot shorter and several pounds lighter. With the referee indicating that the ball was to played out so that Larry might receive attention, Dan Mulligan, until now a rock, dithered and the 10 nicked the ball off his feet. Bill blocked the initial effort, but 9 finished off. Guess the result.? Yes, offside again.
Extra time and penalties were beckoning but still Dulwich pushed for a normal time winner. Very considerate these players - they know one must get to the bar before Paul rings the bell. Azza somehow contrived to spoon a shot out of the ground when well place. In hindsight it would have been easier to hit the target. This must have been playing on his mind for a few seconds later a poor pass let in Cobham No 9, but his shot was wild and wide and Dulwich breathed again.
At 9-24, with 6 minutes left came the moment that would break the visitors' hearts and ensure that the Hamlet Cup filleth over with unrestrained joy. A free-kick lifted into a crowd of players in the six-yard box. One head rose above the rest, who's I cannot tell you, to power the ball towards goal. The custodian stopped the effort, but dropped the ball as if it were a hot potato, right at the feet of STEVE SHEVEL He had the simplest of tasks to slot the ball into the back of the net. Led by substitute Derek Pabi, the players all rushed to inform our friend in paragraph two of the score. They were back within the minute.
A classic end-to-end goal. A Cobham corner seemed to be curling inside the far post when Billy Waite clawed out. It was cleared to Derek Pabi, who advanced before sweeping the ball up to Nana in space in the middle of the field. Outside him was STEVE SHEVEL and as the defenders bore down on Nana, he slipped the ball into the path of Steve, who drilled the ball past the keeper.
In the dying minutes of the game, Dulwich had found an extra gear to put paid to the best of the West. Now they must try to do the same for ninety minutes against the K’s. A classic surely awaits.

Team: Billy Waite, Marcus Dussard, Michael Ebanks, Daniel Mulligan, Michael Azzopardi, Omari Coleman, Nik Wrightson (Derek Pabi), Nana Asante, Steve Shevel, Rob Hughes, Michael Babatunde.

Scorers: Michael Azzopardi 1, Steve Shevel 84, 85

Man of the Match: Steve Shevel: A brace and a constant thorn in the side of the opposition

London Youth 4 Essex Youth 3 (FA County Cup)

After the exhilarating atmosphere of the previous day, Champion Hill returned to its usual sedate self as London Youth began their challenge for the FA County Cup. As usual Dulwich were well represented with Billy Waite, Michael Azzopardi, Michael Ebanks and Steve Shevel all in the starting line-up. It was to be no surprise that this contingent was to play a key role in the result with Steve grabbing the opening goal before leaving the field injured and Azza getting a second half brace that provided enough of a cushion to deflect from a late Essex recovery.
London had to endure severe pressure from the Essex lads who seemed to have been on a diet of BabyBio, such was their superior height and body strength. In the opening exchanges Billy Waite was forced to make a smart save from the Essex winger. However after weathering the storm London came back into the game. Steve Griffiths fired wide when he met a cross from Michael Azzopardi. Tommy Tyne had a couple of good chances to open the scoring. First a neat back heel from Steve Shevel let him in, but his shot was poor giving the keeper an easy save. Then he battled through the defence, only to see Rumsey pull off a good save to deny him.
On 22 minutes the deadlock was broken, but not in the desired manner. Defoe, who was to pose problems for London all afternoon, received the ball out on the left. At first there seemed to be no danger, but a glint of space opened up and he curled a glorious effort in the far corner of the net. Billy made a valiant effort to reach it but to no avail.
This was the cue for London to redouble their efforts. Damien Izzard, a rock at the back, produced a neat shimmy on the edge of the box, but a desperate tackle took the weight off his shot and it trickled into the keeper’s hands. Then Tyne flashed a shot wide of the upright.
The Dulwich connection came into play to grab the equaliser in textbook fashion. Michael Azzopardi found space to run down the right wing and whipped in a teasing cross. There on the end was STEVE SHEVEL with a smart flick of the head to divert the ball past the keeper.
Unfortunately Steve was later injured and had to leave the field eight minutes before the break, but not before he had been influential in a number of opportunities. Essex man Machin might have given London the advantage when he sliced a low hard Azzopardi cross goalwards, but a defender was there to clear off the line. London realised the panic Azzopardi’s crosses were causing and he swiftly became the pivot point through which attacks emanated. One was cleared as far as Griffiths who laid it into the path of Tyne, but his shot cannoned off the foot of a post.
Billy Waite was having a quiet period but he was on his toes to hold on to along range from Glasham. At the other end Ellis Kodra hit a screamer from out near the touchline that only just failed to find its intended target. London survived a couple of scares before half time. Defoe was left unmarked on the edge on the box. The ball was laid out to him, with only Billy between him and the sticks. He produced a delightful chip, which Billy could only watch as it loped over him, only to come back off the bar. Pudney (not Fred) arrived to the ball first but could only head the ball wide. On the stroke of half-time, Defoe whipped in a low ball, which ricocheted wildly off Izzard but Palmer missed the chance at the far post.
After the delight of the first 45 the second half started sluggishly. It took eight minutes before any action of real note. However it was a move that was to give London the lead for the first time in the match. A quick release from Billy Waite saw London sweep upfield and TOMMY TYNE ran through a statue-like defence on to the ball. Strangely no-one attempted to relieve him of possession and he advanced on the keeper before calmly slotting it away.
London might have given themselves a comfortable cushion 12 minutes in when Griffiths chested the ball down in the box, before getting to the by-line and dragging the ball back across goal. No-one on the end however to slot it away. London retained possession and Michael Azzopardi attempted a long-range effort that slipped past the post.
London paid for their profligacy when on 65 minutes Essex pulled level in the simplest of fashions. Palmer got on the end of a ball behind the defence and calmly flicked the ball past Billy for the equaliser.
One sensed that from here Essex might go on to take the game and fears were nearly confirmed when Shaw unleashed a thunderous shot from outside the box. It seemed to be heading for the top corner, but Billy Waite leapt like a salmon to palm the ball past the upright. This proved crucial as London recovered their composure and went looking for the winner that would prevent a return trip to Essex. Portents of what was to follow came when Marcus Perona had a good strike well held.
Around the half-hour mark came the goals that were to make the result safe(ish). Two in a minute from MICHAEL AZZOPARDI and London could relax. First Griffiths laid the ball into his path on the edge of the box and, with a neat side-step, swift acceleration and a scorching shot past the bamboozled keeper, he gave London a 3-2 lead. Then just 2 minutes a neat finish to a left wing cross as he met the ball first time, almost passing the ball into the net.
Still there was time for a few jitters and yes a Dulwich player was involved. With about 4 minutes left on Mr Tyler’s Timex, Michael Ebanks, a solid game up until now, rashly dived in on substitute Karyling just inside the box. The rotund grey haired official had no hesitation in awarding the spot-kick and Shaw steeped up to crash an unstoppable effort past our Billy. Essex sensed that the game was still there for the taking and as stoppage time ticked away, they might have drawn level. A minute in and Krayling headed a flicked on corner over the crossbar. Then in the dying embers of the contest, the ball was swept out of defence to Hodges who laid it into the path of Palmer. He moved menacingly into the box, but his progress was to be summarised halted by a combination of keeper and defenders. There was barely a moment to draw breath before the final whistle blew and the next round beckoned.
A short footnote to the players. Last season this competition involved a trip to CORNWALL. The match was playing in a raging gale, the roof blew off the coach, which one player apparently missed having sampled the local talent, and London lost. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Team: Billy Waite (Dulwich Hamlet), Michael Azzopardi (Dulwich Hamlet), Ellis Kodra (Crown & Manor), Damien Izzard (Bromley), Michael Ebanks (Dulwich Hamlet), Martin Driscoll (Slade Green), Steve Shevel (Dulwich Hamlet), Ben Porter (Enfield), Tommy Tyne (Slade Green), Steve Griffiths (??), Marcus Perona (Catford Wanderers)
Subs: Jamie Clements (Brimsdown), Lyndon Tucker (Faversham Town), Steve Hockley (Cheshunt), Leroy Johns (Enfield)

Goals:
London YFA: Steve Shevel 25, Tommy Tyne 53, Michael Azzopardi 72, 74
Essex YFA: Defoe 19, Palmer 65, Shaw (pen) 85

Reaching the parts Cerys cannot reach

“Adran tai a gwarchody cyhoedd, bydd y sawl a benodir yn meddu ar gymwyter!!!!!!!!!!!” The stream of invective which spewed down the phone line in this unintelligible tongue obviously meant that I had started off on the wrong foot in my quest to discover the grass roots of the burgeoning Welsh rock scene. I later discovered that my opening mistake was to ringing from the wrong side of Offa’s Dike. Whilst Catatonia, Manic Street Preachers and their ilk might be sweeping all before them in a new Celtic invasion of the ‘English’ charts, there remains a hard core of Welsh rockers who refuse to succumb to the desire to be successful in an alien country, namely England. Newport, the so-called ‘New Seattle’ is regarded as an anathema, being so close to the border that even its football team plays in a foreign country’s league.
Only after I had convinced her of my Celtic (Cornish) roots, would Ffyon ap Gryffud deign to grant me an audience. Ffyon is lead singer with the fiercely nationalist indie band, Canolfan y Dechnoleg Cymru, who have gained a loyal following in the pubs and clubs of North Wales. Their latest single, loosely translated as ‘Charlie, If You’re Prince Of Wales, Why Does Camilla Look Like A Horse?’, is played almost hourly on both Welsh Language stations and even MacDonald’s is considering using it for its latest advert aimed to the Welsh market.
So it was that I found myself with a very rare invite to the next gig, a true privilege indeed as fans have to produce a birth certificate before they’re allowed in. Llandridnod Wells was the venue for the gig, highlighting another of the band’s nationalist quirks - they will refuse to play any town with an anglicised name. Two L’s good, one L bad. The bouncers on the door brought a whole new meaning to the word thorough as all things English were confiscated. Fortunately, my Japanese tape recorder got through after I pointed out that it had almost certainly been lovingly crafted by fair Welsh maids in Caernarfon.
Once inside the hassle became worth it. After a mediocre warm up set from some obscure Welsh poet who nearly drowned the crowd, producing enough phlegm to put Sid Vicious in his prime to shame, the band bounded on stage to tumultuous applause and Celtic battlecries, proclaiming death to all English invaders. I was nervous, daring not to open my mouth.
The band’s set was reasonable, about what one might expect from an above-average pub band, the punters seemed delighted. All their favourites were played from the debut single, ‘Please Release Me, Let Me Go (You English Bastard!)’ through their attempt to cash in with the overtly commercial ‘All I Want For Christmas is Independence and every English Bastard out of My Country’ and their double figure selling charity effort, ‘Save The Whales, Harpoon an Englishman’. Canolfan y Dechnoleg Cymru have even gone as far as to join the trend for football songs with, ‘Who Wants To Go To The World Cup, Anyway?’. The gig culminated in spectacular fashion with a replica holiday cottage being ritually burnt and Dai Yucont, lead guitarist, apparently buggering a sheep wearing an England football shirt.
Afterwards I asked the band about their stance on all things Welsh. Lead singer Ffyon, the self-proclaimed mouthpiece of the Welsh underground rock movement said she spoke for many Welsh music fans in feeling that the English appropriation of their music had been detrimental to Wales.
‘Many youngsters start off playing the local clubs, but as soon as they’re discovered they’re pissing off over the border in their flash limousines, eating caviar, playing to packed stadia and selling records by the truckload. We’re not like that, we recognise where ours roots lie and who the true fans are. We’ll never sell out - I mean bands like Catatonia might wave the flag but, for JPR Williams’ sake, they sing in ENGLISH, play gigs outside Wales and even let non-Celts through the doors. They’re not Welsh anymore, then again they are from South Wales and that lot have being trying to pretend they’re English for years. It’s like Sting sticking on boot polish and thinking he can sing soul. It ain’t on.
‘We can’t do that to this loyal bunch’ the other band members intoned in agreement before the call of ‘Last Orders’ sent them scurrying off to the bar, scattering the last few remaining mad geriatrics, decidedly dogdy looking yokels and students that seemed to comprise the crowd.
At this point, I decided to take my leave. Thanking my hosts for their hospitality, I turned and waved ‘Cheerio’ to the throng. Suddenly, every eye turned towards me and I realised my cock-up. Hopefully the pigeon gets this article to Eclectic Towers by publishing deadline, all roads back to civilisation are being watched and I’m not coming down from this tree until they’ve forgotten about me. That image of the sheep has got me very worried.

Norm The Celtic Rabbi

READ THIS MESSAGE AND PASS IT ON . . . .

A man takes the day off work and decides to go out golfing. He is on the second hole when he notices a frog sitting next to the green. He thinks nothing of it and is about to shoot when he hears, "Ribbit. 9 Iron." The man looks around and doesn't see anyone. "Ribbit. 9 Iron." He looks at the frog and decides to prove the frog wrong, puts his other club away, and grabs a 9 iron. Boom! he hits it 10 inches from the cup.

He is shocked. He says to the frog, "Wow that's amazing. You must be a lucky frog, eh?" The frog reply's "Ribbit. Lucky frog."

The man decides to take the frog with him to the next hole. "What do you think frog?" the man asks. "Ribbit. 3 wood." The guy takes out a 3 wood and Boom! Hole in one. The man is befuddled and doesn't know what to say. By the end of the day, the man golfed the best game of golf in his life and asks the frog, "OK where to next?" The frog replied, "Ribbit. Las Vegas."

They go to Las Vegas and the guy says, "OK frog, now what?" The frog says, "Ribbit Roulette." Upon approaching the roulette table, the man asks, “What do you think I should bet?" The frog replies, "Ribbit. $3000,black 6." Now, this is a million-to-one shot to win, but after the golf game, the man figures what the heck. Boom! Tons of cash comes sliding back across the table.

The man takes his winnings and buys the best room in the hotel. He sits the frog down and says, "Frog, I don't know how to repay you. You've won me all this money and I am forever grateful."

The frog replies, "Ribbit, Kiss Me." He figures why not, since after all the frog did for him he deserves it.

With a kiss, the frog turns into a gorgeous 15-year-old girl.

And that, your honour, is how the girl ended up in my room.

Chesham Supporters 3 Dulwich Supporters 4

Trailing to an early Rickerby own goal, Dulwich fought level thanks to a Tom Whitton header. Rickerby then made amends for his earlier mistake, firing home from outside the box. Chesham equalised when the defence allowed a free header from a corner and fell behind early in the second half, after errors at the back. Lawrence Marsh capitalised on defensive hesitation to slam in an equaliser, before Tom Whitton hooked home another magnificent Jack McInroy corner. In the last minute, Chesham made desperate appeals for a penalty as Paul Griffin made a late saving tackle, but they fell on deaf ears.

Team: Matt Hammond, Paul Griffin, Roger Deason, Dave Blythe, Steve Rickerby, Ian Wright, Jack McInroy, Larry Marsh, Tom Whitton, Ben Miller, McGeown, Mishi Morath

Dulwich Supporters ‘B’ 8 Hitchin Supporters ‘B’ 2

The ‘B’ team made it a double day of celebration for the Supporters as they cruised to victory over a young Hitchin side. Peter Panayi led the way with FOUR goals and it could have been twice that if he hadn’t insisted on trying to dribble round the entire Hitchin defence twice before slotting the ball home. Mario Panayi weighed in with a goal, but it was his rock solid performance at the back which ensured Paul Griffin in goal had little to do in goal, apart from a fine save in the first half. Dulwich’s other goals came from Marcus Dyal, the first a fine strike from outside the box, and Ben Miller, surely a star of the future, nodding home from close range after Peter’s shot had been saved. Hopefully this will be the first of many goals in Hamlet colours.

Team: Paul Griffin, Steve Bennett, Ron Searle, Steve Rickerby, Ben Miller, Bill Andrews, Lawrence Marsh, Edgar Kail, Marcus Dyal, Mario Panayi, Peter Panayi

Dulwich Supporters ‘A’ 6 Hitchin Supporters ‘A’ 1

Dulwich cruised to a convincing victory over their Hertfordshire rivals. Danny King led the way with two goals, ably abetted by strikes from his brother Andy, Dean Branson, Jamie Wyatt and Nick Quilter. The supporters took the lead in the first half when Jamie smashed home the ball following a 1-2 with Dean on the edge of the box. The lead was doubled before half-time as Andy King fired home a 35 yard screamer. In the second half the opposition were comprehensively finished off. First Danny finished off a loose ball as Hitchin failed to clear their lines, then he lobbed the keeper from the edge of the box for number four. Nick got his name on the scoresheet as he steamed in to smash the ball from the edge of the box, following a neat interchange of between Dean and Mark Eldridge on the right. Substitute Lawrence Marsh was unlucky not to find the net when, after a storming run down the wing, his lob over the keeper’s despairing grasp came back of the crossbar. Fortunately Dean was on hand to knock it home. Hitchin gained a late consolation when Dulwich failed to clear a corner, but the result means the Canary Cup must remain in SE22.

Team: Matt Hammond, Danny King, Andy King, Dean Branson, Jack McInroy, Mark Eldridge, Ian Wright, Steve Rickerby, Steve Bennett, Russell Levy, Lawrence Marsh, Jamie Wyatt, Nick Quilter.

Dulwich Fans Mourn The Passing of Paul Hobdell

Time has been called early on the Hamlet’s favourite barman. The demise of Paul ‘Slob-A-Dob’ Hobdell, which somewhat expected, still came as a shock to his many regulars. The announcement was made to a stunned Rabble contingent, who marked with occasion by observing a short silence between two bells rung in quick succession. ‘Slob-A-Dob’, as he was affectionately known by all those who crossed his path and lived to tell the tale, was a loyal servant to the Hamlet in many capacities for a number of years. His role as ‘Miserable Fat Bastard Behind The Bar’ was one of his most enduring and his memory will last for many years, especially those who have tried to get a drink after eight o’clock on a match-day. His was the uncanny knack of spotting the danger of a large influx into the bar, at which point he could have the till cashed up, lights out and the area cleared within seconds. If he had been in charge at Hillsborough, the Liverpool fans would have been out before they realised that they were dead.
His was always a totally selfless role within the club and he thought nothing of helping the Isthmian League out of its regular financial straits. His ability to lose letters and forgetting to pay fines, ensuring that League officials would not go without, without a Caribbean holiday, without a new car.
His jovial wit will long remain with those on the other side of the bar. Wildean comments such as ‘I’m not serving you, the bell rang ages ago’ and ‘@?!& off, if you didn’t hear it that’s your problem not mine’ will surely be noting in the Oxford Book of Quotations in future years. Older fans and possibly committee members will be grateful for his ability to devise some of the most unusual cocktails to be served at Champion Hill.
His willingness to help the club in all its forms knew no bounds. At one point he even underwent a sex-change to play for Dulwich Hamlet Ladies in their crunch local derby with Forest Hill. He/She scored but was unable to prevent a 3-2 defeat.
Our thoughts and commiserations go out to all who knew Paul Hobdell, especially those he leaves behind (at the bar still waiting to be served).

Dulwich Hamlet 1 Charlton Athletic XI 1

Dulwich Hamlet 1 Charlton Athletic XI 1
Pre-Season Challenge Match
Saturday 26th July 1997

A 57th minute goal from striker Simon Liddle gave Hamlet a deserved lead in their morning match against Charlton Athletic last Saturday, but they couldn’t quite hold out to register their first win of the pre-season campaign. With jut five minutes left on the clock the Addicks’ Kevin Lisbie pulled the scores level with a close range effort, despite a superb from substitute goalkeeper Mark Bowen. The Dulwich joint management team of John Ryan and Mick Browne could be well satisfied with their squad’s performance at Champion Hill which at last saw them grab a goal after half-a-dozen matches of trying.
Hamlet aim to put that right and were still without new signing Steve Restarick – the marksman who was planned to partner Paul Whitmarsh up front come the start of the competitive season, until he required a groin operation in the close season which will rule him out until late August at least. In the new boy’s stead Johnson Hippolyte was played alongside Whitmarsh and, although he gave the Charlton back four some problems, when the time came to polish off the opportunities his finishing was poor to say the least.
Luke Anderson gave notice of intent early on with a crunching tackle on young full back Paul Konchesky that put a premature end to the full back’s participation and spent the afternoon putting in the sort of tackles that might make the more sensitive soul wince. At one stage he was taken off – conspirators might say to preserve the Charlton boys from more injury! However he was back in the fray later on and was unfortunate not to notch up a goal following a skilful Hamlet move.
It was in defence where Dulwich looked the most impressive with Simon Connell giving one of best performances to date in a Hamlet shirt whilst his poised partner, the dependable Dave Stephenson, followed on from his solid showing in the previous games against Fulham. Between the sticks Kevin Robbins took the gloves for the opening 45 minutes and though he spilled a long-range speculative effort in the early exchanges, causing a large intake of breath from the Hamlet faithful, he was rarely bothered as he dealt comfortably with the little that his unyielding rearguard allowed through. Second half and the gloves passed to New Zealander Mark Bowen, and with Charlton more determined to break the resistance of troublesome Hamlet, the shots rained in thick and fast only for Bowen to pull save after save out of the top drawer, for though Charlton had taken the bulk of the first team across the Irish Sea for a tour of Erin, those that donned the Valiant’s shirt this day seemed determined to show the management they did not deserve to left at home. Indeed the squad brought to Champion Hill by Keith Peacock boosted a host of names that will expect to be challenging of a place in the Charlton first team once the action starts in earnest including striker Keith Jones, Kevin Lisbie and Paul Emblen and a number of youngsters who may yet higher heights including the aforementioned Konchesky, Scott Parker and Jason Tindall. One or two though seemed in a huff to left at home and played as if disinterested. However that should not detract from Dulwich’s performance as they matched the Addicks in most if not all departments with only Brendan O’Connell rising above the performance of the hosts.
It might have been so different had Charlton’s Jones not seen his lopping header crash back off the crossbar early on the first half, an early goal perhaps galvanising the visitors. However the ever dependable Lee Akers matched that as his pace did for the offside trap but focused goalkeeping from Nathan Freeman shuffled the Hamlet’s every own jack-of-all-trades wide and though his strike beat the young custodian, the tight angle saw it nestle in the side netting.
The usual half-time pack-shuffling seemed to disrupt the Hamlet and they found themselves indebted to replacement number one Bowen as he flung himself full length to fingertip away a screaming long range effort.
As the hour mark approached barren, Liddle turned on the magic with a goal to grace any game. Hippolyte incisive intelligent pass picked out his fellow hetman, Liddle taking on Charlton centre-half Rob Raven, twisting him first right then left leaving him leaden-footed as he let rip with a thunderous left footer from the edge of the area that gave Freeman between the sticks nary a ghost of chance as the net bulged behind him.
The goal at last forced Charlton’s sulky adolescents to rise from their torpor but between them and an equaliser they found a gatekeeper as ferocious as Cerberus and as determined not to be passed, Bowen repelled attack after attack, battering away a succession of free kicks including one wicked deflection that he somehow got across to block with a knee. However all those heroics were all in vain as Charlton’s gained reward for their siege of the Dulwich goal as, in the 85th minute, Emblen powered to the goal line, lashing a low cross into the heart of the six yard box where Lisbie was waiting to dispatch the ball with clinical accuracy low and hard past the crestfallen Bowen.

Team:
Kevin Robbins (Mark Bowen); Lee Akers (Otis Hutchings); Micky Rootes; Dave Stephenson; Russell Edwards; Michael Johnson (Martin Ferney); Dave Bourne (Steve McKimm); Paul Whitmarsh (Simon Liddell); Johnson Hippolyte (Mark McAllister); Luke Anderson; Simon Connell

Attendance: 341
Referee: Mr J W Pettitt (Welling, Kent)