Horsham FC 2 Dulwich Hamlet 0

Horsham FC 2 Dulwich Hamlet 0
Saturday 1st September 2001
AXA FA Cup Preliminary Round

Dreams of Cup glory were dashed as Dulwich found themselves dumped out of the FA Cup by lower division opposition in the shape of Division 2 side, Horsham FC. Hamlet’s nemesis was former striker Marcel Dennis who created the first goal and scored the second as Gwynne Berry’s side were outclassed in almost every department, with few players gaining any credit.
Perhaps the very first move of the game should have given an indication to the travelling fans of the afternoon ahead, Luke Edgehill’s dribble taking him into the penalty box but when the opportunity came to set up Joel Rogers the pass was woeful and was easily mopped up by a relieved defence.
The bulk of the early chances fell to the home side and Dennis capitalised on an error at the back to lob keeper James Mercer only to see the ball bounce inches wide.
Three minutes later a towering header at a corner from Sheldon Brown forced a good save out of Ian Chatfield in the home goal, but it was to be a rare oasis in a first half desert.
Dulwich failed to heed the earlier warnings and as the Hornets attacked down the famous Queen Street slope. Dennis scythed through the defence, although several Dulwich players should hang their heads for failure to produce a tackle of note, and pulled the ball back across goal to set up Gary Charman to knock the ball past a cruelly exposed Mercer. Two minutes later Mercer’s heroics prevented the Hamlet going further behind he twice denied Horsham, blocking a header from the unmarked Dennis then somehow turning over a close range drive from Charman.
Just after the half-hour a mistake by Rob French allowed Horsham to double their lead, the Dulwich midfielder losing possession and letting Charman gallop away to return the favour for Dennis to find the back of the net.
Two goals to the bad, Berry threw caution to the wind, replacing himself with attacker Landry Zahana-Oni just before the break, then removing the unimpressive Ryan Pacey at the break for Mark Coyle. The second half brought some improvement, an intricate passing move ending with a tempting cross from Coyle but French’s header was off target. Luke Edgehill too missed a good chance, but again Mercer came to the Hamlet’s rescue tipping over an effort from Steve Payne.
Zahana-Oni twice came close to giving Dulwich a lifeline, screwing a shot horribly wide when put through then seeing a header from a corner hooked off the line by Luke Gedling. The rebound fell to Brown but he could not get a header on target. A minute later Brown again went close with a stinking volley from a corner but again it was wide of the mark.
As time ticked away, Dulwich looked beaten and Horsham unlined their superiority with further chances to add to the humiliation, Jason Lillis heading wide, Steve Flain first time drive striking the base of the post and Mercer pulling another fine save out of the hat to deny James Bird at the death.

Team: James Mercer; Oliver Hunt; Sheldon Brown; Gwynne Berry (12: Landry Zahana-Oni 43); Nick Leach; Rob French; Julian Old; Ryan Pacey (16: Mark Coyle 46); Joel Rogers; Luke Edghill; Ryan Gray (15: Danny Ward 81)

Subs not used: 14: Al-James Hannigan; GK: Andy Harris

FA Youth Cup:- The story so far....

It is well known that our recent history in the FA Cup can only be described as abysmal. For a team consistently in the higher levels of non-league football it is a baffling 50 years since we last reached the first round proper! Next year we celebrate, if that is the right word, the Golden Anniversary of that last venture in the competition proper. On top of this we also hold the record for first round appearances by a non-league club who have never gone further, an unlucky 13. It is only in recent years that we have entered the Youth Cup, however our performances in the last six seasons have established us as one of the leading non-league clubs in the country at youth level.

Our first appearance in the First Round Proper came back in 1987/1988 when we crashed out in a 2nd round replay, 6-0 losers on the infamous artificial pitch at Loftus Road. The pitch was very icy and we were 3-0 down within 15 minutes as we struggled to find our feet. By 1992/1993 we were back down in the Extra Preliminary Round. From this inauspicious starting position Gary Todd’s youth team enjoyed an incredible run that was only ended by the full time professionals of Reading 1-2 in a replay after a 2-2 draw at Elm Park. A match we were perhaps unlucky only to draw. Even so no non-league team went further that season.

By 1993/1994 Gary Todd had moved on to concentrate on the Reserve team leaving as his legacy an exemption until the first round proper. Micky Read emulated his predecessor during his first season in charge, again we reached the second round, again no non-league team went further. We struggled to overcome East Thurrock in the first round, another team who had gone all the way from the Extra Preliminary Round. After a 2-2 draw at Champion Hill they were defeated 4-2 away. The draw however was not kind to us and we had to face Crystal Palace at Champion Hill, not a novel experience for a Southern Youth League side. There could be no complaints at the outcome this time however, a comprehensive defeat, 5-0 the final score. The important thing was that the exemption survived for another season.

1994/1995 saw many of the regular supporters suggesting that we had one of the weaker youth teams of recent seasons. Given their second place in the league and FA Youth Cup run it would appear that the team had the last laugh. We were again exempt to the First Round, where we easily defeated Allied Counties Youth League side Feltham & Hounslow, 4-1. In a physical match we were by far the better side and won through with goals from Denver Birmingham, John Phillips, Richard Galloway and Eddie Appiah.

The Second Round draw was not what we wanted, Welling at home. They came to Champion Hill unbeaten, and would go on to win the Southern Youth League. Welling run a full time Youth set up at a reputed cost of £25,000 p.a. They reaped the benefit when one of the team who played in this match joined Birmingham City for £100,000. Many of the team they fielded were already playing in the GMVC. John Phillips gave us the lead in the first half, only for Welling to grab a late equaliser from the penalty spot. It was a match we deserved to win, only fine goalkeeping and resolute defending had denied us victory. Our best chance of victory had gone.

The replay at Welling saw us play appallingly in the first half. Welling, aided by a gale and the slope, took a deserved lead and only some fine goalkeeping by Wayne Austin prevented a rout. Come the second half however the picture was reversed with only some fine goalkeeping denying us. It had all the makings of 'one of those days' as the ball resolutely went everywhere but the back of the net. In the dying seconds a cross was fired at Steve Lewington, he allowed to ball to run past him before dragging it back, wrong footing his marker, before gleefully firing home into the roof of the net. From that moment there was only going to be one winner, Despite being professionals Welling had no obvious fitness advantage on a heavy pitch, goals from Tony Chin and Rodney MacLean settled the matter. It was a fine game, one of the most enjoyable moments of the whole season, an achievement to be proud of.

That took us into the Third Round for the first time ever. A home draw to Fulham was our reward. Sadly it was a real let down. Our players seemed a bit over-awed by the occasion and lost 2-0. To add to the misery John Phillips broke his leg. Fulham were not that good a side, we could have won. As it was it proved not to matter, Fulham found they had played a suspended player and we were reinstated.

It was not the most satisfying method of reaching the 4th Round but we weren't complaining. Dulwich Hamlet stood proudly in the last 16 of the FA Youth Cup with the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. This was a fact that did not go unnoticed by the national press. We got another home draw, this time Bristol City provided the opposition. Sadly we again seemed a touch over awed and were three down before we began to settle. A brave fight back left Bristol hanging on for the final whistle, but it wasn't quite enough and we lost 2-3. To put this achievement into perspective we were the first non league team to go so far since 1978, and one of only a handful to do so in the competition's history. For the third consecutive year we were the last non league team to be knocked out of the competition.

The last two seasons have not seem the same level of success with the Youths falling at the first hurdle on each occasion. In 1995/1996 we drawn at home to Exeter City and following a 0-0 draw at Champion Hill, the team eventually made the long journey to Devon on a wet Wednesday in late November. The result a 2-3 reverse was not what the doctor ordered but the Devonians’ hospitality will remain in Dulwich legends for many years to come. Dulwich goalscorers that night were Steve Wiszk and Keith Henry.

The following season we also up against league opposition in the shape of Reading who had ended our hopes in 1992. This time too the dream died early but the Hamlet team can be proud of themselves though, they were in no way outclassed by their professional counterparts. The match started badly when diabolical defending left Reading's Neville Roach totally unmarked on the penalty spot. Richard Curtis broke down the left wing and put over an accurate cross leaving Roach with the simple task of putting the ball into the net. To their credit Dulwich did not fold up after this goal and bounced back effectively. Whilst Reading always looked the more likely to score you would be hard pushed to say that they were a better team than Dulwich. The game was fairly equal but with Reading always more dangerous. Roach scored his second on 58 minutes, again it was a poor goal. The Hamlet defence wasted copious opportunities to clear the ball, allowing him to fire home from the edge of the area. A consolation goal was secured after 78 minutes with Eddie Duah jumping well to head home Marlon King’s cross. Dulwich were unable to work any more real opportunities, indeed the best chances went to Reading who were guilty of one very bad miss.

In the 1997/1998 season Welling ended hopes early when a two goal lead was surrendered in the first match at Park View Road, albeit deep in injury time. In the replay Dulwich did everything but score and an unfortunate handball by Caleb Kamara-Taylor on the stroke of half-time led to the only goal, from the penalty spot.

Dulwich’s most recent appearance in the competition saw them exempted to the 2nd Qualifying Round where they had the dubious pleasure of a protracted journey into deeepest Oxfordshire to take on their counterparts from North Leigh. In the scenic surroundings, the two sides could not be separated, a cracker from Clement Ogbonnaya being canceeled four minutes into the second half. This being the days before extra-time and penalties a replay at Champion Hill was called for and despite being under the cosh for a lot of the game, Nana Asante’s goal was emough to win the game. In the following round they found themselves paired with Eastleigh from Hampshire and this time the boot was on the other foot, as Dulwich failed to convert pressure into goals, going out 2-1.

The last two years have been devoid of action in this competition but at last the Hamlet are back and determined to emulate the glories of their predecessors. Previous teams have established a fine tradition in this competition, but it will not be easy for this team to equal the achievements of their predecessors. What we have proven is that there is no reason for us to be scared of anyone at this level.

Whyteleafe Youth Team 1 Dulwich Hamlet Youth Team 2

Whyteleafe Youth Team 1 Dulwich Hamlet Youth Team 2
Southern Youth League Central Division
Wednesday 23rd August 2001

The Youth Team succeeded where the first team had failed when they recorded their eight league wins in succession over their counterparts from Whyteleafe, but in the end it was a close thing. Despite having the bulk of the play the Hamlet failed to break down the steely determination of the home team, who have frequently proved whipping boys at this level.
A storming run from John Kasapi after ten minutes tore a gapping hole in the home defence but as nicked the ball past the goalkeeper, a surreptitious hand sent him tumbling to the ground. However to the disbelief of the Hamlet, the referee turned the penalty appeals down. Presumably, this decision was still playing on his mind as he lurched towards the touchline a few minutes, appearing to throw up over the fence. Despite the attentions of the physios it was obvious he was in no fit state to continue and the whistle was gratefully commandeered by his younger assistant, who proved to be a nit-picker of the highest order going on to book three Dulwich players for trivial offences.
At least the football was worth watching if even the gentleman who thought himself the centre of attention was not. A quick freekick saw Lee Olney get in behind the defence, but Andrew Telling in the home goal displayed good awareness, sprinting off his line to intercept the ball as Lee slid in.
At the other end Chris Arnold found himself tested when a freekick caused consternation in the box, and was only partially cleared. Michael Thomas collected the ball outside the box and evaded a couple of challenges fired in a powerful shot but straight at the keeper.
Despite a lack of height, the Dulwich attackers frequently outjumped their lofty markers as Dulwich utilised the space on the wings to good effect. However Telling was to prove a tough adversary between the sticks, ruling his penalty area with a rod of iron. His anticipation robbed Kasapi as he arrived to meet a Lee Scott cross, plucking the ball off his head.
A delightful piece of skill from Craig Phelps, leaving his marker for dead set up Frankie Hart to chip in a sweet cross for Scott, but his header though accurate lacking the power to challenge Telling.
All Dulwich but still 0-0. How could this be as the Leafe goal came under constant bombardment? A never say die attitude say Kasapi win the ball in midfield and set up Hart for an intelligent through that saw Scott bear down on goal and unleash low drive that fizzed across the goal but just missed the target. Within a minute Dulwich had twice threatened again, Phelps with a 20 yard curler that the keeper claimed under the crossbar and Olney with a piledriver from the edge of the box that was always rising as it cleared the bar.
A rare threat from Whyteleafe as Leigh Dounce pounced on the ball outside the box, swept past Kasapi and produced a powerful shot that would have sorely tested Arnold had it been on target.
Matt Penny had been having his usual steady game in defence, but to surprise of onlookers and team-mates alike, embarked on a mazy run that had one in mind of Ryan Giggs as he weaved his way through tackle after tackle. A goal seemed likely as he steamed into the box, but to groans all round he just lost control at the vital moment and the ball ran over the line. His frustration was obvious.
With the 45 minutes almost up at last came the breakthrough the Hamlet deserved. Skipper Alfie Bonsu found himself with a bit of space to work with in the middle of the park and he released FRANKIE HART, the striker leaving his markers in his wake as he chased the through ball. Out came Telling to block, but he arrived too late as Hart smashed a powerful drive in via the underside of the crossbar.
However that lead was very nearly thrown away in stoppage time, when a Dulwich boot almost deflected a Whyteleafe freekick over the head of Arnold, the keeper looking mighty relieved as it dropped on the roof of his net.
The good work continued into the second half with Dulwich playing some neat football but with only a Scott header straight at the keeper to show for it. Olney, who’d run his socks off all evening, was replaced by Emiljano Dushku and his first contribution was a sweeping cross that was missed in the box, but met by Bonsu at the back post with a neat volley just wide.
A timely tackle robbed Dushku of another chance five minutes later and from the corner Scott’s cross was a whisker away from being met by Ossie Bayram's head. Hart’s persistence in chasing a ball into the corner almost paid off as he laid it back for Scott to deliver a low ball into the box where it was met by Dushku with a drilled shot from 6 yards that was off the mark by a couple of feet.
Suddenly the pendulum swung violently in the favour of the hosts as they became aware of the encroaching final whistle. Now Dulwich were under the cosh and not enjoying it. A steaming shot from Elliott Favell almost embarrassed Arnold as it threatened to squirm through his legs. Bonsu talked himself into a booking, and then Favell again made Arnold earn his corn with smart save from close range. A minute later and an absolute stunner of a goal brought the hosts back on level terms. Lance Birkett was given too much space in the middle of the park, but then you could not legislate for what was to happen next, Birkett taking a Leafe out of Dutchman van Bobbel’s book with a steaming 25 yard drive that screamed into the roof of Arnold’s net despite the best favours of the Dulwich custodian to reach it.
With 15 minutes left on the clock came an interesting throw of the dice as manager John Kasapi replaced his goalkeeper with Dan Black and pulled off Perry Holland and replaced with Mohammed Ismail. The final act of this evening’s drama was about to unfold on the stage of Church Road. The first of our Personae Dramatis would be custodian Black. Five minutes from his entrance upon the scene, he pulled off a stunning save at full stretch to turn Favell’s full-blooded drive over the bar. A corner a minute later saw him extend his repertoire pushing Michael Thomas back post header over the bar. Favell was again to be frustrated when Black was well positioned to clutch his freekick.
Every great drama should have a melodramatic ending and tonight was to be no exception. A swift breakout of defence, with defenders back pedalling Bonsu powered down the middle, finding Kasapi in the centre circle. A man short in defence as their left back writhed on the floor, a victim of cramp, Whyteleafe found themselves exposed at the back, Kasapi’s pass finding an unmarked Hart overlapping on the right. Hitman Hart wasted no time unleashing a rasping drive that, although the keeper got his hands to, could not keep out. Elation abounded, Dulwich players celebrating as the crestfallen Whyteleafe players protested that play should have been stopped for treatment to their cramp-stricken colleague. For a moment the horror that the goal might be chalked off but no, it stood. Still the Hamlet had to endure an agonising 6 minutes of stoppage time but they negotiated them with out too much of a scare to record a miraculous escape.

Teams:
Whyteleafe: Andrew Telling; Ashley McDonald; Liam Burton; Lance Birkett; Leigh Douce; Michael Thomas; Darren Williams; Elliott Favell; Robbie Burns; Dan Riddle; Lewis Lammy
Subs: Wayne Clinton; Richard Vernon; David Mann; Phil Rowland

Dulwich Hamlet: Chris Arnold (Dan Black 76); Alfie Bonsu; Matt Penny; John Kasapi, Junior; Arron Hamilton; Ossie Bayram, Junior; Lee Scott; Craig Phelps; Lee Olney (Emiljano Dushku 53); Frankie Hart; Perry Holland (Mohammed Ismail 76)

Man of the match: John Kasapi, Junior: No the old man did not slip me a fiver, but junior terrier-like battling in the middle of the park proved the engine room for the team.

Yeading FC 1 Dulwich Hamlet 4

Yeading FC 1 Dulwich Hamlet 4
Ryman League Division One
Tuesday 21st August 2001

Dulwich bounced back from the disappointment of Saturday’s defeat with a stunning fightback that clinched all three points. Trailing to a spectacular strike from defender Nevin Saroya after a cross had only been half cleared, Dulwich were further hindered when Francis Quarm was shown the red card after a late tackle sparked a bout of fisticuffs. After what seemed an age, he was joined as a spectator by the home participant in the kerfuffle, Keith Newby, also dismissed for his actions.
Victims of some atrocious officiating that saw Declan Perkins exquisite chip ruled out for a marginal offside, then Luke Edgehill’s felling in the box adjudged a goal kick, Dulwich must have felt that all the gods were against them. More so when Perkins tapped in Julian Old’s cross, only for the referee to ignore the advantage and pull play back for a Dulwich free kick! However justice was swiftly enacted as Perkins rose highest to flick the ball in for the equaliser.
The half ended with Dulwich in the ascendancy, Ryan Gray smashing the ball against the post from a free kick tight on the goal line.
Five minutes into the second half Dulwich grabbed a deserved lead when Old’s cross was handled and a spot kick awarded. Up stepped Perkins and dispatched a perfect penalty into the bottom corner of the net. Four minutes later and Perkins completed the first Dulwich hat trick in the League for nearly 6 years with a screamer of a shot from the edge of the box that gave keeper Matt Hodson no chance.
There was no way back for the ‘Ding and Dulwich continued to batter the home defence. Defender Nick Leach arrived unexpectedly at the near post to head a quick free kick just over, then another penalty appeal was dismissed as substitute Landry Zahana-Oni found himself the meat in a Yeading sandwich. He nearly exacted revenge seconds later setting up fellow sub Danny Ward for a drilled shot, unfortunately straight at the keeper.
Six minutes from the end, Dulwich made it four. Old found himself in a acre of space on the right and with defenders appealing in vain for offside, the winger found Zahana-Oni in the box and the Frenchman scored with a dinked header that beat the keeper inside his near post. Almost on the final whistle, Wayne Grant had the opportunity to cap the evening with a fifth, winning a race with the keeper to a through ball, nicking it past him as Hodson attempted a futile challenge that had it succeeded would have earned him a red card. However his blushes were saved as the angle was just too tight for Grant to tuck it away, the substitute smashing the ball into the side netting.
After a ineffectual start against Whyteleafe, the real Dulwich Hamlet had at last come to the surface, posting its intent that the cease-fire is over and the struggle for the promotion is well and truly back on the agenda.

Team:
1. James Mercer
2. Oliver Hunt
3. Michael Ebanks
4. Gwynne Berry
5. Nick Leach
6. Rob French
7. Julian Old
8. Francis Quarm
9. Declan Perkins (14: Wayne Grant 70 minutes)
10. Luke Edgehill (12: Landry Zahana-Oni 74 minutes)
11. Ryan Gray (15: Danny Ward 64 minutes)

Gwynne hailed at 345th game, but spot-kick fails to end goal drought

A crowd of 1,137 paid tribute to the 345 games that Gwynne Berry has played for Sutton, writes Tony Dolbear.
The fans might have thought they would see a shock result as well, when Sutton striker Matt Fowler ran on to a long clearance from keeper Tommy Dunn and gave them a third-minute lead.
It was Dunn who was responsible for Sutton keeping their lead until the 27th minute, with several good saves, including one from a Tommy Black penalty, after Steve Kabba had been fouled by Martin Dunne.
Once Steve Evans equalised with a shot off the post, though, Palace always looked likely to win and were ahead through Kabba three minutes later after a mistake by Dunne.
Kabba hit the bar, and saw another shot well saved by Dunn, then on the stroke of half time set up Evans for his second goal.
Sutton made wholesale changes at half time, only Berry starting both halves, and United's assistant manager Tony Rains and former Chelsea and Woking striker Clive Walker made guest appearances. But with two trialists also involved, Sutton unsurprisingly lacked a great deal of pattern, and two Andy Martin goals increased Palace's lead.
Right at the end Sutton were awarded a penalty which saw Berry given the chance to round off his night in style, but having failed to score a competitive goal throughout his Sutton career, he was unable to capitalise, as his spot kick rebounded off the bar.

Thamesmead Town Youth Team 1 Dulwich Hamlet Youth Team 1

Thamesmead Town Youth Team 1 Dulwich Hamlet Youth Team 1
Pre-season Challenge Match
Sunday 5th August 2001

After a disappointing 3-3 draw with Croydon Athletic the previous Sunday, Dulwich travelled down to the banks of the Thames there to meet with the youth of Thamesmead Town. Again they would fail to record a victory but in that failure to win, there sparkled a glint of things to come. Being newly acquainted with a number of players, please bear with me should I get the odd name wrong.
The game started brightly for the Hamlet and on their first attack Dulwich might well have been awarded a penalty when Frankie Hart was upended as he attempted to take the ball round the goalkeeper. The warm weather made for a lackadaisical afternoon with defences on top and few clear-cut chances. A freekick on the left saw Thamesmead head over when well placed. A couple of minutes later and Meshach Nugent was the provider for Lee Scott to power in a header that just missed the target.
After a 20 minutes Frankie came close to claiming a spectacular goal when the home keeper slashed at a back pass. As the ball hurtled to earth, Frankie produced threw himself at the pull to produce a bullet header as he flew through the air. Unfortunately the gods of football had averted their eyes for a moment and richly deserved goal was not to be as the ball flew wide of the mark.
Still the Hamlet did not have long to wait for a goal and after being denied twice, it was that man Hart who was to give Dulwich the lead, a deep cross to the back post giving the chance of textbook header to beat the keeper all ends up.
Steve Webb took a leaf out of Peter Garland’s book in that famous match against Newport (IoW) as he stormed down the left flank. Unfortunately however this time the referee showed more of an eagle eye to spot the offence as Webby threatened the goal.
The breakdown of a Dulwich attack gave Thamesmead the chance of a quick counter and despite the efforts of Dan Black to narrow the angle, he was rounded and an equaliser seemed on the cards. However Matt Penny rode to the rescue, forcing the attacker wide thus causing him to miss his intended target.
A lack of communication between Frankie and Lee probably deprived Dulwich of a second after Meshach galloped off down the left to whip in a tempting cross that proved just too high for Frankie. Unfortunately the slight deflection he got on the ball was enough to take it away from the better positioned Lee Scott.
Dan in goal was having a relatively peaceful afternoon in comparison with his opposite number, but when the Thamesmead No 10 got the better of Alfie Bonsu, his lack of activity was not apparent as he made light of the striker’s attempt on goal with an assured save.
Alfie quickly made up for this getting on the end of a low cross from Meshach only to be deprived of a shot on goal by a fine tackle. Then with a mere 8 seconds of the 45 to play, the Hamlet found themselves stunned as the home team got an equaliser. With the ball pinging around the box following a corner a miscued shot seemed to be going wide when the Thamesmead no 8 showed suspiciously quick reactions off the block (faster than Maurice Greene by the looks of it) and stabbed the ball past Dan. Despite the suggestion of an offside, the goal stood.
Halftime saw a number of changes for the Hamlet and they were downhearted at the late, late concession of the equaliser, it did not manifest itself in their play as their attacking intent showed. Twice in the early exchanges Alfie released explosive efforts that might have left holes in the net had their accuracy matched their power. A brace of freekicks close to the box also threatened to restore the Hamlet’s lead but both came to naught. The first from Frankie cannoned back of a solid defensive wall whilst the second proved too lofty for Frankie and substitute Steve Pulman to reach, but left the keeper with his heart in his mouth as it dropped a fraction wide of his back post.
Cruel fate denied the Hamlet the lead 20 minutes into the half as Frankie sped off in pursuit of a threaded pass out of defence from Mohammed Ismail. Then just he shaped to shoot, a wicked bobble seemed to fluster him and he skewed his shot wide. An outrageous piece of showboating from Alfie came close to restoring the advantage when he attempted a cheeky backheel as Lee Scott got in behind the defence to deliver a low cross.
Another wave of subs just before the end seem to upset the Hamlet momentum and it was the host that finished in the ascendancy although they could not find a way past Dan even when a nasty bounce of the rock-hard and rutted pitch might have deceived him, a confident save ensuing.
Right at the death of forest of feet kept the ball out when a powerful downward header from a freekick threatened a home victory but in the end it was honours even.

Team: Dan Black; Steve Webb; Perry Holland; Dan Amsberry; Matt Penny; Frankie Hart; Meshach Nugent; Alfie Bonsu; John Kasapi Junior; Craig Phelps; Lee Scott
Subs: Arron Hamilton; Mohammed Ismail; Ashley Reid; Matt Charles; Steve Pulman

Ron Mitchell

Dulwich Hamlet are mourning the passing of one of their most loyal supporters, Ron Mitchell, who died on Friday aged 81 after a long and courageous battle against Parkinson’s Disease. Ron had been associated with Dulwich Hamlet for more than half a century and along with wife Pat, had been instrumental in running the Supporters’ Club. Those supporters who travelled on the Supporters coaches in the seventies and eighties will know how much effort Ron put into the Supporters’ Club and his love of the Hamlet. Even when ill health prevented him making as many visits to Champion Hill as he would have liked his enthusiasm for Dulwich never waned. He leaves behind a widow Pat and children John & Susan.

Young Cinders leave Dulwich Trophy hopes in Ashes

Having been held to a 1-1 draw on their own ground by Ryman Premier Division outfit Dulwich Hamlet in last Saturday's FA trophy tie, Cinderford Town (21st in the Dr Martens League Western Division) were expecting a tough encounter in the South-London replay.
And when it was found several first team regulars were unable to make the journey to face the former FA Amateur Cup winners, it is fair to say Cinderford anticipated an uphill task at Champion Hill.
But into the side came: 17 year old goalkeeper Andrew Reid, Gloucestershire's U18 custodian who has played in Cinderford's last three matches covering for Paul Weeks; 15 year old David Bird, an U16 County cricket & rugby player; 17 year old striker Peter Makin, Gloucestershire U18 centre-forward; 17 year old midfielder/striker Justin Hayward; and 19 year old Steve Warren, Marcus Bloomfield and Daryl Addis. And Cinderford, led by a bristling performance by Addis, brushed aside the challenge from their illustrious opponents to win 2-1 after extra-time.

From Dr Martens League Newsletter No 14

NON LEAGUE NOTES

Additional Pre-Season Fixture

In a major coup Dulwich Hamlet will be welcoming Millwall’s Division Two Championship winning team to their Champion Hill ground this coming Saturday 14th July. In a warm-up before the Lions set off on their pre-season tour of Germany, managers Mark McGhee and Gwynne Berry will get their first chance to run the rule over their charges in the run up to the new season. Dulwich fans will be particularly intrigued to see who Gwynne has retained in his quest to regain Dulwich’s Premier Division status. Current rumours seem to point at the lower end of the scale. NB Kick–off is at TWO O’CLOCK.

The following Tuesday 17th July, Dulwich will renew acquaintances with old friends from Molesey as the Second Division side play host in the second of the Hamlet’s pre season warm-ups. The Moles had an indifferent season last year under the management of former Chelsea favourite Clive Walker, finishing in 15th place, well clear of the relegation slots. Eagerly relishing a return to his old stamping grounds will be Chairman Martin Eede, who fulfilled the same role at Walton Road as well as wearing a number of other hats including that of manager.

Dulwich fans might have felt mixed loyalties watching the London Masters 5 A Side Tournament on Sky at the weekend. For there in the red of Charlton were three players who had graced the green swards of Champion Hill down the years. Chief among their number was Alan Pardew, now manager of Reading, but also featuring were John Humphrey and Alex Dyer, whose battling efforts in front of goal brought a glimpse of hope to Dulwich in the latter days of last season. Dyer in particular showed the benefits of playing regularly capping a 3-1 victory with a sweetly taken goal in the defeat of Chelsea. He then came off the bench to turn round a seemingly lost cause against West Ham, earning a penalty then setting up the equaliser before a mistake from the Charlton keeper gifted the Hammers victory as they went on to clinch the title.

THE HELL OF THE NORTH (North Southwark that is!)

As I staggered past the finish line in Southwark Park last Sunday, one thought kept rattling around my brain, ‘I shall never ever drink again’, for without the demon drink I might never have volunteered to run this year’s Carlton London Run. My mind cast itself back a few months to that fateful evening when drowning my sorrows after the season’s ignominious finish, I foolhardily put my name down for the event.
A couple of months on and I found myself lining up with 8000 others in sweltering heat and nursing only a mild hangover (must be sensible). Alongside me were two fellow followers of the Pink and Blue, the father and son combination of Paul and Andy Tucker, all of us resplendent in our Dulwich shirts, although the material was probably inappropriate for the weather. As the race got underway, the Pink and Blue posse prompted disintegrated with the Tuckers swiftly becoming a blur on the horizon. Indeed I was not to catch another glimpse of Paul all morning!
Like Dulwich’s season my own race started promisingly at a composed pace, but all too soon things were going wrong. With the early part of race passing through along an almost deserted Salter Road, one could manage a walk without too much shame, but as Jamaica Road and The Rotherhithe Tunnel nearby crowds along the pavement began to swell. Buoyed up by their presence and continual encourage it seemed churlish to stroll and so a swift jog was broken into, for effect only let me add. Being passed by the usual gaggle of superheroes and furry animals did not help either. Even worse was to come when just I passed the halfway stage, I could hear finishers being announced from the Park.
At least wearing the Dulwich colours afforded me some recognition from my fellow runners, even if usually accompanied by a cry of ‘Shift your ****!’ However I can reveal that a slow pace has its advantages as it allows one to take in the scenery of passing runners. As Tower Bridge hove into sight, I caught my first glimpse of another Dulwich shirt with Andy haring back towards the park a matter of minutes away from finishing in 48:21. His dad had finished six minutes previous. I still had half an hour on the road!
Ahead of me lay the maze of hell with an intricate network of back streets and cobbles around Potters Fields conspiring together to inflict further torture. Pubs seemed to beckon me in but still my mind was fixed on the target ahead. Over Tower Bridge and back and the finish line grew closely, mentally if not visually.
With new found reserves, a final sprint back down Jamaica Road and into the park. Finally after an hour and a quarter, my nightmare had passed. At last I could relax and bask in the sun. Reflecting back on the day, the words Fun and Run sprang to mind but not as pair. That strange camaraderie of a race were total strangers strike up conversations, probably with someone they’d be trying to run away from in real life. The sadistic spectators who will insist on encouraging you no matter how knackered you feel, thus obliging you to break into another cardiac inducing jog. They are all part of the mix that makes this masochistic pursuit so addictive. Yes I will run next year. I might even do some training! Finally, as is customary on these occasions, I would like to thank all the hardworking volunteers who staffed the water stations and stewarded, except for one who refused to accept my bribe to take a short cut.

Dulwich Supporters Fail In Valiant Bid To Regain Wivenhoe Supporters 5-A-Side Shield

Dulwich entered two teams in last Saturday’s annual Wivenhoe Supporters Five-A-Side Tournament in deepest Essex but were unable to repeat their success of 4 years when they claimed the first ever Shield. Since those early days the competition has swelled its ranks and clubs from across the country were represented, including teams from as far afield as Woking (who came via Ipswich for reasons known only to themselves!), Shrewsbury and Nuneaton.
The ‘A’ Team finished 2nd in their group behind Enfield ‘A’ with 10 points from 5 games, Kevin Holt getting 4 goals and Danny Prescott, the obligatory ringer getting a brace of hat-tricks.
Meanwhile the ‘B’ Team started off with a scoreless draw against Nuneaton Borough, before being hammered 4-0 by Sutton ‘A’. Injury to goalkeeper Dave Berry caused a reshuffle with Paul Griffin taking over between the sticks and Dave going into attack. An inspired decision as the B's were not to concede another goal as they went through in 3rd Place in their group, with Steve Rickerby’s goal clinching victory over Harlow and two scoreless draws wrapping up the group games.
As all teams qualified for the KO stages, the group matches were used to determine how far in the competition a team was exempted. The ‘B’ team came in at the second round stage and caused a major upset beating Colchester ‘B’ 1-0 thanks to a Pele-esque goal from Phil Doyle, whose silky skills left the keeper prostrate before he tucked the ball home from an almost impossible angle. Inspired goalkeeping ensured another clean sheet. This meant the ‘B’ Team joined the ‘A’ Team in the last 16 and with both sides avoiding each other in the draw, hopes of regaining the Shield were still high. Unfortunately it was at this stage that Dulwich interest in the silverware was ended. Seconds from kick-off of their match with Billericay 'A' the 'A' Team were caught out at the back and despite the best efforts of Matt Hammond between the sticks, they were behind. They had chances to pull level, pressing forward were caught out once again to make it 2-0. Lawrence Marsh did pull one back 90 seconds from time but it was too little too late. Hopes now rested with the ‘B’ Team, but in their way stood Sutton ‘A’. A spirited performance from Dulwich restricted Sutton’s chances and when they did manage a shot, Paul Griffin playing like a man possessed kept everything out. No goals and so it went to a penalty shoot out. Sutton scored their first, as did Dulwich through Steve Rickerby. 1-1 it stayed as the next four penalties were saved. Sutton scored, Dulwich’s fourth was missed and the Hamlet were out as Sutton converted their fifth for a 3-1 victory. Ironically the two Dulwich sides would have met in the quarterfinals as Sutton beat Billericay for a place in the semi-finals. The tournament was eventually won by Billericay ‘B’ beating Hertford on penalties in the final. Watch out for a double page spread in next weekend's Non League Paper.

Squads:

A Team: Matt Hammond, Matt Smith, Lawrence Marsh, Kevin Holt, Danny Prescott

B Team: Dave Berry, Paul Griffin, Steve Rickerby, Andy Tucker, Phil Doyle

DULWICH NEWS BITES

YOUNGEST SEASON TICKET HOLDER SIGNS UP AT DULWICH SHOW

Ten month old Abel Dimmock took advantage of Dulwich Hamlet’s Cheap Season Tickets For Kids Scheme by signing up for one at this year’s Dulwich Show. Shelling out just £5-00 young Abel joined father Ade and big sisters, Aysha, Anyah and Angel as passionate followers of South London’s Pink’n’Blue heroes. If you are 16 or under you too can take advantage of this offer. Simply contact the club on 020 7274 8707 for further details. For youths aged 17-21 and in education there is a further special deal, just £15 will get you a season ticket.

PRE-SEASON CHANGES

Since they were announced, there have been a couple of changes to Dulwich’s pre-season schedule. On Saturday 21st July, instead of East Thurrock, Dulwich will instead be making a trip deep in Surrey to take on Guildford and Godalming. In addition, the away trip to Corinthian Casuals scheduled for Wednesday 14th August, just three days before the opening league game has been cancelled.

DULWICH HAMLET YOUTH (UNDER 18'S)

After a highly successful season when they won the Southern Youth League Cup, Dulwich Hamlet are looking to build on their success at Youth level next season. If you would like to follow in the bootsteps of the likes of Marlon King and Steve Watts, both of whom progressed to the professional game then trials will be held shortly. The club are looking to further improve this season. In order to achieve this they are on the lookout for skilled and committed players in all positions. Shortly they will be holding trials and if you are interested in taking part then please contact Manager John Kasapi on 020 8302 1378 or 07876 197456 (mobile). By Invitation Only.

CARLTON LONDON RUN

Look out for the distinctive Pink and Blue shirts of Dulwich Hamlet in this Sunday’s Carlton London Run, which starts in Southwark Park. Thanks to the donation of places by sponsor’s Domino’s Pizza Group Limited, players will be supplementing pre-season training with a leisurely jog around Surrey Docks whilst some foolhardy supporters will be aiming not to trouble the St John’s Ambulance and complete the trek on the same day.

SUPPORTERS TEAM

On Saturday Dulwich Hamlet Supporters will be looking to get their hands on some silverware as they travel into the depths of darkest Essex to compete in the 5th Annual Wivenhoe Supporters Five-A-Side Tournament. The Supporters will be looking to repeat their triumph in 1997, ironically also an election year. An omen perhaps?

Dulwich Hamlet Build for the Future

Once proud Dulwich Hamlet may have suffered the ignominy of relegation from the Ryman League’s top tier but all is not doom and gloom at the club’s famous Champion Hill ground. After a year’s gap the club revived it’s Youth Team, once again taking it’s place in the Southern Youth League, of which they had been Champions in the two years before pitch unavailability forced a year’s break. Under the management of John Kasapi, the team had a shaky start picking up just one point in their first five league games. However with the arrival of striker Adam Pero, who finished the season as leading scorer and Supporter’s Player of the Year, the team stepped up a gear and were unbeaten in their next six games as they stormed up to 3rd in the table, challenging local rivals Sutton United and Tooting & Mitcham for honours.
This success was recognised as players found themselves called for higher honours. Promising goalkeeper Michael Holder was substitute in the FA Cup games at Lewes and Ossie Bayram, junior, son of the former Dulwich hitman made several appearances for the Reserve side. However it was after the departure of Cleevely as manager and the installation of Gwynne Berry in the Champion Hill hotseat that the promise of youth was fully recognised. Midfield enforcer Danny Ward was called up to the first team, making his league debut at Heybridge with Adam Pero included in the squad for that game.
Although the Southern Youth League season was eventually curtailed with League honours undecided, Dulwich completed their triumphant return with a first ever victory in the SYL Challenge Cup, beating Woking in the final at Gander Green Lane. After Francis Quarm had given the Hamlet the lead in the opening seconds with a close range header, Dulwich gave Woking keeper Stuart Baverstock a torrid time, peppering his goal from all angles. Number two came courtesy of Lee Scott who evaded his marker to run on to Danny Ward’s perfectly weighted ball and fire home. 22 minutes had elapsed when another Adam Pero flick-on resulted in Meshach Nugent heading the ball beyond the reach of the keeper and it was 3-0. Woking battled back bravely in the second half but the damage had been done. It was no surprise when a fourth arrived courtesy of Dulwich’s leader scorer Adam Pero, rifling the ball home from the edge of the box. Right at the death Woking pulled a goal back after a scramble in the box but the night belonged to the young warriors of John Kasapi's Pink and Blue army. Danny Ward, who has already progressed to representing the Dulwich Hamlet First Team in the Ryman League, picked up the Man of the Match award for his influential role in dominating the midfield and setting up frequent Dulwich attacks.
According to manager, Gwynne Berry, who intends to involve many of that conquering side in the first team set up, the future of Dulwich looks bright.

Jimmy Sugrue Set To For Shock Return To Former Club?

Sugrue who made a number of appearances in the Pink and Blue of Dulwich Hamlet after being brought in by Les Cleevely in his abortive attempt to avoid relegation is being linked with a shock return to his former club Aldershot Town. This is despite leaving the Hampshire club under something of a cloud following a tempestuous FA Trophy tie with local rivals Woking when the Shots faced disrepute charges and Sugrue saw red after what could best be described as an assault more suited to a Jackie Chan movie than the football field.
Shots boss George Borg has confirmed that Sugrue, 27, will be at Aldershot Town for pre season training. However, there has been no offer of a contract at this time. Talking to the Shots’ Clubcall Line, Borg said that Sugrue misses Aldershot Town very much. Borg had no hesitation in letting him come back for pre season training as it would be a chance to assess Jimmy's attitude and see how he is performing now. If Jimmy does well he may be offered a contract that will include a number of clauses. Borg said he hopes Sugrue has learnt from his previous mistakes, namely the incident against Woking last year. Apparently Sugrue reminds Borg of himself when younger because they made similar mistakes and Borg hopes that now Sugrue is a year older he may come back a better player and a better person. The door is open for a contract if Sugrue can prove his worth and at his age Borg feels he is worth a chance.
One overriding factor in all this is that Sugrue would not be returning to Aldershot Town for money, but purely because playing for Aldershot Town is all he wants.

McEwen ponders future

Striker Dave McEwen is preparing himself for the possibility that he might be playing his football away from White Hart Lane next season.

The 23-year-old arrived from non-League outfit Dulwich Hamlet on a part-time basis in January 2000, before becoming a full professional in the March following the completion of his business degree.
His contract expires at the end of the current campaign and he is facing a nervous wait to discover where his future lies.
"My contract is up in the summer and that’s the way it is at the moment," said Dave. "I’ll have to keep playing as well as I can and if that’s good enough then that’s good enough, if it isn’t then I’ll have to move on. We will just have to wait and see what happens.
"All I can do is try and get games, do as well as I can, then it’s up to the manager if he thinks I’m good enough."
While it is obvious that Dave would relish an extended stay at the Lane, he also hankers after regular first team football and would be prepared to drop a division to realise that aim.
"Of course you’re not happy, it’s a great club and you want to prove yourself but, at the end of the day, you want first team football and if that means taking a step down then that’s what you’ve got to do.
"I’ve come into the game very late and still very inexperienced, still raw, and as I was late, I’m 23, I’ve got to start thinking of trying to establish myself and get first team football. If I can’t get that at Tottenham I’ll have to look elsewhere and see what my options are."
Having entered the full-time game late, Dave is not quite sure in terms of what level he would excel.
"I don’t know, as I’ve never really played at many levels before. Tottenham is the first club I have played professionally with so you cannot really say. I would be nice to go on loan so I could get a taste of it.
"I’ve played against second division sides for Crawley and Dulwich and didn’t feel out of my depth, but you can’t say unless you play there.
"I nearly got a loan move this season but broke my toe and couldn’t go there. I was then out for six weeks, got a little run in the first team and that was put on the back-burner."
Despite having the option of falling back on his degree, Dave is determined to make a living for himself in football.
"You get a taste for it and it’s brilliant, the best career in the world. I will do everything I can to keep a professional career going. The whole point in going to university was in case things do not work out, to give me more options.
"But I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it, until then I’m happy playing football."
The uncertainty over his future has not affected Dave by playing on his mind, as his recent goal record confirms.
"You can’t really think like that. I have confidence in my ability so that is all that matters.
"I’d like to get something sorted out before the summer because you don’t want to go on holiday with that hanging over you. I am confident that if I do have to take a step down I can prove myself there. The rest, we’ll see."
By Richard Hubbard

The Charter School 5 St Aloysius School 4 (Inner London Cup Final)

On Thursday evening (26th April) the boy’s football team travelled over the water to Walthamstow to play the final of the Inner London Cup against St Aloysius School.
The final was a very hard-fought game, played with real enthusiasm by both teams. St Aloysius, to their credit, gave The Charter team their hardest game of the season, fighting, battling and contesting every ball.
The Charter School really rose to this challenge, playing some fantastic football, passing and moving the ball around the pitch to create chance after chance.
Unfortunately for The Charter team and in true final tradition the stronger team could not find a way past the St Aloysius goalkeeper to finish the game off. With the game reaching the final stages, St Aloysius broke away and scored an equaliser making the game 4:4.
Time running out a hero was called for. Ben Williamson and Charles Ademeno broke free and created an opening. With great skill and control captain T J Rose curled a delightful shot into the top corner of the goal to seal the victory and make The Charter School Champions of London.

Scorers: Charles Ademeno 3, Ben Williamson, T J Rose
Men of the match: Harry Till & Ben Williamson

Les Cleevely has resigned as Dulwich Hamlet manager after a heart-to-heart with players and committee.

The player-manager apparently asked for a definitive length for his tenure but in light of current circumstances at Champion Hill, e.g. the impending redevelopment of the ground and financial restrictions, the Chairman was unable to comply with his request. In the light of this Cleevely felt himself unable to continue in the position and has now left the club, both in his role as manager and as a player. It leaves Dulwich in a sticky position as they are particular thin on the ground with goalkeeping cover, with Reserve Team Manager, veteran Engin Salih, and 16 year old Youth Team prodigy, Michael Holder, the only custodians currently with the club.
In his time at Dulwich Cleevely won round sceptical fans that knew his talent but were anxious of his fiery reputation. After making his debut in August 1998 against Basingstoke, he made 156 first team appearances. That first season it was Les who led the jubilant Dulwich team up the steps at The Valley to collect the London Challenge Cup. When Dave Garland ‘resignation’ was accepted earlier this season after a draw with Slough, Cleevely was a surprise choice for the hotseat and quickly gained revenge over the previous incumbent when Bromley were thrashed 6-3 at Hayes Lane. However this brief honeymoon was to be an eye-opener for the challenge that lay ahead in the league. Experienced old hands arrived, but still the results would not come. A second league victory – over fellow strugglers Carshalton - was achieved, but safety still remained a distant aspiration.
On a personal note it with great sadness I wish Les goodbye for he was a rarity among recent Dulwich managers, someone who treated supporters as equals not as some nuisance that had to endured. I wish him good luck wherever he ends up and I’m sure his and Dulwich’s paths will cross sometime in the not too distant future.
In the meantime responsibility for the team lies in the hands of Gwynne Berry and Tony Rains, although replacing Les between the sticks might be a harder task than replacing him on the bench.

Dulwich Hamlet vs. Hampton & Richmond Borough

Dulwich Hamlet vs. Hampton & Richmond Borough
Ryman League Premier Division
Saturday 10th March 2001
Match Postponed Due To Waterlogged Pitch

Dulwich chairman Martin Eede was left fuming after Saturday’s home Ryman League fixture with Hampton was postponed due to a totally unplayable waterlogged pitch – the first this has happened this season. Whilst other clubs have struggled with frost, floods and the rest, Champion Hill has been the envy of other groundsman with the only other first team game to succumb being a Full Members Cup tie with Basingstoke.
The main target of Chairman Eede’s ire was the Southern Youth League who had decided that in order to catch up with lost fixtures its member teams should play double headers where possible. He was particularly irate due to the SYL’s decision to make the visitors responsible only for the match officials’ fees, but not for the cost of floodlights, hospitality, matchballs and possible repairs to the pitch. Thanks to this decree Dulwich Youth Team found themselves taking on Woking in two one-hour matches last Wednesday (28th February), which combined with a non-stop downpour on Thursday left the usually pristine sward looking like the Somme circa 1915, with large patches of standing water that left the groundsman unable to get on the pitch to mark it out. Following further precipitation, a referee’s inspection saw the game was called off at midday on the Saturday. It is now hoped that the game will be played on Tuesday 20th March. Both teams were probably grateful for the postponement – Hampton having just returned from a 6-1 hammering away to Alicante and Dulwich with a number of players on the treatment table, although other results in the division see Dulwich now some 12 points (four victories) from safety. Carshalton Athletic and Grays both picked up all three points with Mervin Abraham getting the first in a 2-0 victory for the Essex men and former Dulwich reserve Bronek Dabrowa grabbing the winner for the Robins. Elsewhere local rivals Croydon FC slipped deeper into the mire where Richard Thompson and Omari Coleman (2), both ex-Dulwich, found the net but could not avert a 7-3 hammering at Hitchin.

Sutton United 7 (SEVEN) Dulwich Hamlet 1

Sutton United 7 (SEVEN) Dulwich Hamlet 1
Ryman League Premier Division
Saturday 3rd March 2001

Dante’s Inferno tells of a nightmarish journey deep into the bowels of Hell where lost souls scream in torment until the end of time for their sins. Despite its classic status, the tale is wildly inaccurate for the odyssey ends at the ninth level of Hell. If the great poet had ventured on he might have discovered many more levels deeper into the pits of despair eventually arriving at that most terrible of places the lowest level or the 22nd level as it was known in the days of the one known as Browne. Here the most anguished of souls scream in vain at 11 men in pink and blue, hoping against hope that their exhortations might induce victory. In the suburban hell that is Sutton once again those exhortations came to naught.
The worst defeat since Enfield put eight past the Hamlet in 1995, this reverse was all the more galling for the paucity of the opposition. With Sutton going through an atrocious spell of results, the opportunity was there for Dulwich to claim some valuable points, but the manner of capitulation was astounding with nearly every effort on target finding the back of the net. If there were to be any excuses it could not come in the form of the line-up for Dulwich were back to full strength after last week’s embarrassing exit from the London Senior Cup at Ford. The only change to the expected team was a new face in the shape of Paul Sears, who had played against the Hamlet for the hosts in the Surrey Senior Cup match just over a month ago.
Unsurprisingly Sutton’s pitch was bearing its usual resemblance to a ploughed field crossbred with Blackpool beach, making wing play difficult and hindering Dulwich’s attempts to utilise their strengths down the flanks. When they did manage to get the ball in to the middle out of the morass that passed as a pitch, Sutton’s defenders proved dominant in the air with Carl Bartley and Joe Nartey frequently coming off second best in the aerial battles. Another major stumbling block proved to be the gargantuan figure of Andy Riley, once of the Hamlet. Although he appeared to be playing in a kit borrowed from the matchday mascot, the evergreen Riley made smart work of sweeping up behind his defence and ensuring his young keeper, Tommy Dunn, was rarely troubled in the opening exchanges. The nearest came when a some neat passing saw a Nartey backheel send Jimmy Sugrue away but his chip to the back post proved too high for new boy Sears.
In the 19th minute came a moment of controversy when Dulwich were denied a clear-cut penalty. Sugrue’s chip behind the defence was heading for Nartey when an errant leg whipped his feet from under a yard inside the box. In spite of plaintiff cries from the travelling faithful, the man in black was unmoved.
This denial of justice was to be a key turning point in the contest for 4 minutes later the Suburbanites were a goal to the good. A corner was nodded on by Nko Ekoku and with the Dulwich defence apparently nodding off, in stole central defender Chris Boothe to stab the ball into the corner of the net for the opener. Worst was to follow for a stunned Dulwich within two minutes. Lax defending at a freekick and former Hamlet striker Paul Whitmarsh capitalised on enough open space to build a new ground to fire an unstoppable volley past the stranded Les Cleevely and into the roof of the net. Vain pleas for offside when unheeded. Suddenly three points that had seemed a distinct possibility at kick-off seemed as distant as ever.
A further blow came on the half-hour as the industrious Sugrue left the field for treatment to an injury, only to fail to return, his place taken by Veli Hakki.
There came a glimmer of hope came within minutes. Captain Ian Savage pumped the ball into the box where its bounce eluded the panicking defenders before coming into contact with the head of Sears who stooped to put a thumping header past Dunn. For a while Dulwich hopes fluttered in the winter sun, momentarily heightened by a John Dixon corner which cannoned off the cross bar, only to be cruelly shot down within seconds as a swift Sutton counter attack instigated by Ekoku saw Whitmarsh nod down a pinpoint cross from the left into the path of recent signing Rob Haworth a couple of yards out and the former Dagenham & Redbridge man drilled the ball deep into the corner of the net beyond the reach of Cleevely.
Two minutes later Dulwich came within a whisker of reducing the deficit once again. Gus Hurdle’s run cooked up the chance for Nartey to slice through the rearguard to pull the ball across goal. Sliding in a the back post came the figure of Hakki, but he arrived just too late succeeding only in turned the ball behind for a goal kick.
If Dulwich were to get any recompense in this game they would have to emulate their predecessors of 1975 who hit five goals in the last 17 minutes to overturn a 2-0 deficit.
The Hamlet started the second half brightly enough but swimmers in Jaws, were unaware of the danger stalking them. Dixon, a rare thorn in Sutton’s side, set up Hakki in the box and his chip took a marooned Dunn out of the game, only for Hurdle to over egg the cake as he took when seemed an infinity trying to tee the ball before blasting it wide of the target.
Until this point Sutton leading scorer Danny Bolt had been little more than a bit player in this local pantomime. Then a piece of good fortune and like some starlet he found himself thrust centre stage. Given his chance he did not disappoint the taciturn home support, which managed to find some semblance of a voice as he proceeded to single-handedly blow the Hamlet to oblivion.
The first of his goals came on the hour when he whipped in a freekick from close to the corner flag that eluded everyone and flew over Cleevely for number four. If that owed a little something to luck, Bolt’s second and Sutton’s fifth, coming six minutes later, was a sublime piece of finishing that gave Cleevely no chance, the forward chipping a delightful goal from the edge of the box after Richard Horner’s explosive run had carved through a static midfield. Even the Dulwich fans, by now in the depths of despair, had to admire it.
Four goals to the bad, options were few for the Hamlet. Could Declan Perkins repeat his supersub exploits from the home fixture as he replaced Hurdle? There came a straw to clutch at as Dave Richards forced a fine save out of Dunn with a close range header but with the defence in disarray as the corner came in goalscorer Sears could not find the target as he blasted wide of the mark.
On marched Sutton, determined to extinguish the memories of that setback at Champion Hill. This time Bolt was the provider his cross finding Rob Haworth, a free man in the middle to nod Number Six past Cleevely.
Four minutes from the end Bolt rounded off his extraordinary performance by completing a well-deserved hat trick rifling the ball through a shell-shocked Dulwich defence to tuck the ball into the corner of the net to complete the biggest margin of victory for the home side in this fixture.
Moments later there were muted shouts for a Dulwich penalty as Perkins was sent tumbling in the box courtesy of a shove in the back, but once again the Referee was having none of it. The way things were going, it was but a forlorn straw for a drowning man to clash at as he went under for possibly the last time. Do not be surprised if a sign with the legend “All hope abandon ye who enter here” appears above the turnstiles before next week.

Team:
1. Les Cleevely
2. John Dixon
3. Al-James Hannigan
4. Dave Richards
5. Gus Hurdle (14: Declan Perkins 68)
6. Tony Chin
7. Jimmy Sugrue (12: Veli Hakki)
8. Ian Savage
9. Carl Bartley
10. Joe Nartey
11. Paul Sears
Subs not used:
Gwynne Berry

Man of the match: Sorry Least Worst Dulwich Player: John Dixon: Fiery and industrious and refused to give up.

NARTEY LEAPS FROM LIFEBOAT TO SNKING SHIP!

After highlighting Joe Nartey as one of the main threats in Maidenhead’s arsenal, it now appears I have been overtaken by events as the striker as now thrown his lot in with Dulwich’s relegation crusade. Obviously questions will be asked about his reasons for leaving the Magpies particularly in light of their recent good form and joining a club that seems doomed to relegation, but if he can consistently find the back of the net as his past achievements have proven, then Dulwich fans will certainly overlook any journeyman jibes. Having joined Maidenhead from Boreham Wood earlier in the season, the former Aldershot hitman has found a rich vein of form including the opening goal as his former club was beaten 3-0 at York Road, part of a 7 match unbeaten run that lifted the Magpies clear of the relegation slot(s). Since leaving Aldershot back in 1999, Nartey has appeared for a number of clubs among them Chesham and Sutton but has never really settled down at any one club. Unfortunately, it appears he will not be available for Saturday’s match against Maidenhead as he is currently serving the last game of a three-match suspension.