As we clatter towards Christmas, it is true to say that the youthful and somewhat injury depleted Dulwich Hamlet men’s side is yet to burn as brightly as many fans had hoped. A few draws, a few more defeats, and a limp departure from the FA Cup in the last qualifying round have left SE22’s finest camped in the foothills of the league.
If ever a club is driven by the roar and jangle of its home crowd it is the sons of Edgar Kail. And boy has Champion Hill ever missed its roar.
Yet hope burns eternal in The Rabble’s breast. Surely, the fans cry, the time must come when the team pull up their pink and blue socks, find their football mojo, and start ascending the treacherous slopes of National League South like a latter day Norgay. Well Amen to that and watch this space sports fans.
Better news elsewhere from the Dulwich Hamlet universe however where the ever spicy Dulwich Hamlet Women’s team have put in some stellar performances recently. Just prior to lockdown, DHWFC took on high-flying Dartford, coming from 0-2 behind to win a ripsnorter 3-2. All this in front of a rocking record crowd of 586. The Hamlet women now go top of their league.
Unfortunately during lockdown all football below the National league has been put on ice. So while the “elite” Dulwich Hamlet men’s team continue to play behind closed doors, the women’s team must wait until 2 December to find out whether and when they can resume their all-conquering season.
In the meantime however, the club is very much alive and well.
For one, all Dulwich Hamlet home games continue to be streamed absolutely free on the club’s Tube channel (www.youtube.com/c/DulwichHamletTV). So you can don your pink and blue, bellow at the screen, and cheer on your Hamlet heroes from the comfort of your own home.
The experience is so life like you can even apply to be a virtual mascot at a Dulwich Hamlet game. Check out https://dhst.org.uk/news/virtual-mascots-wanted for how you can do just that.
If you’re feeling generous while you’re at it, you can chip in a few virtual coins to sustain the brilliant media team at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dhfctv.
Talking of generous, Dulwich Hamlet fans have raised over £1200 through the sale of Hamlet branded face masks. Thanks to all those who have helped.
And finally, in the news we’ve all been waiting for, you can now buy the new replica Dulwich Hamlet kit. This season’s shirt is right smart and will render any wearer the envy of Lordship Lane. So with Christmas approaching, why not take a look at all the Hamlet merchandise available via the Supporters’ Trust website (www.dhst.org.uk) and buy yourself or a loved a special gift in pink and blue.
Last order date for Christmas which guarantees delivery is Thursday 3. Any orders placed after this date will certainly be processed, but might not arrive in time for the big day.
A Merry Christmas to all from Champion Hill. And keep your eyes on the club website(www.dulwichhamletfc.co.uk) for news and updates on fixtures.
This article first appeared in the December issue of SE22 Magazine.