We’ve reached the ultimate month of the season, and our last chances to see the beautiful game live. And it can be so beautiful. At the time of writing, my mind is brimming with a thrilling period of football of the highest quality.
I’m not thinking of Valverde’s first-half hat-trick for Real Madrid in the Champions League, nor the Lionesses netting six in World Cup qualification. I’m savouring a brief floodlit spell on the turf of Champion Hill, when Dulwich men put four past a Whitehawk defence, rubbing their eyes in disbelief.
The tone was set early when a scissor-kick from distance put the visitors ahead. I was in the bar, so missed the acrobatics. But I was back in place to witness the glorious display that followed in the next 30 minutes. For the love of the beautiful game, here’s what happened.
First Danny Mills calmly fired home a rebound after Luke Wanadio’s powerful shot struck the crossbar. Nine minutes later a long pass of the highest quality from Michael Chambers picked out Lonit Talla: a perfectly cushioned touch with his left foot, a touch with his right that nudged it cheekily inside, then a masterly strike into the far corner saw the Greendale End erupt.
More was to come just six minutes after that when Mills dispatched a second. And to cap it all, nine minutes later, the DHFC media team posted ‘That is Outrageous!’ when Jadan Raymond plucked the ball out of the cool night air, drove into space, cut inside and wrapped one into the far corner that screamed ‘if you love the beautiful game, fill the Hill!’
628 lucky souls were there to witness this sumptuous football played in SE22, and I describe it to encourage you not to miss out on similar magic in the month to come. Dulwich Hamlet will not be televised (even when it is!)
Fixtures
Catch our men in home action against Carshalton Athletic on Easter Monday, 6th April, and Burgess Hill Town on Saturday 18th. Regular supporters of our women’s firsts are no strangers to quality football either, so fill the Hill for the last home game of this National League campaign, hosting table-topping Norwich City on Sunday 12th.
Our women’s final outing comes away at Actonians on Sunday 26th. While our men travel to Canvey Island on Saturday 4th, Welling United on Saturday 11th, and Hashtag United on Saturday 25th. More glory might be added in the end as, at the time of writing, our men are readying for their London Senior Cup semi-final clash with Leyton Orient.
The Trust
While you’re committing to catching the top-class action, why not consider joining our Supporters’ Trust, the voice of the fans at the heart of our club. And if this dizzying game propels you to go one step further, why not put yourself forward to join the Trust board for next season? Nominations open in mid-April, so please do come and have a chat with current board members at the Mega Container or around the ground to find out more. Up the Hamlet!
dulwichhamletfc.co.uk dhst.org.uk
Pic credits: Rob Avis