DULWICH HAMLET TO HOST LONDON FA SUNDAY CUP FINAL

09.04.10

This coming Sunday, 11^th April, morning Dulwich Hamlet is proud to play host to the North vs. South battle in the London FA Sunday Challenge Cup Final. Champion Hill will be welcoming the teams of New Salamis and Baldon Sports into the arena. For Cray-based Baldon Sports the final is familiar territory the club having won the competition last season and being beaten finalists the previous year. Opponents in the first of that triumvirate of finals were New Salamis of KOPA Football League and Baldon will be gunning for revenge after that final turned into a gung-ho super show with New Salamis emerged first from the heat of battle, victorious by four goals to three.

Both sides have had goal-strewn paths to the final. Baldon set off with a topsy-turvy nine-goal thriller beating Hatcham by the odd goal. Nine goals too in New Salamis' opener but a little less evenly spread as Woodpecker were left shell-shocked after an 8-1 thrashing.

The second round was roles reversed. This time it was New Salamis with the odd goal victory, 3-2 winners at Kenningwell United whilst Bladon were firing on all cylinders beating AEP Paphos Tsada 6-2 on enemy territory. The quarterfinals proved a lot tighter though both sides managed a two-goal margin of victory, Baldon 2-0 at home to Akincilar, New Salamis ending Vista's attempt to return to the final, winning 3-1 away.

The semi finals sent New Salamis on a long trek down to Norbury to face Brixton United, their third straight tie on the road but once more they battled through to victory 3-2 this time. If that was tough, Baldon had to endure extra time before a stubborn Clapton Rovers were dispatched to set up an intriguing final that promises goals.

Kick-off is at 10.30 am and general entrance will be through the main turnstiles, admission prices £5 adults and £1 concessions. A programme is being produced by the London FA. At the time of writing, it is not known whether this is included in the admission but this should be clarified shortly.