DULWICH HAMLET ENTERTAINS DULWICH HAMLET IN JOHN ULLMAN SEMI-FINAL (SUNDAY 9th MAY KO 11AM)

08.05.10

Dulwich Hamlet meet Dulwich Hamlet tomorrow (Sunday 9^th May) morning when Gavin Rose's Academy side clash swords with Ian's Under 18's for the right to meet Chatham Town in the final of the John Ullman Memorial Cup in a week's time at Thamesmead. The news that the opponents will be Chatham will surely give added impetus to the Academy boys who will be itching to erase the painful memories of defeat in that unbelievable Onetwenty2 Challenge Cup final last Tuesday when a 4 goal lead was surrendered to allow the Kent side to lift the trophy after winning by the odd goal in ELEVEN! Yet it will be no cakewalk into the final for Ian's lads will be equally determined to finish their season on a high and with a modicum of vengeance should they get the chance to take on the Kent side that ended their own run in the selfsame Challenge Cup.

The draw cast Ian's North Division side as the travelling side and so the code of hospitality means a welcome is extended to the "visitors." This Dulwich squad comes into this game ion a fine run of form that has lifted them from mid-table mediocrity into third place in the North Division of the Kent Youth League, just a point shy of the runners up spot and Thamesmead Town with three games left to play. Indeed, they may well have overleapt the Kent side had they not gone down by the odd goal at Bayliss Avenue in their last league defeat back at the end of March. Since then, a disastrous collapse at Hayes and Yeading in the Isthmian League Youth Cup notwithstanding, the North Division youngsters have been unbeaten in their last six games with only Cray Wanderers depriving them of maximum points during their late gallop up the table. Though not as prolific in front of goal as their Academy counterparts Ian's youngsters have built their reputation on a solid defence where skipper Olly Bell has been an inspirational leader weighing in with the odd vital goal particularly in the last round of the John Ullman when his late opener helped break the back of dogged Dartford XI. Grabbing the second that night was Daniel Craig who along with leading scorer Tom Pedrotti has been among the prime source of goals for the Hamlet youngsters.

With cup distractions aplenty and a number of call-ups to the first team, it has been a packed season for Gavin's Academy lads. A run to the first round of the FA Youth Cup was only ended in penalty shoot out as Norwich City crept out of Champion Hill with the spoils. A goal-splattered charge to the League Cup final saw the lads hit the back of the net 18 times in just four games yet still return from Lordswood empty handed. The Central Division campaign has proved less fruitful after a promising start with an injury to Roy Odiaka blunting their strike force and logjam of games after winter weather and cup success disrupted their league progress as eyes were turned by dreams of silverware. Last of those dreams remains the John Ullman.

Sunday morning's game will be played at the CEGAS Sports Ground in Worsley Bridge Road, Beckenham, BR3 1RL. Kick-off is at 11.00 am

Directions by car:

From Savacentre at Lower Sydenham (on your left) follow road round and take the first right under the railway bridge. Follow Worsley Bridge Road straight over the first mini roundabout and just before the crossroad there are black and white gates on your left, which lead into the car park.

From Beckenham, go past Waitrose (on your left) and take the first left into Copers Cope Road. Follow road this to the end where you reach the crossroads. Turn left and immediately on your right are the black and white gates to the car park.

Nearest Station: Lower Sydenham (on Hayes line from London Bridge). Leave station by exit on platform 2 (Southbound) and walk down to Worsley Bridge Road then follow directions as above.

Editor's note: For those of you attending this game, I would be most grateful if someone could supply a match report, no matter how brief, as I am unable to attend due to a prior commitment with the Supporters Team at the Worthing FC Supporters' Tournament. Thanks in advance.