Sunday 13th September
London & South East Regional Women's Premier League

A hot sun blazing in a cloudless Tuscany sky, the bar flowing merrily, and expectant fans filling the stands (responsibly distanced of course) - perfect conditions for one of the most breathlessly awaited days in the sporting calendar. Not the Tuscan Grand Prix (also yesterday - kind of them to time it in the Hamlet’s honour though) but something far greater: the return of supporters to Champion Hill, just in time for the start of the league season.

After last week’s blistering 6-1 FA Cup win, Dulwich opened their league campaign at home against Aylesford. While the Hamlet women ride high on their success to date, Aylesford face an uphill struggle. In a challenging 19/20 season they finished last in the table, and 20/21 hasn’t begun ideally, losing to Ashford in their FA Cup Preliminary last week. Yesterday wasn’t their day either, as Dulwich delivered a pummelling 8-0 result.

Dulwich’s intentions were clear from the start. There was little tussling in the midfield - the Hamlet kept the action in front of the enemy box, attacking the goal from all sides like punchdrunk wasps. Where Aylesford escaped, it was a quick foray into the opposing end before they were ejected unceremoniously to defend their patch.

The first sting landed in the 6th minute, new star striker Sophie Manzi taking advantage of a free kick to land a saucy first goal that keeper Sade Rider could do nothing about. She was at it again in the 29th minute, this time a confident shot from outside the box. Aylesford tried their luck, Fiona Constable firing corners and shots on goal, but Kate Aldridge and a tight defence foiled the Aylesford forward’s hopes and pushed the action back to where Dulwich wanted it.

A beautiful bit of play from skipper Brit Saylor showcased the next-level confidence this team are operating on this season; a crafty lattice of footwork, outfoxing her opponent and knocking two nutmegs through the Aylesford defence.

A minute later, a stunning, full-length run down the left wing from a focused Havana McElvaine found its way home and rocketed into the corner of the net in the 38th. Even as half-time approached it was clear Aylesford were feeling the strain, and Manzi delivered a fatal blow at the 40th minute, inking her second hat-trick in as many games.

Aylesford couldn’t outrun, outsmart or outlast Dulwich and their morale crumbled. The Hamlet rained blows on them, and Ali Rowe put a belting fifth goal home at the 67th min. Dulwich brought in fresh legs, and Lucy Monkman made her mark immediately, forcing the keeper into an own goal. She followed with a goal of her own, converting a long pass from Ceylon Hickman, and two minutes later Rosie Stone’s soaring free kick from midfield roared past a wholly defeated keeper to make it 8-0. That last effort took Rider down completely – perhaps in part due to a previous injury. As medics attended to Rider, Dulwich stayed prepped, running drills at the other end of the pitch.

Defender Sian Cheedy took over in goal from Rider, and was able to stop the meltdown, but aside from a couple of attempts in the dying minutes, Aylesford were out of chances, and it only remained to Dulwich to ensure no mistakes clouded their resounding victory.

The Hamlet team that strode to the top of the table last season did so in spite of an overtaxed front line, in part down to a dedicated approach to their fitness and very strong team chemistry. This season they have become a unified force - a disciplined matrix guarding the back and ever pushing forward, and the firepower they need upfront, with pure striker Manzi adding the certainty to transform them from a strong team to a truly dangerous unit to be feared by the rest of the league.

Attendance: 176

Next match: 20th September, vs Hackney (away) - FA Cup preliminary
Next home match: 4th October, vs Fulham.

Dulwich Hamlet:
1 Kate Aldridge; 5 Rosie Stone; 6 Sarah Walters; 8 Brit Saylor (capt); 9 Sophie Manzi; 10 Liz Wicks; 17 Sarah Milner; 18 Havana McElvaine; 20 Harriet Crofts; 21 Ali Rowe; 22 Jo Gibson;
Subs used: 7 Saskia Philp (for McElvaine 58); 3 Michaella Williams (for Milner 58); 16 Ella Wales Bonner (for Saylor 60); 14 Lucy Monkman (for Manzi 68); 12 Ceylon Hickman (for Rowe 69);
Subs not used: None
Yellow cards: none. Red cards: none.

Aylesford:
1 Sade Rider; 2 Sasha Rudlek; 3 Sian Cheedy; 4 Alex Witham; 5 Alison Draper; 8 Milly Penfold; 9 Beth Hulme (capt); 12 Stacey Glover; 15 Gemma Cumby; 17 Hannah Tyler; 18 Fiona Constable
Subs used: 11 Katana Gould; 14 Zoe Counter; 10 Laura Brown
Subs not used: None
Yellow cards: none. Red cards: none.

Referee: Lucy Clark

Photo: Ollie Jarman