Here's what Community Lead Rob Hyneman had to say in the programme for the match against Chelmsford City

Welcome to Champion Hill!
Now the dust has settled after our first three games at Champion Hill, it is time to look forward to what the rest of the season may bring. Fans have flocked through the turnstiles in the last month to show their loyal support of the pink and blues. Our win on Boxing Day was the perfect way to welcome the team and the fans back to Champion Hill. One thing that has been consistent during the last few months has been the unwavering support of The Rabble. There is no doubt that the community spirit and the support shown by the fans is a huge factor in why we are playing at Champion Hill today. As we approach the last few months of the season, it is more important than ever that we continue to stick together and back the team.

Today’s mascots are the Lewisham Tigers Under 11s squad. The squad is made up of local Year 5 and 6 boys from six different Lewisham schools. The squad and coaches have been together for four seasons now, competing in close to 150 games in the Selkent League. Playing a neat passing game, not too dissimilar to Hamlet, a combination of being slow starters (they like to have a chat pre-match) and immense resilience has seen some incredible games through the years. The most memorable being a 7-6 victory when 6-1 down with 15 minutes to go. Like Hamlet, Lewisham Tigers U11’s boast some of the best behaved supporters (parents/grandparents) in grassroots football. One final thing Lewisham Tigers has in common with Dulwich Hamlet is that their wonderful home ground, Abbotshall Road Healthy Lifestyle Centre, Catford, is under threat of closure. If you would like to know more or think you can support the fight to save Abbotshall please visit the link below:

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/healthy-lifestyle-centre-abbotshall-road-catford

As you may know, since the resurrection of the Dulwich Hamlet Supporters’ team last summer, they have had a mixed bag of results (4 losses, 1 win and a horrifying goal difference). With the start of a new year came the fresh promise of a change in fortune.

The setting for their most recent game was Kensington Palace against a team made up of staff from the Royal Household. After a fairly even opening few minutes, Dulwich found themselves 2 nil down. Undeterred, Dulwich pushed forward and grabbed a well-worked goal on the break. This was followed by a (sort of) stonewall Dulwich penalty. This was duly converted and a sharp finish, after a scramble in the box, meant Dulwich were ahead 3-2 at the break.

Dulwich continued to be on top in the second half and extended their lead through a first time volley directly from a corner (I’m told words cannot do it justice!). A smart finish, following a quick break away gave Dulwich a resounding lead. Despite conceding a late goal, Dulwich hung on for a much deserved 5-3 win and just as well deserved were the post-match beers in the bar. Dulwich Hamlet Supporter’ are now unbeaten in 2019… watch this space!

If you would like to find out more about our supporters’ team and potentially play for them, please get in contact on the email below.

As always, if you have questions about our community work or have any new ideas, please get in touch.

I hope you enjoy the game today,
Rob Hyneman
DHFC Community Lead
@DHFC_Community
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