DULWICH HAMLET / ASPIRE ACADEMY WEEKLY ROUNDUP

A successful weekend for both sides in the Kent Youth League but a first defeat in the National League Youth Alliance

Sunday saw the Dulwich Hamlet Under 18’s go goal-crazy away to Sporting Club Thamesmead in the Kent Youth League as both Lekan Osideko and Mohamed Kamara scored hat tricks in an 11-1 victory at Bayliss Avenue. The other goals came from Alton Leeward, Mohamed Mohamed, Cristian Bucin, Axel Garcia and an own goal. The convincing win means Dulwich Hamlet sit second in the North Division table, one of four teams currently on 16 points, the others being leaders Welling United, Greenwich Borough and Phoenix Sports whilst Bromley A are just a point further back on 15. Welling United top the table by dint of their superior goal difference, +21 to the Hamlet’s +20. The Hamlet’s last game before Christmas will be this Sunday 18th December when they take on Phoenix Sports at Rutland Walk, KO 11am.

Midweek was not so successful as Dulwich Hamlet’s ASPIRE Academy youngsters failed to win for the third game in succession, back-to-back draws with Crystal Palace Foundation and Charlton Athletic Trust followed by yesterday’s first defeat of the Youth Alliance campaign. Entertaining Dartford Reds at King’s College, the Hamlet youngsters went down by the odd goal in three with Kiki Oshilaja grabbing the only goal. With Maidstone United Blues winning convincingly 9-1 at home to bottom club Thamesmead Town, it means Dulwich go into the Christmas break in second spot, level on points with the young ‘Stones but with a vastly inferior goal difference. Their next outing was scheduled to be away to Bromley Whites on 11th January 2017, meaning Hamlet do not play until 18th January when they entertain Bromley at Rutland Walk (venue to be confirmed).

Meanwhile the Under 16s continue to storm up their division in the Kent Youth League. Sunday’s 2-0 win at home to Phoenix Sports was their fourth successive win and saw them move into second spot in the North Division. Only goal difference separates them from leaders Erith & Belvedere. Next up for the Under 16s is a trip to Whyteleafe’s Church Road where they take on their hosts with a 2pm kick-off.