Step forward the man who scored the FIRST EVER winning goal at the new Champion Hill...Lionel Best!

Without wishing to embarrass you, when older Dulwich fans, as in my generation, talk about great players who have worn our shirt your name will always crop up in the conversation. In your opinion who were the better ones you played with at Champion Hill?

"Better? there must be lots, I came from lower level football. Two that spring to mind straight away, John Egan abd Andy Fisher. They were great footballers, master of their own trade. I was a good tricky player, but they were very good defensively and tactically. Players who knew their strengths and played to them. But I also saw some good individuals in the few years for different reasons. Carl Asaba, although he wasn't with us long, was a little special up front. And one, for his style of play at the back was 'Inchy', Paul Rogers."

You scored the winning goal against Hendon at the new Champion Hill in front of the television camera. Can you remember that?

(His eyes light up!)
"I can! I look at that goal all the time! The missus was kind enough to track it down from somewhere, and gave it to me as a present. I work in schools nowadays, using football to enhance a positive attitude for learning, and use that clip as a quiz question to see if any of them recognise me. It helps them to realise i know what I'm talking about, and breaks the ice."

You joined us from London Spartan Leaguers, Elms. How big a jump was it at first?

" Oh, it was a massive jump. I though I knew a lot about the game, until I made that leap. I wasn't coached before, and you could tell. It took me a season to learn and feel comfortable. For that first year it was mentally and physically challenging. I really had to concentrate on my fitness to meet the standards. It was demanding."

Who were the characters in the changing room with you back then?

"John Egan, Dave Coppin...that dressing room was like a family. They all seemed to come together from Molesey, but John Egan was the main one. He was just a nutter, in the most tasteful way, who just made me laugh. I can still see his face making me smile. Always jokes at away games, keeping us entertained too x-rated to go into, if you're putting this on your website!"

So don't tease, tell us a little tale from those days that would have been kept quiet back then.

" Hmm, well the main one for me was early on, the early away trips, and my first drinking games with the boys on the way back. Some of the forfeits were unbelivable, almost sobering me up on the spot, but as I say, I can't really tell you more!"

Where did you play after you left The Hamlet?

" I came here to Croydon, with Dickson Gill. I actually didn't want to leave Dulwich, as I loved it there, but there was a change of manager & I wasn't getting as much game time under Frank Murphy, so it was time to move on. I was with Dickson afterwards for quite a while. There were a number of clubs I went to. I went to Bromley, had a very good first third of a season, but did a crutiate ligament and was out for about two years. I had a short spells at Kingstonian, as well as Tooting & Mitcham. And a second time at Croydon. A good few clubs really. I was at Crawley town for two years, and at Fisher Athletic for a season. When I sort of stopped seriously I rejoined Dickson as player-coach at Clapton, and also went with him to Egham Town, which was my last club, and I stopped playing when I was 32."

Any thoughts of a comeback, you've kept yourself fit and aren't too old.

" Unfortunately one reason I didn't head a ball was because I could never risk paralysing myself by doing so if I head it wrong, due to a past head injury. Nowadays I coach and mentor young kids. I was at the Crystal Palace Academy for four years doing that, and I do all that as a business, which is my joy. It would take a lot to get me out of retirement to kick a ball around. Today was just a 'one off' to see some old freinds, and help out Dickson & Croydon."