Hamlet youngsters in FA Youth Cup action tonight

Dulwich Hamlet Under 18s are one step away from the First Round Proper but first they must overcome Bromley at Champion Hill this evening.

Like Dulwich Hamlet’s Aspire Academy coached youngsters, the Bromley Academy team compete in the midweek Football Conference Youth Alliance (FCYA), sending out teams in Division G (alongside Dulwich) and Division B.

In Division B where the squad comprises the bulk of the FA Youth Cup team, Bromley Blues currently hold on to third spot after having played thrice, three points adrift of leaders Dartford Whites but with a game in hand of their Kentish rivals. The Blues have been in free flowing goal scoring form, opening with a 6-1 triumph in a feisty game away to Eastbourne Borough punctuated by several cautions all-round. Daniel Ajakayie led the way scoring four of the six goals with Michak Stanic-Stewart weighing in with a brace. Ajakayie was again on the scoresheet as Bromley shared six goals away to Thamesmead Town, the hosts reduced to ten men with a red card.

Attention turned to the FA Youth Cup with the visit of Tooting and Mitcham United to Hayes Lane with fans treated to an absolute thriller as the young Ravens progressed through to this evening’s encounter by the skin of their teeth. Despite early dominance from the young Terrors it was Bromley who went ahead when Joel Vian’s crisp finish on 24 minutes. Tooting levelled through Razzaq Coleman eight minutes before the break before the same player gave the visitors the lead with a superb strike early in the second half. Barely had two minutes passed than Bromley were back on level terms as Ajakayie produced a sparkling solo run that culminated with an exquisite goal setting the stage for skipper Louis Fox to win it 18 minutes from time with a cracking finish into the top corner.

No respite for the youngsters as two days the bulk of the squad found themselves back on the pitch to entertain Hastings United in an FCYA encounter. Once more Ajakayie was on the scoresheet bagging a brace as Bromley edged the game 3-2. Last Wednesday attention turned to the FCYA League Cup as the Blues travelled to Tooting’s KNK Stadium to face the young Wombles of AFC Wimbledon. Guess what? That man Ajakayie was on the scoresheet once passing double figures for the season with tow of Bromley’s goals in a 7-0 rout.

Though Dulwich’s FCYA season has been somewhat punctuated by the FA Youth Cup run, they still have a 100% record in Division ‘G’ beating Phoenix Sports 6-1, Diallang Jaiyesimi and Osman Proni both scoring twice with Ade Batula and Brian Testolin adding further goals, then triumphing 4-1 at home to previously undefeated leaders Fulham (Sedgehill) last Wednesday afternoon. Jaiyesimi again scored twice with additional goals from Kiki Oshilaja and Dereece Thompson.

Sundays have proved busier with 34 goals accumulated in their six games so far though defeats to Bromley’s Kent Youth League Under 18s (2-4) and leaders Cray Wanderers Youth (1-3) leave them in second spot behind their Cray vanquishers. Diallang Jaiyesimi’s eleven goals in that competition helped propel him into contention for the senior squad whilst others wait in the wings eager to grab their opportunity to impress.

Whilst Bromley had a late entry into the FA Youth Cup, it’s been a long road already for the Hamlet. It began with the visit of Meridian VP in the Preliminary Round back on the 9th December. The visitors might have been underdogs but they fought with the passions of terriers. Though Kiki Oshilaja gave Dulwich a good start with an early goal it took some time before the Hamlet gained control of the game. Brian Testolin made it two not long before the break before second half goals from Ade Batula and Kladji Cani made the final 4-0 score line seem a little more comfortable than it had been.

Whitstable Town were next in line, making the long trip up from the Kent coast, only to be send back home on the end of a 6-0 hiding. Again Dulwich took time to click into gear before Diallang Jaiyesimi and Reece Johnson scored in quick succession. The second half saw a storm of Dulwich Hamlet attacks, further goals added through Ade Batula, Osman Proni with a pair and Reece Johnson’s second. Dulwich could even afford to squander a penalty as Proni’s spot kick was excellently saved low down to his left by Ryan Birch.

The travelling boot was on the other foot as the second qualifying round draw sent Dulwich off to Margate on a Thursday night. A comfortable two goal lead given the Hamlet at half time by an unfortunate own goal courtesy of an Abdul Lyoubi cross and Kladji Cani header was wiped out in a minute of madness at the start of the second as Margate levelled with goals from Sebastian Rowland and Mitchell Laine. As the action switched from end to end a foul on Diallang Jaiyesimi gave Osman Proni the chance to restore the lead from the spot; unfortunately, the kick was awry and high. Midway through the half Dulwich were back in front as Tarik Ibrahim finishing off a neat move with a sweet drive under an exposed ‘keeper before Ade Batula finished things off with the goal of the night, driving a crisp shot inside the goalie’s neat post.

Tonight’s game kick-off at 7.45pm at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way. SE22 8BD.

Please note this game must be played to a finish this evening with extra time and kicks from the penalty mark to decide who will travel to either Met Police or Folkestone Invicta in the First Round Proper. That tie is scheduled to be played tomorrow (Thursday) night.

Admission Prices this evening

• Adults: £3
• Concessions: £1
• Children Under 12s: FREE