Hamlet beat Millwall 2-0 at Champion Hill

Champion Hill was full of anticipation for the local Derby against Millwall FC. It would be the first time they have met since our 2-1 defeat at the New Den in the final game of last season.

Before the game, Dulwich mischievously announced on social media that they had signed former Millwall player Angel Reid, who had come to training a couple of times and decided she wanted to take up our offer and sign with us. Reid played a key role on the left-wing in their win against us at the New Den in May. She also scored a memorable goal in their 6-2 win over the Hamlet at Champion Hill in September 2022.

Dulwich started off strongly and had the best of the play in the first 10 minutes leading to a beautiful build-up when Asia Harbour Brown raced down the left wing, crossed the ball into the box which was nodded over just over the bar by Shakira Kafero-Roberts. Shortly afterwards, Kafero -Roberts broke down the left and fired just wide of the goal.

The first goal for the Hamlet came after 19 minutes. Kafero-Roberts capitalised on a defensive error, rounded the Millwall keeper put the ball into an empty net to the delight of the noisy Pepper Army. Hamlet 1. Lionesses 0.

Six minutes later, and after relentless pressure, Dulwich go two nil up after Summer Roberts received the ball at the edge of the box and bent a shot into the far corner.

On the half hour mark there was a yellow for Millwall’s Ella Bailey for preventing a counter attack for the Hamlet. A minute later, Roberts latches onto a defensive header but can’t find the target from range this time.

With most of the first half dominated by a vibrant Dulwich team, Millwall decided to take action with a double change as Emel Huseyin and Ellie Cole replaced Shay Bennett and Ella Bailey.

As the half time whistle blew, the Pepper Army reflected on a brilliant first half performance as Dulwich went back down the player’s tunnel with a two-goal lead.

The second half saw Tia Searle come on for Luna Alves Etienne and the Hamlet started at a slower pace but they wanted to show the Lionesses that they were still dangerous in front of the goal and in the 56th minute, a pitch perfect free kick was taken by Lily Price who sent it to the far post, where Harbour Brown arrived. She could not keep her header down though and it went over the bar. Dulwich have another attempt at third goal cup shortly afterwards as Kafero-Roberts sprinted down the right wing and sent a low cross into the penalty area which found Summer Roberts. After having her initial shot blocked, the rebound whistles just over the bar.

Dulwich continued to put on the pressure after Harbour Brown outmuscled her marker to burst into space and releases Phoebe Read in the area whose shot forced Millwall’s keeper into a save.

In the 66th minute, Dulwich made their second change of the afternoon as Read is brought off for Anna Jowle.

With six minutes to go, Kafero-Roberts bursts away again and probably should have had a penalty, but tried to stay on her feet to score. A moment later, Harbour Brown drags an effort wide of the far post.

With a victory near on nailed, a huge ovation went around Champion Hill as Summer Roberts left the field to be replaced by Lucy Monkman.
As the referee blew the whistle, the team ran towards the Toilets Opposite Stand to celebrate with the Pepper Army as bragging rights when to the pink and blue area of the neighbourhood.

DHFCW Line-Up: 1 Saskia Reeves-Priestley, 2 Jodie Lodge 3 Asia Harbour Brown, 8 Brit Saylor (c), 9 Summer Roberts (14 Lucy Monkman 87’), 12 Erin Corrigan, 15 Phoebe Read (6 Anna Jowle 76’), 17 Luna Alves Etienne (16 Tia Searle 45’) 18 Morgan Searle 19 Shakira Kafero-Roberts, 21 Lily Price Unused Substitution: 13 Ceylon Hickman 20 Minnie Cruttwell 13 Ceylon Hickman, Goalscorers: Kafero-Roberts 19’, Summer Roberts 25’

Millwall LFC Line- Up: Chrissie Wiggins, Tyra Poole (Shay Bennett 65’), Millie Connell, Chloe Burr (Emma Whitter 88’), Hannah Gilmour, Sophie Chapman, Olivia McGregor (Shannan Drewe 88’), Ella Bailey (Ellie Cole 35’), Emma Whitter (c)( Maddie Bone 74’), Shay Bennett (Emel Huseyin 35’), Shannan Drewe Unused Substitutions: Ellen Napper, Melissa Jones, Yellow Card: Ella Bailey 30’