PREPARE FOR A FLIGHT OF EAGLES DESCENDING ON CHAMPION HILL TONIGHT

Kicking off at 7.45pm, Dulwich Hamlet will be facing a Crystal Palace XI this evening in the final home preseason friendly.

Last season proved a topsy-turvy campaign for the Eagles when, from European hopefuls at Christmas in fifth spot, the Palace underwent a catastrophic crash deep into the relegation dogfight only surviving by the skin of their teeth at the death. Yet alongside this came a run to their first FA Cup final for more than quarter of a century. Then they had gone down fighting to a Manchester United side laden with the finest jewels that money could buy ranged against an Eagles’ squad composed much of rough diamonds hewn from the lower leagues, even Non-League in the case many including Alan Pardew, Andy Gray and Ian Wright all of whom had graced the shirts of the Hamlet. Curious symmetry saw the Glaziers up against their conquerors that time with Pardew now installed in the Selhurst Park hot seat but once again the result would go against the gallant Eagles.

So far in preseason the Crystal Palace senior squad has remained unbeaten with the Eagles returning from a three game tour of North America with a win and two draws under their belt. Alan Pardew’s men opened with a scoreless draw against Philadelphia Union, riding high in the MSL before goals from Jordon Mutch and Wilfried Zaha saw Palace overcome a strong challenge from FC Cincinnati in front of a crowd of 35061, a record for an association football match in the state of Ohio. The Eagles crossed the border for their final game of their three-game tour of North America, remaining undefeated after they drew 2-2 with Vancouver Whitecaps in a dingdong battle game. It took an hour for the first goal to arrive but when David Edgar found the net for the hosts, it sparked a wildfire of scoring as two quick-fire goals from Frazier Campbell put the Palace in the driving seat. However, after a host of chances came and went for both protagonists, the Whitecaps’ Kendall Watson got on the end of a cross to power home a header with 12 minutes left on the clock. That was the way the contest concluded – an honourable 2-2 draw. The Eagles returned to home soil last night taking on Colchester United. Though Pardew’s men grabbed an early lead through Mutch, the midfielder clipping a delightful shot into the top corner from distance, they could not add to the tally despite controlling the bulk of play. Late substitutions proved the usual preseason distraction to the pattern of play but despite a late rally from the hosts it remained 1-0 at the final whistle.

With many of the first team squad in action for the Palace last night, it is expected that the bulk of tonight’s players will be drawn from the Eaglets, the club’s Elite Development Squad. However, it has been hinted at the surprise appearance of the odd first teamer or more so be on the lookout for those big names gracing the Crystal Palace colours.

This evening’s game kicks off at 7.45 pm at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD.

The turnstiles will be open from approximately 6.00 pm with refreshment facilities available in the ground for early arrivals. Avoid the late rush and relax enjoying a drink or snack in our cosy clubhouse with live sport on the big screens, conveniently situated just a short walk from the turnstiles?

ADMISSION PRICES

• £10 for Adults
• Half price for Dulwich Hamlet Season Ticket Holders (£5 Adults / £2 Concessions)
• £4 for Concessions (Seniors - 60+, Teenagers, Unemployed (JSA / ESA), Full Time Students and Members of the Armed Forces and Blue Light Services. PLEASE present valid ID if requested)
• Under 13s FREE accompanied by a paying adult.

Correct change would be appreciated in order to speed admission. Many thanks!

Programmes: £2.00