STATEMENT | L&SERWFL Trophy Final Abandonment
Yesterday's L&SERWFL Trophy final between Dulwich Hamlet Women Reserves and Clapton Community FC was abandoned with Clapton leading 2-0. We have been told that this was as a result of one of the representatives from the neutral venue selected to host the final objecting to the presence of flags and banners in the crowd amongst both sets of supporters.
We have spent the last 24 hours speaking with those present and while we await the full facts of what happened, we have seen no evidence that our fans have behaved in any way other than the peaceful and dignified manner that we would expect from them, in accordance with the values of our club and that the banners on display were not new, are not in breach of any laws or rules and have been to many games before this final.
We are very disappointed that the L&SERWFL Trophy final has ended in this fashion, and we look forward to a full explanation as to how this was allowed to happen.
We will issue further updates once we have more information
On behalf of the club
Ben Clasper, Chairman
Match Preview | Dulwich Hamlet vs Clapton CFC | League Cup Final
Dulwich Hamlet Reserves travel to the Gallagher Stadium in Maidstone on Sunday to take on Clapton FC in the League Trophy final. The team made it through to the final with wins against Ashmount Leigh, Newhaven (in the league above), Bexhill and Bognor Regis (both at Champion Hill).
The Reserves finished 4th in the league - with a strong finish that saw them 13 unbeaten and undefeated in the league in 2025, ending in style with a last gasp win over Leatherhead on the final day of the season. Their opponents Clapton finished 7th in the league. Dulwich have shaded the two meetings this season with a 2 - 1 win at home and a 0 - 0 draw away in January.
Buy tickets here to support the team bring home the cup:
Ryan Dempsey | A final farewell
Our final farewell.
What a journey it has been representing the Pink & Blue 156 times! Started in November 2019 with a 5-0 victory against Saltdean United & ended with a Capital Cup final against Arsenal U21s. The memories created in between will be forever remembered: cup finals, FA Cup runs and of course the 2023/24 League Winning season. I still rewatch moments in that season, beating Dartford 5-2, Fulham 2-1 and THAT night at the famous Promotion Roundabout.
Our first season in the FAWNL wasn’t as successful as I would have wanted but to leave the Club competing in the FAWNL and to continue to challenge clubs with who have greater resources is something I’m proud of.
Special mention to Jamie, Lee, Brad, James, Abigail, Jatin, Helen and Ben who have helped me become a better coach & person and enabled me to do so with a smile of my face.
Those (Ben, Mel, Gavin, Joe, Clare, Kian & many more) who work behind the scenes doing all the work that keeps the Club running and ensures the ethos and values of the Club are at core of all decisions. My family & friends have had amazing times at Champion Hill & you have made them feel part of the Dulwich family. THANK YOU!
To the 89 (Thanks to stats man Ian Kemp!) who have played for me. I definitely made mistakes during my time, I value you all and I hoped that you played with a smile of your face. I can’t thank you enough for all your hard work, dedication & sacrifice. The trust & belief you had in me and my staff led us to enjoy some of the best times in my life!
To the fans, we started with an average crowd of 200 and now we have 550 join us (“how many dogs!?”). The support you have given the women's team has allowed us to grow and develop & be heard loud and far! A special mention to the Pepper Army, you’ve helped create memories that transcend football; for me that’s hearing my 2-year-old son asking me & Abby to sing “Daddy’s song” (Ryan Dempsey’s Pink & Blue Army) before bed or at random times of the day. We as a family will forever remember that!
I wish you all nothing but success for the future and I look forward to watching from a far.
Ryan
💖💙
Good Luck Martha!
We'd like to wish Martha Goddard all the best as she steps away from Champion Hill to pursue footballing opportunities in the USA. Following in the footsteps of Angel Reid and Shakira Roberts who headed across the Atlantic this time 12 months ago.
Title winner Goddard followed up a memorable 23/24 season by taking the FAWNL by storm. Picking up our young player and supporters' player of the year award at our end of season awards. Her most notable performance this season came against Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals of the Capital Women's Cup where she bagged a brace to ensure our spot against Arsenal in the final.
Martha started her Dulwich career with our reserves side but quickly made the step up to the 1st team and firmly cementing her spot as a fan favourite.
Everyone in SE22 would like to wish Martha all the best in the USA and look forward to welcoming her back to the Hill soon.
Tash Stephens retires from football
Following the conclusion of the 24/25 season we can confirm that Tash Stephens has made the decision to retire from football.
Tash has played for the likes of Oxford United and Crawley Wasps before joining us at Champion Hill at the start of this season.
Tash started the season as a winger but following an injury to Summer Roberts found herself leading the line here in south London and away from home on multiple occasions.
Everyone at Champion Hill would like to thank Tash for all her efforts whilst in south London and we look forward to welcoming you back in a supporter capacity soon!
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Edgar Kail Way,
East Dulwich,
London.
SE22 8BD.
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