Dulwich Hamlet FC can today regrettably confirm it is unable to fulfil its FA Womens’ National League Cup fixture away at Lewes on Sunday [November 9].

The club made the challenging decision to withdraw from the FAWNL League Cup given an injury crisis that left it unable to field a match-day squad.

At the conclusion of this week’s game against AFC Portchester [November 5] we had fewer than 11 fit players on the pitch.

Since then, a further two players have succumbed to injury. Consequently, we do not have 11 fit players available for the fixture, let alone a match-day squad.

The club recognises this is a huge disappointment not just for our dedicated fans who were looking forward to an exciting fixture but also the players and the whole club.

We have always appreciated the way Lewes runs its match days and they are amazing hosts to our team and our fans. We are hugely disappointed that we have to take this step and disappoint the club and its fans.

 It was not a decision that was taken lightly.

The club has worked hard since Wednesday night to do everything possible to fulfil the fixture. But the priority will always be the wellbeing of our players. It would be a clear failure of the club’s duty of care if it asked players to perform when not fit.

We understand that many fans may have already incurred costs relating to this fixture and so please contact the club if you are in that situation.

This has been a competition that has delivered some momentous wins and been a great advert for women’s football. Everyone at the club is deeply saddened that we are not able to fulfil this fixture.