Sunday the 31st of August, the Dulwich Hamlet Reserves made the journey south to Kent for their second league match of the 25/26 season against Ashford United. 

Even before the game began, both teams noticed the heavy winds blowing training equipment and footballs out of position. Brief rain showers and patches of sun continued throughout the warm up. 

The game began without either team taking control. Both sides took turns attacking and initially Ashford pressed high, looking energetic. Beynon, Asagba, and Walcott continued to deny Ashford and eventually the play moved back toward the center of the pitch. 

The game felt undecided and despite the width of the pitch, the central areas seemed crowded. Stones, Glaze, and Saylor worked hard winning tackles, but it was still difficult to move forward. A few times, Beynon looked to find De Pellegrin and Sessay over the top, but they weren’t able to complete a successful attack. 

Eventually Dulwich began to settle in and move the ball around the back line, finding Miranda and Smale on the wings. Outside of the middle, play began to look more cohesive and both Miranda and Smale had opportunities to drive forward. Ashford’s line dropped back and began to give up more space in the channels. 

In the 33rd minute, Dulwich won a corner on the right hand side. Sessay whipped a zinger straight into the center of the six, where Beynon was able to convert with a perfect header straight into the back of the net. 

This lead galvanized Dulwich to attack with more confidence. Shortly after, Dulwich won another corner and Sessay looked to repeat her assist, but the attackers in the box were foiled by Ashford’s defence. 

The first half was riddled by stoppages caused by rough collisions and the referee awarded five minutes of overtime. In the 46th minute Miranda sent in a cross from well wide on the right hand side, which took a deflection from a defender and found the back of the net. 

Dulwich led at half-time 2-0. 

After the break Crutwell came on for Saylor, allowing for Beynon to shift to midfield. The midfield looked composed in the beginning of the second half and Dulwich continued to press high. However, Ashford solidified their defense and continued to stymie Dulwich’s attempts. Ashford’s goalie was particularly effective, coming out multiple times to claim crosses and clear long balls. 

Manager Bellfield made two more changes early on in the second half, with Davila coming on for Miranda and Kelly for Smale. The game continued back and forth. One of Dulwich’s chances came from Cruttwell, who struck from well outside the area—barely missing, just outside the near post.

In answer, Ashford’s goal came from a powerful ball hit from nearly half field. No one on the pitch seemed to expect it and it caught West out, making the score 2-1. 

Dulwich made two more changes, with Theodoreson exchanging for Asagba and Sinclair for Sessay. 

As Ashford gained hope, the game became more intense, resulting in fouls and more stoppages. In one instance, Sinclair did well to hold up play in the final third and drew a foul. Cruttwell’s delivery on the set piece was dangerous, but Dulwich couldn’t manage to get a head on it. 

Ashford kept attacking, but Crutwell, Theodoreson, and Walcott continued to deny. For the most part, West had very little to do in goal, with the defense keeping the ball well away. The referee determined six additional minutes, but the score stayed 2-1 and Dulwich was pleased to walk away with the win.

The players voted Captain Anna Stones as player of the match again for excellent work in the midfield, winning aerial challenges, and maintaining her quality and energy throughout the game.