Dulwich Hamlet Women Reserves kicked off their season in style with a 7-0 away win at Hackney FC. Dulwich had 5 debutants in their 16 as Emma McClement, Christina Sofianos, Dalia Fraga Martinez, Kyla Hussain and Kyleigh Krames played in pink and blue for the first time. 

Dulwich started strongly creating a number of early chances as they put the Hackney defence under a lot of pressure. It took a set piece to break the deadlock as the captain Anna Stones finished off on the second attempt from a Minnie Crutwell corner. Dulwich were now firmly on top and able to dictate and switch play. After a few close misses we finally capitalized from winning the ball in midfield with Neve Mayes finishing smartly twice on clinical breaks. 

Dulwich never looked back after half time, scoring a further four as Neve completed her hattrick, Stonesy got her second finishing a lovely move under the keeper, we forced an own goal from a high press and Nikiya Palmer-Steele had the pick of the goals as she cut inside and curled a left foot stunner inside the post. With two disallowed goals for offside, a lob off the post, and Hackney’s keeper putting in a player of the match performance it could easily have been more.

Christina was voted player of the match for a very composed debut at the centre of Hamlet’s defence, setting the tone for a calm performance in possession with shout outs to Dalia, Izzy, Jade for their performances as well as the three goal-scorers. 

Post match, Ben Perryman reflected on the game “Delighted with the seven goals, a clean sheet and to see the team play so well together given the new faces. It's the perfect start to the new season and we are excited to go again next week”.

The reserves are at home against Tooting Bec this Sunday with a 13.30 pm kick off at the Training Ground.