Dulwich Hamlet Women's - Half Season Report

[i]Dulwich Hamlet fan Michael Wagg gives his half season report on the Women's team...[/i]

[b]Thirty-nine goals in all competitions and a spotless record in the league at home. Two hat-tricks, in the same half, and a regular home gate of over 200. The style, the spirit, the spice...[/b]

There's a lot to love about this team as we reach half-time in the first season playing as Dulwich Hamlet. It’s been a total pleasure watching DHFCW so far, as the squad continues to build its identity and pass it from the pitch to the fans. Many of us had been hoping for a women’s team for a long time and now it’s a reality and Sundays at Champion Hill a fixture. As Hamlet fan Cheryl says: “Viva ♀ team!”

The statistics are good: Nine wins in fifteen games; three wins out of three and seventeen goals in November alone; only one loss in the league (against fellow title contenders QPR); that 100% record at home in the league, and the eleven goal demolition of Haringey Borough in the cup… But the spirit of the performances is even better, and beyond the stats this team is a vital and exciting addition to the Hamlet family. We have new heroes in pink ‘n’ blue.

“It’s really good to see so many young girls, and boys as well, watching women play,” says goalkeeper Kate Aldridge, while Dulwich supporter Emily goes further: “Seeing girls here with their dads, that’s always my highlight,” she says. “The big thing for me is that when I was a kid I couldn’t play football, no-one would allow me to. So to see kids here now, girls especially, thinking ‘I could do that, I could play professional football,’ that’s a huge thing.”

We all have our highlights of a fantastic start to the campaign and to this chapter of Dulwich Hamlet history. “Rosie’s deft flicks and feints - I’ve loved watching those,” says Gavin, a supporter and photographer who hasn’t missed a match. “And then seeing Liz come back from injury was a real highlight for me.” For keeper Kate it was “Denham away when I felt we clicked as a team. That was when the goals started coming. But my highlight was the first league match, against Aylesford, when it was 1-1 and Danny, a fan, turned to the crowd and got them going. That made the difference and we got the win.”

A testing pre-season with home games against four clubs from higher divisions - including a first goal, a belter by Rosie Stone against [b]Leyton Orient[/b], and a first win against Championship side [b]Crystal Palace[/b] - set the scene for the historic first competitive fixture for this DHFCW. The 2-1 win against [b]Aylesford [/b]was unforgettable, as was the first competitive goal 44 minutes in, with Liz Wicks in the right place to knock home the rebound after Zoe Elmore’s delicious free-kick struck the corner of crossbar and post; before Olivia Bennett’s determined late winner. This was followed by a draw away at [b]Eastbourne Town[/b] and that 4-0 away win at [b]Denham United[/b], kicked off by Catherine Campbell’s brilliant half-volley, where things clicked.

The run of games in October saw a draw away at [b]Ashford Town[/b]; a 2-0 win in the return fixture; a convincing 5-0 win at home to [b]Saltdean United[/b]; and that single league defeat, 2-1 away at [b]QPR[/b], with two very late goals from the home side. Then came those three wins in three throughout November, including a 2-0 home league win against Eastbourne Town in front of a record crowd of 312. The 4-3 win away at [b]Fulham [/b]at the end of the month sums up the spirit in the camp. After leading by two goals, then trailing 3-2, Dulwich fought back and a left-footed volley by Rosie Stone and an Ana de Pellegrin strike - nodding in from close range after great work from Alison Rowe - sealed it.

We’ve not fared so well in the cups, narrowly losing out to Aylesford after extra time in the FA Cup, and losing two of our League Cup matches 1-0 at home. A 3-0 win away to Fulham in the final game of 2019 - sealed with goals from Jo Gibson and Saskia Philp - has given them a fighting chance of getting out of the Group Stage.

Having said that, what of the wonder of 11! Adding to their first half hat-tricks, Sarah Milner and Ana de Pellegrin had four each by the break in the Capital Senior Cup: Milner’s hat-trick, completed in four minutes, surely the fastest in Champion Hill history, and taking her tally as leading scorer to eight. Then there was Lucy Monkman’s classy twenty-five-yard chip for the 9th goal - matching Raky Arran’s lob at the same end pre-season against Wimbledon - before the returning Liz Wicks added the icing for 11.

At this half-time point, those eleven goals in one game are balanced by just the eleven conceded in fifteen games, with notable defensive shifts across the back, including from Helen Bellfield, Jess Hand, Harriet Crofts and Michealla Williams who have been excellent, as has Kiki Marino who’s started all but two of the fixtures. Dulwich Hamlet have just gone top of the table, the Reserves sitting fourth in their league, and with an average home attendance of around 200, the first team is already one of the best supported sides in London and beyond.

“We know we’re good enough to win the league,” says Kate, considering ambitions for the second half of the season: “we’ve clicked and I think we’re in a strong place.” Players, staff and fans alike are all looking forward, with sights set high. Sue, a supporter, agrees: “To win the league. That’s the hope.” She adds, "It’s a shame we don’t get more supporters of the men’s side coming down for the women’s game. I hope that improves too."

It has been a difficult and very sad half-season too, with the death of long-serving manager Farouk Menia. Reflecting on how the squad has needed to dig deep on and off the pitch, forward Raquel Arran says: “I feel like something changed, something clicked inside us, when Farouk was ill and not able to be here. We didn’t talk that much between us, but you could feel that there was something happening. As a team we were getting stronger. We had to win for him.”

Speaking before the vital top-of-the-table clash at home against QPR, she says, “I think this game is the game. It’s a special day, and the game is for Farouk.”

Manager Ryan Dempsey agrees “Today’s game is a ‘not-lose.’ We’ll try to win it but if we draw we’re still in touching distance with QPR.”

“Going forward, I’d like to put a little more of my own identity into the team, but still keeping a lot of what Farouk’s done, because he’s done amazing work. The players have been amazing too, in exceptionally difficult circumstances, and I can only praise them for that. They’re really strong as individuals and collectively as a group.”

“Every time I put my feet on the pitch, every Sunday, Farouk comes to my mind,” Raky continues. “And if this happens for me, then it happens for every one of us. I think this could be one of the reasons as a team we’re going ‘up.’ Before Farouk passed away our aim was to go up, and we know he will be following us."

Everything clicked in that game against QPR, a confident and convincing 2-0 victory that sent Dulwich top of the league on an afternoon that was all about celebrating Farouk’s memory. Ella Wales Bonner played the vital pass to Ana De Pellegrin, who opened the scoring in the first half, before Wales Bonner added one of her own to wrap up the victory. The emotional celebrations - which carried on long into the evening - showed just what this meant to the team.

This feeling of a strong collective transmits from the pitch, into the Tommy Jover Stand and the bar behind it. It’s been a joy to watch, and it’s only half-time. So here’s to the next 126 years! The team has delivered on and off the pitch. “They promised us ‘spicy,’ ” says Rod, “and for most opponents they’ve been too hot to handle.”

Q & A: Havana McElvaine

[i]Women's Programme Editor David Rogers spoke to our new Stateside signing Havana McElvaine - who hails from Boulder, Colorado - about women’s football in the US and her new home at Dulwich Hamlet...
[/i]
[b]How did you first get into football?[/b]

My mom signed me up for a team when I was a kid called the Pink Flamingos that played in the park by our house and I really liked the uniform so I stayed on.

[b]You played as captain for the Washington Huskies. What are the main differences between Women's football in the USA and the UK? [/b]

The biggest difference is that everyone here is better tactically and technically. US football, especially at the college level, was really focused on fitness and athleticism.

[b]You had a two year sabbatical from football. And now you have ended up returning to football and playing for Dulwich Hamlet. How did that happen?[/b]

A friend of mine who supports the team brought me to a game (shoutout Mike). I didn't expect to find a team out here so quickly but as soon as I saw them play I knew I wanted to be involved somehow. After the game I asked Brit if I there was any room for me. Came to a training and the rest is history! I feel very lucky - lots of gratitude for this group that has welcomed me in.

[b]What’s been your favourite moment so far? [/b]

Coming back from being 2-1 down against Fulham to win 4-3.

[b]What’s your favourite football memory (as a player or otherwise?) [/b]

2011 WWC, Abby Wambach's goal in the 120th minute to tie Brazil in the Quarterfinal. #USA

[b]What's the best goal you have ever scored? And who was it against?[/b]

I've scored so few so this one’s easy. It was my first year of college soccer against the University of Utah and my dad happened to be in the crowd from out of town. Ended up winning 1-0.

[b]What do you like to do when you are not playing football?
[/b]
Eat mostly. Explore London. Spend time with all my wonderful new teammates!

[b]In 2017 you were selected as a Marshall Scholar, one of the highest honors available to college graduates in the United States (Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the UK). How did that feel?[/b]

It was the biggest honor of my life to be selected for this opportunity. So thankful to be able to be here and further my education while also connecting with this amazing city. Still feels pretty surreal to be on this adventure.

[b]Last year you spent eight months travelling. Where did you go and and which were your favourite countries? [/b]

I spent time in South America, Africa and Asia. Every place was so different but I'd say I had the most fun in Brazil and South Africa. India was the most challenging but probably where I grew the most (and ate the best food).

[b]Any insights into the team?[/b]

They’re a crazy lot. But everyone's gone out of there way from day one to help me feel like I'm a part of the squad. So fun to play and compete with this group.

[b]What is something no one knows about you?[/b]

In 2017 I had a wild love affair with a Cuban singer. She wrote a song about me and I still hear it playing in bars or pubs from time to time...

Fulham 0-3 Dulwich Hamlet

Goals from Saskia Philp and a brace from Joanna Gibson helped Dulwich to a convincing 3-0 victory over Fulham on Sunday. The result gives us our first points in this season’s League Cup.

With Ana De Pellegrin injured during last weekend’s 2-0 win over QPR, Sarah Milner lead the line for Dulwich and kept the Fulham defenders on their toes. Michaella Williams came closest to opening to scoring, when her strike from range clipped the bar.

However, Fulham were up for it too and having scored three goals in the last game between the two clubs, they fancied their chances. Harriet Crofts returned to the side and played a vital part in winning the aerial battle in central defence alongside Jess Hand.

Manager Ryan Dempsey made a triple substitution at half time, bringing on Havana McElvaine, Saskia Philp and Liz Wicks. The changes paid off and not long after Philp had a header saved from a corner, she found the net with a well-taken finish.

Dulwich doubled their lead quickly afterwards, with Williams and Philp combining down the right channel to find McElvaine in the box, who laid it off for Joanna Gibson to stick it in the bottom corner.

Gibson added another from a similar position, as she followed up Philp’s shot that rebounded off the post. Now with a three goal lead, Dulwich were fully in control and saw out the game with conviction.

Speaking afterwards, Dempsey said, “It was a very pleasing win. We played well in both halves. We managed to play players who have recently returned from injury or haven’t played as much and it was pleasing to see the performance.”

“The plan was to sit off in the first half and try to counter with the pace of our front three. We created a couple of good chances but couldn’t convert.”

“The second half we changed the formation as I thought we could press a little higher to win the ball in more advanced positions. This resulted in three good goals and it could have been more but for some good saves from Fulham’s goalkeeper.”

“A great way to finish the first half of the season.”

The result means Dulwich rise to fourth in the group, still in with a chance of progression if we can beat Ashford Town in our final game.

[b]Dulwich Hamlet[/b]: Marie Louis, Michaella Williams, Jess Hand, Allison Rowe, Harriet Crofts, Helen Bellfield (for Courtney Gallagher), Rosie Stone, Joanna Gibson, Brittany Saylor (for Saskia Philp), Lucy Monkman (for Havana McElvaine), Sarah Milner (for Liz Wicks).

[b]Photo[/b]: Gavin Smith

Check out the rest of Gavin's photos from the game here.

Dulwich Hamlet 2-0 QPR

In what was always going to be an emotional afternoon, Dulwich Hamlet put in a memorable display against QPR in a day of celebration for Farouk Menia, their coach who recently passed away.

QPR arrived at Champion Hill with a 100% record but it Dulwich who started the game brighter and kept up the momentum to finish with all three points, which lift them back to 1st in the league table.

Dulwich worked the flanks early on, utilising the pace of wide players Sarah Milner and Lucy Monkman. Goalkeeper Kate Aldridge had a couple of saves to make but was untroubled.

QPR upped the pressure but Dulwich coped well, and just before half time launched the counter attack which would lead to the opening goal of the game. Clearing their lines from a corner, the ball came to Ella Wales Bonner, who fed Ana De Pellegrin to put her through one-on-one with the keeper. De Pellegrin kept her cool and slotted it home, unfazed by the defender in chase.

The job was only half done and the midfield pair of captain Brit Saylor and Rosie Stone continued to break up the QPR play in the centre of the pitch and also allow Wales Bonner the freedom to drive forward.

Manager Ryan Dempsey made his first changes with 20 minutes to go, bringing on Liz Wickes and Saskia Philp to play on the wings. Their fresh legs allowed Dulwich to maintain their high energy levels and kept the QPR defence busy.

On the 76th minute, the ball fell to Wales Bonner on the edge of the box and she unleashed an unstoppable volley to double Dulwich’s lead. The celebrations were huge and victory was within sight.

When the final whistle went, chants of “We are top of the league” rang out at Champion Hill and would continue into the evening at the Clubhouse Bar. At the halfway point of the season, Dulwich had sent a powerful statement to their opponents and ended their unbeaten run.

More importantly though, the team had won the game for Farouk with a stylish performance in which every player had worked tirelessly for each other. It was a fitting tribute to a man who lived and breathed the game and to whom the club will be eternally grateful.

[b]Dulwich Hamlet[/b]: Kate Aldrige, Jess Hand, Allison Rowe, Monique Marino, Havana McElvaine, Roisin Stone, Ella Wales Bonner, Brittany Saylor, Lucy Monkman (for Saskia Philp), Sarah Milner (for Liz Wicks), Ana de Pellegrin (for Michaella Williams).

Photo: Ollie Jarman