Match Preview | Dulwich Hamlet (H)
Right, football. It’s another one at home, and another chance for Whitehawk to extend that incredible unbeaten run at The Enclosed Ground. Tuesday’s 5-2 Senior Cup victory over Crowborough Athletic made it 20 competitive home matches without defeat, as they welcome the masses of south London on Saturday afternoon.
Charlie Walker recorded a hat-trick in midweek to take his tally to 10 for the campaign. Scoring has rarely been an issue for Shaun Saunders’ side on home soil this season, with 22 goals coming in all competitions. But in Dulwich Hamlet they pose a perennial threat, and will no doubt be well-supported as they so often are.
The Opposition
Recently relegated from National League South after a five year stay, the colourful club from south of the capital has been placed firmly on the map for its progressive stance, social vibe and excellent amenities. There’s a lot that can be compared about the two clubs’ supporter, but it’s on the field where this one will be won.
And Hakan Hayrettin’s side have been up against it in the early stages of this season. Sat in 17th with just the three wins from their opening 10 matches, the tide will have to turn soon if they are to return to the National Leagues at the first time of asking.
One to Watch | Danny Mills: Who else? The centre forward is a certified Whitehawk legend, and he returns to The Enclosed Ground for the first time in a competitive fixture since his departure back in 2017. A natural-born finisher, the 31-year-old has featured for 14 clubs during a career that has taken him from Crawley to Peterborough, Torquay to Tamworth.
But it was with the Hawks where he spent the majority of his time, racking up 88 goals on route to legendary status. Now in his fifth season with Dulwich Hamlet, the goals continue to flow, with 10 scored in National League South last campaign.
Recent Form
14/10 | Kingstonian (H) | Won 3-2
10/10 | Billericay Town (A) | Lost 3-0
7/10 | Cheshunt (A) | Won 1-0 (FA Trophy)
30/9 | Cheshunt (A) | Lost 2-1
26/9 | Hornchurch (A) | Lost 2-1
Previous Meetings
It’s been quite some time since the Hawks and the Hamlet faced off in a competitive fixture. You’ll have to trace back to January 2017, where a strong Dulwich Hamlet side claimed a 4-1 win at The Enclosed Ground in the FA Trophy.
Failing that, the two sides also met in the FA Cup in 2015, with the Hawks coming out on top in that one by a 4-2 scoreline – Danny Mills on hand to complete a memorable hat-trick against his current side.
How to Follow
If you can’t make it to The Enclosed Ground on Saturday afternoon, you can follow the action via our X (Twitter) channel, which can be found here.
Tickets
Oh, so you’re interested? Now that’s what we like to hear! Tickets can be bought at the gate tomorrow or, if you fancy skipping some queues, you can purchase yours right now from here.
