Fleet Town v. Dulwich Hamlet
Third Qualifying Round
Calthorpe Park, Fleet
Sunday 13th October 2024
Much as I like to venture to a new ground on this journey, there was no way I was going to miss my local club playing a MASSIVE home match against one of the most famous names in non-league football.
So no trains, trams or even the car for this one as I can take an autumnal stroll up to the home of Fleet Town FC Women. Even persuaded my eldest son, Jude, to join me this Sunday afternoon.
A friendlier, more-welcoming club you would struggle to find anywhere in the pyramid. The stadium nestles amongst woodland alongside the local cricket club, tennis courts and former pitch and putt course where I once hit a hole in one!
Fleet Town
Fleet Town have run a ladies and girls section for 25 years and currently play in the Southern Region Women's Football League Division One South (Step 5 of the pyramid). They enjoyed cup success last season winning the North Hampshire Women’s Divisional Cup. This WFA Cup match is probably the highest profile game in the teams history.
Fleet Town as a club were formed in 1890 and have played matches at Calthorpe Park for over 100 years.
Dulwich Hamlet
2024-25 marks the sixth season for Dulwich Hamlet Women, since the merger with AFC Phoenix in the summer of 2019. Hamlet are currently playing in Women's National League South East (Step 3 of the pyramid) after finishing top of the London and South East Regional Women's League last season.
Dulwich Hamlet as a club dates back to 1873, with their famous pink and navy blue shirts they are an illustrious name in the history of amateur football.
Onto the match itself:
Two young sides, full of running and energy.But the difference in levels was noticeable with Hamlet's movement and speed of thought reflecting their higher status. Two quick goals at the start and end of the first half gave a slightly flattering half time lead of 5-0, which was a little unfair on the home side who had several chances of their own.
Second half Fleet worked hard but they couldn't quite get the goal their endeavours deserved.
Overall the Hamlet were quicker to every stray ball and their enthusiastic Pepper Army away following went home happy. An early second half sixth goal and a late seventh put the gloss on a very professional performance.
The home side can be proud of their efforts and a word for the crowd , a magnificent 301 in attendance.
FT: Fleet Town 0 Dulwich Hamlet 7
