Allez Rose et Bleu!

Dulwich Hamlet Supporters' 2, Bromley Supporters' 2.
Internet Football League
Saturday 17th November 2007
At Belair Park, Dulwich.

The Football team of our French neighbours came over the South London borders, and-unlike last season-when we got hit for six, with no reply- we bade the Hayes Lane Ultras' 'au revoir' with a share of the spoils, and our first points of the season!
The visitors arrived with a large squad for this encounter, as-somewhat unusually-did ourselves. Pre-match, based on form, it was a match the visitors would be expected to be quietly confident of bein on top, but this was not to be the case as "The Rabblers" more than matched their old rivals, and dare I say it begrudgingly, friends?
It was the Frenchies who took the lead after about twenty minutes or so. A somewhat scrappy goal, if truth be told, as the Hamlet defence tried to clear the vall out of the box, but failed miserably to do so, to conced the opening goal. This gave Bromley a fillup, and they started to pile on the pressure, but a superb Dulwich defensive rearguard managed to hold firm for a fair while, until finally the Ultras' broke through, and their slight dominance punished our gallant boys with a second goal. Another gift for them as we once again attempted to, but failed, to clear the ball, Matt Hammond made a great save, but could only get his hand on the rebound shot, which was just too powerful for him.
At this stage you might have expected 'game over' with heads dropping, as we head for, what was becoming this campaign at least, another gallant defeat. But, no! We were having none of that! From now it it was a case of: Heads up chaps! Il ne passeront pas!
The fightback had begun, and not too long before the half time whistle we had pulled a goal back when Ian Gannon scored. Game on! We pressured the Frenchies, so much so that they couldn't hold on until the interval, with Chris Garrett bagging the equaliser, to top our goalscoring charts for 2007/08! It was our guests from over the far flung borders of south-east London that looked rather relieved as they enjoyed their half time cigarettes and alcohol.
After a stirring team talk from our gaffer Monsieur LoLo Marais "The Rabblers" re-entered the fray truly believing that we could get something out of this game. And were not to be disappointed. Though no more goals came, we were worth our share of the spoils, with our 'never say die' attitude. In truth it was a fairly even second period, with the men from Champion Hill just edging it over 'les garcons from voie de hayes.' Both keepers had their work cut out, but our class and experience eventually told, even over their slightly better youth and fitness. More chances came our way in the last few moments, but we were held at bay for a very enjoyable, and keen but fairly played, honours even draw between the two sides. Roll on the return encounter at Norman Park later in the season!
Team: Matt Hammond; Chris Garrett; Jon Tennison; Lawrence Marsh; Ferenc Morath; James O'Shaughnessy; Chris Tabrett; Andy Murphy; Jack McInroy; Joel Virgo; Ian Gannon.
Subs:(all used)- John Prendergast; Gary Tabrett; Ian Wright; Kublia Hoare; Dawn Taylor; Darren Nicolas.
Match report kindly supplied by Chris Tabrett, rather belatedly unfortunately, as he's been in hospital, having suffered a clash of heads playing football recently, and recovering from a broken nose, which was why he was dressed up like an Egyptian mummy last night, watching the Eastbourne Town game!
Thanks for the report Chris!
And don't forget to scroll town a couple of posts, if you want to view some snaps of the match.