Framed #172: Dulwich Hamlet v Carlisle United

With additional floodlighting brought in to illuminate proceedings, Champion Hill welcomed a record attendance of 3,300 – an interesting figure when the official capacity of the stadium is listed as 3,000. But therein lies the beauty of the world’s oldest football competition: fans coming out in their droves to squeeze into the ground in support of their team, hoping to see a classic ‘giant killing’, and not caring what the elements have to throw at them. If anything, the falling rain simply added to the occasion, with the pink and blue faithful roaring on their side undeterred.

Champion Hill is exactly what you’d expect from a non-league stadium; largely open, the main focus – aside from the pitch – is the impressive Tommy Jover Main Stand. 500 fans taking their seats with a modicum of shelter from the rain. But everywhere else around the exposed stadium you’re surrounded by the view of houses, street lights and trees, reminding you that this is a proper local team. And the support in side the ground simply bolstered that feeling. 

With the TV cameras rolling the fans never once stopped cheering, and their unyielding support was rewarded when early in the second half, at 2-0 down, Christian Smith's header gave the home side hope. It drew the largest cheer of the night, but the comeback was cruelly shut down, with Carlisle ultimately cruising to a 4-1 win. 

Despite the result, it was a memorable evening for everyone involved with Dulwich, and the magic of their FA Cup journey has served to fill the coffers, allowing them to reinforce the squad for their ongoing campaign. Although the scoresheet indicated a loss for the home side, everything else about the night felt like a win. Hot dog from the van parked up outside the main stand and a pint at the local. Job done.

Photography by Orlando Gili for SoccerBible. Stay tuned for Round Two...

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