FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying
Saturday 3rd October 2020 - 3pm
King George's Arena, Tolworth KT6 7NA
Remarkably, Saturday 3rd October marks the first ever meeting of Corinthian-Casuals and Dulwich Hamlet in the FA Cup. Despite meeting 27 times in cup competition alone, the two South London sides have never duked it out in the country’s premier cup competition.
Casuals will have to be significantly better than the performance they put in against Merstham in the week, losing 3-0 at Moatside.
Manager James Bracken believes it’ll be a great occasion but admitted it was a tough ask. “I would I’d loved to have another lower level team drawn out of the hat, but they’re banana skins in their own right. Remember, we defeated Chelmsford City this time last year. We’ve beaten higher level opposition consistently so nothing is impossible. If it pays off, it might be one of the biggest wins in my managerial career.”
Unlike all of our opponents so far this term, Dulwich Hamlet have yet to start their season. Being ‘Elite’ at Step 2 means no crowds at games and hence, have not started. A ‘rescue package’ from the Government is set to be announced to help National League clubs in order to get their season commencing, but details are unknown as Step 1 and 2 head into their first matches this weekend.
Even more baffling was this week’s decision by the DCMS, enforced by the FA to only allow home fans to attend, where the home side is hosting a Step 2 club. Sadly, we’re unable to accept any Dulwich Hamlet fans (and, as it appears in the wording – neutral spectators too). See our statement which made several national newspapers this week.
It’s hardly ideal preparation for Gavin Rose’s side going into today. They are maintaining levels of match fitness and using behind closed doors friendlies to keep sharp. Just last weekend, they defeated National League side Bromley on penalties to lift the Glyn Beverly Memorial Cup.
They’ll be buoyed by the return of Hamlet hero Reise Allassani who’s been welcomed back to Champion Hill. Though Rose has lost a number of players over the summer and admits his budget has been significantly cut.
But results haven’t looked too shabby by all means. Another 1-1 draw recently to Wealdstone and only a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sutton United show they still very much have the National South pedigree in them and will undoubtedly be favourites to win here today.
Entry is only by ticket purchased in advance. You can buy your e-ticket here. We’re limited in numbers, so please hurry to guarantee yours. Once again, please refrain from buying if you are a Dulwich Hamlet or neutral fan, as we cannot guarantee your admission (I feel sorry for those volunteers that now have to effectively screen supporters coming to a game – I never thought I’d see the day).
Tickets are £11 adults, £6 Concessions and NHS staff (with ID) and Under 18s come for a quid. Turnstiles open at 1.45pm.