The ACN Match Review 24/25 – Dulwich Hamlet (a)

How did we play?

Norwich were largely in control of the game for large swathes of it, and yet they struggled at times to turn dominance on the ball into chances or goals. That might seem strange to say given we scored three, but given one was a set piece, another a penalty and the third a defensive blunder, new coach Andy Cook might need to start thinking about where best to deploy his most potent attacking players. The setup seemed a little reliant on Ellie Smith’s driving runs or Eloise Morran’s ability on the ball to get them going, both of which are huge assets, and yet it seems like there is plenty more to come from this group and it’s about how City unlock their potential.

That’s not to say Norwich played badly, but the absence of departing stalwarts from last season and early season injuries meant this looked in part like a slightly weaker side on paper than finished last term. Slot the experienced Megan Todd or pacey Hollie Kennard into this team and it might have been a very different story.

All that aside, it’s three points at a place where some sides will struggle, purely because of the atmosphere the Dulwich Hamlet fans generate. The result could be huge at the end of the season and the team showed real character to grind it out.

What was the best bit of the game?

The roof came off Champion Hill when Dulwich took the lead against the run of play. It felt like a real moment for them, especially given it was their first game at National League level, and so the fact Norwich were able to dampen spirits within a couple of minutes was massive. An excellent ball into the box from the technically gifted Freya Symonds was headed across goal by Ceri Flye leaving Shannon Shaw to head home and seize back the momentum.

What was the worst bit of the game?

City looked particularly susceptible to long balls over the top, with Quantrill being called into action on more occasions than seemed appropriate given Norwich were clearly the better side. They’ll need to find a way to deal with it at this level, particularly if a better standard of opposition identify it.

What is Champion Hill like for an away day?

This was my first visit to Champion Hill and  I have never felt more welcomed at a football ground. As always, it’s the little things, from the club chairman admiring City’s third kit and wanting a long chat about it, to the club officials greeting you and checking you know where everything (mainly the bar) is before you set foot onto the terraces. As might have been expected, it is a shining beacon of inclusivity and commitment to the greater good, the club have clearly fostered something brilliant in South London and it is to be celebrated. Dulwich Hamlet, you are the best of us.

As mentioned previously, the crowd’s reaction to the opener was massive, and the Pepper Army backed their side throughout. It will clearly be something they try and harness for the remainder of the campaign and lesser sides than Norwich will probably falter because of it.

Norwich travelled well, with many making the trip from the Fine City and a large number of Capital Canaries. This clearly meant a lot to the players as they grabbed inflatable canaries from the crowd post match for the obligatory team pic, to the soundtrack of ‘Yellows, Yellows, Yellows’. Lovely stuff.

Hero of the match

Eloise Morran seems to be one of the players City might just build a side around. Her range of passing is ridiculously good, while the expert way she can take the ball in small pockets of space and find team mates with ease is key to the the team’s build up play. She heads up a growing crop of youngsters in the ranks who all have real potential to kick on and have long careers in the game. If Norwich can help them grow and keep them at the club when sides higher up the pyramid come calling, it’ll be a real statement.

Summary in five words

Big win in the capital.