It was whole different world when Dulwich Hamlet last had Wembley in their sights. Punk was in its dying throes, the Blitz Kids of the New Romantic era waiting in the wings and Thatcher’s grab it all eighties about to explode on an unsuspecting country. Under manager Alan Smith, soon to make his name at Crystal Palace, led the Hamlet all the way to the quarterfinals of the FA Trophy, blitzing Boreham Wood and Aylesbury United, edging past Hertford Town, upsetting the formbook away to Bath City before succumbing to one of the non-league giants Boston United. That said it took a replay in East Dulwich before the Pilgrims prevailed 2-0 at Champion Hill after Dulwich had stymied their loftier opponents at York Street.

Now 37 years on Gavin Rose’s men find themselves with the opportunity to go one better than those Hamlet heroes of yesteryear, going toe-to-toe with National League Macclesfield Town. The Silkmen know only too well the joy of FA Trophy triumph having claimed the silverware in its inaugural season back in 1970 when the competition was instigated to provide a national knockout competition for those clubs no longer eligible to compete in the FA Amateur Cup. Macclesfield again reached the final in 1989 only to be beaten by now-defunct Telford United by the only goal of the game in extra time. However, 7 years later the Macclesfield fans were once more dancing beneath the twin towers of the old Wembley Stadium as the Silkmen defeated Northwich Victoria 3-1 to return the Trophy north after a five-year domination by southern clubs.

Macclesfield’s adventure in the FA Trophy began in the First Round proper with National League North Altrincham providing stubborn resistance before succumbing 2-1 in a replay at Moss Rose. The next round sent the Silkmen south to new territory and AFC Sudbury’s artificial pitch. However, it proved no burden as first half goals from Rhys Browne and Anthony Dudley had the visitors in the ascendancy by the interval. A third goal 7 minutes from time sealed Macclesfield’s passage thanks to Jack Sampson’s cool finish with the Suds only having Liam Wales late consolation to show for all their endeavour. The draw for the last 16 threw up an intriguing tie with title chasing Forest Green Rovers, the Macc Lads perhaps underdogs for the first time in the competition. However, their defence proved as solid as a rock throughout, standing firm against the Forest Green tide after taking a 13th minute lead courtesy of a huge dollop of good fortune as Billy Whitehead’s curler took a cruel deflection to leave goalkeeper Sam Russell flatfooted. Come Monday morning and the quarterfinal draw, that 1-0 win against the odds saw Macclesfield Town picked out of the velvet bag to make their maiden visit to Champion Hill to face the Hamlet.

Though one eye might be on Wembley, the Silkmen still have a place in the post season promotion playoffs in their sights. Rhys Brown’s 7th minute goal that secured Tuesday night’s 1-0 win away on the Hampshire coast down at Eastleigh moved them to within a single win of Dover Athletic. Just three points now separate them from that coveted 5th spot, last ticket for the playoff party, all a change from a midseason slump that saw Macclesfield slip from 3rd place all the way down amongst the mid-table also-rans. The dreams of a return to those heady days of the late 90’s when Macclesfield Town climbed as Division Two (League One in new money) in 1998 still burn bright amongst the Moss Rose faithful.

The Silkmen are on a good run of form coming into this game, unbeaten on the road since Jeff Hughes’s late goal, five minutes from time, settled a tight Boxing Day encounter at Tranmere Rovers. Of their last six games, Macclesfield have won 4, drawn away at Torquay and suffered just one major blot on the copybook, a single goal defeat away at Barrow.

This afternoon’s game takes place at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich SE22 8BD. Please note that this game will NOT be segregated and ALL fans are welcome to use our bar facilities. Unfortunately, due to FA Trophy regulations, the outside bar will not be in operation and supporters must consume alcoholic drinks inside the main bar area. No alcoholic drinks will be allowed to be taken outside.

Usual Dulwich Hamlet admission prices apply with ALL our regular concessions in place. There is no extra charge for seats in the Tommy Jover Stand, with these available on a first come, first served basis.

Supporters who have purchased e-tickets should follow directions to the Greendale entrances. The Health Club entrance is for the use of visiting officials, press and other official guests only. Season ticket holders are reminded that, as this is an FA Trophy tie and as such ALL PAY, such tickets as well as “Bring a Friend” complimentary tickets are not valid for today’s game.

Please note that parking is limited at Champion Hill Stadium and will be reserved for players, club officials and match officials. There is off-street parking available but please be considerate to our neighbours and refrain from blocking their entrances or parking in designated residential parking areas. Where possible Dulwich Hamlet advise supporters travelling to the game to make use of the excellent public transport links locally as well as Southern Trains into East Dulwich station, just a short walk from the ground.

Admission prices:

£10 for Adults
£4 for Concessions
NB: Concessions cover Seniors - 60+, Teenagers (13-19), Unemployed (JSA), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), NHS Staff, Blue Light Services, Serving Members of the Armed Forces and Full Time Students. (Please bring a form of valid ID for your concession as you might not be admitted without that)
Under 13s FREE accompanied by a paying adult

Programmes: £2