Dulwich Hamlet fans are hoping to see their side continue their FA Cup run this Saturday when they travel to Salisbury in the third qualifying round.
A 4–1 victory over Welling United last month broke Hamlet’s four-year streak of second qualifying round exits.
Anticipation has grown among Hamlet supporters, who are now itching to see their side to reach the first round proper for the first time since a 4-1 defeat to Carlisle in 2019/20.
Alex Wilson, of the Dulwich Hamlet Supporters’ Trust, said: “It’s hugely exciting. We have had a very underwhelming time in the FA Cup over the last few years, but we all remember what an incredible occasion it was when we faced Carlisle in the first round proper in 2019.”
A cup run could also help the club financially in the long-term, considering their off-field developments.
In December, Southwark Council approved plans to turn Champion Hill into a modern, 4,000-capacity stadium with an all-weather pitch and new fit-for-purpose facilities.
Hamlet already average the highest attendance in the Isthmian League, yet the club’s future was threatened when gate receipts disappeared during COVID.
The National League’s decision to cancel the 2019/20 season, a scramble for cash and the government’s ‘time-to-pay’ system eventually helped save the club.
The FA Cup now provides a rare opportunity to supplement revenue, with Mark Dacey’s side pocketing £3,375 for their victory over Welling.
Winning in the third and fourth qualifying rounds would earn £5,625 and £9,375 respectively, while even defeat in the first round proper is rewarded with £15,800.
Victory in the first round proper this season would bring in a staggering £47,750.
Wilson said: “The club is always focused on managing its finances sustainably, but an injection of cash from a long cup run would never be unwelcome for a club like us.
“Salisbury are in the tier above and will be favourites, but they’ll be coming back off an improbable trip to Kuwait, so hopefully we’ll be able to catch them while they’re mentally still on the plane.”
With the women’s team facing Newhaven in the FA Cup on Sunday, cup fever has truly made its way to The Rabble.
For Hamlet, the weekend provides a chance to bring joy to the fanbase and take another step towards securing the club’s long-term future.
Image credit: James Boyes via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 licence
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