Non League

YOUTH SQUAD ON STANDBY FOR FIRST TEAM UNTIL END OF SEASON

3 April 2009

John Prendergast
johnp@southwarknews.org

Youth could be given a chance at Dulwich Hamlet between now and the end of the season, as manager Craig Edwards chose not to add to the senior squad as the transfer deadline passed.

Speaking in his weekly column in the 'News', the Hamlet gaffer stated he would stick with the current sixteen players in the first team squad, and call on the youth team for back up where and when they were needed.

The club’s under 18s triumphed in the London Amateur Cup last week, trouncing Thamesmead Town 5-1, and with no reserves currently playing at Champion Hill, the youth team may get their chance if first teamers are out of action.

Edwards told the 'News' this week: "We have now got our first team squad of sixteen players, that we will use until the end of the season. But if we get suspensions or injuries, and with no reserves, we will look to the youths for that back up."

However, it made it clear he would only put them in if he thought they were ready.
He added: "When or if they do get a chance it will be up to them to impress, and if they do then they may get a chance to keep their place."

One youngster who is unlikely to get a game is youth team stopper Danny Baldwinson, as Edwards has decided to split the remaining fixtures this season between first choice keeper Jamie Lunan and reserve Sheikh Ceesay.

The Hamlet gaffer said: "Sheikh has been unbelievable for us this year, and came in and did the business when we needed him. So we have decided to split the remaining games between the two lads.

"Again, if anything happened to them, Danny would come in as back up, but the plans at present are to rotate the two first team squad keepers."

Dulwich will be playing at home against Crowborough Athletic this Saturday, which is one of their three remaining home fixtures this year. The reverse encounter played last November resulted in a resounding 7-0 victory for Hamlet.

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