Hamlet’s record FA Cup run’s next round will be watched by millions – months after they nearly went under

By Rachel Steinberg

A football club which faced ruin earlier this year has bagged a spot on prime-time TV.

Dulwich Hamlet’s fans and staff were thrilled to learn BBC Two will air their first-round FA Cup game against Carlisle United on November 8.

It will be the club’s first FA Cup first-round appearance since they lost to Southport in 1998.

Fans have expressed their excitement on Twitter.

“A great reward for the community and club and those who fought tooth and nail to keep it alive!” tweeted Richard.

A year ago, the National League South team was facing extinction as a result of a property dispute over Champion Hill, its home since 1931.

Gavin Rose’s side was evicted from Champion Hill in March 2018 by American developers Meadow who had bought the site in 2014.

The 126-year-old club was also told it would no longer be able to use its name or trademarks and said it was handed a bill for back rent of over £120,000 – though Meadow then made a U-turn.

For nine months, Hamlet shared ground with rivals Tooting & Mitcham United, which allowed them to complete the season.

Fans’ protests against the moves led to support from Mayor Sadiq Khan who penned a letter to Meadow’s parent company.

In October 2018, following successful negotiations in a meeting chaired by then-sports minister Tracey Crouch, the team announced it would be returning to Champion Hill.

Hamlet secured a victory over Eastbourne in their emotional December 2018 return.

Kick-off for the clash against Carlisle is at 7:55pm with pre-game coverage airing from 7.30 pm. BBC will also air the game on BBC Sport online and iPlayer.

Dulwich Hamlet say they will be releasing ticket details for the historic match soon.