Welcome to Champion Hill for today’s game against local South London club and familiar foe, Welling United.

This will be the fourth meeting of the two teams this season, with Dulwich’s visit to Park View Road in August marking our first competitive game at this level. Sadly, the result that day went in favour of the home team but our most recent meeting, in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy, saw us sneak the victory in the replay at Imperial Fields by 2 goals to 1.

Following the success of last year’s limited edition scarves celebrating LGBT History Month, the Supporters’ Trust have produced another ‘Rainbow’ Pride Flag inspired limited edition scarf which goes on sale before today’s game. I am proud to be involved again this year in the design of the scarf and I am sure that, like last year, they will be extremely popular with the Rabble. Make sure you pick yours up today as they are predicted to sell out quickly with the profits being donated to two very worthy LGBT football charities.

The ‘Rainbow’ Pride flag was created by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, symbolising solidarity for LGBT+ people with the colours representing the diversity that exists within this community. I am not sure who amongst the Rabble hung it there, but it is great to see Pride Flag bunting behind the Greendale End goal.

February is the international campaign month of ‘Football v Homophobia’ (FvH). FvH is a campaign that aims to united supporters, players, communities, grassroots teams, professional clubs and the Football Authorities in opposing homophobia and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in football. Throughout the year, their work not only enables people to take action against prejudice and discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity in football, but also celebrates and welcomes diversity in the game. DHST is proud to be supporting the campaign this season by donating a percentage of the profits, from the limited edition scarves to FvH to help towards them continuing their work.

The other benefactor today is the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN) who are a voluntary organisation established in 1989 as a social network for LGBT football fans across the UK. GFSN works to maintain a social network for LGBT supporters, to encourage inclusive teams for players of all abilities, and to campaign against discrimination in football, with a view to creating a safe and tolerant environment both on and off the pitch.

Our next planned supporters’ coach will be for the game at Torquay United on Saturday 23 February. Pricing is £30 adults and £24 concessions. As with our previous coach to Concord Rangers last week, we will only be able to confirm that the coach will be running once we have reached 50% capacity. With engineering works resulting in part of the train journey being by replacement bus, adding to the already expensive pricing, we expect fans will be looking to travel on the coach which is due to be leaving Champion Hill at 8am. You can pay for your place on the coach today and at the next two home games, London Senior cup tie against Brentford United B this Tuesday (12 February) and Saturday’s league game against Hemel Hempstead (16 February). If you are unable to book your place at these 3 games but wish to travel with us, you can email the Trust info@dhst.org.uk.

Finally, most of you will be aware that long time Dulwich supporter Mishi Morath fell seriously ill whilst ground hopping in Chatham last week. The DHST Board and myself wish Mishi a speedy recovery and we all hope to see him back at Champion Hill very soon. In the meantime, we have a card available for supporters to sign that we will pass onto him. The card will be available at the 12th man table throughout the match and in the bar afterwards.

Enjoy the game

Mark (Scolly) Scoltock