Dulwich Hamlet claim memorable Women's FA Cup first round proper win

Fifth tier Dulwich Hamlet caused a memorable FA Cup first round proper upset with 2-0 victory over Southern Premier Division side London Bees. 

First-half goals from Summer Roberts and Erin Corrigan set Dulwich on their way for a historic victory over their third tier visitors at Champion Hill. 

More than 600 Dulwich fans filled the stands as the home crowd roared their side over the line in the second half. 

“I’m proud of everyone,” Dulwich’s Lucy Monkman said. “We knew it was going to be hard because they are a couple of tiers above us but we’ve been on a pretty good streak so we were quietly confident. 

“Dulwich have a really special thing here and they make us feel really welcome, on home days it makes such a difference. 

“When I started playing football in never thought I’d be playing in front of people, let alone people chanting your name. 

“We’re all buzzing. To know we’re going into the next round having beaten a team above us give us so much confidence.”

— Dulwich Hamlet FC W (@DHFC_W) November 12, 2023

The upsets did not end there as Bristol Rovers fought hard to book their place in the second round with a 3-1 win over nearby Portishead Town.

Ebbsfleet United shocked Chesham United with a winner 10 minutes from time as they came from behind twice to win 3-2 against the tier four side.

Norwich City held onto a 1-0 lead to beat Southern Premier Division side Hashtag United at home.

Ellie Smith opened the scoring in the ninth minute as the Canaries closed out the game with a win against a side flying high in the league.

— Norwich City Women FC (@NorwichCityWFC) November 12, 2023

Elsewhere, AFC Wimbledon held on against Saltdean United in the only game of the first round to go to penalties.

Sandra Soares Martins opened the scoring in the 49th minute but her goal was cancelled out less than 15 minutes later by Saltdean’s Char Boswell.

After 90 minutes and extra time, the scoreline remained 1-1 before Wimbledon clinched a spot in the second round 8-7 on spot-kicks.

Durham Cestria held on for a 1-0 victory over the Northern Premier Division’s AFC Fylde as Faye Dale’s first-half goal proved the difference.

Hull City claimed a 3-1 win over Halifax while Moneyfields reached the second round proper for the first time in the club’s history with a 6-3 win against Ashford Town.

— Moneyfields FC Women (@MoneysFCWomen) November 12, 2023

Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion and Boldmere St. Michaels all made it through to the next round with convincing wins in their opening ties.

Milton Keynes Dons came from behind to win 2-1 against Cambridge United while Rugby Borough beat Doncaster Rovers Belles 2-0.

Liverpool Feds won 3-0 against Barnsley while Exeter City and Sutton Coldfield Town both scored eight to convincingly put their names in the hat for the second round.

Needham Market edged seventh tier Dussindale and Hellesdon 4-3 in a thrilling encounter as Solihull Moors came away 4-1 winners against Leek Town.

Ipswich, Billericay and Enfield Town are all through following wins on the road and Loughborough Lightning claimed a 2-1 victory over Lincoln United.

AFC Bournemouth beat Bridgwater United 5-0 while as many goals were scored in Millwall Lionesses’ 3-2 win against Denham United.

Stoke City, Leeds United and Swindon Town all put six past their opponents to book their tickets into the second round and keep their FA Cup hopes alive.

Image courtesy of Liam Asman