NO DAY AT THE RACES AS DULWICH ARE LEFT IN THE DUCK SOUP AT LEWES

Though below their best Dulwich might've left with a share of the spoils but for an keeping howler and a controversial moment from the man in black

We failed to make it three wins in a row, however, losing 0-2 at Lewes on Saturday. Goals at each end of the second half proved our downfall, the first the result of an uncharacteristic error by Chico Ramos and the second surrounded in controversy. That said, the Sussex side played with greater determination than our lads and fully deserved their win.

Both sides played some neat football in the first half, but scoring chances were at a premium. The nearest to a goal came in the 14th minute when Lewes’ Jack Dixon, out on the left just outside the box, delivered a cross cum shot which eluded everyone and smacked against the foot of the far post. However, after a blank opening half, Lewes took the lead within two minutes of the restart. Nicky Wheeler delivered an inswinging corner from the left that Chico Ramos caught and then, inexplicably, dropped over the line. We fought back in search of an equaliser and a chance fell to Ian Daly just before the hour mark, but his shot was too dose to Lewes ‘keeper Rikki Banks. However, that was one of the rare occasions we troubled Banks as our attacking moves were all too easily snuffed out by a hard-working home side. Lewes might have doubled their lead in the 71st minute. Chico Ramos took the sting out of a low drive from Luke Blewden, but there was still enough pace on the shot for the ball to roll goaIwards before Peter Adeniyi dashed back to dear off the line. Any hopes we had of snatching a point were dashed nine minutes from time. A mix-up between the officials and our bench led to Mathieu Boyer leaving the pitch, but not being replaced, even though substitute Jordan Clarke had been ready and waiting for a break in play to enter the action. The home side, unaware of the confusion, launched an attack and substitute Steve Brinkhurst fastened onto a through ball, took it wide of Chico Ramos and slotted into an unguarded net. Protests from our bench were in vain, and after a lengthy stoppage Gavin Rose was sent from the dugout. Jordan Clarke was then allowed on, but despite pushing more men forward we were unable to break through the Lewes defence.

Attendance 757

LEWES: 1 Rikki Banks; 2 Sam Crabb, 3 Sam Gore, 4 Jay Lovett, 5 Ben Austin, 6 Jack Walder (Capt.), 7 Nicky Wheeler, 8 Jack Dixon, 9 Luke Blewden, 10 Nathan Crabb, 11 Fraser Logan.

Subs used - 12 Jack Maloney (for Wheeler 80), 16 Steve Brinkhurst (for Dixon 77), 17 Ross Treleaven (for N. Crabb 87).

Subs not used - 14 Rhys Murrell-Williamson, 15 Andy Pearson.

Dulwich Hamlet: 1 Chico Ramos; 2 Mathieu Boyer, 3 Ahmed Deen, 4 Xavier Vidal, 5 Peter Adeniyi (Capt.), 6 Lewis Gonsalves, 7 Nyren Clunis, 8 Billy Crook, 9 Ian Daly, 10 Erhun Öztümer, 11 Dean Lodge.

Subs used - 12 Ellis Green (for Crook 68), 15 Jerome Walker (for Lodge 45+2), 16 Jordan Clarke (for Boyer 85).

Subs not used -14 Ethan Pinnock, 17 Michael Weir.

Referee - Louis Marks
Assistant Referees - Michael Lowe, Tim Hatt

Report reproduced from the match day programme courtesy of John Lawrence