Dulwich Hamlet 2-1 Welling United

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The Hamlet produced a solid display to claim their first league win of 2019 and, in doing so, moved eight points clear of the drop zone.

In front of another large crowd of 2353, the majority of whom went home delighted with both the display and result, the team produced a battling display that deservedly earned them the points.

Both sides committed to attack from the opening whistle and it was The Hamlet who created the first sight of goal in the 3rd minute. The ball was lifted over the Welling defence but Dipo Akin yemi scuffed his effort wide.

Welling then enjoyed a period in the ascendancy, with Brendan Kiernan looking particularly dangerous as he roamed across the forward line. However, he was unable to take advantage of two chances in a minute. Firstly, he was played through to the right of goal goal in the 8th minute, but Preston Edwards was able to save at the expense of a corner. Next, he was able to get clear on the other side of the field, but this time he overhit his cross.

However, it was The Hamlet who took the lead in the 14th minute when a ball was threaded through the centre of the visitors defence and Nathan Green made no mistake one on one with keeper Wilks.

Dulwich began to play with confidence and it took a good clearance from Acheampong to hook the ball away from Dan Thompson. However, as play went from end to end, a cross from Agyemang was met by McCallum but his flicked header was just too high.

For Dulwich, Dipo Akinyemi linked well with Dan Thompson but the effort was blocked, whilst Acheampong had to clear over his own bar after another effort from Akinyemi looked to be bound for Thompson at the far post. The final effort of note in the first half came after a corner was cleared to Dominic Vose, but his rising effort cleared the bar.

Half Time 1-0

The second half had a subdued start and the first action of note came in the 51st minute. Thompson held the ball up and played it wide to Green marauding down the left. However, his cross was just too far in front of the onrushing Thompson.

Dipo Akinyemi then took aim from 20 yards out but Wilks comfortably held his low effort before Preston Edwards was relieved to only see a yellow card for handling outside the penalty area when a ball over the top tempted him to the edge of the box. In truth, he could have headed the ball clear but seemed to lose his bearings.; the number of Dulwich defenders around him probably saved him.

As the game wore on, The Hamlet seemed to exert more control but couldn't grab the vital second goal. An Anthony Cook free kick caused havoc in the visitors defence but they managed to scramble the ball clear and, when Dulwich did hit the target Wilks produced a save of the season contender.

A swift attack down the right in the 73rd minute saw the ball pulled back to the onrushing Akinyemi. His composed first time effort from the edge of the penalty area seemed destined for the top corner, but Wilks managed to dive full length and push the ball over the top.

With six minutes remaining, it was Preston Edwards turn to produce a great save when a cross from Braham-Barrett seemed to be floating into the far corner, but the Dulwich keeper manged to tip it over the bar.

Two minutes later Dulwich grabbed the vital second goal. The ball fell to substitute Decarrey Sheriff and he drilled a low shot under the despairing dive of Wilks.

However, Dulwich had to endure a nervous five minutes of stoppage time after Welling halved the deficit in the final minute. Neat passing released Bradley Goldberg and although Preston Edwards saved his effort, the ball ricocheted off either Goldberg or a defender and ended up in the net.

Welling sensed an unlikely comeback but The Hamlet managed to negotiate the remaining minutes without alarm.

Final Score 2-1
Attendance 2353

Updated 00:20 - 30 Aug 2019 by Liam Hickey