Goals from Saskia Philp and a brace from Joanna Gibson helped Dulwich to a convincing 3-0 victory over Fulham on Sunday. The result gives us our first points in this season’s League Cup.

With Ana De Pellegrin injured during last weekend’s 2-0 win over QPR, Sarah Milner lead the line for Dulwich and kept the Fulham defenders on their toes. Michaella Williams came closest to opening to scoring, when her strike from range clipped the bar.

However, Fulham were up for it too and having scored three goals in the last game between the two clubs, they fancied their chances. Harriet Crofts returned to the side and played a vital part in winning the aerial battle in central defence alongside Jess Hand.

Manager Ryan Dempsey made a triple substitution at half time, bringing on Havana McElvaine, Saskia Philp and Liz Wicks. The changes paid off and not long after Philp had a header saved from a corner, she found the net with a well-taken finish.

Dulwich doubled their lead quickly afterwards, with Williams and Philp combining down the right channel to find McElvaine in the box, who laid it off for Joanna Gibson to stick it in the bottom corner.

Gibson added another from a similar position, as she followed up Philp’s shot that rebounded off the post. Now with a three goal lead, Dulwich were fully in control and saw out the game with conviction.

Speaking afterwards, Dempsey said, “It was a very pleasing win. We played well in both halves. We managed to play players who have recently returned from injury or haven’t played as much and it was pleasing to see the performance.”

“The plan was to sit off in the first half and try to counter with the pace of our front three. We created a couple of good chances but couldn’t convert.”

“The second half we changed the formation as I thought we could press a little higher to win the ball in more advanced positions. This resulted in three good goals and it could have been more but for some good saves from Fulham’s goalkeeper.”

“A great way to finish the first half of the season.”

The result means Dulwich rise to fourth in the group, still in with a chance of progression if we can beat Ashford Town in our final game.

[b]Dulwich Hamlet[/b]: Marie Louis, Michaella Williams, Jess Hand, Allison Rowe, Harriet Crofts, Helen Bellfield (for Courtney Gallagher), Rosie Stone, Joanna Gibson, Brittany Saylor (for Saskia Philp), Lucy Monkman (for Havana McElvaine), Sarah Milner (for Liz Wicks).

[b]Photo[/b]: Gavin Smith

Check out the rest of Gavin's photos from the game here.