Dulwich Hamlet 0-1 Balham

A lacklustre performance in which Dulwich failed to establish any control resulted in a surprise defeat.

The Hamlet produced a poor performance that lacked any drive and urgency as they were deservedly dumped out of the London Senior Cup by Balham.

There was a real lack of urgency in the performance throughout the game as Balham showed guts and determination whilst The Hamlet seemed to feel that they just needed toi show up to win.

As early as the 2nd minute, Kenny Beaney was robbed in midfield which lead to a half chance for the visitors and it wasn't until the 7th minute that the home side produced any fluid moves. Sanchez Ming delivered a low cross from the right that Read in the Balham goal could only push out, but there was no Dulwich player on hand.

Next to make a slip was Sanchez Ming,but fortunately for him Wocial fired wide, whilst a 12th minute effort from Nuur flew too high.

Rickie Hayles headed over from a 20th minute Nathan Ferguson corner and Read pushed a Tomlin header wide two minutes later but Dulwich were struggling to penetrate the Balham defence.

Corey Addai had to get down to stop an effort rom Wocial and, for Dulwich, Sanchez Ming dragged his shot wide just prior to half time.

Half Time 0-0

Dulwich opened the second half more brightly and, within 5 minutes of the restart, Guimaraes had wasted a chance created, and after a marauding run by Ming down the right by firing over.

Dulwich should have taken the lead in the 55th minute when Akinyemi met a cross by Nathan Green but saw his effort clawed out by Read scrambling across his goal. Guimaraes then wasted a one on one by firing straight at Read, whilst Akinyemi also missed with a far post header.

Olutade wasted a chance for Balham in the 64th minute when he completely mistimed his jump and saw his free header directed away from goal, whilst for Dulwich, Hayles headed straight at Read in the visitors goal.

It took a good block from Kenny Beaney to stop a goalbound effort and fine defensive play from Hayles prevented Balham seizing on a mistake by Beaney, before Nyren Clunis wasted a one on one by shooting too high.

With seven minutes remaining Fosse his effort hit the post but just a minute later Balham struck the winner. Addai spilled a routine shot that he should have held and F|enlon scrambled the ball over the line.

Despite mounting pressure in the time remaining, The Hamlet could only create one opportunity but Kenny Beaney saw his efgott hacked off the line and Balham deservedly took their place in the final.

Final Score 0-1