Dulwich Hamlet fought back from a goal down to maintain their place at the top of the table

Dulwich Hamlet battled hard to earn a point at Champion Hill yesterday in front of a crowd of 221 - but there was some disappointment for not taking all three against a Denham side who defended determinedly all game.

The opening exchanges saw Dulwich test the Denham keeper a number of times. Saskia Philp had an early attempt saved, while Ali Rowe - who scored in the reverse fixture - hit a powerful effort just over the bar.

Despite Dulwich controlling the possession, it was Denham who took the lead on the half hour mark when Ellen Wardlaw pounced on a loose ball to finish into an empty net. Dulwich continued to fight for the remainder of the half, with Liz Wicks and Philp working the left wing and Wicks herself having a chance that went just inches wide.

Manager Ryan Dempsey made some changes after the break, with Sarah Milner and Rosie Stone thrown into the action. With just 15 minutes left on the clock, Courtney Gallagher fed Stone down the left, who combined with Wicks, to be put through on goal. Stone cut inside and fired past the keeper to give Dulwich a well-deserved equaliser.

Dulwich continued to push for a late winner but it wasn’t to be. The result sees Dulwich maintain their unbeaten League record at Champion Hill and with QPR drawing 2-2 at Eastbourne Town, the Hamlet are still top of the table by two points.

Next up: Sunday February 9th @ 14:00, vs Fulham (H)

Dulwich Hamlet: Kate Aldrige, Alison Rowe, Kiki Marino, Harriet Crofts, Courtney Gallagher, Joanna Gibson (for Rosie Stone), Brittany Saylor, Lucy Monkman (for Sarah Milner), Ella Wales Bonner, Liz Wicks, Saskia Philp.
Subs not used: Michaella Williams, Jess Hand, Rhea Gall.

Photo: Gavin Smith

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