Dulwich Hamlet 2-0 Needham Market

An injury ravaged Dulwich side secured a comfortable victory through first half efforts from Nathan Ferguson & Nana Boakye-Yiadom

For match details seehere

Dulwich maintained second place despite a lengthening injury list that meant there was a need for youth players Mohomed Mohomed and Caio Guimares to fill positions on the bench.

It was Needham Market who opened the brighter, particularly Adam Mills who headed a 2nd minute cross straight into the hands of Preston Edwards. He then intercepted a pass from Michael Chambers before forcing a corner from which he headed over.

Dulwich didn't threaten until the 13th minute when Michael Chambers headed over the bar, whilst Nyren Clunis hit a shot into the side netting after embarking on a run from in front of the home dugout.

A Quade Taylor run across the pitch saw him release Nana Boakye-Yiadom but he couldn't get an effort on goal, whilst Nyren Clunis brought a low save from Danny Gay in the visitors goal and fired wide. Quade Taylor then had a shot blocked and Marc Weatherstone headed wide.

Needham Market had a good effort just over the bar after Jack Simmons was allowed too much space to move into but were then behind within one minute as Nathan Ferguson registered his first goal for The Hamlet to give them a 31st minute lead. He received a pass from Nyren Clunis and turned into space before beating visiting keeper Danny Gay low to his left hand side.

However, it looked like Needham Market would level just two minutes later when Marc Weatherstone was penalised for a high foot on Simmons but Preston Edwards sprang to his right to keep out Mills' penalty. As Dulwich came under increasing pressure Quade Taylor had to head off the line to prevent an own goal from Michael Chambers.

With three minutes unbtil the break, Nana Boakye-Yiadom was denied twice by sprawling saves from Gay having been set free to the right of goal but Dulwich went on to double their lead in the final minute of the half. A superb through pass from Nathan Ferguson split the visitors defence and left Nana Boakye-Yiadom to finish one on one with Gay.

Half Time 2-0

The second half was a very low key affair as all parties seemed content with the status quo. Needham Market did not wish to overcommit to attack as they feared the pace of The Hamlet on the break, whilst Dulwich were happy to play a patient passing game and keep the ball.

Nana Boakye-Yiadom was just off target only in the half and Kenny Beaney was controversially booked for simulation when trying to avoid a lunging tackle, but in truth there was little real action.

Sanchez Ming had an effort just wide after a fine exchange with Ashley Carew and also had an effort saved after a good run from the back by Michael Chambers. At the other end, Preston Edwards was only brought into serious action when he had to race from his line to win a tackle outside the area, the collision from which saw the visitors Ryan Gibbs leaving the field with an injury.

It took until the final minute before either keeper was forced into serious action and then Preston Edwards got down well to push out an effort From Luke Ingram.

Final Score 2-0
Attendance 2417