Dulwich Hamlet 2-1 Margate

A last gasp winner from substitute Laurent Hamici gave The Hamlet a stunning victory over previously undefeated Margate in front of a crowd of 811

A Dulwich side benefiting from the return of Phil Wilson, Kevin James & Kershaney Samuels, but still with a number of significant absentees, produced a stunning second half fightback to become the first side to defeat big spending Margate.

However, the eventual victory looked highly unlikely in the first half as Margate controlled the game and established a 15th minute lead courtesy of a stunning strike from Lewis Taylor. In fact, the visitors could well have been more than one goal to the good as they dictated the game with their swift, accurate passing that regularly had the home side stretched.

Following the goal there were a number of further close shaves for The Hamlet as Margate somehow contrived to miss a free header from close range. When Phil Wilson produced a fine save from another Taylor strike it took a good piece of defending for Michael Kamara to get back and clear the ball with the goal gaping.

Perhaps there was a sign of things to come just before the break as Xavier Vidal tested Nikki Bull in the Margate goal.

Half Time 0-1

The second half opened with little sign of change but 10 minutes in the visitors were stunned as Dulwich grabbed an equaliser. A clearance from a freevkickwas lofted back into the box by Ashley Carew and, with the visitors appealing in vain for offside, Lewis Gonsalves brought the ball down and rolled it past Bull.

The game was now much more even although Charlie Allen volleyed just wide and Phil Wilson had to rush from his line to thwart another attack.However, Dulwich were gaining in belief and were well served by the midfield triumvirate of Vidal, Samuels & Carew who began to get to grips with the visitors. Carew had a shot just too high, Samuels saw his effort blocked and Jordan Hibbert forced Bull to tip his effort over.

Ethan Pinnock headed a Ryan Moss effort off the line and Phil Wilson blocked another header whilst prostrate on the ground after losing his footing. Xavier Vidal drew a fine save from Bull who also had to push an Ashley Carew effort wide.

With the game deep in stoppage time, Ethan Pinnock repelled another Margate attack and sent a long ball out of defence that left Laurent Hamici to chase. A stumble by the defender left Hamici in on goal and he kept his composure to thump the ball past the onrushing Bull and send the Pink & Blue support into raptures.

There was just enough time left for Margate to kick off before the referee brought an end to proceedings.

Final Score 2-1
Attendance 811