Dulwich Hamlet 4-1 Worthing

A stunning Ashley Carew free kick was the highlight of an exciting game that was more competitive than the scoreline suggests.

For match details and line ups click here

On the club's now annual "Pay What You Like" game, Dulwich named an unchanged starting line up and welcomed back Ibrahim Kargbo from injury amongst the substitutes.

Worthing opened brightly with Will Hendon prominent on their right hand side but it was fellow full back Sam Rents who fired just wide in the 3rd minute. Then Omar Bugiel fired an effort straight at Preston Edwards in the 5th minute as Dulwich struggled to find a foothold in the game.

It was the 8th minute before The Hamlet were seen as an attacking threat. Vas Karagiannis released Nyren Clunis into space on the right and his low cross fizzed across goal. Karagiannis & Clunis couldn't take advantage of good crossing opportunities as Dulwich found some rhythm. However, Worthing carried an attacking threat particularly down their right, and from one such break Zack Newton was crowded out and Will Hendon pounced on the loose ball before crashing to the floor when challenged. Rather than the hoped for penalty, the referee brandished a yellow card at Hendon for simulation.

Dulwich finally forced Worthing keeper Jack Fagan into action in the 18th minute. Kenny Beaney intercepted in midfield, fed the ball to Gavin Tomlin who found Dumebi Dumaka. He set up Vas Karagiannis but his shot was straight at Fagan.

Worthing then came within a whisker of taking a 20th minute lead. Another cross from their right caused confusion and Omar Bugiel stabbed it wide at full stretch. Lloyd Dawes then couldn't take advantage of another swift counter attack.

Therefore, it was slightly against the run of play when Dulwich took a 30th minute lead. Ashley Carew advanced forward and, when the ball broke free in the area, Dumebi Dumaka poked it high to Fagan's right via a slight deflection.

The Hamlet began to click into gear and Vas Karagiannis fired across goal, then Ashley Carew produced a piece of sublime skill to release Karagiannis through on goal but Fagan whipped the ball off his toes asthe Hamlet player hesitated.

With half time just seconds away Dulwich doubled their lead. Vas Karagiannis received the ball on the right edge of the penalty area and was allowed to step inside a couple of weak challenges to fire home from the edge of the penalty area.

Half Time 2-0

The Hamlet were quickly into their stride at the start of the second half. Michael Chambers played a fine pass to Karagiannis whose shot was saved, whilst another cross by Karagiannis was cleared to Kenny Beaney who fired his shot over the bar.

Dulwich added the third goal their pressure had threatened in the 53rd minute. Ashley Carew floated a corner into the penalty area and Marc Weatherstone rose in front of Fagan to flick a header home.

Dulwich now looked in control but it was Worthing who had a fine chance just past the hour. Lloyd Dawes was played in behind a square Dulwich defence but Preston Edwards got the slightest of touches to his effort that meant it struck the bar and he was then able to collect the rebound.

Dulwich returned to the attack and Dumaka headed a Nyren Clunis cross wide whilst, for Worthing, Dawes also saw his low cross pushed away from danger by Preston Edwards.

As Dulwich sat back on their lead, Worthing pulled a goal back in the 69th minute. Newton had his low shot saved by Edwards and Omar Bugiel followed up to fire high into the net from a tight angle.

Worthing now pushed forward with renewed belief and Michael Chambers thwarted Newton with a fine tackle before the game was settled in the 78th minute; and the goal from Ashley Carew was certainly a case of saving the best until last.

Daniel Carr was blocked by Corey Heath as he tried to go past him some 25 yards out and to the left of goal. From the resulting free kick, Ashley Carew stepped up and beat Fagan high into the top left corner of the goal; a magnificent strike that brought the majority of the 2032 present in the crowd to their feet.

Final Score 4-1
Attendance 2032

Watch highlights of the game for free on YouTube through Dulwich Hamlet TV.

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