Havant & Waterlooville 2-1 Dulwich Hamlet

A harsh penalty five minutes from time denied Dulwich a battling point.

Match Details and line ups here

Fielding the same starting XI as at Billericay, Dulwich were off to a slow start but good defending meant that the home side couldn't create any clear early chances. In fact, it wasn't until the 20th minute that either keeper was tested, and then Preston Edwards leapt to his left to turn away a header from Prior.

Prior placed another header wide before Dulwich took the lead in the 37th minute with their first real effort on goal. A ball down the left was chased to the by-line by Ibra Sekajja, who then turned inside. As everybody was anticipating a cross, he spotted a gap inside the near post and rifled his effort past Young from what appeared an impossible angle.

With the game drifting towards half time, it took a fine stop by Young diving to his left to keep out a 25 yard effort from Ibrahim Kargbo.

Half Time 0-1

The home side came out with renewed purpose at the start of the second half. Only good defending from Marc Weatherstone thwarted an attack within a minute of the restart, and they were level in the 48th minute.

Michael Chambers was harshly penalised for a push and, from the resulting free kick, Theo Lewis looped a header past Preston Edwards for the equaliser.

Dulwich were having to defend in depth and it took a clearance from Ashley Carew and a fine save from Preston Edwards, as he blocked a Jason Prior efforr at close range, to keep the scores level.

Dulwich were now on the back foot and unable to muster more than a couple of off target efforts from skipper Kenny Beaney, although Havant were equally unable to create clear chances.

A Sanchez Ming cross had to be headed out for a corner by Ryan Woodford as it stretched the home defence, whilst Preston Edwards once again thwarted Prior,

Dulwich substitute Dipo Akinyemi was then foiled by Young in the home goal w8th 9 minutes left, after Kenny Beaney had threaded the ball through the home defence.

As the game looked to be heading for a draw, home substitute George Barker cut in from the Dulwich left with 5 minutes remaining. Nathan Green jostled him and was harshly adjudged to have pulled him back, even though his own shirt also seemed to be pulled. Prior stepped up and beat Edwards low to his left.

Dulwich threw on more firepower and Dumebi Dumaka was brought down some 2t yards out. With Gavin Tomlin and Ashley Carew no longer on the pitch, Nathan Green had his effort blocked.

With the game deep in stoppage time, Dumaka snatched at a chance and his shot failed to trouble YounGodmon as the home side moved to within a point of the league leaders.

Dulwich now face two vital games this week as they look to get back in the play offs through utilising their games in hand.

Final Score 2-1

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