Maidstone Utd 1-1 Dulwich Hamlet

An inspired performance from Phil Wilson ensured Dulwich secured a valuable point despite finishing with 10 men.

Dulwich and Maidstone have produced some classics over recent years and this one did not disappoint.

Dulwich gave a competitive debut to new forward Omar Koroma and were able to name another new signing, Albert Jarrett amongst the substitutes. Phil Wilson returned in goal following his injury lay off.

Maidstone established an early dominance with a number of efforts that the Dulwich defence and Phil Wilson stood up to with blocks and timely clearances.

However, The Hamlet gradually gained more possession and Nyren Clunis twice drew saves from Worgan and had a good shout for a penalty as his cross seemed to be stopped by a defender's hand.

It still came as a surprise when they took a 31st minute lead. A clearance was clipped back into wthe box by Xavier Vidal and, with Dulwich players pushing out with the Maidstone defence, Terrell Forbes timed his run and planted a free header past Worgan

From that point until half time Dulwich comfortably subdued the home side and a good lay off from Koroma saw Worgan have to get down to stop a Kevin James shot.

Half Time 0-1

Maidstone came out for the second half in determined mood and pushed Dulwich back but found Phil Wilson in fine form. He had already produced a number of fine saves before he flew across his goal to tip away a Frannie Collins free kick.

Dulwich attacks were sporadic but from one Koroma was unable to pick out a cross to the unmarked Kevin James.

Two minutes before the hour mark Maidstone were level. Dulwich lost a tackle in midfield and the home side broke fast into the box. The ball was played across to the unmarked Jay May who had the simple task of converting.

Five minutes later Dulwich almost had the lead again aa , following a corner, Nyren Clunis turned in the box and his ahot on thw turn struck the post before striking Worgan in the home goal and rolling out of play.

The game was end to end but with nine minutes left appeared to take a decisive twist. A dangerous through ball led to Terrell Forbes putting in a desperate challenge just inside the box. The ball rolled past the advancing Phil Wilson who somehow managed to turn and get to the ball before the onrushing forward; pushing it behind for a corner.

However, it transpired that the referee had been playing an advantage, having deemed Forbes' challenge to be a foul, and he awarded a penalty and showed Forbes a red card

Up stepped Collins who drilled the ball to Wilson's right but the keeper blocked and the ball flew behind for a corner.

Despite being down to 10 men and coming under pressure, it was actually Dulwich who came closest to a winner. Nyren Clunis cut in from the right and beat Worgan but it struck a defender covering behind and went out for a corner.

Final score 1-1