Merstham 1-4 Dulwich Hamlet

Two goals from Gavin Tomlin helped The Hamlet to a vital win that lifted them to 3rd place in the league table with 3 games left to play

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Gavin Rose made a couple of changes from the side that had beaten Lowestoft. Panutche Camara replaced Ibra Sekajja and, with Preston Edwards injured, Phil Wilson took over in goal.

Dulwich made a bright start and grabbed the lead in the 11th minute. Dumebi Dumaka was too strong for the defenders wide on the Dulwich right and he then cut in before squaring for Gavin Tomlin to fire home.

Whilst Dulwich remained predominantly on top, Merstham produced some neat football out wide and a good chance was blasted high over the goal following a corner. However, it was Dulwich who looked more threatening and Dumaka had an effort blocked at the expense of a corner, whilst Tomlin was baulked in the box without any response from the referee.

It took a fine save from home keeper Yannick Makiese,, diving to his right, to push out a Michael Chambers header from a Nathan Green cross. Dumaka then fired wide before Dulwich were denied a definite penalty when Nyren Clunis was tripped in the box.

Another Nathan Green cross saw Dumaka rise above Makiese in the home goal but his header was cleared from in front of the line.

Phil Wilson was having a comfortable return to the side with Okoye going closest to an equaliser when he headed over. For Dulwich, despite enjoying overwhelming possession, they were unable to extend their lead.

Half Time 0-1

Merstham came out for the second half with a positive approach and it took them less than 2 minutes to equalise. Good work from Dean McDonald on their left saw him lay the ball off to Reece Hall who fired low past Wilson's right hand.

For a while Dulwich were under pressure and, from a free kick just outside the area, ex Hamlet favourite Xavier Vidal curled a free kick that clipped the outside of the post.

Dulwich were still creating chances and Makiese fumbled an effort by Gavin Tomlin but it went wide. Dumaka then had an effort cleared before Tomlin restored Dulwich's lead on the hour.

A long ball forward was missed by two defenders and Tomlin cut in from the right before firing past Makiese on the angle.

Just four minutes later Dulwich added a third. This time a corner was floated in and Marc Weatherstone arrived in front of Makiese to head in.

Dulwich were now firmly in control and Merstham were unable to find a way back into the game. Therefore it came as little surprise when Michael Chambers added a fourth with 10 minutes remaining.

He rose highest to connect with a cross but managed to direct his header away from goal but, fortunately, straight to Ashley Carew who volleyed it back into the area for the unmarked Chambers to head in.

Final Score 1-4

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