Our 100% Capital League record went tonight with a 2-0 home defeat to St. Albans City...

However, we certainly were not disgraced as a young Hamlet side lost to stronger, more experienced opponents from Hertfordshire, a number of whom have First Team experience for the Saints.

Dulwich made a lively start, threatening the visitors’ goal early on but the Saints eventually gained a foothold in the contest. Hamlet keeper Paul Agoo was forced into a number of full-length saves to keep his goal unbreached, the first from a wayward back header, the second from an angled shot deflected late but pawed away by an outstretched glove.

The stalemate breaker came shortly before the half time break and just after Dulwich had been forced into a reshuffle after centre half Joseph Oseyemi had been replaced by Nick Gonsalves, Romone McCrea stepping back into defence. Mere moments later McCrea was somewhat harshly punished after clipped the ball away from Saints’ striker Jonathan Constant just inside the area, his opponent tumbling over his leg as he did so. Much to the Hamlet man’s chagrin, the assistant referee flagged for a spot kick leaving McCrea much agog. No clemency from the men in black, Constant dusting himself off to dispatch an excellent penalty as Agoo was sent the wrong way.

Ten minutes into the second half, Constant, having just missed a simple one-on-one opportunity, claimed his and the Saints’ second as he put the finishing touches to a neat triangular passing manoeuvre with a deft clipped shot that left Agoo clutching at air as he was caught off his line, the ball sailing over him and into the back of the net.

Dulwich were within a whisker of an immediate strike back as Calaum Martin left the goalpost quivering with a fierce low strike that ricocheted back into play after leaving visiting ‘keeper Nick Hardy beaten.

The introduction of the experienced Junior Kadi and Dominic Weston on the hour mark gave the hamlet new impetus, Richmond Ayoola twice denied as the half wore on. However the Siants’ remained good value for their victory even though Constant, after scampering free down the left, was denied a hat trick by Agoo’s low save.

The result allowed St Albans to leapfrog Dulwich into top spot though they have played a game more.

Dulwich Hamlet Team: 1. Paul Agoo 2. Kershaney Samuels 3. Jack Wynter 4. Todd Whittle 5. Sekou Kaba 6. Joseph Oseyemi 7. Abdul Mansarray 8. Romone McCrea 9. Richmond Ayoola 10. Calaum Martin 11. Xavier Vidal

Substitutes: 12. Dominic Weston (for Calaum Martin 60) 14. Taylor Thomas 15. Nicky Gonsalves (for Joseph Oseyemi 41) 16. Junior Kadi (for Xavier Vidal 60)