Wingate & Finchley 3-0 Dulwich Hamlet

Another disappointing performance resulted in a comprehensive defeat, as Dulwich's hopes of even making the play offs continue to recede.

Matt Drage, previously with Kingstonian & Hampton & Richmond or the large Borough, made his debut and Xavier Vidal & Luke Wanadio came back into the starting line up.

Dulwich opened brightly but it wasn't until the 13th minute that they carried a goal threat as Nyren Clunis cut in from the left and hit a firm shot that was well held by Bobby Smith in the home goal.

A 15th minute corner saw both Ethan Pinnock & Matt Drage go close to getting a decisive touch but there was little to excite the large and vociferous traveling support as a stalemate developed.

The home side had an appeal for a penalty declined in the 22nd minute and, with little of note happening, it came as a surprise when Wingate & Finchley took the lead in the 33rd minute.

There seemed little danger as the usually reliable Ethan Pinnock received the ball but he trod on it and was dispossessed by Harrison Georgiou who finished confidently past Phil Wilson.

Three minutes from half time Nyren Clunis, who looked Dulwich's beat attacking threat, brought a fine save out of Smith following a Joe Benjamin cross.

Right on half time Dulwich were lucky not to fall two goals behind. Jack Read seized on a mistake by Michael Abnett but could only put his effort over both Wilson & the crossbar.

Half Time 1-0

Dulwich opened the second half brightly. Nyren Clunis was set free on goal by a pass threaded through the home defence but put his effort wide with only Smith to beat. A minute later Clunis fired high & wide when well placed.

Joe Benjamin then dispossessed Ahmet Rifat but saw his shot from a tight angle saved by Smith.

Dulwich fell two goals behind in the 65th minute when they were caught out by a quick throw in on their left and the ball was quickly transferred across the box to Karl Olayide who scored easily.

Three minutes later and the game was over as, follwing a quivk break, Read found David Knight unmarked in the penalty area and he was brought down by Phil Wilson; the same player scoring from the resultant penalty.

Only two fine saves from Wilson prevented Dulwich falling further behind.

Dulwich never looked like getting back in the game as the home side confidently dealt with anything that carried any threat.

Final Score 3-0
Attendance 407

Watch highlights of the game, and earn money for The 12th Man by becoming a Premium Member at Football Exclusives