Dulwich Hamlet were denied their first home win of the month after East Thurrock scored a late equaliser in a lively 3-3 draw last Saturday. A severe dip in form has seen Gavin Rose’s team lose four times and draw twice since their last win in the Ryman division.
A Valentine’s Day victory over bottom-placed Bury Town was the last time Dulwich registered a win in the league. A victory over The Rocks would have given the South London side a boost in their push for the play-offs. The Pink and Blues endured a nervy, unsettled start against the visitors at Champion Hill. This was understandable given the number of goals conceded in past few weeks.
Defensively they have been wayward in their recent league encounters shipping 11 goals in their past six games, including three conceded against East Thurrock. Hamlet struggled to take control of the midfield in the early stages of game and a third minute strike by The Rocks meant the home side were on the back foot almost immediately.
The away team’s energetic midfielder Mitchell Gibney caused problems for Hamlet’s defence with his pace and movement. However his third minute strike was cancelled out by an 18th minute own goal from Ben Wood, an error that gave Hamlet a great chance to force their way back into the game.
Dulwich fell behind again after Gibney grabbed his second goal of the game. But an Ashley Carew penalty put the home team back on level terms. The introduction of Luke Wanadio and Shawn McCowlsky helped to inject some much needed pace into Hamlet’s attack as they sought to press the team from Essex and attack them from the flanks.
The game stood at 3-2 after the home side took the lead courtesy of Ashley Carew’s 90th minute penalty, after striker Joe Benjamin was fouled in the six-yard box. It was the midfielder’s second goal and penalty in an eventful encounter that saw players’ tempers flare briefly after the final whistle. Carew’s late strike was cancelled out by a swift counter attack with Ross Parmenter securing a third goal and a point for East Thurrock.
Match Attendance – 953
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