Dulwich Hamlet 3 Croydon Athletic 2

Dulwich Hamlet 3 Croydon Athletic 2
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Saturday 8th November 2008

Having conceded a brace of goals within the opening ten minutes for the second time in less than a week, Dulwich pulled themselves up by the bootstraps to record a third league victory in succession and move to the brink of the play-off positions. Victory looked a distant dream after a nightmarish start when Shabazz Baidoo cut in from the left wing, toying with Ryan Bernard before curling a crisp shot into the far corner of the net. Things got even worse four minutes later when Baidoo's deep cross in from the flanks was neatly nodded down by Danny Waldren giving Sean Rivers the simplest of tap-ins albeit from a suspiciously offside looking position. Premature chants of "Easy, easy" echoed from beneath the far terrace where the Croydon faithful had thronged.
Come the 12th minute and Dulwich began the uphill task of reducing the arrears with a goal from a textbook corner. Scott Simpson provided the delivery. Marc Cumberbatch battled to the near post to flick the ball across the face of a statuesque Nick Gindre and there at the back stick, sneaking in behind a dilettante Rivers, was Bernard guiding his header into the net.
In treacherous conditions, the pitch only passing muster after sterling work from volunteers, some surprisingly slick football was on show from both sides, the struggling Rams belying their lowly league status. Indeed with more accurate finishing Sam Clayton might have restored his side's two goal advantage but having broken through the last line of defence his finishing was wayward, the shot skidding wide of the far stick.
On the stroke of half-time came an equaliser courtesy of the Dulwich not-so-secret weapon, the Lunan Launch. Dulwich were awarded a free kick inside the Croydon half, the visitors curmudgeonly attempts to delay the kick in vain. A booming delivery into the heart of the penalty area, Gindre vainly attempting to punch through a thicket of own defenders, failing in his attempt and leaving Cedric Ngakam to loop a header over the 'keeper's air punch and into the unguarded net.
Dulwich brought on Peter Martin for Bernard at the break, the punchy young right back eager to reclaim that troublesome berth. His impetus and enthusiasm was reflected in a Hamlet onslaught. Simpson had the chance to give the Hamlet the advantage but he dragged a left strike against the falling body of Gindre.
It seemed as if time might prove the ultimate enemy as dusk settled upon Champion Hill but eight minutes from time cam a blockbuster gaol from the boot of Benson Paka to snatch victory from the early jaws of defeat. Martin and Laurent Hamici linked up well in the right corner, the ball flicked across to Paka lurking on the brink of the box. A quick juggle on to a deadly right foot, Paka packing a punch with a sizzling drive into the far corner, Gindre helpless as he flung himself across but all for naught.
Not content to sit upon their hard-won lead, Dulwich had the scent of goals strong in their nostrils. Moments later the rampant martin had a corker of drive battered away by a fast reacting Gindre. Paka zipped a low drive wide of the upright as the efforts rained in. but further goals were absent.
Sweet victory indeed but marred at the last by the controversial dismissal of Billy Chattaway for a second caution. First yellow had been rash, the young left back reacting in haste to a heavy challenge by erstwhile team-mate Tom Bolarinwa. However a pedantic official had him inconsolable, shocked as, having placed a free kick for Lunan, on his way from goal to take it, Chattaway booked for time wasting as walked away.

Teams:
DHFC: Jamie Lunan; Ryan Bernard (Peter Martin HT); Billy Chattaway; Benson Paka; Cedric Ngakam; Marc Cumberbatch (Capt.); Daryl Plummer; Stanley Muguo; Laurent Hamici; Walid Matata (Gary Noel 69); Scott Simpson
Substitutes not used: Junior Kaffo; Kevin Lott; Sheikh Ceesay

CAFC: Nick Gindre; Danny Boxall; Luke Adams (Nathan Green 89); Simon Osborn; Richard Blackwell; Bradley Duke; Tom Bolarinwa (Lamin Ojo 70); Danny Waldren; Sean Rivers (Adam Greenway 81); Shabazz Baidoo; Sam Clayton
Substitutes not used: Ryan Myers; Jeremiah Olusanya

Goalscoring:
1-0 CAFC Shabazz Baidoo 4th minute
2-0 CAFC Sean Rivers 8th minute
2-1 DHFC Ryan Bernard 12th minute
2-2 DHFC Cedric Ngakam 45th minute (+2)
3-2 DHFC Benson Paka 82nd minute

Officials:
Referee: Mr Constantine Hatzidakis
Assistant Referees: Mr Gareth Mays & Mr Stefan Malczewski

Attendance: 194