Dulwich Hamlet secure thrilling 2-1 win with two late goals against Havant and 10-man Waterlooville

Dulwich Hamlet emerged victorious 2-1 against Havant and Waterlooville in a closely contested game at Champion Hill on Saturday. The match was played in support of International Women’s Day and their game too, with Dulwich wearing specially commissioned shirts to be auctioned off for charity.

Dulwich had two new faces in their squad, with left-back Kristian Campbell in his third spell at the club and midfielder Michael Phillips coming over from Barnet. The match got off to a controversial start, with Dulwich denying a first-minute penalty after a defender grabbed Fowale’s shirt and knocked him to the ground.

Havant were reduced to ten men in the 16th minute after their left-back picked up two yellow cards for gross fouls on the touchline. Despite the numbers advantage, Dulwich struggled to create clear chances, with Danny Mills wasting two chances in the center of the box.

Havant took the lead in the second half through former Dulwich player Muhammadu Faal, who finished off a counter-attack after some spectacular incompetence from Dulwich’s Frankie Raymond and Andre Blackman. However, Dulwich’s substitutions and tactical adjustments made all the difference, with Campbell and Johl Powell replacing the two culprits within a couple of minutes.

Seven minutes from time, the Havant keeper cleared a clearance after advancing beyond his penalty area, allowing Powell to fire the ball into the unguarded net from 40 yards. In stoppage time, Gavin brought down a ball diagonally into the crowded box for George Porter to score the last game-winner.

While it was a rough and sketchy display from Dulwich, the result was all that mattered at this stage of the season. The players and management deserve credit for picking up three points in a tough game, even though the conceded goal was an absolute farce.

The crowd cheered after Powell’s goal and the momentum went with Dulwich against a Havant side who were deservedly down to ten men and tried to waste time at every opportunity.

Dulwich’s recent staff turnover may have affected their performance, but with newcomers like Michael Phillips, who has two championship medals for this division in the last three years, the team has something to build on. The chances of Raymond and Blackman to start in Bath on Tuesday look slim, and there may be more newcomers to come in the future.

Overall it was a hard-fought win for Dulwich Hamlet, and the supporters who booed Faal after his substitution were disappointing. The team will need to build on this victory as they continue their fight for survival in the league.