Dulwich Hamlet drop into National League South relegation zone after 2-2 draw against Oxford City

BY JACK BURGESS

Dulwich were denied a huge three points in their National League South relegation scrap after a late equaliser by Oxford City’s Klaidi Lolos.

Hamlet went into the game on the back of last weekend’s 4-2 defeat at leaders Ebbsfleet.

The visitors started the game on the front foot as Hamlet struggled to get a foothold in the game, with the first effort on the Dulwich goal coming when Latrell Humphrey-Ewers’ shot from 30 yards was spilled but eventually gathered by 19-year-old goalkeeper Aaron Jones, who was making just his second appearance of the season.

After withstanding early Oxford pressure, Dulwich had their first chance of the game with Quade Taylor’s volley, coming from an Andre Blackman cross, forcing Oxford stopper Adnan Kanuric into a save.

After a lively opening 25 minutes, the final 20 minutes of the first half petered out until the first minute of three added on at the end of that period when Humphrey-Ewers rattled the crossbar from 30 yards.

Hamlet dominated the early proceeding of the second half, coming close through Taylor, whose volley went just over the bar from inside the box.

Oxford controversially opened the scoring on 62 minutes. Olly Sanderson turned and shot into the Hamlet net following a cutback. In the build up to the goal there appeared to be a clear foul on Dulwich midfielder Joe Felix, but referee Lewis Sandoe waved away the complaints.

Dulwich responded well to the goal and almost levelled when Blackman’s curled free-kick went just wide of the goal from the edge of the penalty area.

The equaliser eventually came when Felix played a brilliant ball into the penalty area for top-scorer Danny Mills to head home from close range on 68 minutes.

After constant pressure, Dulwich took the lead on 80 minutes through substitute Gianni Crichlow. His shot from distance deceived Kanuric, after bubbling off the surface just in front of the stopper.

The South Londoners were unable to hang on to three points as an 87th minute equaliser, through Lolos, meant the side missed out on what would have been a huge three points in their battle for survival.

Hamlet dropped into the relegation places after Cheshunt grabbed a late winner. Their next game is against promotion-chasing Dartford, away from home, next weekend.

Hamlet welcomed a healthy contingent of Athletic Bilbao supporters as they celebrated the annual ‘Non-League Day’, where football in the lower divisions is celebrated.

PICTURES: ROB AVIS