Dulwich Hamlet suffer Bank Holiday Monday reverse to local rivals Welling United

BY MARK DOIG

If ever a game fitted the cliche of a game of two halves, Dulwich Hamlet’s August Bank Holiday derby with Welling United did.

Gavin Rose’s Dulwich team were decidedly second best in the first period but his double substitution at half time gave them fresh impetus against a resolute Welling defence.

Rose made several changes from the side that lost to a heart-breaking injury time winner at Eastbourne Borough two days earlier. Welling also came off the back of a defeat and made four adjustments to their starting line-up.

Two former Bromley team-mates were involved when Welling went ahead in the second minute. Taylor Maloney whipped in a near post free-kick towards Ade Azeez, but Dulwich captain Frankie Raymond stretched out a leg to divert it into his own net.

Had it not been for Dulwich goalkeeper Joe Osaghae, their plight would have been worse, but he made a great save from Azeez after Antony Papadopoulos had sent him away. Palace Francis created another chance for Azeez, but Ronnie Vint blocked his shot before the former Leyton Orient player had a shot saved by Osaghae.

Dan Smith brought down a long clearance well for the hosts but scuffed his shot wide before an excellent team move was ended when former Hamlet full back Aaron Barnes made a crucial interception and clearance.

Jayden Clarke drew a wonder save out of Welling goalkeeper Myles Roberts and it came out to Smith, but he couldn’t control it and could only push it into the hands of Roberts.

Azeez, Francis and Barnes all had efforts for Welling before Joe Felix came close for the hosts but was thwarted by another Roberts save.

As the game moved into injury time, Welling doubled their lead. A clever turn, and his strength, allowed Azeez to shrug off Vint and his low driven cross found Amadou Kassarate at the near post and he made no mistake from close range.

Rose made a double change at the break, bringing on Danny Mills and Nana Owusu for Quade Taylor and Michael Timlin, and Dulwich upped the pace. Roberts saved from Smith before he did well to tip over a Sam Deadfield header from a Clarke cross.

Midway through the second half, Dulwich pulled one back. Deadfield crossed and Mills rose high to power a header home against his former club.

Smelling blood, Rose brought on George Porter for Smith and Welling manager Warren Feeney reacted by replacing striker Francis with midfielder Tyrique Hyde.

Raymond shot wide of the far post from a Porter knockdown then Roberts kept out an effort from Felix with his feet. Porter flick headed a Jamie Splatt cross wide as the Welling defence continued to repel all that was thrown at them.

Mills had one last chance with a header, but the angle was against him, and Roberts turned it round the post. Soon after, Welling were able to celebrate a bounce back victory and the bragging rights.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN