Non-league round-up: Dulwich defeat means play-off hopes look doomed as Bromley gear up for FA Trophy semi-final

Dulwich Hamlet’s Isthmian League Premier Division play-off dream is all but over after suffering back-to-back defeats over the Easter bank holiday weekend, writes Edmund Brack.

Hakan Hayrettin’s side let in two late goals in their 2-1 reverse on Good Friday to Billericay Town, with a brace from Alfie Cerulli cancelling out Danny Mills’ opener.

Dulwich followed that up with a 3-0 loss at Carshalton on Easter Monday, with strikes from Mason Saunder Henry, Oluwabunmi Babajide and an own-goal from Michael Chambers, moving the South Londoners down to ninth.

The Champion Hill-based side are six points adrift of the play-offs and have only four games remaining, with five teams above them having games in hand.

Bromley stayed in the hunt to secure a semi-final spot in the National League play-offs after picking up four points over the bank holiday weekend.

Michael Cheek scored his 20th National League goal of the season and Callum Reynolds also got on the scoresheets as the Ravens picked up all three points in a 2-0 win at relegation-threatened Dorking Wanderers on Friday,

Bromley then secured a late 1-1 draw at home to Woking at Hayes Lane as Arsenal loanee Kido Taylor-Hart bagged in the 92nd minute to keep

Bromley four points clear of fourth-paced Altrincham.

“We have to keep positive – that’s the message from me,” Ravens boss Andy Woodman told their YouTube channel.

“I feel there is a little bit of nerves, doom and gloom and worry from everyone. Let’s remind everyone that we’re third in the table and in the semi-final of the FA Trophy – it’s not as bad as everyone may think.

“We were solid and kept clean sheets in the last four games. Getting to the Wembley final is our full focus for next Saturday now.”

Taylor-Hart’s late equaliser was his first goal for Bromley since joining from Arsenal in September.

It was just his ninth National League appearance of the season.

“He should have had two,” said Woodman, reflecting on the young winger’s performance.

“Kido is a really good talent. He’s come straight out of U21 football at Arsenal.

“It’s an adjustment for a lot of these boys. Their confidence takes a bit of a hit now and then and they can’t work it out why they’re not in the team – all of those emotions.

“I’m glad for Kido because he’s kept at it and trained properly every day. He’s dealt with the disappointment of not being involved – he hasn’t taken his foot off the pedal.

“Hopefully it will give him a little bit of confidence going forward because he’s a fine talent.”

Bromley host National League rivals Solihull Moors in the semi-final of the FA Trophy at Hayes Lane tomorrow, with the winner taking on either Gateshead or Macclesfield at Wembley.

The Ravens lifted the trophy in 2022 after a win over Wrexham.

“It’s a massive game,” he added. “Hopefully we can get ourselves through to Wembley and get one more final ticked off.

“Then we will get our focus back on the league.”

Welling United are eight points clear of the National League South drop zone with four games remaining after a four-point haul over the weekend.

The Wings beat Dover 1-0 through Coventry loanee Riccardo Di Trolio.

Rod Stringer’s side then secured a 1-1 draw at Maidstone United, with Jack Munns scoring for the South Londoners.

Cray Valley Paper Mills stayed top of the Isthmian League South East Division after a 2-1 win at home to Sevenoaks on Monday.

Danny Waldren and Freddie Parker both scored for Scott McKimm’s side with the Millers staying three points clear of second-placed Ramsgate.

DULWICH PICTURES: ROB AVIS