Dulwich Hamlet 2-2 East Thurrock United

From Champion Hill

Ryman Premier League

 

EAST Thurrock United conceded two last minute goals to drop two points in a crunch clash at the top against Dulwich Hamlet.

Sam Higgins and Tom Wraight appeared to have given Rocks an unassailable lead heading into the closing exchanges but Dulwich stormed back into contention.

A handball by Sammy Knott enabled Ashley Carew to get the leveller from the spot.

This was a big game at the top of the Ryman Premier League and both were desperate for a win that would boost their promotion credentials.

The first goal came on the half-hour mark as Higgins made the most of a defensive error to net his 32nd of the season.

A weak back header was pounced upon and he ran onto the ball and slotted into the net.

Wraight and Ben Marlow were the creative forces that were spurring Rocks forward, with both missing good chances to extend the advantage.

But Wraight did get what looked to be a crucial second after 65 minutes. A corner was partially cleared and Wraight picked up the loose ball and bent into the net past Preston Edwards.

Hamlet had a goal disallowed as they looked for a way back into the clash, although the goal they needed didn’t come until the final minute.

Nyren Clunis scored but that wasn’t the end of the drama. A shot was tipped onto the woodwork by the hand of Knott and a penalty was given.

Knott was dismissed and Carew beat Lucas Lidakevicius to ensure a share of the spoils.

 

East Thurrock: Lidakevicius, Sammons, Knott, Ellul, Hayles, Wood, Smith, Marlow, Higgins, Walker (Ruel), Wraight