Blues 1 Dulwich Hamlet 1

Leiston recorded their fourth consecutive draw to end their slim play-off hopes, but in doing so dented their opponents Dulwich Hamlet’s own play-off ambitions in a game played in difficult conditions at Victory Road writes Mark Barber. Leading scorer Christy Finch notched his 20th goal of the season as the Blues remain in eighth place and on course for their highest league finish in their history in a MATCH SPONSORED BY LINDA ANDERSON. Hamlet, and their large travelling support, will be disappointed not to take all three points back to South London, a result which sees them drop to sixth and outside of the play-off places. Leiston started brightly playing into the wind and rain with Leon Ottley-Gooch winning an early free kick in a dangerous right wing position which was cleared at the back post. The deadlock was broken on seven minutes, Gareth Heath was released down the right hand side and his quick, early cross was met by the studs of Christy Finch, who had nipped in front of his marker to prod home. The lead could have been doubled on 16 minutes, this time Christy Finch crossing low for Gareth Heath, whose first time shot was well blocked. Ronan Michael-Percil was the central playmaker for the visitors, looking to make things happen going forward. He had a sliced left footed shot that was the closest Dulwich came in the opening half an hour. On 32 minutes they were presented with a better opportunity with a direct free kick right on the edge of the box. Jack Dixon lined it up but his hard driven effort was blocked by the substantial wall. The unrelenting rain and one goal deficit didn’t dampen the spirits of the diehard away support, who could have seen their team further behind before the break, first a Billy Clark corner was turned goalwards by Joe Jefford with an improvised back flick and then Gareth Heath was played through after a nice reverse pass from Christy Finch but lost his footing at the crucial moment. The second half saw a drop in the wind and the introduction of Damien Scannell for the visitors. He made an immediate impact, putting Hamlet on the front foot and causing Leiston to sit deeper. They got their just rewards on the hour mark, Kevin James picking the ball up 30 yards from goal and firing low and hard past Ashlee Jones. As the game wore on the condition started to take its toll and both sides tired. Hamlet had a penalty claim turned down on 72 minutes and Man of the Match Kelsey Trotter and Patrick Brothers both had shots cleared on 65 minutes for Leiston. On 83 minutes Leiston broke out of defence and Heath was released through on goal with the Hamlet defence very high. Preston Edwards, in the away goal, was quick to close down and he made a good block, although it was a real chance for the Blues to potentially snatch all three points. As it was the game finished a goal-a-piece and was a fantastic advert for the Ryman Premier Divison, where Leiston will play for the fifth consecutive season next season.

FT - Blues 1 Dulwich Hamlet 1

Blues - Jones, Saker, Dunbar, Trotter, Jefford, Bullard, Ottley-Gooch, Heath, Clark (Baker 76 mins), Finch, Brothers (Winter 93 mins). Subs not used - Kerslake and Rossis.

Dulwich Hamlet - Edwards, Sankofa, Brown, Dixon (Beaney 67 mins), Nelson, Pinnock, Clunis (Scannell 46 mins), James, Yiga (Moss 79 mins), Michael-Percil, Hibbert. Subs not used - Carew and Waldren.

Match Sponsor Linda Anderson Man of the Match - Kelsey Trotter

Attendance - 205