HAKAN Hayrettin was satisfied with a point as Dulwich Hamlet continued their steady Isthmian League Premier Division improvement by making it four games unbeaten with a 1-1 draw against Haringey Borough at Coles Park last weekend.
Ayuk Tarh put the visitors in front in the 58th minute but it took the home side just nine minutes to equalise through Alfred Bobson Bawling.
Dulwich are fifteenth in the table with fifteen points from thirteen games. “We got our noses in front, I think we have to do better without the ball, again,” Hayrettin said. “It’s always a difficult place to come that’s one [defeat] in five in the league. We’ve picked up points and we’re getting there.
“When we go 1-0 up we’ve got to do better without the ball. We’ve lost it near me, near the dugout from a throw, they’ve transferred to the other side and gone on and scored.
“It wasn’t to be but I’ll take a point without a shadow of a doubt.”
Anthony Jeffrey made his first start since the opening day of the season after missing two months through injury. Recent recruit, winger Josh Shonibare, made his debut off the bench.
“[Jeffrey] is like a new signing for us. Ayuk scored another goal. I thought the two centre-backs were excellent, I thought they were outstanding,” Hayrettin said.
“Everyone worked hard but when we get in front like that we just need to be a bit more disciplined, shall we say, without the ball. Then we can get somewhere. Good point, I’ll take the point.
“It’s four league games now we haven’t lost. It’s a cliche – and we’re nowhere near that point yet – but if you draw away and win at home you’ve got a chance. We’re slowly but surely grinding them out.”
The other transfer activity apart from Shonibare, who had been without a club since leaving Maidstone last April, was the departure of Elliott Romain.
Hayrettin said: “Josh played in the National League for Maidstone, started his professional career with Derby. It didn’t go to plan like he wanted it to at the end of last season. Talks didn’t work out as he expected. He was at Forest Green and there was a change of managers and it all didn’t go to plan for him.
“I’m grateful we’ve got him, he’s a local lad. He’s got a lot of energy, he’s quick, he’s direct, he can play in two or three different positions so we’re glad to have him.
“With Elliott Romain it didn’t quite work out for him but we wish him all the best wherever he goes.”
Meanwhile, Dulwich were knocked out of the Velocity Cup in the third round at Kingstonian on Tuesday night.
Troy Walters gave the hosts a first-minute lead before Kaya Hansson equalised.
Tom Collins made it 2-1 with a penalty three minutes after half-time bu Dulwich levelled again through Adrian Clifton in the 56th minute.
Eddie Dsane got the winner seventeen minutes from time.
The Hamlet host Margate in the league at 3pm this Saturday.
