Hakan Hayrettin was pleased with Dulwich Hamlet’s performance as they came from behind against Hastings United last weekend – but wants his side to turn draws into wins as they aim to stay in the Isthmian League Premier Division play-off picture.
The Hamlet twice came from behind at The Pilot Field after two goals from Tom Chalmers for the hosts. An own goal from Tommy Penfold in the last minute of the first half left it 1-1 at the break before Michael Chambers scored five minutes from time to earn the visitors a point.
Dulwich have only lost twice in their last sixteen league games but eight of them have been draws.
“Overall I was really pleased. Not pleased with the two goals we conceded because they are our own making. Mark Ricketts has just lost his man twice with two long balls and two goals,” Hayrettin said on Dulwich’s YouTube channel.
“We finished stronger, we were better than them the last 20, 25 minutes. That’s two games now when we’ve come back from either being level to win the game or losing to score. And we could have had one late on to win it.
“So I was really pleased with the work rate and the effort, good performance. We’ll take a point away from home.
“We were worthy of our point, we could have been worthy of all three points. I changed it to get back in the game and we did.
“I can’t fault their hard work and their endeavour, it’s these grey areas that we’ve got to eradicate. He’s lost his man twice and they’ve scored. It was a simple goal their second goal, it was one long ball over the top and he’s in from the goal-kick.
“But we worked hard, we were good value, on a pitch that we’re not used to. These are the kinds of places that we have to come and not lose, and we did that. I’m very, very proud of all the boys, but, I’d rather have three points instead of one.”
Former AFC Wimbledon midfielder Alfie Egan made his debut after his move from AFC Totton.
“He’s full of energy, isn’t he, he’s not a tackler, we know that for sure, but he’s full of energy and he’ll get up and around the pitch and move the ball quickly,” Hayrettin said. “I always like to have players who tae as few touches as possible, move it left to right or back to front as quickly as possible. He’ll give us that. He got into the box in the first half and had a good shot.
“Pleased with the acquisition, pleased he’s come to Dulwich, he’s a good player with good pedigree. He adds to what we’ve got.
“We’ve just got to make these draws into wins somehow. That’s fifteen [league] games now and we’ve only lost two. We’ve got to keep pushing.”
Dulwich are eleven points off the play-offs and are at Potters Bar Town this Saturday at 3pm.
