By Georgia Garnett
DULWICH Hamlet rebounded from a tough loss in their previous game to secure a point with a 0-0 draw at Chichester City in the Isthmian League Premier Division on Tuesday night.
While they could not score, the visitors created plenty of chances throughout the match.
The Hamlet also became the first team to keep a clean sheet while visiting Oaklands Park this season.
Following a difficult 4-1 loss at Bowers & Pitsea last Saturday, manager Hakan Hayrettin was proud of his team’s resilience.
Speaking to Dulwich Hamlet TV, Hayrettin said: “After Saturday we had to show people, we had to show ourselves more importantly, we had to show everyone connected with the club that it was a one-off.
“Tonight was probably one of our best performances but we didn’t take the three points.
“We showed grit and determination and we need to keep doing that now.”
Dulwich’s Max Hudson created two chances early on, whipping in a cross for Oli Lynch in the eighth minute and setting up Mark Marshall in the fifteenth, but Chichester keeper Kieran Magee was able to save both.
Lynch got his second chance at goal in the 20th minute, only for Magee to clear the shot off the line.
Lynch, on loan from Luton Town, has made a good impression but has yet to score a goal.
“He’s learning his trade but I’m sure he’ll get off the mark,” Hayrettin said.
Thirty minutes in, fellow recent Luton loan signing Jameson Horlick saved a would-be Chichester goal in his first real action between the sticks.
Lynch was involved in all three major second-half chances, having two efforts on goal and setting up Ralfi Hand in the 53rd minute, but Magee was able to save his strike.
Hayrettin was pleased with his team’s performance, though disappointed they were unable to come away with three points.
He said: “I thought we deserved more than the point, we got a point, we’re happy with a point against a good team.”
Looking ahead to the FA Trophy third-round qualifying match at Dartford on Saturday, Hayrettin said: “We want to continue the form that we’ve shown tonight, we want to continue there and nothing less.”
Dulwich have fourteen points after nine games, putting them sixth in the table.
Saturday’s match against their league rivals kicks off at 3pm at Princes Park.
