Moles 1 Point From Relegation After Away Defeat

Dulwich Hamlet 2-1 Molesey

Hamlet: Taylor '8 Nugent '55, Moles: Cross '76

Molesey were left one point from mathematical relegation on Monday as they came up against a high-flying Dulwich Hamlet team who managed to take all three points despite not playing too well.

Molesey had their match on Saturday called off due to adverse weather conditions and some amongst the Molesey faithful hoped that the Moles would be fresh after their unexpectedly prolonged break, however Molesey struggled against the physical challenge that Dulwich Hamlet possesed.

The match started poorly for the Moles as the Hamlet started much the better of the two sides and gave themselves an early advantage. Dulwich defender Cumberbatch picked up possesion and began an intricate passing move until the ball came to Charlie Taylor who found himself with too muc time and space and Taylor calmly placed the ball into the back of the net. Moles 'keeper Matt Nash left exposed by Moleseys backline who have afforded to many strikers to have easy goals against the Moles this season.

Dulwich then had a big appeal for a penalty turned down after Matt Nash appeared to body-check Charlie Taylor in the box. Again the Moles defence had left Taylor totally unguarded, they were let off however when the referee turned down the appeal much to the chagrin of the home support.

Not long after this the lively Charlie Taylor went for an audacious 20 yard lob over Nash but the shot was ever so slightly over it and it hit the bar and went to safety.

Shortly before half-time Taylor again tested the framework of the Moles goal, this time his curled free kick struck the top of the cross bar.

Two minutes later Stanley Muguo hit a deceptive shot that swerved at the last second and nearly caught the Moles 'keeper off-guard. Nash recovered well however and managed to adjust his body just in time to block the shot.

Dulwich had time for one last attack in the first half, and it nearly reaped rewards for the Hamlet. A sloppy pass from Moles captain, Phil Caughter gave the ball straight to Charlie Taylor. Fortunately for Caughter, Nash saved the tame shot and also saved Caughters blushes. This action again shows Moleseys sloppy mistakes that have cost the Moles so dearly this year.

Dulwich could have had as many goals as they wanted in the first half but poor finishing and bad luck kept the Hamlet waiting until the 55th minute.

Dulwich striker Meshach Nugent picked up possesion and weaved through Moleseys ineffectual challenges and hit a deflected shot wide. From the corner that was swung in Nugent rose highest and powered a header past the stranded Matt Nash.

Molesey finally started to get into the game at this point and Paul Cross had the Moles first meaningful effort when he struck a left footed effort from 20 yards against the side netting. Popular Moles striker, Paul Cross showing exactly what he can do when given a run in the first team.

On the hour mark Moles goalkeeper Matt Nash was crudely smashed into by Meshach Nugent well after play had stopped. This outraged the Moles support and although Nugent got away with the clumsy tackle, Nash was forced off the pitch due to the nature of his head injury. This left Molesey without a 'keeper and so Aaron Barnett donned the 'keepers jersey and gloves to play the last 30 minutes in front of the net.

However, Barnett wasn't tested much and it was Molesey that began pressing looking for a way back into the game.

The Moles thought they had an excellant route back into the game when an excellent turn in the box by Paul Cross forced Cumberbatch to bring the tall frontman down and earned a red card for the trouble. Anthony Gale stepped up to take the penalty, Moleseys first since Gale missed one against Walton and Hersham. Gale placed the ball far into the corner, but Dulwich 'keeper Jamie Lunan got down to it and managed to turn it around the post.

Molesey didn't let this disappointment have to much of an effect on their improved second half display and just six minutes later Anthony Gale swung in a free-kick from deep and found Paul Cross who buried his header into the corner of the net.

However this was Moleseys last real effort and the gam quickly turned into a scrappy midfield battle allowing Dulwich to keep all 3 points.

It was good to see debuts given to reserve team players Nick Newitt after 70 mins and Marlon Rodney after 80 mins and new debutant Fabio Fernandez given 25 minutes

Steve Webb was confirmed to be Molesey manager next season, whatever league Molesey end up in. He will be trying to improve on the many mistakes made by Molesey this season to try to force their way back into the Ryman league in the coming seasons.