DULWICH HAMLET 1 OXFORD CITY 2

With the floodlights at Champion Hill struggling to penetrate the mid-afternoon gloom, the final whistle signalled an unexpected defeat for Dulwich Hamlet against Oxford City, writes Angus MacDonald.

City secured their first away win of the season to move above Dulwich Hamlet in Ry-man League Division One.

Dulwich created enough chances in the first half to win three games, but were guilty of profligacy in front of goal and were lacking some luck.

Throughout the first 45 minutes, their passing was crisper, they enjoyed the majority of possession and their movement often left Oxford chasing shadows.

Dulwich strikers Charley Side and Luke Edgehill posed particular problems for the visitors and it was surprising that the opening goal took so long to manufacture.

Edgehill collected the ball in his own half and, with a lovely pass, found Side on the right wing.

Side charged into the Oxford box and centred the ball back to Edgehill, who side-footed past the keeper.

But Oxfords half time talk worked wonders and they were a different side when the game resumed.

In the 51st minute Chris Fontaine equalised for the visitors when he reacted quickest to a headed cross from Andy Smith to nod the ball past James Mercer.

Unfortunately, it was a Dulwich mistake 10 minutes later that proved decisive.

Oliver Hunt was dispossessed inside his own box by John Mitchell, who had only Mercer to beat and did so with ease.

Dulwich made a triple sub-stitution, but to no avail, and Oxford held firm for an unexpected, but not unmerited win.

Dulwich Hamlet: J Mercer, R Pacey (D Stevens, 67mins), A Hannigan, N Leach, O Hunt (D Richards 67mins), R French (capt), J Old, F Quarm (D Ward 67mins), C Side, L Edgehill, E Allen