Dulwich Hamlet twice came from behind to secure a National League South point against Tonbridge Angels at Longmead Stadium last weekend.
Angels went in front in the 28th minute through Joe Turner’s penalty and again from a 79th-minute when Aaron Smith-Joseph’s cross-shot squirmed through the hands of goalkeeper Charlie Grainger.
But the Hamlet responded each time, first through Jordan Green who raced on to a through-ball to finish in the 69th minute.
Gavin Rose had been named manager of the month in National League South for November, and his side found a spectacular leveller to make it 2-2 when Jordan Higgs rifled home from 25 yards with six minutes left.
Dulwich started well as Gio McGregor’s free-kick from 25 yards was tipped over by Jonathan Henly.
Green then found McGregor whose low cross was blocked for a corner at the near post.
Tonbridge got the breakthrough when Grainger saved Turner’s effort but in the ensuing melee the referee spotted a foul by the visitors. Turner beat Grainger this time from twelve yards.
Congratulations to @Aspire_Football and @anotherpau1 🤙#DHFC💖💙 https://t.co/MbytwBZdvT
— Dulwich Hamlet FC (@DulwichHamletFC) December 13, 2021
The hosts had a chance to make it 2-0 when Jack Embery rounded Grainger but Jack Holland got back to force the Angels player to run the ball out.
The visitors wanted a penalty after Green tussled with left-back Jerry O’Sullivan but referee Joel Mannix wasn’t interested.
Tyrone Sterling glanced a delivery from McGregor just wide in the 55th minute before Holland had only Henly to beat after Michael Timlin had lifted the ball over the home defence, but the goalkeeper saved.
Dulwich eventually got the equaliser they deserved when Danny Mills found Green who beat Henly. Darren McQueen then tested Henly as the Hamlet pressed to go in front.
Jazzi Barnum-Bobb shot over from Mills’ lay-off but it was the hosts who went back into the lead eleven minutes from time through Smith-Joseph’s fortunate effort.
But once again Dulwich hit back, Green finding McGregor who set up Higgs for a brilliant finish beyond Henly’s reach. It was the former Bromley player’s first goal for the club.
There was a frantic end to the game as Timlin blocked a shot in a crowded Hamlet box before McGregor shot just wide at the other end.
The Hamlet are away at Plymouth Parkway this weekend in the third round of the FA Trophy. Kick-off is 3pm.
Dulwich: 3-4-3: Grainger; Taylor, Holland©, Sterling; Higgs, McGregor, Timlin, Blackman; Green, Mills, McQueen.
Substitutes: Barnum-Bobb (for Sterling 73), Harris-Sealy (for McQueen 85), German, Abubakari, Diallo (not used)
Attendance: 798