Dulwich Hamlet suffered their fifth home league defeat of the season last Saturday, as Tonbridge Angels won 2-1 at Champion Hill Stadium.
The home side were forced to name a weakened starting XI, with Michael Chambers and Dumebi Dumaka side-lined through injury, Gavin Tomlin suspended and Vas Karagiannis recalled by parent club Maidstone United.
The substitute’s bench looked strong, however, with Kenny Beaney returning, as well as new loan signings Louis-Michel Yamfam and Chris Millar boosting the manager’s options.
A bumper Christmas crowd of 1,541 packed into Champion Hill, but they were to leave with no festive cheer, as the visitors took all three points.
The scoring was opened in the 25th minute, as Dulwich failed to clear the ball, allowing Tom Parkinson to fire low to Preston Edwards’ right.
Sanchez Ming had a cross headed off the line as Hamlet looked for a quick way back into the match, but Angels went in at half-time a goal to the good.
It took just four minutes, however, for the home side to get back on level terms in the second half.
Danny Carr’s pass found the recalled Ibra Sekajja on the right and his low shot was turned into his own net by Tonbridge’s – and ex-Hamlet man – Mitchell Nelson.
With Dulwich now on top, they went searching for the three points; Damien Scannell’s sending-off just ten minutes from time gave them more impetus, but Alex Akrofi’s 87th minute winner broke Hamlet hearts and handed Tonbridge the win.