THE MARK ARE HELD
DANNY Gay was the hero for the Marketmen as they held Dulwich Hamlet to a point in this bitterly cold clash at Bloomfields.
The hosts’ stopper pulled off a series of saves to prevent a Dulwich winner after Jack Curtis levelled 20 minutes from time.
Needham completed a somewhat remarkable league double over their guests last season which was to prove crucial in their survival.
But with all matters considered, a share of the spoils was most probably a fair reflection upon this game.
It was the hosts who had the first opportunity with just three minutes played when a John Sands shot went narrowly wide of the post.
It was a neat turn from Sands on the edge of the penalty area, but it failed to test goalkeeper Preston Edwards.
The Hamlet soon settled into the game and had a good chance of their own to take the lead after a quick break from the right-hand side.
But Nyren Clunis was to be denied as his shot rebounded off the woodwork.
With 28 minutes played, Reece Dobson’s mazy run led to a terrific Needham counter attack. But his cut back eluded a red shirt in the penalty area and after a goalmouth scramble the ball was finally cleared.
Dulwich continued to have the lion’s share of possession, but clear-cut chances were to prove few and far between as the halftime whistle was blown.
Gay denied Vas Karagiannis' long-range shot after the interval with a great save to his left-hand side, and Sands was off target just seconds later as this entertaining game sought its first goal.
After both sides had chances to take the lead, it was the south-east London outfit who broke the deadlock on 62 minutes.
After good possession and a deep cross by Marc Weatherstone – an ex candidate on Channel 4’s ‘SAS Who Dares Wins’ – saw Dumebi Dumaka score with a fine header to put the Pink and Blue Army into the lead.
Despite this set back on the hour mark, the Reds soon equalised via the boot of Colchester loanee Curtis.
His clever finish with the outside of the boot left Edwards with little chance as the hosts drew level.
Gay rightfully earned his manof-the-match accolade in the dying minutes, saving brilliantly from Hamlet midfielder Kenny Beaney to keep the scores level, as the hosts weathered the storm and held out for a valuable league point.
In front of a crowd of 334, it was to prove a valuable one which sees Needham climb to the summit of the league table alongside Bognor Regis Town.
Dulwich meanwhile are back in sixth but stayed eight points behind Needham having played one league game more.