Dulwich dream shattered by Mckirdy double

Dulwich Hamlet’s hopes of capping a memorable 12 months by claiming a place in the FA Cup second round for the first time in the club’s history were undone by League Two Carlisle United.

A year after the club returned home having been forced to play elsewhere during a dispute over the future of their Champion Hill ground, the Conference South side were involved in the first round of the Cup for the first time in 21 years.

They were unable to progress, however, due to Carlisle’s superior finishing. Olufela Olomola and Harry Mckirdy established a twogoal half-time lead, and then hopes of a Dulwich comeback, after Christian Smith reduced the deficit, were ended by a long-range shot from Mike Jones and Mckirdy’s second.

“We were brave,” Gavin Rose, the Dulwich manager, said. “We tried to

Different class: Harry Mckirdy scored twice for Carlisle to end Dulwich’s hopes

have a go. We lacked quality in the final third. Maybe the emotion got the better of the boys at times.”

Olomola put Carlisle ahead with a well-taken volley and Mckirdy matched his team-mate’s finishing to make it 2-0. Smith’s header after the break injected life into the tie, but Jones produced an unstoppable drive from 25 yards and Mckirdy again showed composure late on.

“They were everything and more in terms of what we expected,” said Steven Pressley, Carlisle’s manager.

Dulwich Hamlet (4-3-3) Grainger; Mccoy, Orlu (Hunte 84), C Smith, N Smith; Dempsey, Chapman, Vose; Yusuff (Akinyemi 66), Mills, Monakana (Clunis 66). Subs Edwards (g), Connors, Ijaha, Taylor. Booked C Smith. Carlisle United (5-4-1) Collin; G Jones, Branthwaite, Webster, Mellish, Iredale; Thomas (Sagaf 57), Bridge (Carroll 84), M Jones, Mckirdy; Olomola (Loft 80). Subs Gray (g), Hope, Knight-percival, Sorensen. Booked Webster, Loft.

Referee James Oldham (Derbyshire).