Dulwich Hamlet's last hopes of a Wembley date ended on Saturday when the south Londoners were sent crashing out of the FA Trophy, writes Dave Watters.

Whyteleafe - struggling in Ryman Division 1 - inflicted a shock defeat at Champion Hill as they outplayed and outfought Hamlet's Ryman Premier stars for long periods.

Dulwich were behind as early as the sixth minute when Leion Dillon fired past Les Cleevely from close range after a long ball forward unhinged Hamlet's shaky defence.

And despite losing skipper Phil Dawson to injury soon afterwards, the visitors continued to look the brighter of the sides and went further ahead on 21 minutes, courtesy of a goal from substitute Junior Kadi. Booked just seconds after coming on, Kadi made his mark within three minutes of joining the fray when he curled a superb free kick over Hamlet's wall and past the despairing Cleevely.

Dulwich's best chance of pulling a goal back before the break arrived on 34 minutes when Andy Cyrus chipped Whyteleafe's keeper Danny Rose before seeing his effort cruelly cleared off the line by defender Neil Hopkins.

The introduction of Hamlet's own substitute Lee Macken after the break proved inspirational as the youngster led Dulwich's fightback. Dominant in midfield, Macken laid on the pass that led to Carl Bartley's headed goal after 80 minutes. Unfortunately the youngster couldn't conjure up the magic to unlock the visitor's rearguard.

In the final minutes, Hamlet came agonisingly close to equalising and were only denied a replay when Richard Thompson failed to connect with Peter Garland's last minute cross from the right.

As Guardian Sport went to press on Tuesday, Hamlet were due to meet Hampton in the Puma Cup although bad weather was expected to force the postponement of the second-round tie. On Saturday Hamlet return to their Ryman Premier relegation struggles when they travel to Walton and Hersham in a crucial six pointer before third placed St Albans arrive at Champion Hill next Tuesday night.

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