Kedwell makes instant impact on Hawks return in home victory over Dulwich Hamlet

Craig Robson rises high to head in Hawks' third goal against Dulwich. Picture: Dave Haines.Craig Robson rises high to head in Hawks' third goal against Dulwich. Picture: Dave Haines.
Craig Robson rises high to head in Hawks' third goal against Dulwich. Picture: Dave Haines.
Danny Kedwell made an instant contribution on his return to Westleigh Park as Hawks came from behind to beat Dulwich Hamlet in horrendous conditions.

The 37-year-old striker was initially due to start on the bench after rejoining the club last weekend following a stint with three divisions lower Hollands & Blair.

But with Tommy Wright having been ill the day before, Kedwell was thrust back into National League South action from the start.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And he provided a crucial moment as Hawks survived the shock of conceding first to hit back and win 3-1 on a truly filthy evening of driving rain and strong winds.

Danny Kedwell takes on Dulwich's Sanchez Ming. Picture by Dave HainesDanny Kedwell takes on Dulwich's Sanchez Ming. Picture by Dave Haines
Danny Kedwell takes on Dulwich's Sanchez Ming. Picture by Dave Haines

It was Kedwell’s shot that resulted in a Dulwich own goal which gave Hawks the lead right on the stroke of half-time. And from that moment on there was only going to be one winner ...

Boss Paul Doswell made three changes to the starting XI that had beaten Cray Valley in Sunday’s FA Cup first round tie at the same ground.

Midfielder Billy Clifford was back after suspension, in place of Godfrey Poku, with Kedwell in for Wright and Craig Robson part of a five-man defence.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With George Mclennan having recovered from his Achilles problem to start at left wing-back, that meant Roarie Deacon was on the bench for the first time in 2020/21.

Joe Iaciofano watches the ball go in off of Hamlet's Jordan Agahatise for his side's second goal. Picture: Dave Haines.Joe Iaciofano watches the ball go in off of Hamlet's Jordan Agahatise for his side's second goal. Picture: Dave Haines.
Joe Iaciofano watches the ball go in off of Hamlet's Jordan Agahatise for his side's second goal. Picture: Dave Haines.

After a quiet opening, Moussa Diarra headed wide from a Josh Taylor free-kick before the latter shot wide.

It was against the run of play when Dulwich - arriving with just two draws from four league games, and just five wins in their last 33 NLS fixtures - took a 21st minute lead.

Striker Dean Moore latched onto a long ball delivered into the left-hand channel to poke his shot past the onrushing Ross Worner from just inside the penalty area.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was to be one of the very few times in the 90 minutes that the south London club would worry their hosts.

Hawks goalscorer Sam Magri in action against Dulwich. Picture: Dave Haines.Hawks goalscorer Sam Magri in action against Dulwich. Picture: Dave Haines.
Hawks goalscorer Sam Magri in action against Dulwich. Picture: Dave Haines.

Hawks were level within six minutes. Joe Iaciofano had a shot blocked, Dulwich failed to clear the ball and Sam Magri was found unmarked on the left-hand side to sidefoot in from close range.

Kedwell saw a shot blocked and Iaciofano shot low at keeper Charlie Grainger before Hawks took the lead just before half-time.

There was an element of good fortune as Kedwell’s low shot was parried by Grainger, but the ball hit Dulwich’s Jordan Agahatise and rolled into an empty net.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

You got the feeling that an early goal in the second half would be enough against a Dulwich side who rarely threatened.

Josh Taylor takes a shot a goal against Dulwich. Picture by Dave Haines.Josh Taylor takes a shot a goal against Dulwich. Picture by Dave Haines.
Josh Taylor takes a shot a goal against Dulwich. Picture by Dave Haines.

Magri saw a header cleared off the line, before Mclennan - who looks an impressive addition to the Hawks ranks - had an effort deflected for a corner.

The hosts finally grabbed a third goal on 74 minutes when Robson - captain on the night - crowned an impressive display with a fine header from Taylor’s corner.

Hawks fashioned a couple more half-chances, Grainger saving with his legs after Iaciofano had shrugged off two challengers to get a shot in and Wright firing wide after Poku had won possession with a high press.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This was only Hawks’ fourth league game of the season, and they entered the game down in 16th position (out of 21 teams).

Victory took them up six places, and still with games in hand on most of the teams above them.

They now have the same points, from the same game, as Oxford City - this Saturday’s visitors to Westleigh Park.

Hawks: Worner, Read, Mclennan (Straker, 76), Diarra, Magri, Robson, Taylor, Gomis (Poku, 69), Clifford, Kedwell, Iaciofano (Wright, 79).

Dulwich: Grainger, Ming, Masampu (McGregor, 62), Taylor, Debrah, Agahatise, Clayden, Timlin, Moore, Hyde, Allassani (Balarabe, 75).

News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice