DULWICH HAMLET surged nine points clear in the Bostick League Premier Division last weekend after Rickie Hayles’ 75th-minute winner against Lowestoft Town.
That margin was clipped back to six points after Billericay Town won 2-0 at Harrow on Tuesday, and the current top two are set to meet in what could be set up for a classic on December 30.
Hamlet’s win meant a thirteenth game without defeat since September in the league, but Billericay still have five games in hand. Lowestoft proved difficult opponents to break down as Gavin Rose’s side attacked almost from the start, Ashley Carew firing a free-kick off target in the third minute.
Eight minutes later Reise Allassani just failed to connect with Sanchez Ming’s cross, before Michael Onovwigun and Muhammadu Faal combined just before half-time but couldn’t find the breakthrough.
Hayles headed just wide a minute into the s the 70th minute when he blocked Nathan Green’s header from Ming’s cross, but five minutes later he was finally beaten as Hayles rose to nod in Carew’s corner.
After having had so little to do for the previous 84 minutes, Hamlet stopper Preston Edwards came to his side’s rescue when he palmed away a shot from Harvey Hodd.
The hosts almost doubled their advantage three minutes from time, but Faal’s shot came back off the post with Dudzinski beaten. Hamlet face Enfield away this Saturday as they aim to extend their unbeaten run.