Dulwich Hamlet FA Cup dream over after defeat to Carlisle United

Dulwich Hamlet’s dreams of reaching the FA Cup Second Round are over following a 4-1 home defeat to Carlisle United.

The National League South side gave a good account of themselves during the first half but were unable to make their dominance count.

Olufela Olomola gave the Football League visitors an eighth-minute lead, prodding the ball home from close range.

The hosts were not disheartened though and restricted Carlisle’s possession as the non-league side went in search for a leveller.

Marvin McCoy first came close for the home side, shuffling past his marker before flashing a shot just past the post; Ade Yusuff struck a low effort into the upright a few moments later.

Hamlet were left rueing their missed chances, though, when Harry McKirdy capitalised on slow defending to dink a low cross past ‘keeper Charlie Grainger to double Carlisle’s lead as they went into the interval.

Hopes of a comeback appeared briefly when Christian Smith nodded home a deep corner five minutes into the second half.

However, they were quickly scrapped as, six minutes later, Mike Jones’ rifled effort flew beyond the helpless Grainger into the top corner and restored the visitors’ two-goal lead.

McKirdy wrapped up the victory for the visitors five minutes from time. After breaking into the box, the young forward kept his composure to send a low, left-footed shot beyond Grainger to seal Carlisle’s passage into the next round.