Sands Gets Everywhere, Annoys Everyone.

Match report written by Lee Witney.

A man of the match display from Dulwich goalkeeper Hudson Sands denied Maldon & Tiptree all three points in an absorbing contest at a wind-swept and soaked Park Drive on Saturday. After four points in the last two games against Lewes and Aveley, the Jammers headed into this game a very different proposition to the one that Dulwich hammered 6-0 on the opening day.

Maldon & Tiptree fans brave the horrendous weather conditions. Roy Warner (C)

573 fans braved the weather to take advantage of the community day, laid on by the football club. A bouncy castle for the children, along with face painting, a DJ and free-food for season ticket holders. The rain was relentless all afternoon, with supporters able to collect free ponchos, kindly handed out by the Jammers Fans Association.

It was a game Maldon dominated from an attacking standpoint for large parts of the game. Early half chances came and went for the hosts. Jamie Bennett’s cross in was just inches away from finishing Reiss Webber who would’ve had a tap in.

Just after the quarter-hour mark, Sands gave the first indication of what Maldon were up against in the Hamlet goal. A Jammers corner was cleared but played back in where the cross found the head of Tom Eastman. The Maldon skipper powered his header towards goal, but was thwarted by a sensational reflex save from Sands.

Tom Eastman reacts to being denied a third goal in as many games. Roy Warner (C)

Sands was at it again ten minutes later to push away a curling effort from Jesse Olukolu. Another cross- this time from Olukolu that just evaded the outreached boot of Charlee Hughes, an Eastman header that was cleared off the line and another great save from Sands- plunging low to his left to deny Bennet- all followed as Steve Butterworth’s side continued to dominate.

With five minutes to go until half-time, Sands was at it again. Rhamar Garrett-Douglas let fly with an absolute piledriver, but the Dulwich keeper sprung away to his right to claw the ball out of the top corner.

From the resulting corner, the breakthrough Maldon were craving finally arrived. Kenedi Dariri was bundled over as the ball was played and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Hughes stepped up and calmly rolled the ball home to the right, sending Sands the wrong way.

Charlee Hughes dispatches his penalty. Roy Warner (C)

Dulwich finished the half well, with Sol Baugh’s attempt was shovelled away by Bradley Robinson before they hit the bar with the last action of the half.

Half Time: Maldon & Tiptree 1 - 0 Dulwich Hamlet

The visitors flew out of the blocks in the second half and were level within seconds of the restart. David Smith tapped home from close range after his initial shot looked to have been blocked by Eastman.

The visitors should’ve taken the lead on the hour when they countered from a Maldon freekick. Nyren Clunis raced away but could only drag his shot well wide when one-on-one with Robinson.

Ade Cole smacked the crossbar with a freekick after Bennett was taken out following a quick release from Robinson before Bennett himself had a chance from the edge of the box well held by Sands in the driving rain.

With twelve minutes to go, Hughes and Webber were denied in quick succession by a combination of keeper and then defenders.

Hudson Sands makes another acrobactic save to deny the Jammers. Roy Warner (C)

Sands saved well from Dariri in the dying minutes of the game before The Jammers had appeals for a second penalty waved away in stoppage time as they were forced to settle for a draw.

Full Time: Maldon & Tiptree 1 - 1 Dulwich Hamlet

Next up are two huge home fixtures for Steve Butterworth's men. First up, Eastbourne Borough visit on Tuesday night followed by Three Bridges on Saturday afternoon.

Community Sprit Shines

While the afternoon's football ended all square, Community Day provided another important opportunity to bring Maldon and Tiptree together.

Despite persistent rain and strong winds, 573 supporters attended The Maldon Stadium, including families, regular supporters and visitors experiencing the club for the first time.

The turnout was particularly encouraging given the conditions, demonstrating the strength of the local community's support for its football club.

The club extends its sincere thanks to everyone who braved the weather, along with the volunteers, staff, local businesses and organisations who helped make Community Day possible.

Building stronger relationships with the local community remains an important part of the club's ambitions, both on and off the pitch.

With an improving team on the field and growing engagement away from it, Saturday provided further encouragement for the future.

Up Next

The Jammers return to action on Tuesday 27 October when Eastbourne Borough visit The Maldon Stadium. You can buy your match tickets in advance of the fixture via our ticketing page.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm, with Butterworth's side looking to extend their unbeaten run to four matches.