On a lovely sunny day in South London, perfect conditions for fans to watch their heroes in action, Whites comfortably defeated Ryman South side Dulwich Hamlet. In a game that Dover dominated, only a tendency for trying to walk the ball into the net kept the score down, as goals from Jackson Ohakam and Adam Birchall sealed the win.

Hayes’ side lined up with only three triallists in the starting eleven, including one new face. Left-back Danny Bunce, formerly of Grays, was given his chance to impress, with I’Anson and Charles both doing all they could to secure a contract.

Whites dominated from the start, and a neat move by the forward line almost set-up the opening goal. Birchall’s right-wing cross was dummied at the near post by Charles, but Wallis’ far post shot was deflected inches past the post by a defender. Jon was looking particularly impressive here, running the game from the centre of midfield.

A beautiful crossfield ball by I’Anson allowed Birchall a chance to fire on goal, but his shot was blocked by Francis Duku. Moments later, Whites went even closer, as James Rogers’ corner was met forcefully by the head of Dean Hill, but the ball cannoned off the underside of the bar and was cleared.

I’Anson was looking dangerous down the right wing, and his delightful cross into the six-yard box was perfect for Charles, but the striker flicked the ball over the bar. Thankfully for the triallist though, the offside flag meant it wouldn’t have counted anyway.

Dulwich even tried their hand at helping us out, as an over-hit backpass by Yinka Salami sailed inches past the post with former Tooting keeper Dave King lucky it didn’t drift a yard closer to the goal.

Martin made six changes at the break, as triallists Jackson Ohakam and Anthony Jack were given 45 minutes to show their worth. The former certainly made his mark, as he gave Whites the lead five minutes into the second half. Wallis’ corner to the near post was nonchalantly flicked on by Fish, and Ohakam was on hand at the back stick to head into the net.

Whites went on to dominate the second half, but seemed to want to walk the ball into the net rather than just get a shot off. The closest the side came to increasing the lead was via Wallis, who saw his shot cleared off the line from a corner.

Adam Birchall has looked lively so far in pre-season, and almost added to his goal tally following a one-two with Sam Cutler, but the shot struck the base of the post and bounced away to safety.

Dulwich had half chances to equalise, as Nyren Clunis and Coriston Campbell had efforts on goal cleared, but Dover should have wrapped the game up earlier. A long ball down the middle sent Birchall past Osa Obamwonyi, but Adam rolled his shot against the post.

He didn’t have long to wait before getting his goal though. Birchall collected the ball on the right hand side of the area and struck it past the substitute keeper, who waved a leg at the ball but never looked like stopping it – Birchall managing to score probably the hardest of the many chances he got all afternoon!

The Dulwich sub keeper looked a little inexperienced, and a rush of blood to the head in injury time almost allowed Ben Hunt to get on the scoresheet, but he rolled the ball into the side netting.

Martin will surely be pleased with another good performance by his side, especially as he rotated his squad slightly in the second half, with Ohakam performing well at right-back, and Matt Fish looking dangerous on both the right and left wings. The next test is a trip to Carshalton on Saturday, as Martin once again looks to run the rule over his triallists.