Date: 17 July 2026 | Venue: Naremburn Oval | Competition: Australian Welsh League

Hearst Neville delivered a dominant second‑half performance to defeat Dulwich Hill SC 3–1 on Friday evening at Naremburn Oval. The result lifts Neville into the upper half of the Australian Welsh League table, while Dulwich Hill remain winless on the road this season.

First‑Half Struggles Give Way to Second‑Half Brilliance

The opening 45 minutes were scrappy, with both sides struggling to create clear‑cut chances. Dulwich Hill took a surprise lead in the 34th minute when a deflected free‑kick fell to Jacob Mathews, who fired home from close range. Neville responded well but lacked the final pass, leaving the score 1–0 to the visitors at the break.

Whatever manager Paul Gorman said in the dressing room worked instantly. Hearst Neville came out with renewed intensity and equalised within five minutes of the restart. A swift attack down the right flank ended with Liam Baxter cutting inside and curling a left‑footed strike into the far corner.

Key Moments That Changed the Game

• 50’ – Equaliser: Liam Baxter’s clinical finish brought Neville level.
• 68’ – Go‑Ahead Goal: A corner was headed back across goal, and Tom McLeod volleyed home from six yards.
• 81’ – Sealer: Substitute Jake Henson broke clear on the counter and slotted past the advancing keeper.

Standout Performers

Liam Baxter was the engine of Neville’s attack, creating three chances in addition to his goal. Central defender Ryan O’Neill also impressed, winning every aerial duel in the second half and marshalling the backline effectively.

For Dulwich Hill, goalkeeper Alex Petrov made several fine saves to keep his side in the game, especially in the first half, but could do little to prevent the collapse after the interval.

Table Impact

The victory moves Hearst Neville to fifth place with 12 points from six matches, just two points off the promotion playoff spots. Dulwich Hill remain in ninth, still searching for their first away win of the season.