Wanderers secured another campaign in non-league’s top flight 10 days ago with a 0-0 draw away to Gateshead, the pressure therefore relieved heading into the final away game of the season at Wealdstone last weekend. In the build up manager Marc White did set a final target for his side, expressing a desire for the team to finish the season as high up the table as possible, and ideally ahead of the fellow promoted sides from last term.

Last Saturday the home side opened the scoring very early on through a close range finish from Dominic Hutchinson, but Wanderers got themselves back on terms just five minutes later; Josh Taylor’s long throw flicked on by Jason Prior at the near post, Dan Gallagher in the right place at the right time to slam the ball home from several yards out. Somewhat against the run of play, Wanderers went into half-time in front; Harry Ottaway shielding a long ball brilliantly before sweeping it through for Seb Bowerman to race onto, the winger then pinging a sublime effort into the top right corner, a late contender for one of the goals of the season. Stuart Maynard’s side began the second half in similar vein to the first, and equalised within just three minutes of the restart, Charles Clayden lifting Charlie Barker’s central through ball over Lincoln when facing up the stopper one-on-one. The game became more typical of an ‘end of season’ encounter as the second half wore on, neither side ultimately able to find a winning goal.

The point kept Wanderers recent good run of form in tact with just 1 defeat suffered in the last 8 games, and Marc White will no doubt be looking to end the season on a real high note this weekend at Meadowbank in front of a bumper crowd.

Post-match the players and management team will be doing a lap of honour of the pitch to thank supporters for their support this season.

Saturday’s game is an all ticket affair, with limited availability secure your’s below:

https://dorkingwanderersfc.ktckts.com/event/dor2223h23/scunthorpe-united

 

Team News

In his weekly update broadcast on Friday morning, Marc White confirmed that Josh Taylor, Luke Moore and Jason Prior would all miss out this weekend due to picking up knocks and injuries. The manager also confirmed that Joe Cook and George Francomb will continue to be absent, the duo both missing through injury since the 3-2 win over Altrincham in the last home game at Meadowbank.

 

Opposition Focus: The Iron

Relegated from the Football League after a 72 year spell at the end of last season, Scunthorpe have unfortunately suffered a second consecutive relegation this term and will be competing in the National League North for 23/24. The Iron will finish this season in 23rd place, their fate sealed on April 10th after a 0-2 home defeat to fellow relegated side from League Two last season, Oldham Athletic.

It’s been a tough and testing season both on and off the pitch for The Iron, with the possibility of administration hanging over the club in the early part of the campaign, a takeover was finally confirmed at the end of January by former Ilkeston Town chairman David Hilton after a few tried and failed bids and efforts from other parties. Experienced Football League manager Keith Hill had been manager at the start of the season, but after being dismissed at the end of August, interim managers from within the club Tony Daws and Michael Nelson took charge in temporary spells before new owner Hilton appointed Peterborough Sports manager Jimmy Dean on January 29th. Despite recording home wins against Dagenham & Redbridge, Altrincham and Wealdstone through the months of February and March, Scunthorpe’s last point was gained in a 0-0 draw away at York City on March 28th.

Top scorer Joe Nutall netted 9 goals before departing to Oldham Athletic in early December, fellow striker Caolan Lavery had scored 8 for The Iron before also leaving the the club in the mid-season period, joining League Two Doncaster Rovers. In looking to replace the duo up top, Danny Elliott was signed from Boreham Wood in early February, getting off the mark last time out against Southend United, in addition to former Colchester United striker Dion Sembie-Ferris following manager Jimmy Dean across from Peterborough Sports. At the other end of the field, defensive options were bolstered in February with the signing of Will Smith on loan from Harrogate Town, the centre-back’s loan extended from it’s initial one-month deal to the end of the season back in March.

 

Earlier This Season…

Wanderers made the trip up to Glanford Park back in late September, and the game turned out to be one of the more frustrating away days of the campaign for Marc White’s men. Clinical finishes from Ryan Seager and Niall McManus had Wanderers in complete control at half-time with a 0-2 lead, but a spirited, determined display from the hosts turned the game around completely in the second half. Caolan Lavery halved the deficit shortly after the restart before experienced midfielder Jacob Butterfield drove home a ‘daisy-cutter’ from range, defender George Taft then heading home the winning goal several minutes from time. The Iron could have added further emphasis to their comeback, striker Joe Nutall missing a penalty during the second half by clipping the outside of the post.

 

Key Matchday Info

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE:
https://dorkingwanderersfc.ktckts.com/event/dor2223h23/scunthorpe-united

TICKET PRICES:
Adults £16 / Concessions £13 / U18s £8 / U8s £4

FAMILY OFFER!
A family of 4 (2 adults, 2 U12s) can watch the Wanderers against The Shrimpers for just £35!

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME: £3 (physical copies only, available at ground)

Not attending Saturday’s match? Stay in the loop…

LIVE COMMENTARY
Gary Pascoe will be on the mic and providing live matchday commentary via Mixlr, keep an eye on our social media channels for more information!

UPDATES
We will be providing action and score updates throughout the night via Twitter (@DorkingWDRS)

VISITING FANS INFORMATION
Getting to Meadowbank, where to grab a pre-match drink beforehand and more… https://www.dorkingwanderers.com/visiting-supporters

 

Elsewhere Around The Club This Weekend…

DWFC Women Return To League Action…

Lou Cooper’s side are back in league action this Sunday afternoon with a visit to Hampton & Richmond Borough FC to take on Richmond Park in a 2pm kick off. After a run of 3 games without a win the DWFC Women got back on track a fortnight ago with a 5-2 win over then-league leaders Clapton Community, and last weekend successfully defended their Capital Cup trophy with a 0-3 win over current league leaders Brentford at Bedfont Sports FC. Second half goals from Charlotte Keenan, Xayla and Gemma Shepherd secured the win, earning the Wanderers a second piece of silverware since forming in 2020.

Following Sunday’s away trip to Hampton & Richmond, the DWFC Women will then host Richmond Park for the reverse fixture just three days later in a 19:45 kick off at Meadowbank under the lights this Tuesday evening.

 

Talking Wanderers Episode 9 Out Now!

Episode 9 of the club’s official podcast, Talking Wanderers, was released last Friday featuring special guest’s, Location Football!

The chaps behind the brilliant YouTube channel spoke to host’s James Lampard and Gary Pascoe about all things non-league, media and who has the best matchday grub!

Talking Wanderers is available via Apple, Google, Spotify and the DWFC App, plus available for viewing over on the club’s official YouTube channel, @DWTV1999.

Episode 9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1QvecgltWk