Report by George Taylor

Marc White’s side came into this weekend’s match-up with Woking on the back of an impressive FA Trophy victory against Maidenhead. As a result, there was just one change from last Saturday’s starting eleven, with Niall McManus making way for debutant Charlie Carter.

Also earning a spot in the squad was academy graduate Joel Brown, having impressed off the bench last time out.

The opening half an hour saw little opportunities for either side in what looked to be a cagey affair. On the fifteen-minute mark, Woking’s Tunji Akinola found himself unable to convert an opportunity from a set piece, before Bobby Joe- Taylor sent a shot high and wide for the hosts.

However, Woking’s number of set pieces would soon pay off as they grabbed the first goal of the game. A delightful ball into the box on the right-hand side met the head of Akinola, who on this occasion was able to convert, sending the ball high into the roof of Harrison Male’s net.

Six minutes later, Dorking drew level through clever play from the debuting Carter. A tidy run from the new midfielder allowed him to keep a loose ball in play, before cutting the ball back for McShane to convert from close range.

HT 1-1

The second half saw the introduction of a double change for the Wanderers. Bobby Joe- Taylor and Luke Moore, both instrumental last time out, were replaced by Jimmy Muitt and Alfie Rutherford, as Marc White’s side searched for a second half winner.

The introduction of Alfie Rutherford created several opportunities for Dorking, forcing Alexis Andre into a number of saves. An advancing run from Rutherford opened up space for Gallagher to aim at goal, with a sizzling effort being met by an outstanding save from the French ‘keeper.

Minutes later, Rutherford was involved again as he advanced onto a clipped ball forward by Carter, however Andre was equal to it once more.

Dorking continued to attack the opposition’s goal, only for their hard work to be undone in the final five minutes. A blinding run from Paul Osew into the Wanderers half put the winger through on goal, eventually placing the ball past Harrison Male for the winner.

Dorking’s stoppage time efforts to steal a point produced little, ending a run of three unbeaten in all competitions.

The defeat sees Dorking fall to 19th in the National League table, albeit level on points with Woking who now sit in 17th. Next up for the Wanderers is a trip to the Silverlake Stadium, where Eastleigh are the hosts.

Dorking Wanderers (3-5-2): 1 Harrison Male, 22 Barry Fuller (c), 5 Tony Craig, 19 Haydn Hollis; 3 Bobby-Joe Taylor (7 Jimmy Muitt 46′), 20 Dan Gallagher, 16 Charlie Carter, (24 Harry Ottaway 70′), 17 Josh Taylor, 37 George Francomb; 11 James McShane, 18 Luke Moore (10 Alfie Rutherford 46′)

Unused Subs: 2 Isaac Philpot, 46 Joel Brown

Goal: McShane 41′

Yellow Card: Muitt 61′

Woking (4-2-3-1):1 Alexis Andre Jr, 2 Dan Moss, 4 Scott Cuthbert, 6 Luke Wilkinson, 3 Josh Casey; 16 Tunji Akinola, 18 Manny Oyeleke (24 Rohan Ince 75′); 37 Paul Osew, 17 Jim Kellerman, 11 Dennos Lewis; 10 Padraig Amond 7

Unused Subs:14 Rhys Browne,  20 Zak Bradshaw, 21 Timi Odusina, 29 Alfie Pavey

Goals: Akinola 35, Osew 85′

Yellow Cards: Wilkinson 40′, Akinola 90+4′

Referee: Andrew Humphries

Att: 2617

Sponser’s Man Of The Match: Dan Gallagher