Match report by George Taylor

Three first half goals for the hosts, combined with a stoppage time strike from Abrahams, ensured defeat for Dorking in an explosive encounter at York Road.

The Wanderers came into today’s encounter one point behind the hosts, having failed to pick up any points in mid-week away at Altrincham. In response, Marc White made four changes from the side which started in Cheshire. Bobby-Joe Taylor came in for Cook, as he did in the opening twenty minutes on Tuesday, whilst Josh Taylor made way for Luke Moore having picked up a suspension.

Marc White’s men have impressed on the road of late, falling to defeat just once away from home since January. The Wanderers highlighted such form early on by creating the first real opportunities of the game, with Prior and Hollis heading over within the space of a minute.

Dorking’s early dominance appeared to be short-lived however, as the hosts broke the deadlock via Sam Beckwith. A silky move from the Maidenhead man opened up space for a shot on Male’s goal, in turn providing the hosts with the opener on ten minutes.

Maidenhead could’ve extended their lead moments later through top scorer Reece Smith. The young forward caused problems for Dorking’s defence having darted in the box and blasting at goal, forcing Male to tip away the effort.

The Wanderers remained undeterred by the hosts’ strong start, grabbing an equaliser courtesy of Charlie Carter. The wingers superb solo effort in striding towards goal was complimented by a fine finish past the near post of ‘Keeper Craig Ross, taking his tally to five for the season since signing in October.

Dorking were forced to dig deep for much of the half, but had their work undone by the ever- present Reece Smith. A sweet strike from distance just before the half hour mark struck the inside of Male’s post and trickled into the back of the net, rendering the Wanderers back at square one.

Despite creating opportunities to get back in the game, it would be the hosts that instead entered half time two goals to the good. Mitchell- Lawson’s movement from the half- way line towards Male’s goal allowed the winger to get ahead of the back- line and strike into the bottom corner, creating a mountain to climb for the Wanderers going into the break.

HT 3-1

Marc White opted to alter to a back three at the break, replacing Hollis and Fuller with Rutherford and Francomb as his side looked to get a foothold back in the game.

In a half which opened with little goalmouth action, the Wanderers were made to rue a guilt-edged chance from Jason Prior. A mix-up between Ross in the Magpies net and his defenders resulted in the ball falling to Prior who was left with an empty net, but mis-timed a header which sailed agonisingly over the crossbar.

Prior made amends at the second time of asking, reducing the deficit to one just over twenty minutes from time. A quick counter- attacking move made its way to Muitt, whose cross into the box resulted in Prior nodding past Ross for a much-needed lifeline.

The hosts came close to undoing Dorking’s work once more in the latter stages of the game. Maidenhead’s Casey Petit picked up the ball in a dangerous area following a goalmouth scramble and struck at goal, requiring blocks from the back- line and the hands of Harrison Male to clear the danger.

Alan Devonshire’s side ensured all three points late on through Tristan Abrahams. The EFL Journeyman found himself in acres of space after latching onto a wayward pass from Tony Craig, before lashing past Male for his first in Maidenhead colours and a fourth of the afternoon.

Dorking were unable to respond in a lengthy period of stoppage time, confirming consecutive away defeats for the first time since November. Today’s result ensures Dorking remain in the relegation zone ahead of another crucial away day, where Southend await in midweek.

Maidenhead United: Ross, Asare, Beckwith (De Havilland ’75), Lokko, Nathaniel- George, Ferdinand, Mitchell- Lawson (Barratt ’68), Pettit, Smith (Adams ’88), Abrahams, Massey ©

Unused Substitutes: Omilabu, Zimba

 Bookings: Ross, Ferdinand, Massey

Dorking Wanderers: Male, Joe- Taylor, Pybus, Craig, Muitt, Prior, Carter, Moore (McManus ’72), Hollis (Rutherford ’46), Fuller © (Francomb ’46), Blair

Unused Substitutes: Bowerman, Ottoway

 Bookings: Moore, McManus

Officials: Stephen Parkinson, Scott Chalkey, Andrew Ellis, Tommy Breen

Attendance: 1304 (130 Wanderers)