Jack Young got the game underway for the Wanderers, kicking away from The Bank into near-horizontal rain and wind, setting the stage for what promised to be a challenging encounter.
It was Enfield who threatened first, with a low, driven shot from the edge of our area that zipped just wide of Harrison Foulkes’ left-hand post. Despite this early scare, we quickly took control of the game, dominating the opening stages. Two excellent crosses flashed dangerously across the visitors’ penalty area but frustratingly went unmet by our attackers.
Midway through the half, we were forced into our first substitution as Theo Alexandrou replaced Jason Prior, who had to leave the field after picking up an injury from a foul on the edge of the box. George Francomb stepped up to take the resulting free kick from the right-hand side and delivered a pinpoint ball onto the head of Alfie Rutherford. With precision, Rutherford nodded past the diving Rhys Forster, giving us the lead. 1-0
Buoyed by the opener, we pushed forward again. Francomb delivered another superb ball, this time from a corner, which bounced unchallenged in Enfield’s six-yard box. Tony Craig appeared poised to pounce on the loose ball but was pulled down by a defender, sparking loud penalty appeals from the crowd and players. To our frustration, the referee waved play on.
We maintained our composure and saw out the remainder of the half, heading into the break with a deserved lead.
Half Time: Dorking Wanderers 1-0 Enfield City
The second half began with manager Marc White making our second substitution of the game, bringing on Morgan Williams in place of Dan Gallagher. Enfield started brightly after the break, showing intent as they searched for an equaliser. Their pressure paid off with their only major chance of the game, when a well-delivered cross from the left flank found Sam Youngs, who capitalised on the opportunity to slot the ball past Foulkes and level the score. 1-1
Following the equaliser, the game entered a scrappy phase, with neither side able to carve out any significant chances. Both teams worked hard in midfield, but clear-cut opportunities were hard to come by as the conditions continued to play a factor. As the game progressed, Marc White made his remaining substitutions in an attempt to inject fresh energy into the side. Jimmy Muitt, Jordon Norville-Williams, and Theo Alexandrou made way for Matt Briggs, Will Randall, and James McShane. The latter received a particularly warm reception from the Meadowbank crowd, marking his return from injury.
Despite the changes, the game struggled to ignite, with both sides failing to create any meaningful attempts on goal. Enfield remained compact defensively, while we pushed forward, trying to reclaim the lead through some promising wing play and set pieces. However, neither team could produce the decisive moment in the closing stages.
In the end, a hard-fought second half offered few highlights, and the game concluded in a draw. However, the result extended our unbeaten league run at home. Join us next Saturday as we aim to build on this momentum against Truro City.
Full Time: Dorking Wanderers 1-1 Enfield City
