Jack Young opened play for the Wanderers on a crisp Bonfire Night at Meadowbank. Our only change from Saturday’s 4-3 win away at Farnborough saw Jordan Norville-Williams replaced by Seb Bowerman. 

The first real opportunity fell our way early on, with a break down the right. Rutherford collected the ball at the centre of Maidstone’s penalty area and set up Seb Bowerman, who unfortunately sent his shot over the bar.

Maidstone, attacking toward the bank, soon responded. A floated corner found a player on the edge of our box, but his shot went high and wide, leaving both teams still searching for a breakthrough.

The opening minutes saw few clear-cut chances, though our fortunes took a hit when Rob Milson and Niall McManus were both forced off with injuries. Jordan Norville-Williams and Theo Alexandrou came on as their replacements.

Our luck soon turned, as Maidstone’s Reiss Greenidge was sent off after elbowing Jason Prior at the halfway line, reducing the Stones to 10 men.

With the advantage, we quickly upped the intensity. Jordan Norville-Williams delivered a precise free kick, which was met with an audacious bicycle kick from Brennan Camp. Though the initial shot was saved, Brennan, on the ground, swivelled and smashed the rebound past Alexis Andre to put us ahead. This marked his third goal in just two games since his return from injury. 1-0

Half Time: Dorking Wanderers 1-0 Maidstone United

The second half began in scrappy fashion, with Maidstone seizing the first real opportunity—and converting it. Aaron Blair cut in from the left, beat his marker, and curled a shot past Foulkes to level the score. 1-1

Their goal marked the start of a period of control for the visitors, though they didn’t create any clear chances. During this stretch, manager Marc White made our third and fourth substitutions, bringing on Bobby Joe Taylor and Matt Briggs for Jordan Norville-Williams and Seb Bowerman.

Our first chance of the half came late on, as Theo Alexandrou unleashed a piercing volley from the edge of the box, which Andre managed to catch.

Shortly after, Taylor delivered a free kick from the left, finding man of the match Tony Craig in space. Unfortunately, Craig couldn’t keep his header down.

While this wasn’t our best display, we are now five games unbeaten at home, putting us in good stead for our FA Trophy match against Weymouth here at Meadowbank on the 16th of November – join us then for the start of our campaign. 

Full Time: Dorking Wanderers 1-1 Maidstone United