The stage was set for an exciting Boxing Day encounter at Meadowbank, with a packed crowd eager for action.

The first big chance of the game fell to Jimmy Muitt after Jack Young delivered a precise ball in behind the defence. Jimmy brought the ball under control, shifted inside, and unleashed a powerful strike that curled just wide of the top corner.

Worthing, however, were the first to break the deadlock. A cross into the box found centre-back Glen Rea, whose looping header sailed over Foulkes and into the back of the net. 0-1

Determined to respond quickly, we surged forward. Jimmy Muitt delivered a pinpoint cross that found Jack Young, whose header was on target but safely caught by the Worthing keeper . Unfortunately, Jack Young’s involvement ended prematurely as he went down injured and was replaced by Niall McManus.

Captain Charlie Carter was next to try his luck, driving at his defender and forcing a deflection that led to a corner. The resulting delivery fell to Brennan Camp, who struck a fierce shot that required a sharp reaction save from Chris Haigh.

The equaliser came after some excellent buildup play. Brennan Camp’s shot deflected into the path of Jason Prior, who made no mistake from close range, slamming the ball home. 1-1

Worthing pressed forward in search of a second goal. Danny Cashman tested Foulkes with a piercing shot from the edge of the box, forcing the keeper to parry it out for a corner. The ensuing set piece resulted in another good save from Foulkes, keeping the game level.

Moments later, Worthing’s Mo Faal burst into the box and went down after contact with Jimmy Muitt, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Foulkes, already in fine form, dived full stretch to his right to make a heroic save, tipping the ball around the post.

However, Worthing regained the lead with a spectacular goal from Nicky Wheeler, who unleashed a strike from 40 yards out that left Foulkes with no chance. 1-2

The first half ended on a dramatic note as Briggs was shown a red card for pushing Wills into the advertising boards behind the Worthing goal.

Half Time: Dorking Wanderers 1 – 2 Worthing FC

Down to 10 men, Wanderers manager Marc White made an adjustment, bringing on Jordan Norville-Williams for George Francomb.

Jordan was quick to make an impact, finding space level with the last defender and driving forward. His low shot-turned-cross fizzed across the face of goal, but Jason Prior couldn’t make any contact. Prior had another opportunity minutes later when a corner fell to him inside the six-yard box, but his effort sailed over the bar. We continued to press, with Prior threading a ball in behind for Alfie Rutherford. Unfortunately, Rutherford’s shot failed to trouble the keeper.

After a quieter spell, Brennan Camp came close again, volleying a shot from inside the box that was well caught by Haigh. At the other end, Foulkes made another impressive save, diving to his left to catch a fierce strike from range during a Worthing counterattack.

As the game wore on, Marc White introduced Rhys Murphy and Will Randall for Alfie Rutherford and Jimmy Muitt, hoping to find an equaliser. The closing stages saw a flurry of crosses into the Worthing box, with the best chance falling to Will Randall, but his effort failed to trouble the keeper.

While we didn’t get the result that we’d hoped for, the lads put in a steely second-half display, despite being a man down. Make sure to join us back at Meadowbank on Saturday the 4th of January as we looking to get back to winning ways against Bath City. 

Full Time: Dorking Wanderers 1 – 2 Worthing FC