On the day of a landmark 1000th game for the Wanderers, Meadowbank was abuzz with a celebratory atmosphere prior to kick off. But as ever the first whistle saw attention turn back to business, as Marc named a somewhat makeshift eleven to face Weston-Super-Mare on a historic day.
After we controlled the opening few minutes, the visitors started to grow into the game with a sustained spell of possession and a series of half-chances.
Wanderers showed fight: Rutherford and captain Charlie Carter putting in the hard yards in the press, refusing to let the Seagulls settle.
The first big chance of the game fell to Alfie Rutherford after a perfectly weighted over the top ball from Jason Prior. Alfie’s first touch provided him space for a shot, but his effort trickled agonisingly past the far corner.
The subsequent 10 minutes saw the Seagulls sustain pressure with a well-organised press and superiority in midfield duels. Our boys were struggling to play their usual game, but did pose a threat on the break.
An uneventful period was followed by some injury time drama as Alfie was brought down after controlling a long ball and the referee was met with an appeal from the entire home crowd. He waved the decision away to the outrage of the Wanderers players.
Half time: Dorking Wanderers 0-0 Weston-Super-Mare
The visitors were awarded a freekick early in the second half for an off the ball foul by Morgan Williams. A one-two followed by a sensational effort from Luke Coulsen found the top-left corner to give the Seagulls the lead. 50’ 0-1
The home crowd rallied behind their team trying to infuse a response. Marc would search for this in the form of last week’s super sub Rhys Murphy, who replaced Alfie in the attack.
As the half progressed, Wanderers started showing glimpses of their usual freedom. Carter and Josh Taylor started dictating play. But the visitors ran the clock down effectively and showed significant threat on the counterattack.
Rob Milson then had an effort from the edge of the box blocked, but promise was growing for Wanderers; our boys urged on by a continuous chorus from the home crowd, Minute 74 saw Brennan Camp leap like a salmon to meet a Rob Milsom cross following a strong period of Wanderers’ pressure, but the effort fell just the wrong side of the crossbar.
The visitors then doubled their lead against the run of play when a ball was cut back to Pedro Borges, who finished well into the bottom right corner. 76’ 0-2
The Seagulls shut up shop completely after doubling their advantage, and despite an increase in intensity, we struggled creating chances against the low block.
A late free kick saw substitute Jordan Norville-Williams force a save from WSM goalkeeper Max Harris. He was equal to the shot and parried away well.
Eight additional minutes saw us find time for a late consolation as Rhys Murphy scored from the bench for the second week running. A Jason Prior shot fell kindly to Murphy who finished well to rejuvenate the crowd. 94’ 1-2
Any hope of a Wanderers revival was snuffed promptly snuffed out when a cool finish from Samual Pearson. 96’ 1-3
Brennan Camp was awarded player of the match for a dogged performance on the right flank.
While match number 1000 will be one the Wanderers will want to forget, attention now turns to next Saturday’s league visit to Hornchurch.
