Despite freezing conditions back home, Weymouth’s pitch was in excellent shape as we kicked off at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

The first chance of the game came after a balanced opening period, with the Wanderers struggling to find their usual rhythm. A Terras’ attacker tried his luck from the edge of the area, but his shot sailed wide of Foulkes’ post. Amid the action, Josh Brooking pulled up clutching his hamstring, forcing Marc White into an early substitution, with Dan Gallagher entering the fray.

Shortly after, the hosts capitalised on their momentum. Greenwood unleashed a stunning long-range effort, sending the ball soaring past Foulkes and into the top corner. 1-0

The Wanderers wasted no time responding. Alfie Rutherford broke in behind the defence and delivered a perfect square ball to Jason Prior, who calmly slotted home from close range. 1-1

Maintaining the intensity, we created several half-chances before striking again. At the 40-minute mark, George Francomb whipped in a pinpoint right-footed corner, and Brennan Camp rose highest to head the ball past the helpless Buse in goal. 1-2

Alfie Rutherford nearly extended the lead with a thunderous effort from 30 yards that fizzed just wide of the post. Moments later, Captain Charlie Carter drove into the area, reaching the touchline and pulling back a sublime cross, but it evaded everyone in the box. We went into the break ahead following a dominant spell. 

Half-Time: Weymouth 1 – 2 Dorking Wanderers

The second half started as the first ended, with the Wanderers on the front foot. Another corner found Camp’s head, but his powerful effort rattled the crossbar. Jordan Norville-Williams made way for Josh Taylor shortly after, marking Taylor’s first appearance since his injury against Weymouth 16 weeks ago.

Ten minutes into the half, Weymouth drew level. Calvin Brooks met a corner with a well-timed header, beating Foulkes to make it 2-2

Following the equaliser, Marc White made his final changes, bringing on Niall McManus and Rhys Murphy for Alfie Rutherford and Tony Craig.

Weymouth looked dangerous again, driving into the box, but Brennan Camp came to the rescue with a brilliant last-ditch challenge to deny a shot on goal.

Determined to leave Dorset with three points, Rhys Murphy seized his opportunity. Latching onto a bouncing ball at the edge of Weymouth’s area, he struck it perfectly with his laces, sending a rocket into the top corner to restore the Wanderers’ lead. 2-3

Weymouth struggled to create further chances, with their only notable effort flying well over the bar. The Wanderers managed the closing stages effectively, securing a hard-fought victory in their first away game of the year. Be sure to join us at Meadowbank on January 18th as we face Weston-super-Mare in the club’s milestone 1,000th game since its inception.

Full-Time: Weymouth 2 – 3 Dorking Wanderers