Dorking Wanderers B 2 Seaford Town 0
Southern Combination Division One Challenge Cup Final
April 30th 2025 – 7:30pm KO
With a 4th place finish confirmed in the Southern Combination Division One standing following the previous weekend’s defeat away to league runner’s up Forest Row, the B team had an opportunity to finish the season with a first ever cup success last Wednesday evening in West Sussex.
Wanderers route to the final saw emphatic home victories over Banstead Athletic and East Preston proceed a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Infinity FC in the Semi-Final’s, also contested at Shoreham FC’s stadium back in March.
The league encounters between Wanderers and Seaford had been closely fought out affairs during the past campaign, with The Badgers edging a 7 goal thriller in September, Wanderers then avenging the loss with a 2-1 win at Meadowbank early last month.
Chances were at a premium throughout a hard-fought, competitive opening forty-five minutes of the final, Wanderers stopper Louis Sullivan catching a near post header inside the opening minutes before Seaford striker Marcus Richmond had a volley closed down well inside the penalty area by the Dorking defence.
Towards the end of the half Ollie Rawlins and Ted Sullivan were unable to put away rebounds after Liam Manby’s run and strike from a narrow angle was initially kept out, defender Henry Gunay then going close with the last action of the half after getting a touch at the near post to Zac Cahusac’s corner ball, keeper Wester Young producing a good reaction on the goal line to push the effort away.
Good chances for both sides landed just after the restart as Rawlins almost connected with a tantalising cross to the back post and Seaford forward Tyler Capon drove a strike wide, Capon then going closer by forcing Sullivan into a top save after breaking from midfield and approaching the edge of the box, his powerful effort pushed away.
With the match continuing to remain tightly contested, approaching the midway point of the second half, two instinctive finishes in the space of 5 minutes managed to break the deadlock and pull Wanderers in front. Jay Richardson’s aerial flick-on was guided over the line by Paddi Harland-Goddard at the back post despite the best efforts of Young to keep it out, and the goalscorer then turned provider with a measured central through ball releasing Rawlins into the penalty area, the striker making no mistake in directing the ball home and adding one more to his tally of 32 goals in all competitions for 24/25.
Very much in control of the contest from there, with the back three of Richardson, Gunay and Luca Fulco leading the calm and disciplined approach, Wanderers ultimately saw the game out and with Ted Sullivan striking a volley over the bar and sub Luke Behashvili smashing a fierce strike straight down Young, further chances to extend the advantage were spurned late on.
Jubilant celebrations followed at the full-time whistle, Paddi Harland-Goddard deservedly wining the ‘Player of The Match’ award prior to captain Neo lifting the trophy amidst plenty of jumping around and celebreation from players, management and supporters alike.
A first piece of silverware for the B team since formation almost a decade ago, a massive congratulations to all the players who have played their part, the management and committee and volunteers throughout 24/25.
After some much needed respite, the B’s will look forward to going again and trying to create more brilliant memories next season!
Dorking Wanderers B (3-5-2): Louie Sullivan; Luca Fulco, Jay Richardson, Henry Gunay; Zac Cahusac (Joshua Hebert), Neo Wooster (c) (Luke Bejashvili), Mason Myles, Paddi Harland-Goddard, Liam Manby (Lucas Elliot); Ted Sullivan (Max Holland), Ollie Rawlins (Jacob Todman)
