After a stalemate in our opening league encounter, we played host to Hampton and Richmond in the first home game of the season, losing 3-0 via an own goal from Brennan Camp and finishes from Reece Grego-Cox and Davide Rodari.

The away side also played out a stalemate in their opening encounter and the first fifteen minutes of the match continued in a similar vein, with much of the football being played in the middle of the pitch and limited opportunities. Our first big chance of the match came in the 16th minute through Brennan Camp, who latched onto a Jimmy Muitt cross with a half volley that floated just wide of the right-hand post.

We conceded early on against Chippenham and we soon found ourselves 1-0 down once more against the run of play. Ronan Silva played the ball across the box for the away side towards the outstretched leg of Brennan Camp who unfortunately turned the ball past goalkeeper Harrison Foulkes into his own goal. Riding a wave of confidence, the away side tested Foulkes quickly after as Harry Gardner blasted an effort towards the top corner which Foulkes tipped behind. Tony Craig was soon inches away from the equaliser, volleying wide from the edge of the box after a cross was cleared.

As the first half progressed, chances became more frequent for us, and in the 34th minute, Jimmy Muitt had our most clear-cut effort of the half, driving into the box and forcing a save out of the goalkeeper before curling an effort wide soon after. We came closer to the equaliser as the first half continued, as Jason Prior latched onto a Brennan Camp inswinging ball, poking into the side netting with a right footed volley, before heading wide from a corner.

During the half time break, manager Marc White made the decision to bring winger Dennon Lewis into the action, a decision that nearly paid off five minutes into the second half as Lewis swung in a lovely inswinging ball that was diverted wide from close range by scorer of last week’s 98th minute equaliser, Alfie Rutherford. Although striker Ronan Silva was a constant physical prescence up front for the away side, opportunities for the player became increasingly limited as Dorking controlled possession.

We started the second half with an increased level of potency, however it was not enough to score as James Holden was able to save a Charlie Carter header from close range, as well as a Jason Prior follow up, before allowing a Josh Taylor half volley to roll into his arms.

Midway through the second half, goalkeeper James Holden was able to stand strong amidst another scramble of efforts, denying both Brennan Camp and Charlie Carter from close range.

In the closing stages, Hampton and Richmond striker Reece Grego-Cox rounded off the away side’s win as he latched onto a loose ball before unleashing an effort from 45 yards out over Harrison Foulkes and into the net. Fellow substitute Davide Rodari had the last say on proceedings however, picking up the ball in front of goal and slotting to the right of the goalkeeper to make it two goals for three minutes and three points for the away side.

Our next match is our first midweek encounter at Meadowbank, when we host Slough Town on Tuesday 19th August.