Match report by George Taylor

The Wanderers came into Saturday afternoon’s encounter against Solihull looking to rectify their recent run of form, having fallen to a two-goal defeat in Essex on Tuesday Evening. Marc White made three changes following that trip to Roots Hall, swapping Jimmy Muitt, Dan Pybus and George Francomb for Josh Taylor, Tom Blair and Barry Fuller, the latter regaining the captain’s armband having sat out in Southend.

In a half which saw little goalmouth action, the Wanderers were forced to dig deep against a Solihull side with just one National League defeat on the road since New Years Day. Efforts from Campbell and Shade early on caused momentary danger for Male, both of which drifted away from the target.

Despite sustaining periods of pressure, Marc White’s side still crafted a handful of chances via Jason Prior. The Wanderers number 9 sent a trio of headers towards the opposition goal, all of which were dealt with by Solihull keeper Hayes.

In the latter stages of a lengthy period of stoppage time, the Wanderers registered their best chance of the half via Seb Bowerman. An impressive passage of build-up play allowed Bowerman to dart into the box and catch the ball on the half-volley, forcing a strong save from Nick Hayes.

HT 0-0

The opening stages of the second half appeared cagey at first, as both sides struggled to break down their opposing defences. A quick counter-attack resulted in Blair blasting over from a difficult angle, before Shade sent a strike soaring over the bar.

The visitors would eventually make use of their chances, grabbing the opening goal on the hour mark via Tahvon Campbell. A sweet through ball by Joe Sbarra entered the path of the oncoming Campbell, who converted low past Male for the first goal of the afternoon.

A determined Wanderers side looked to hit the Moors immediately, doing so courtesy of Jason Prior. Blair’s wicked delivery into the box met the head of Prior, heading home for an eleventh of the campaign.

The Wanderers could’ve turned the tie on its head minutes later with what looked to be a carbon copy of the equaliser. Another delightful ball into the Solihull box saw Prior leap highest once more, on this occasion nodding wide.

Notably buoyed from their equaliser, Wanderers continued to pile on the pressure, Bobby-Joe Taylor swiped an effort over the bar after a succession of blocked shots, in front of a Wanderers faithful who sensed that three points were there for the taking.

As The Bank continued to get behind a purposeful Wanderers team, their Player Of The Month for February was presented with a golden chance to grab the winner in the latter stages of the game. Some good work from Muitt down the right preceded a perfect delivery from George Francomb, who found Carter in between The Moors defenders, however the midfielder was only able to glance his header agonisingly wide.

Chances wasted at both ends ensured a point apiece after a cagey end to an entertaining half. The result provides Marc White’s side with momentum ahead of a visit to The Hive to face high-flyers Barnet.

Sponsors (Nuffield Health) Man Of The Match: Niall McManus 

Dorking Wanderers: Male, Joe- Taylor, Craig, McManus, Rutherford (Hollis ’37), Prior, Carter, Taylor, Fuller © (Francomb ’79), Blair, Bowerman (Muitt ’58)

Unused Substitutes: Pybus, Moore

Bookings: Rutherford, Taylor, Fuller

Solihull Moors: Hayes, Clarke ©, Newton, Sbarra, Maycock, Shade, Stevens (Beck ’29), Labadie, Craig, Campbell, Whitmore (Stearman ’15)

Unused Substitutes: Osborne, Mafuta, Fiahavan

Bookings: Maycock, Campbell

Referee: Kirsty Dowle

Assistants: Nick Cooper, Chris Myatt, Lewis Sandoe

Attendance: 1590 (52 away)