Dorking Wanderers suffer narrow defeat to Dartford but stay top of the table

Niall McManus scores the first Dorking Wanderers goal. PHOTO: Steve O'Sullivan

Submitted for publication in the Dorking & Leatherhead Advertiser

Dorking Wanderers were narrowly defeated by Dartford in another thrilling encounter between the two clubs at Princes Park.

The captain for the afternoon Nicky Wheeler took on the first strike of the game in the opening minutes. He cut in from the left, but his shot was well blocked by Connor Essam.

However the hosts started well and were rewarded with the opening goal.

A lofted ball from Jack Jebb drifted just beyond the Wanderers back line, and despite Darren Oldaker's best effort to get a foot on the ball as it came down, George Porter latched on quickly and slotted past Dan Lincoln from close range.

Despite some good efforts from Dorking, Dartford doubled their advantage.

Another aerial ball was clipped into the box, this time gathered by Marcus Dinanga and the forward impressively swivelled and struck a low shot into the corner.

Wanderers sought an immediate response. A corner spilt out to Jordan Cheadle who's deflected strike bounced just wide, then Alfie Rutherford had a shot comfortably saved.

Then Dorking's best chance of the half saw Josh Taylor shift the ball to Wes Fogden, but he thundered his effort over the bar.

Within ten minutes of the restart, Wanderers pulled a goal back to half the deficit.

The ball was worked over to the left, Fogden persisted well to direct a strike across goal and the ball took a looping deflection to land for Niall McManus at the back post, where the midfielder made no mistake to tap home from close range.

Rutherford forced another save during a run of chances, but despite the introductions of Jimmy Muitt and Luke Moore for Fogden and debutant Davide Rodari respectively, the hosts remained dangerous going forward.

Porter would then get his second and his side's third with just over ten minutes remaining.

Again worked over from the left flank, Kalvin Kalala shifted the ball into Porter's path and he calmly slid the ball beyond Lincoln.

Wanderers rallied entering the final ten minutes and pulled another goal back.

A short corner was swiftly played to Wheeler, who cut inside and thundered an effort through a crowd of bodies and beyond the goalkeeper into the far right side of goal.

As Dorking pushed for an equaliser, Rutherford did well to stay onside and cross for Wheeler but the effort at goal was closed down.

Dartford ultimately held out through five added on minutes to take three points.

Dorking return to National League South action on Saturday at home to Hemel Hempstead.

The Dorking Advertiser covers areas including but not limited to Dorking, Leatherhead, Fetcham, Leigh, Betchworth, Buckland, Charlwood and Epsom in Surrey.

Get all the latest news, updates, things to do and more from your local InYourArea feed.