Dorking Wandering
The Dorking Wanderers FC Fans Forum
A first game for a couple of weeks as we make the short trip to Hampton. The Beavers currently sit in the relegation zone in 21st with 24 points.
Today's update revealed that Paul McCallum may in fact be available for this weekend but won't be risked unncessarily. Moore and Rutherford are a few weeks away and Jordan Norville-Williams has returned to full training.
Predictions:
Hampton 1-2 Dorking (Casey, Muitt)
980 att.
Foulkes
Camp Craig Annesley
Muitt Gallagher Sidwell Lewis
Young McShane
Casey
Subs: Francomb, Vincent, McManus, Tauta-Caballero, Hebert, Lawrence, McCallum
A fair point was made about fake goalkeeper 'injuries' in order for a tactical team talk to take place.
I was sitting very near the bench at one away game and saw the instruction shouted to the keeper (to go down) first hand.
However it is an issue for the whole of football to address rather than just being applicable to DWFC. Until there is something specifically in place to stop it then it will continue at almost all levels of the game.
I see at the World Cup this summer there will be a 3 minute 'water break' midway through each half, regardless of the weather conditions. I suspect that could be the eventual solution, split the game into quarters. Sigh.
"Why would I leave to join a League Two club? We're going there anyway!" - Marc White
With the exception of a 20-25 minute spell in the first half, I thought we were poor in the game. However, that is probably expected considering the players we were missing and the 2 new boys in the side. Fortunately, Hampton just didn't have enough quality to hurt us and it ended up being a fairly comfortable defensive job.
Great to see the likes of Rutherford and Norville-Williams involved in the warm-up; hopefully won't be long until we see them back in the side now. Sounds like Pybus and Prior might be back in the next week or so and Charlie Carter said he was targeting that re-arranged Hornchurch game in a month for his comeback as well.
Jack Young's loan has come to an end and I imagine he will be off to Gateshead or somewhere similar. It leaves us a little bit short in midfield until Carter returns so hopefully Sidwell can get up to speed fairly quickly.
Stats:
Possession: Hampton 54% - 46% Dorking - 2nd lowest of the season
Shots (OT): Hampton 13 (3) - 10 (3) Dorking
xG: Hampton 0.79 - 1.91 Dorking
Passes: Hampton 316 - 271 Dorking - 2nd lowest attempted this season
Top Performers: Harrison Foulkes / Dennon Lewis [7.7]
Shame to see Young go as he has always put a good shift in.
Ball stats from Saturday not great because we sat back a bit in second half with the lead and it was too tempting to go long, with McCallum winning everything in the air. Two assists I think. Looking forward to getting Jordan back - he was on fire until injured - as he gives better balance going forward
Yep gutted about Young, but the rumour is he has a better offer elsewhere financially.
Our own prospects are still massively improved now we have a quality strike pair, and it's all optimism from me at the moment (until the next injury is announced!)
"Why would I leave to join a League Two club? We're going there anyway!" - Marc White
@dorking-eagle Definately. And some really good Contract extensions now being announced too 👍
@adeb Another signing announced, George Knight midfielder from Bracknell Town
Bracknell fans are gutted he's leaving which is always a good sign
"Why would I leave to join a League Two club? We're going there anyway!" - Marc White
Saw George Knight play at Bracknell when I went to a random game at their ground last season and I thought he was the best player on the pitch by a mile.
Broken toe worse than first thought for Pybus so he requires surgery.
Rutherford, Norville-Williams and Prior all available for tomorrow although it sounds like only one of Rutherford/Prior will be involved. Dan Gallagher a slight doubt.
If that is the team we look a bit lightweight up top, but defence looks decent so I'm going for a 1-0 win (Casey again).
But after last time, I'd settle for the game going ahead, having got there.
Given the departure of Young and now the annoucement that PMac and Rutherford or JP9 are in the squad it is looking very different now.
I cannot see anything other than a home win to honest, the quality of the boys in the team fit now is simply too high level.
It is like being a HW boxer with a huge punch and knowing that you just need to protect your chin and land a couple and you will win.
Another new contract to be announced this evening👍
It is Camp which is a good one. The best defender at the club and someone who can travel with us into the NLP and kick on during a promotion challenge to League 2.
@jacksonfairweather Another great bit of business by the club. For me Camp is future captain material. With players returning from injury and the squad looking strong with new additions I think we are going to be in for a good 2026👍🤞
