Match 17/25/2360 - Monday, 25th August 2025 - National League South
Dorking Wanderers (2) 4
Tonbridge Angels (1) 1
Attendance: 860
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 104/1,131
Tonbridge Angels endured a chastening August Bank Holiday with a comprehensive defeat at Dorking Wanderers.
Two goals down in the opening 10 minutes, the home side added two second half goals to render Bobby Unwin’s first competitive goal for the club nothing more than a consolation.
Craig Nelson, who took the post-match interview alongside assistant Bryan Nzinga, reflected: “Giving anyone a two goal lead is going to be difficult to come back from, away from home at Dorking is going to be even tougher. It is a shame that in those two moments of needing to be better in our box, we didn’t make them work hard enough to score against us.”
On a hot afternoon in Surrey, Craig made two changes from the starting XI against Chesham United. Scott Wagstaff and Bunmi Babajide came in for Matty Warren and Eddie Simon, who took places on the bench.
Dorking set the Angels on the back foot from the outset with only a last ditch tackle from Nazir Bakrin denying Alfie Rutherford within the first minute, but the reprieve was short-lived as the ball was given away in a forward area for Dorking to sweep forward for Rutherford to steal in at the near post to convert a cross from James McShane.
In the 10th minute the lead was doubled as a cross from Josh Taylor was lifted over the heads of the Tonbridge defenders to find Charlie Carter, who had time and space for a comfortable finish.
The Angels managed to stem the tide and created a couple of chances of their own with a surging run from Bradley Williams and a shot across the face of goal that narrowly went wide.
Williams was getting some joy down the right and an early second half cross was cut out with a low save from Harrison Foulkes as Martell Taylor-Crossdale closed in.
The game was effectively put beyond the reach of the Angels just past the hour with the ultimate route one goal when a punt forward from Foulkes was headed on by Jason Prior and as the ball was allowed to bounce eight yards out, Rutherford looped a header over Jacob Adams.
The 153 Angels supporters that had made their way to Meadowbank were given something to cheer within a minute when Jordan Higgs fed a pass to the left side of the Dorking area, from where substitute Unwin slotted into the far corner.
But any hope of a Dagenham-type comeback was snuffed out on 73 minutes when Dorking added a fourth with Brennan Camp sweeping home a cross.
Profligate finishing from Josh Hebert allowed Tonbridge to escape from Meadowbank without the scoreline worsening.
Craig looked forward: “We don’t stay down too long, there is nothing they can do about the game today now, so they can sit and wallow in that for a day, but Tuesday evening they need to be bright, bushy tailed and ready to go for Thursday.”
Showing posts with label Dorking Wanderers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dorking Wanderers. Show all posts
Wednesday, 27 August 2025
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Dorking Wanderers 1 Tonbridge Angels 0
Match 73/24/2312 - Tuesday, 11th February 2025 - National League South
Dorking Wanderers (0) 1 Murphy 90+3
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Attendance:
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 111/5,199
On 26 minutes, applause rang out from the Tonbridge Angels supporters in recognition of Devonte Aransibia, a young man who said he was never happier than when playing for Tonbridge Angels. As the referee, Adam Marchant, leant over an injured Taylor Maloney, the Dorking Wanderers captain, Charlie Carter, drew his attention to the applause. The game stopped, players joined with both sets of supporters in a show of respect for a young family man we have lost. In that minute, the ultimate result was immaterial, football had shown its soul.
On another evening, a 93rd minute defeat would have been devastating but tonight was about that 26th minute and we, as in the football family, had won.
Tonbridge Angels would like to thank Marc White, his players and their supporters for their part in this emotional moment. Rest in Peace with the Angels, Devonte.
On a cold Surrey evening, a sizeable contingent from Tonbridge had made their way to Meadowbank and occupied their corner in fine voice. Jay Saunders’ injury woes continued with Gianluca Botti pulling out through a knock sustained on Saturday alongside Scott Wagstaff. Crossley Lema, also substituted on Saturday, took a place on the bench.
As might be expected from a side at the top of the league, the Angels were forced to defend for long periods but the back three of Ethan Sutcliffe, Jamie Fielding and Ronny Nelson were truly heroic and, when they were breached, Matt Rowley was a safe pair of hands.
Dorking had a very early chance as Jordan Norville-Williams dragged a shot wide and, on 11 minutes, Carter was denied by the legs of Rowley.
But, the first half ended goalless and, in truth, Rowley had not been overworked.
Wycombe Wanderers loanee, Brody Peart, making his first start, needed to be substituted during the break for Trevan Robinson, whose pace started to give the home defence a problem and, on 55 minutes, the Angels were only denied the opening goal by a superb save from the Dorking goalkeeper, Harrison Foulkes. Liam Vincent crossed from the left to the head of Harry Ottaway who saw his effort turned onto the crossbar with the rebound just evading Robinson.
Dorking regained the initiative and, on the hour, Rowley made a good save from Rhys Murphy but, in the main, the Angels rearguard stood firm.
Bailey Akehurst had a half-chance on 75 minutes but his effort was wide and as five minutes of added time were entered, and Jason Prior shot high into the Dorking night sky, the Angels support hoped.
But, in the third minute, a free kick was lofted into the box, the ball fell to Prior, whose shot was parried by Rowley but the rebound fell into the path of Murphy and Angels’ hearts were broken.
Of the game, Jay said: “I’m gutted, genuinely gutted for the boys, the supporters, because I thought we deserved something out of it. To get done by a set piece right at the end is disappointing because the effort the boys put in was outstanding, our shape was very good and we limited them to half-chances. To concede the way we did was a kick in the teeth and hard to take.”
And, reflecting on Devonte: “Dev was a quiet lad, a good lad that always had a smile on his face and that first year he was with us he was unbelievable as a player and as a lad. It’s horrendous what has happened, as bad as it is for everyone involved in football that knew him, for his family, for his Dad, he has a young child. It shows you, that you get to know these lads really well but you don’t know what is going on away from football and you hope that people talk and reach out. I am devastated for him, for his family because he was a good lad that loved his football.”
Dorking Wanderers (0) 1 Murphy 90+3
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Attendance:
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 111/5,199
On another evening, a 93rd minute defeat would have been devastating but tonight was about that 26th minute and we, as in the football family, had won.
Tonbridge Angels would like to thank Marc White, his players and their supporters for their part in this emotional moment. Rest in Peace with the Angels, Devonte.
On a cold Surrey evening, a sizeable contingent from Tonbridge had made their way to Meadowbank and occupied their corner in fine voice. Jay Saunders’ injury woes continued with Gianluca Botti pulling out through a knock sustained on Saturday alongside Scott Wagstaff. Crossley Lema, also substituted on Saturday, took a place on the bench.
As might be expected from a side at the top of the league, the Angels were forced to defend for long periods but the back three of Ethan Sutcliffe, Jamie Fielding and Ronny Nelson were truly heroic and, when they were breached, Matt Rowley was a safe pair of hands.
Dorking had a very early chance as Jordan Norville-Williams dragged a shot wide and, on 11 minutes, Carter was denied by the legs of Rowley.
But, the first half ended goalless and, in truth, Rowley had not been overworked.
Wycombe Wanderers loanee, Brody Peart, making his first start, needed to be substituted during the break for Trevan Robinson, whose pace started to give the home defence a problem and, on 55 minutes, the Angels were only denied the opening goal by a superb save from the Dorking goalkeeper, Harrison Foulkes. Liam Vincent crossed from the left to the head of Harry Ottaway who saw his effort turned onto the crossbar with the rebound just evading Robinson.
Dorking regained the initiative and, on the hour, Rowley made a good save from Rhys Murphy but, in the main, the Angels rearguard stood firm.
Bailey Akehurst had a half-chance on 75 minutes but his effort was wide and as five minutes of added time were entered, and Jason Prior shot high into the Dorking night sky, the Angels support hoped.
But, in the third minute, a free kick was lofted into the box, the ball fell to Prior, whose shot was parried by Rowley but the rebound fell into the path of Murphy and Angels’ hearts were broken.
Of the game, Jay said: “I’m gutted, genuinely gutted for the boys, the supporters, because I thought we deserved something out of it. To get done by a set piece right at the end is disappointing because the effort the boys put in was outstanding, our shape was very good and we limited them to half-chances. To concede the way we did was a kick in the teeth and hard to take.”
And, reflecting on Devonte: “Dev was a quiet lad, a good lad that always had a smile on his face and that first year he was with us he was unbelievable as a player and as a lad. It’s horrendous what has happened, as bad as it is for everyone involved in football that knew him, for his family, for his Dad, he has a young child. It shows you, that you get to know these lads really well but you don’t know what is going on away from football and you hope that people talk and reach out. I am devastated for him, for his family because he was a good lad that loved his football.”
Sunday, 6 February 2022
Dorking Wanderers 1 Tonbridge Angels 3
Match 93/21/1957 - Saturday, 5th February 2022 - National League South
Dorking Wanderers (1) 1 Rutherford 7
Tonbridge Angels (1) 3 Turner 36 Wood 61,75
Attendance: 1,504
Admission: £9 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 106/5,099
When an opposing manager says you were good you know it’s been a good afternoon. When that manager is Marc White and he says that Tonbridge Angels were excellent, then the afternoon has been a memorable one. In the midst of the lockdown and the curtailment of the season I thought the Dorking boss was a bit of a twat, with his hair-brained schemes principally designed to offer his club the opportunity of promotion from a situation that was not going to afford it. Among those rants of self-interest there were elements that made sense and some of his recent interviews, even prior to this unexpected defeat, were measured and he came across as very likeable, even if the hat perched on the top of his head looks a bit strange!
Dorking Wanderers came into this game on the back of 10 straight league wins and sitting proudly at the head of the table, six points clear of Maidstone United. So, despite Tonbridge supporters turning out in big numbers, there was not a great sense of expectation.
Steve McKimm had Sonny Miles, making his record-breaking 377th starting appearance, available again and recalled loanee James Taylor to the starting line-up with Harry Hudson and Adam Coombes taking their places on the bench.
Dorking’s Meadowbank Stadium has always been a bit soulless but their apparent preparation for National Conference football next season has seen the introduction of a strange version of segregation, that allows supporters to mix in an outside catering area, but reduces the atmosphere inside the ground even further.
Dorking’s recent run has included scoring goals for fun including five goal hauls against Billericay and Ebbsfleet and an eight goal demolition of Havant, so when their leading goalscorer Alfie Rutherford capitalised on an uncharacteristic mistake from Miles after eight minutes, who misjudged a lofted ball in a swirling wind, Angels supporters were justifiably fearing the worst.
Tonbridge found themselves under a fair amount of pressure but they limited their hosts to a couple of opportunities, but only one of which tested Henly to any degree.
Meanwhile, the Angels were slowly working their way back into the game with Joe Turner to the fore and when he took a heavy challenge that the referee inexplicably chose to ignore, it was at the back end of a period when the decisions seemed to be going against the visitors.
After 36 minutes, Tonbridge got reward for their hard work when a cross from Luke Jenkins found Turner who cut in from the left and buried a shot into the bottom corner.
A turning point in the game arrived on the stroke of half-time when the Dorking skipper, Barry Fuller was dismissed for a poor challenge on Tom Parkinson. Fuller had already received a yellow card for dissent when a penalty appeal was turned away but his tackle brought a straight red from the official.
White made the rather strange decision at the beginning of the second half by making all three of his substitutions in one go that appeared to signal an attacking intent and within four minutes, Rutherford missed a golden opportunity that was probably a bigger turning point in the game than the sending-off. A straightforward channel ball saw the Dorking hitman bearing down on goal and when he rounded Henly one would have staked your mortgage on the net rippling but his rolled effort drifted wide of the far post.
And, from that point, it was the visitors who took almost complete control of the game. The midfield trio of Tom Beere, James Taylor and Adam Lovatt gave their counterparts no time to breathe and cracks were beginning to appear at the back as free kicks were being conceded with regular abandon.
On 61 minutes, one of the free kicks was made to count. Jenkins lofted the ball into the area and substitute Sami El-Abd (no friend on Tonbridge supporters over the years) sliced a clearance that came back off the crossbar for Tommy Wood to bundle home.
Jenkins had a shot that cleared the bar before needing to be substituted after what had been another fine performance by the 19-year-old AFC Wimbledon loanee.
On 74 minutes, the Tonbridge support were praying that ultimately they would not rue a golden chance as a shot from Wood, when unmarked on the left side of the six yard box, sailed over the bar.
But, within a minute, the fans were cheering his name once more as he scored his second goal to put the Angels 3-1 up. A shot from Jamie Fielding was only parried by the Dorking goalkeeper, Dan Lincoln, and Wood was on hand to gobble up the rebound.
Rutherford had a shot that brought a regulation save out of Henly as the league leaders mounted a nothing more than huff and puff attempt to save the game.
On a day when none of the other relegation threatened sides take full points these were three well deserved points and how do we know they were deserved? Because Marc White said so!
Dorking Wanderers (1) 1 Rutherford 7
Tonbridge Angels (1) 3 Turner 36 Wood 61,75
Attendance: 1,504
Admission: £9 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 106/5,099
Dorking Wanderers came into this game on the back of 10 straight league wins and sitting proudly at the head of the table, six points clear of Maidstone United. So, despite Tonbridge supporters turning out in big numbers, there was not a great sense of expectation.
Steve McKimm had Sonny Miles, making his record-breaking 377th starting appearance, available again and recalled loanee James Taylor to the starting line-up with Harry Hudson and Adam Coombes taking their places on the bench.
Dorking’s Meadowbank Stadium has always been a bit soulless but their apparent preparation for National Conference football next season has seen the introduction of a strange version of segregation, that allows supporters to mix in an outside catering area, but reduces the atmosphere inside the ground even further.
Dorking’s recent run has included scoring goals for fun including five goal hauls against Billericay and Ebbsfleet and an eight goal demolition of Havant, so when their leading goalscorer Alfie Rutherford capitalised on an uncharacteristic mistake from Miles after eight minutes, who misjudged a lofted ball in a swirling wind, Angels supporters were justifiably fearing the worst.
Tonbridge found themselves under a fair amount of pressure but they limited their hosts to a couple of opportunities, but only one of which tested Henly to any degree.
Meanwhile, the Angels were slowly working their way back into the game with Joe Turner to the fore and when he took a heavy challenge that the referee inexplicably chose to ignore, it was at the back end of a period when the decisions seemed to be going against the visitors.
After 36 minutes, Tonbridge got reward for their hard work when a cross from Luke Jenkins found Turner who cut in from the left and buried a shot into the bottom corner.
A turning point in the game arrived on the stroke of half-time when the Dorking skipper, Barry Fuller was dismissed for a poor challenge on Tom Parkinson. Fuller had already received a yellow card for dissent when a penalty appeal was turned away but his tackle brought a straight red from the official.
White made the rather strange decision at the beginning of the second half by making all three of his substitutions in one go that appeared to signal an attacking intent and within four minutes, Rutherford missed a golden opportunity that was probably a bigger turning point in the game than the sending-off. A straightforward channel ball saw the Dorking hitman bearing down on goal and when he rounded Henly one would have staked your mortgage on the net rippling but his rolled effort drifted wide of the far post.
And, from that point, it was the visitors who took almost complete control of the game. The midfield trio of Tom Beere, James Taylor and Adam Lovatt gave their counterparts no time to breathe and cracks were beginning to appear at the back as free kicks were being conceded with regular abandon.
On 61 minutes, one of the free kicks was made to count. Jenkins lofted the ball into the area and substitute Sami El-Abd (no friend on Tonbridge supporters over the years) sliced a clearance that came back off the crossbar for Tommy Wood to bundle home.
Jenkins had a shot that cleared the bar before needing to be substituted after what had been another fine performance by the 19-year-old AFC Wimbledon loanee.
On 74 minutes, the Tonbridge support were praying that ultimately they would not rue a golden chance as a shot from Wood, when unmarked on the left side of the six yard box, sailed over the bar.
But, within a minute, the fans were cheering his name once more as he scored his second goal to put the Angels 3-1 up. A shot from Jamie Fielding was only parried by the Dorking goalkeeper, Dan Lincoln, and Wood was on hand to gobble up the rebound.
Rutherford had a shot that brought a regulation save out of Henly as the league leaders mounted a nothing more than huff and puff attempt to save the game.
On a day when none of the other relegation threatened sides take full points these were three well deserved points and how do we know they were deserved? Because Marc White said so!
Sunday, 27 December 2020
Dorking Wanderers 4 Tonbridge Angels 1
Match 36/20/1839 - Saturday, 14th November 2020 - National League South
Dorking Wanderers (3) 4 Prior 16,40,53 Fogden 17
Tonbridge Angels (1) 1 Akrofi 32
Attendance: BCD
Admission: Pass
Programme: None
Mileage: 102/2,184
Match Report
Dorking Wanderers (3) 4 Prior 16,40,53 Fogden 17
Tonbridge Angels (1) 1 Akrofi 32
Attendance: BCD
Admission: Pass
Programme: None
Mileage: 102/2,184
Match Report
Sunday, 11 August 2019
Dorking Wanderers 3 Tonbridge Angels 1
Match 12/19/1736 - Saturday, 10th August 2019 - National League South
Dorking Wanderers (2) 3 McShane 18 Prior 40 Buchanan 62
Tonbridge Angels (0) 1 Hession Harris 60
Attendance: 535
Admission: £9
Programme: £3
Mileage: 102/701
Despite a brave second half performance, the controversial sending-off of Rhyle Ovenden after 22 minutes hugely contributed to Tonbridge Angels’ defeat at Dorking which leaves them still searching for their first points of the season.
Ovenden, on his 21st birthday, had been brought into the starting 11 as Tommy Brewer was unavailable through injury. Steve McKimm also chose to start Jared Small and Tommie Hession-Harris with Khale Da Costa and Chinedu McKenzie dropping to the bench.
The Angels had the benefit of a gale force wind in the first half but such was its strength it was difficult to determine whether it provided much of an advantage.
The visitors opened brightly with D’Sean Theobalds firing wide after four minutes and Small forcing a good save out of Slavomir Huk.
A Hession-Harris corner flashed across the face of goal begging a touch, but the opening quarter-hour had been encouraging.
So it was somewhat against the run of play when the home side went ahead after 18 minutes. A challenge was won on the edge of the box and the ball slipped through to James McShane who buried his shot between goalkeeper Myles Roberts and the near post.
The pivotal moment of the game came four minutes later when Dorking’s Ben Dyett and Ovenden challenged for an aerial ball that ended with both players going down hurt. It seemed, from the touchline, nothing more than two players with their eyes on the ball culminating in an accidental coming together, but the officials had seen something different and after the referee had consulted his linesman, Ovenden was shown the red card.
McKimm speaking after the game commented: “The referee has told me it was an elbow, excessive force. I’ve watched the video and he doesn’t even lead with his elbow, he is looking at the ball. The referee has got that completely wrong. I know it’s not an elbow and it changed the game massively”.
The game itself took its time to recover from the incident and very little of attacking intent was shown until the 40th minute when Dorking doubled their advantage with a goal of clinical simplicity. A corner from the right from Tom Richards was met with the head of Jason Prior and buried in the manner that he has been doing for many-a-year.
Far from feeling sorry for themselves, Tonbridge mounted a brave second half performance that whilst not bringing any reward gives encouragement for the games ahead.
Small, who was a constant threat, had a snap shot four minutes into the half which was saved by the feet of Huk at his near post as Tonbridge set out to retrieve what seemed an impossible mission.
Stand-in goalkeeper Roberts acrobatically turned over a shot from Giuseppe Sole before, after 61 minutes, Small pulled the ball back from the right touchline for Hession-Harris to fire in at Huk’s near post.
Unfortunately the comeback was stalled in its tracks before it really began as, two minutes later, Elliott Buchanan struck a fine shot from 20 yards past the despairing dive of Roberts.
A fantastic run from inside his own half by Small ended with a shot that was parried away by Huk with the rebound falling to Joe Turner whose effort was saved by a combination of the goalkeeper and a goal line clearance.
The game had an entertaining final 20 minutes with both sides having chances but Tonbridge were indebted to Roberts for two fine saves from Sole and Richards and the intervention of the crossbar as a well struck shot from the latter rattled the woodwork.
A naturally disappointed McKimm reflected: “We didn’t deserve that result. I’m the first to say we have deserved a defeat. The first 25 minutes we were superb but the sending off has changed the game massively”.
The Angels return to Longmead on Tuesday evening and the challenges do not get any easier as early-season pacemakers Concord Rangers are the visitors.
Dorking Wanderers (2) 3 McShane 18 Prior 40 Buchanan 62
Tonbridge Angels (0) 1 Hession Harris 60
Attendance: 535
Admission: £9
Programme: £3
Mileage: 102/701
Ovenden, on his 21st birthday, had been brought into the starting 11 as Tommy Brewer was unavailable through injury. Steve McKimm also chose to start Jared Small and Tommie Hession-Harris with Khale Da Costa and Chinedu McKenzie dropping to the bench.
The Angels had the benefit of a gale force wind in the first half but such was its strength it was difficult to determine whether it provided much of an advantage.
The visitors opened brightly with D’Sean Theobalds firing wide after four minutes and Small forcing a good save out of Slavomir Huk.
A Hession-Harris corner flashed across the face of goal begging a touch, but the opening quarter-hour had been encouraging.
So it was somewhat against the run of play when the home side went ahead after 18 minutes. A challenge was won on the edge of the box and the ball slipped through to James McShane who buried his shot between goalkeeper Myles Roberts and the near post.
The pivotal moment of the game came four minutes later when Dorking’s Ben Dyett and Ovenden challenged for an aerial ball that ended with both players going down hurt. It seemed, from the touchline, nothing more than two players with their eyes on the ball culminating in an accidental coming together, but the officials had seen something different and after the referee had consulted his linesman, Ovenden was shown the red card.
McKimm speaking after the game commented: “The referee has told me it was an elbow, excessive force. I’ve watched the video and he doesn’t even lead with his elbow, he is looking at the ball. The referee has got that completely wrong. I know it’s not an elbow and it changed the game massively”.
The game itself took its time to recover from the incident and very little of attacking intent was shown until the 40th minute when Dorking doubled their advantage with a goal of clinical simplicity. A corner from the right from Tom Richards was met with the head of Jason Prior and buried in the manner that he has been doing for many-a-year.
Far from feeling sorry for themselves, Tonbridge mounted a brave second half performance that whilst not bringing any reward gives encouragement for the games ahead.
Small, who was a constant threat, had a snap shot four minutes into the half which was saved by the feet of Huk at his near post as Tonbridge set out to retrieve what seemed an impossible mission.
Stand-in goalkeeper Roberts acrobatically turned over a shot from Giuseppe Sole before, after 61 minutes, Small pulled the ball back from the right touchline for Hession-Harris to fire in at Huk’s near post.
Unfortunately the comeback was stalled in its tracks before it really began as, two minutes later, Elliott Buchanan struck a fine shot from 20 yards past the despairing dive of Roberts.
A fantastic run from inside his own half by Small ended with a shot that was parried away by Huk with the rebound falling to Joe Turner whose effort was saved by a combination of the goalkeeper and a goal line clearance.
The game had an entertaining final 20 minutes with both sides having chances but Tonbridge were indebted to Roberts for two fine saves from Sole and Richards and the intervention of the crossbar as a well struck shot from the latter rattled the woodwork.
A naturally disappointed McKimm reflected: “We didn’t deserve that result. I’m the first to say we have deserved a defeat. The first 25 minutes we were superb but the sending off has changed the game massively”.
The Angels return to Longmead on Tuesday evening and the challenges do not get any easier as early-season pacemakers Concord Rangers are the visitors.
Monday, 3 December 2018
Dorking Wanderers 0 Tonbridge Angels 1
Match 66/18/1659 - Saturday, 1st December 2018 - Bostik Premier
Dorking Wanderers (0) 0
Tonbridge Angels (0) 1 Miles 90+6
Attendance: 526
Admission: £7
Programme: £2
Mileage: 120/3,998
The celebration on the field, and off it, told the story. November had been difficult, but now it had passed and December had immediately offered hope of a fresh start. And there was a sense of karma in Sonny Miles’ 97th minute winner that had triggered the elation.
Three weeks ago, same time, same place Tonbridge slipped out of the FA Trophy at Dorking in a somewhat unfortunate manner but worse was to follow as it became the first of, in effect, five successive defeats. Steve McKimm’s patience had been stretched to breaking point and changes were to be made. As it was, a couple of non-contract players, Sammy Knott and Liam King, were shown the door but, it was obvious, that these not the only ones that were in the manager’s sightline.
What was required was a reaction and that was what the manager got and a little bit more.
The week’s trading brought one new arrival, Michael West on loan from Eastbourne Borough and he went straight into the starting eleven with Craig Stone rested to the bench.
The pent-up frustration of November was very nearly eased within the first minute as Alex Read was sent clear by West but the nemesis of the Angels in that Trophy defeat, Dorking goalkeeper Slavomir Huk, saved at the feet of the striker.
Dorking’s first opportunity fell on three minutes when Tom Tolfrey’s scuffed shot was comfortably saved by Jonny Henly and a minute later, Reece Hall’s shot took a deflection on its way over the bar.
Good interplay between Liam Smith and Joe Turner ended with the striker’s shot drifting over and there was a scare for the Angels after 23 minutes when Tolfrey’s intended cross for an unmarked Jason Prior was deflected away for a corner.
The first half’s big moment came just past the half hour mark when a lofted clearance from Dorking’s Chris Boulter came down at the feet of Turner, whose first time shot took a wicked deflection but Huk brilliantly readjusted to plunge low to his left and push the ball away for a corner.
The end of a well-contested first period came with a Turner free kick that Huk gathered at the second attempt and a shot from Read that the goalkeeper saved at his near post.
A 30 yard drive from Tom Beere that cannoned off the chest of Huk opened the second half but Dorking’s best chance of the game came on the hour when, following a right sided free kick the ball arrived at the feet of Prior, whose shot from a couple of yards was brilliantly saved by the right hand of Henly at his near post.
Twice in a matter of moments Huk attempted to display the skills of a midfield ball player but was found wanting with Tonbridge failing to take full advantage.
A melee in the Tonbridge technical area following the ball going off for a throw-in saw Steve McKimm ordered off as the player’s became embroiled in a unnecessary bout of handbags.
A wild miskick from Huk, an awesome shot stopper, probably illustrated why he is not playing at a higher level. Turner flashed a shot across the face of goal as the game drifted seemingly towards its inevitable end as a goalless draw.
But, with the clock ticking towards the seventh minute of time-added, a Tonbridge corner from the right was delivered, probably overhit, to the far angle of the six yard box from where Sonny Miles hooked the ball over his shoulder and to the far post from where Huk, under pressure from Read, was only able to help the ball into the net and cue the joyous celebrations.
Country Roads pulsated out of the Tonbridge dressing room and the few Dorking supporters left grumbled that “anybody would think they had won the league.” After the month that has been endured from the manager through to the supporters, it felt like we had.
Dorking Wanderers (0) 0
Tonbridge Angels (0) 1 Miles 90+6
Attendance: 526
Admission: £7
Programme: £2
Mileage: 120/3,998
Three weeks ago, same time, same place Tonbridge slipped out of the FA Trophy at Dorking in a somewhat unfortunate manner but worse was to follow as it became the first of, in effect, five successive defeats. Steve McKimm’s patience had been stretched to breaking point and changes were to be made. As it was, a couple of non-contract players, Sammy Knott and Liam King, were shown the door but, it was obvious, that these not the only ones that were in the manager’s sightline.
What was required was a reaction and that was what the manager got and a little bit more.
The week’s trading brought one new arrival, Michael West on loan from Eastbourne Borough and he went straight into the starting eleven with Craig Stone rested to the bench.
The pent-up frustration of November was very nearly eased within the first minute as Alex Read was sent clear by West but the nemesis of the Angels in that Trophy defeat, Dorking goalkeeper Slavomir Huk, saved at the feet of the striker.
Dorking’s first opportunity fell on three minutes when Tom Tolfrey’s scuffed shot was comfortably saved by Jonny Henly and a minute later, Reece Hall’s shot took a deflection on its way over the bar.
Good interplay between Liam Smith and Joe Turner ended with the striker’s shot drifting over and there was a scare for the Angels after 23 minutes when Tolfrey’s intended cross for an unmarked Jason Prior was deflected away for a corner.
The first half’s big moment came just past the half hour mark when a lofted clearance from Dorking’s Chris Boulter came down at the feet of Turner, whose first time shot took a wicked deflection but Huk brilliantly readjusted to plunge low to his left and push the ball away for a corner.
The end of a well-contested first period came with a Turner free kick that Huk gathered at the second attempt and a shot from Read that the goalkeeper saved at his near post.
A 30 yard drive from Tom Beere that cannoned off the chest of Huk opened the second half but Dorking’s best chance of the game came on the hour when, following a right sided free kick the ball arrived at the feet of Prior, whose shot from a couple of yards was brilliantly saved by the right hand of Henly at his near post.
Twice in a matter of moments Huk attempted to display the skills of a midfield ball player but was found wanting with Tonbridge failing to take full advantage.
A melee in the Tonbridge technical area following the ball going off for a throw-in saw Steve McKimm ordered off as the player’s became embroiled in a unnecessary bout of handbags.
A wild miskick from Huk, an awesome shot stopper, probably illustrated why he is not playing at a higher level. Turner flashed a shot across the face of goal as the game drifted seemingly towards its inevitable end as a goalless draw.
But, with the clock ticking towards the seventh minute of time-added, a Tonbridge corner from the right was delivered, probably overhit, to the far angle of the six yard box from where Sonny Miles hooked the ball over his shoulder and to the far post from where Huk, under pressure from Read, was only able to help the ball into the net and cue the joyous celebrations.
Country Roads pulsated out of the Tonbridge dressing room and the few Dorking supporters left grumbled that “anybody would think they had won the league.” After the month that has been endured from the manager through to the supporters, it felt like we had.
Sunday, 11 November 2018
Dorking Wanderers 1 Tonbridge Angels 0
Match 57/18/1650 - Saturday, 10th November 2018 - FA Trophy 2QR
Dorking Wanderers (1) 1 Prior 37
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Attendance: 330
New Ground: 330
Admission: £7 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 120/3,650
Not all games are won on a moment of brilliance, in fact they rarely are. More often than not, a goal an be traced back to an error from which the maximum capital has been gained and, in tight games, it is the difference between victory and defeat.
Such was the case at Meadowbank where an uncharacteristic mistake by Arthur Lee ultimately allowed Dorking Wanderers passage into the FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round and in turn banking the £4,000 prize money.
Meadowbank is the new home to Dorking Wanderers. It is a fairly smart facility that is also home to the Surrey FA and within the grounds of a Family Park that houses a Playground, Soft Play and a Cafe.
The first impression you get is not a normal one, rarely are you charged £3 to park your car at a non-league ground. This came as a particular shock for the players who are similarly charged, in fact they would have paid even more given they were in the car park for a longer period.
Inside the stadium, the main stand is functional rather than attractive and the covered standing areas are oddly positioned in corners rather than central positions. As it was a day of heavy showers it was a case of pick your position and stay where you are and as with all new builds these days, the game is played out on a 3G pitch that appeared overladen with the rubber pellet base.
Tonbridge started slowly and pretty much stayed on the back foot for the opening half. Goalkeeper Jonny Henly made his first save to deny Jerry O’Sullivan after seven minutes and made further saves at the feet of the prolific Jason Prior after 23 minutes and from the head of Lewis Taylor following a 25th minute corner. In between, Tom Beere brought a save out of Slavomir Huk and Joe Turner flashed a cross across the face of goal with no one to apply a finish.
After 37 minutes a throw-in from James Folkes back into his own six-yard box inexplicably escaped from under the feet of Lee, to a waiting Prior, who must have been as surprised as anyone in the ground, but had the composure to fire home past Henly.
Tonbridge were more of an attacking force from the outset of the second half forcing several corners that saw headers from Lee and Liam Smith miss the target. But it was not one-way traffic as Henly saved once more from O’Sullivan.
On the hour, Tommy Whitnall was introduced for Callum Taylor and 10 minutes later, Craig Stone made way for Alex Read as Tonbridge needed to press forward in search of a goal that would take the tie back to Longmead.
Whilst Henly had kept his side in the game, it was now the turn of Huk to preserve Dorking’s place in Monday’s draw, saving from Read and Turner before brilliantly turning over an effort from Adem Ramadan in added time.
The referee blew his whistle on a modest three minutes of time added early as if he knew of the monsoon conditions that were about to engulf the ground and with it Tonbridge’s hopes of a cup cash windfall disappeared down the drain with the torrent of water from the skies.
Dorking Wanderers (1) 1 Prior 37
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Attendance: 330
New Ground: 330
Admission: £7 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 120/3,650
Such was the case at Meadowbank where an uncharacteristic mistake by Arthur Lee ultimately allowed Dorking Wanderers passage into the FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round and in turn banking the £4,000 prize money.
Meadowbank is the new home to Dorking Wanderers. It is a fairly smart facility that is also home to the Surrey FA and within the grounds of a Family Park that houses a Playground, Soft Play and a Cafe.
The first impression you get is not a normal one, rarely are you charged £3 to park your car at a non-league ground. This came as a particular shock for the players who are similarly charged, in fact they would have paid even more given they were in the car park for a longer period.
Inside the stadium, the main stand is functional rather than attractive and the covered standing areas are oddly positioned in corners rather than central positions. As it was a day of heavy showers it was a case of pick your position and stay where you are and as with all new builds these days, the game is played out on a 3G pitch that appeared overladen with the rubber pellet base.
Tonbridge started slowly and pretty much stayed on the back foot for the opening half. Goalkeeper Jonny Henly made his first save to deny Jerry O’Sullivan after seven minutes and made further saves at the feet of the prolific Jason Prior after 23 minutes and from the head of Lewis Taylor following a 25th minute corner. In between, Tom Beere brought a save out of Slavomir Huk and Joe Turner flashed a cross across the face of goal with no one to apply a finish.
After 37 minutes a throw-in from James Folkes back into his own six-yard box inexplicably escaped from under the feet of Lee, to a waiting Prior, who must have been as surprised as anyone in the ground, but had the composure to fire home past Henly.
Tonbridge were more of an attacking force from the outset of the second half forcing several corners that saw headers from Lee and Liam Smith miss the target. But it was not one-way traffic as Henly saved once more from O’Sullivan.
On the hour, Tommy Whitnall was introduced for Callum Taylor and 10 minutes later, Craig Stone made way for Alex Read as Tonbridge needed to press forward in search of a goal that would take the tie back to Longmead.
Whilst Henly had kept his side in the game, it was now the turn of Huk to preserve Dorking’s place in Monday’s draw, saving from Read and Turner before brilliantly turning over an effort from Adem Ramadan in added time.
The referee blew his whistle on a modest three minutes of time added early as if he knew of the monsoon conditions that were about to engulf the ground and with it Tonbridge’s hopes of a cup cash windfall disappeared down the drain with the torrent of water from the skies.
Wednesday, 6 December 2017
Dorking Wanderers 2 Tonbridge Angels 3
Match 69/17/1519 - Tuesday, 5th December 2017 - Bostik Premier
Dorking Wanderers (2) 2 Taylor 5 Sole 9
Tonbridge Angels (2) 3 Elder 23 Akrofi 43,62
Attendance: 205
Entrance: £7 Senior
Programme: £2.00
Mileage: 122/4,573
Match Report
At 2-0 down after less than ten minutes it looked like the game of chicken we had played to cross a high speed, busy dual carriageway was the only one we were going to win.
But the evening was to have a happy ending, Dorking Wanderers pushed the self-destruct button giving Tonbridge the opportunity to recover from that disastrous opening.
At the beginning of the season it was unlikely that Tonbridge would ever have had the joy of an Isthmian League match at Westhumble. They are due to relocate to the town centre site of the now defunct Dorking Football Club, but the due dates of August and November have not been met and from the mouths of locals there was not much optimism that the move will made anytime soon.
Westhumble is a different place to visit in the evening than on a nice, sunny afternoon in August when we visited for a pre-season friendly in 2015. I then described the place as: Everything about Westhumble was kind of "pretty". Nestling in the foothills of the North Downs, with its cabin style clubhouse and wooden perimeter fencing at a perfect height and width for leaning on; looking out on the most beautiful, lush pitch that you could wish for in non-league, it was a scene that could have emanated from the Sound of Music!
Sadly, it doesn’t look quite the same on a midweek evening in December. The parking was a nightmare. Arriving just after 19:00, the car park was already full and pulling up onto the verge to discuss where to relocate with the steward with the arse of your car poking out as car sped by with their hooting blasting abuse was not ideal. Down to the next roundabout, back up the carriageway on the other side of the road to find a lay-by that parked the car but left us with the task of crossing the carriageway on foot in pitch black light that meant it was even difficult to see the sanctuary of the central reservation, but we live to tell the tale!
Tonbridge started the game on the front foot with Joe Turner crossing for Nathan Elder to bring a good save out of the home goalkeeper, Slavomir Huk, with the rebound being blasted over by Xavier Vidal.
It was though the home side that opened the scoring after five minutes when James McShane played in ex-Angel Lewis Taylor to drive a low shot from 20 yards past Jonny Henly.
Things went from bad to worse for Tonbridge four minutes later when Taylor turned provider finding Giuseppe Sole who drilled his shot past Henly from the edge of the box.
Tonbridge had to work hard to find a way back into the game as Dorking exercised a fine passing game whilst dominating the middle of the pitch.
But they gained a lifeline in the 23rd minute when a poor clearance fell out the feet of Elder whose, not so clean, contact was enough to find its way into the bottom corner.
Now the momentum had changed with the Dorking back line struggling to contain Elder’s physical presence and Alex Akrofi’s pace and movement.
The major turning point and the most controversial decision of the evening came in the 27th minute when Elder got marginally clear of Isaac Philpott who brought him down. The referee made the decision that he had been the last man and sent him off. It seemed harsh to me, but others thought it was the correct decision.
The Dorking manager made a strange decision making a double substitution following the sending-off that did nothing to shore up his defence.
With the man advantage, Tonbridge turned the screw and Dorking owed a great deal to their goalkeeper for keeping them in front until a minute before the break. He made good saves to deny a Turner free kick; saved low to left from Jack Parter and similarly a Turner shot from 20 yards.
Huk was finally beaten when a pin-point cross from Taylor found the head of Akrofi, whose downward header bounced into the roof of the net.
Into the second period saw Bradley Stevenson replace Vidal just before the hour to stretch the game the full width of the pitch. Stevenson almost immediately had a shooting chance but blasted well over.
Three minutes later the Angels were in front following a cross from Turner that Huk failed to gather but saved well on two occasions from Stevenson before the third rebound fell to the assured feet of Akrofi to score.
At this point it was expected that Tonbridge would make hay and chances came and went but as the game entered its final minutes Dorking threw caution to wind to find an equaliser. Long throws into the box started causing problems and with three minutes remaining Henly made a save that was as match-winning as Akrofi’s goal with a close range stop from Tom Tolfrey.
On the sidelines we lived on our nerves and Elder failed to calm these when a free kick from Ryan Worrall saw his header directed at Huk.
Dorking Wanderers (2) 2 Taylor 5 Sole 9
Tonbridge Angels (2) 3 Elder 23 Akrofi 43,62
Attendance: 205
Entrance: £7 Senior
Programme: £2.00
Mileage: 122/4,573
Match Report
But the evening was to have a happy ending, Dorking Wanderers pushed the self-destruct button giving Tonbridge the opportunity to recover from that disastrous opening.
At the beginning of the season it was unlikely that Tonbridge would ever have had the joy of an Isthmian League match at Westhumble. They are due to relocate to the town centre site of the now defunct Dorking Football Club, but the due dates of August and November have not been met and from the mouths of locals there was not much optimism that the move will made anytime soon.
Westhumble is a different place to visit in the evening than on a nice, sunny afternoon in August when we visited for a pre-season friendly in 2015. I then described the place as: Everything about Westhumble was kind of "pretty". Nestling in the foothills of the North Downs, with its cabin style clubhouse and wooden perimeter fencing at a perfect height and width for leaning on; looking out on the most beautiful, lush pitch that you could wish for in non-league, it was a scene that could have emanated from the Sound of Music!
Sadly, it doesn’t look quite the same on a midweek evening in December. The parking was a nightmare. Arriving just after 19:00, the car park was already full and pulling up onto the verge to discuss where to relocate with the steward with the arse of your car poking out as car sped by with their hooting blasting abuse was not ideal. Down to the next roundabout, back up the carriageway on the other side of the road to find a lay-by that parked the car but left us with the task of crossing the carriageway on foot in pitch black light that meant it was even difficult to see the sanctuary of the central reservation, but we live to tell the tale!
Tonbridge started the game on the front foot with Joe Turner crossing for Nathan Elder to bring a good save out of the home goalkeeper, Slavomir Huk, with the rebound being blasted over by Xavier Vidal.
It was though the home side that opened the scoring after five minutes when James McShane played in ex-Angel Lewis Taylor to drive a low shot from 20 yards past Jonny Henly.
Things went from bad to worse for Tonbridge four minutes later when Taylor turned provider finding Giuseppe Sole who drilled his shot past Henly from the edge of the box.
Tonbridge had to work hard to find a way back into the game as Dorking exercised a fine passing game whilst dominating the middle of the pitch.
But they gained a lifeline in the 23rd minute when a poor clearance fell out the feet of Elder whose, not so clean, contact was enough to find its way into the bottom corner.
Now the momentum had changed with the Dorking back line struggling to contain Elder’s physical presence and Alex Akrofi’s pace and movement.
The major turning point and the most controversial decision of the evening came in the 27th minute when Elder got marginally clear of Isaac Philpott who brought him down. The referee made the decision that he had been the last man and sent him off. It seemed harsh to me, but others thought it was the correct decision.
The Dorking manager made a strange decision making a double substitution following the sending-off that did nothing to shore up his defence.
With the man advantage, Tonbridge turned the screw and Dorking owed a great deal to their goalkeeper for keeping them in front until a minute before the break. He made good saves to deny a Turner free kick; saved low to left from Jack Parter and similarly a Turner shot from 20 yards.
Huk was finally beaten when a pin-point cross from Taylor found the head of Akrofi, whose downward header bounced into the roof of the net.
Into the second period saw Bradley Stevenson replace Vidal just before the hour to stretch the game the full width of the pitch. Stevenson almost immediately had a shooting chance but blasted well over.
Three minutes later the Angels were in front following a cross from Turner that Huk failed to gather but saved well on two occasions from Stevenson before the third rebound fell to the assured feet of Akrofi to score.
At this point it was expected that Tonbridge would make hay and chances came and went but as the game entered its final minutes Dorking threw caution to wind to find an equaliser. Long throws into the box started causing problems and with three minutes remaining Henly made a save that was as match-winning as Akrofi’s goal with a close range stop from Tom Tolfrey.
On the sidelines we lived on our nerves and Elder failed to calm these when a free kick from Ryan Worrall saw his header directed at Huk.
Sunday, 2 August 2015
Dorking Wanderers 1 Tonbridge 3
Match 09/15/1214 - Saturday, 1st August 2015 - Pre-Season Friendly
Dorking Wanderers (0) 1 Duff 82
Tonbridge (2) 3 Blewden 2,10 Whitnall 89
Attendance: Est. 100
Entrance: £1.50 Senior
Programme: None
Mileage: 120/486
New Ground: 277
Lurking somewhere behind Box Hill, the picturesque backdrop to the West Humble football ground, is the concrete car park better known as the M25. As I set out for Dorking Wanderers and the ridiculously early kick off time of 12:30, I thought to myself, this was first battle with the M25 this season. Latest score: M25 1 Wink 0. Reminder to oneself, always allow an extra hour when tackling this most fierce of opponents. My half-hour buffer was 10 minutes short of the required time and subsequently the first goal of the match had been scored by the time I arrived at a football ground where the satnav had also proved to be not a lot of help.
Another couple of minutes sitting on the motorway, or if I hadn't fluked a sighting of the ground, and I would have missed the second goal as well. A well worked move from the visitors opened up the Wanderers defence leaving Luke Blewden to drive a shot past the goalkeeper. Blewden had been credited with opening goal by those Tonbridge supporters assembled behind the goal as a Sonny Miles effort was drifting wide before the striker diverted it goalwards.
Everything about West Humble was kind of "pretty". Nestling in the foothills of the North Downs, with its cabin style clubhouse and wooden perimeter fencing at a perfect height and width for leaning on; looking out on the most beautiful, lush pitch that you could wish for in non-league, it was a scene that could have emanated from the Sound of Music!
Music to the supporters of Tonbridge Angels was the stylish football they exhibited in a first half in which they dominated their hosts, who this season will debuting in Ryman League South. There were several missing faces, James Folkes, Lee Carey, Jeromme Sobers, Nathan Elder and Anthony Di Barnado, who definitely will not be available for the opening game of the season. Will Godmon, an 18-year-old from Maidstone, deputised between the sticks and whilst he wasn't over-stretched, he looked capable of stepping into the breach next Saturday.
Tom Parkinson was outstanding in midfield and Nick Wheeler once again had licence to thrill.
The hosts gave a far stronger showing in the second half and deserved their consolation goal before they were opened up once more allowing Tommy Whitnell a sublime finish in the final minute.
There was talk at the ground that a new facility being built on the site of the old Dorking Football Club Meadowbank ground might be utilised in the future by both Wanderers and Dorking, who are presently in exile at Horley. Whilst a new stadium with a 3G pitch facility would obviously be cost effective for both clubs, and allow Dorking FC a route back to their home town, it would be a shame for football to lose such a lovely setting.
Dorking Wanderers (0) 1 Duff 82
Tonbridge (2) 3 Blewden 2,10 Whitnall 89
Attendance: Est. 100
Entrance: £1.50 Senior
Programme: None
Mileage: 120/486
New Ground: 277
Lurking somewhere behind Box Hill, the picturesque backdrop to the West Humble football ground, is the concrete car park better known as the M25. As I set out for Dorking Wanderers and the ridiculously early kick off time of 12:30, I thought to myself, this was first battle with the M25 this season. Latest score: M25 1 Wink 0. Reminder to oneself, always allow an extra hour when tackling this most fierce of opponents. My half-hour buffer was 10 minutes short of the required time and subsequently the first goal of the match had been scored by the time I arrived at a football ground where the satnav had also proved to be not a lot of help.
Another couple of minutes sitting on the motorway, or if I hadn't fluked a sighting of the ground, and I would have missed the second goal as well. A well worked move from the visitors opened up the Wanderers defence leaving Luke Blewden to drive a shot past the goalkeeper. Blewden had been credited with opening goal by those Tonbridge supporters assembled behind the goal as a Sonny Miles effort was drifting wide before the striker diverted it goalwards.
Everything about West Humble was kind of "pretty". Nestling in the foothills of the North Downs, with its cabin style clubhouse and wooden perimeter fencing at a perfect height and width for leaning on; looking out on the most beautiful, lush pitch that you could wish for in non-league, it was a scene that could have emanated from the Sound of Music!
Music to the supporters of Tonbridge Angels was the stylish football they exhibited in a first half in which they dominated their hosts, who this season will debuting in Ryman League South. There were several missing faces, James Folkes, Lee Carey, Jeromme Sobers, Nathan Elder and Anthony Di Barnado, who definitely will not be available for the opening game of the season. Will Godmon, an 18-year-old from Maidstone, deputised between the sticks and whilst he wasn't over-stretched, he looked capable of stepping into the breach next Saturday.
Tom Parkinson was outstanding in midfield and Nick Wheeler once again had licence to thrill.
The hosts gave a far stronger showing in the second half and deserved their consolation goal before they were opened up once more allowing Tommy Whitnell a sublime finish in the final minute.
There was talk at the ground that a new facility being built on the site of the old Dorking Football Club Meadowbank ground might be utilised in the future by both Wanderers and Dorking, who are presently in exile at Horley. Whilst a new stadium with a 3G pitch facility would obviously be cost effective for both clubs, and allow Dorking FC a route back to their home town, it would be a shame for football to lose such a lovely setting.
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