DFC - Wembley: 5/3/08

[Big J R]

Sorry it's a bit late. Prepping for Thursday.

 

Dorking were held to a goalless draw by mid table Wembley on Saturday as, like in the last game at Bedfont when a torrential downpour had caused the match to be held up for a spell, the weather played an unusually large factor in this game considering the time of year.

 

Dorking had really needed all three points from the game, and looked the more likely to obtain the win out of the two sides as the match drew to an end in heavy rain, but the winner just would come, and with the news that immediate rivals Raynes Park Vale had picked up a win over Cobham, the defeat leaves Chicks 9 points adrift with only 5 games to go.

 

Missing Joshua Smith and Tony Jones, as well as Dan Stassinos, Dorking welcomed back Terry Fennessey to the starting line up, but it was Wembley who made the better start, their big strikers causing Dorking's defence problems from set pieces. Wembley had thought they taken the lead after 10 minutes, first when Chris Roberts scooped the ball off the line, then a Dorking defender cleared off the line moments later from a corner.

 

Dorking came back into the game, with Ollie Barratt having a great game at centre back as he timed his tackles to perfection, while up from Lester Boniface was starting to play with the confidence that his hattrick in the team's last outing had instilled in him. Fennessey almost gave Chicks the lead 5 minutes before the interval, beating three players in a mazy run into the Wembley box, only for a weak final ball to let down what had been a promising situation.

 

With heavy rain falling, the pitch became heavy as the second half progressed, and although on the hour mark Wembley had a fine chance to take the lead, the Wembley no.9 delaying his shot when it seemed simpler to score, the delay giving Dorking the chance to recover, it was Dorking who finished the game the stronger, second half sub Miguel Beesley going close from distance while Paul McCormick also had a long range shot saved.

 

A draw was probably the fairest result, and gives Dorking a second unbeaten game, but Chicks now have it all to do if they are to make up the points gap, something that now looks like an even more difficult task after Raynes Park Vale's victory

 

Dorking now travel to Guildford City on Saturday 12 April, while Bookham visit Meadowbank on Tuesday 15 April in a rearranged league game, kick off 7-45pm. Another rearranged game is the home match versus North Greenford United which will be played on Tuesday 22 April, kick off 7-45pm

Team - Chris Roberts

Gerry Howell

Alex Hill

Oliver Barrett

Roy Newman

Dan Clayton

Dan Lawrence

Paul McCormick

Lester Boniface

Tyrone Walker

Terry Fennessy

 

Tom Ahmed

Ben Simpkins -

Miguel Beesley

Julian Affiah

Russelle Williams

[Big J R]

My own comments are that I thought the referee had a very good game, allowing play to flow and not going whistle mad.

 

My man of the match was Chris Roberts in goal, who was tested many times to save what must have been a very greasy ball !

 

Dorking defence looked good, but we suffered from our usual lack of an out-and-out striker.

[DorkingDave]

What you doing Thursday BJR ?

[Big J R]

errrmmmmm ?

 

Bit obvious, really. Gotta find a tie.

[Jeff Hamnett TSF]

has the big scouser up front left then bjr?

[Big J R]

Not sure. TW did say he had some out with injuries.

[DorkingDave]

Originally Posted By: Big J R

errrmmmmm ?

Bit obvious, really. Gotta find a tie.

Think Stan has got a couple of butes, I'm sure he'll lend you one.

[Big J R]

Ho-Ho !