Dorking 1 Merstham 1: 18/07/09: Friendly.

[Big J R]

Dorking played out their first real first team friendly with an entertaining 1-1 draw against Ryman League Merstham. The match, played at the Big Field courtesy of Dorking RFC and Dorking's affiliated youth side Brockham Badgers FC, was a competitive affair, the result proving a fair reflection on the overall game.

 

After fielding a team largely of triallists in the Thursday night game vs Mole Valley SCR, Dorking's starting X1 had a more familiar look about it, with Dan Coote returning in goal and Phil Page leading the line.

 

Merstham perhaps just shaded the first half, and might have taken the lead after a goal mouth scramble ended with Coote tipping the ball over. Both sides made continous changes through the second period, this time with Dorking having the better chances, but it was the visitors who took the lead, Merstham's striker taking advantage of a ball that was not claimed by the defender or the keeper to hook the ball home.

 

Dorking continued to play and got their reward when triallist Junior shot home from the edge of fhe box courtesy of a deflection which left the keeper flat footed, the final whislte going soon after, the draw proving a just score over the 90 minutes.

 

Next up:- Home to a Leatherhead X1 on Tuesday at the Big Field, Brockham (Dorking RFC), KO 7-15pm.

 

We are hoping to re-arrange the Advertiser Trophy match proper against Leatherhead FC for later in the season.