Second in the National League South standings face off against third in the table, in match that could hold plenty of significance by the end of the season.
Tomorrow’s match will signify the midway point in the Reds’ campaign, as they record their 23rd league match.
A knockout blow on Boxing Day against Sussex rivals Eastbourne Borough sealed a fourth successive league victory last Friday.
Brad Dolaghan scored his 17th league goal of a prolific campaign to extend his lead in the race for the Golden Boot, with Razzaq Coleman De-Graft also bagging for the fourth consecutive match. Jack Spong is another player to have discovered some goal scoring form, as he has netted the opening goal in the last two matches.
The attacking prowess the Rebels have displayed in recent weeks shouldn’t overshadow the impregnable nature of the defence. They have the joint best defensive record in the division -tied with Ebbsfleet United and Maidenhead United – only conceding 21 times so far.
In fact it has been over 500 minutes of competitive football since Adam Hinshelwood’s side last conceded at home, dating back to the 25th October.
Both teams have identical records in their last five matches, with four wins on the bounce after tasting defeat.
THE OPPOSITION
Alongside Worthing, Dorking are one of the most in-form teams in the division, having triumphed in five of the last six matches.
Included in that winning streak are victories over fellow play-off contenders Weston-super-Mare, Maidstone United and Horsham, as the Wanderers have proved their credentials against some of the leagues fiercest outfits.
Marc White’s side now only trail current league leaders Hornchurch by a mere three points and will displace Worthing into second place with a win tonight at Woodside Road.
In the early stages of this campaign, Dorking were still reeling from being one of several teams to marginally miss out on promotion into the National League, as they struggled to string positive performances together.
Despite only finishing three points off champions Truro City, tonight’s opponents finished in sixth place last term and were dramatically knocked out by Boreham Wood in the play-off winners.
Dorking’s story is one of the most well-documented in English Non-League football. Since their inception in 1999, they have achieved 12 promotions in just 23 seasons.
THE GAFFER
The enigmatic Marc White will be occupying the opposition dugout at Woodside Road this evening.
Dorking’s manager needs no introduction, having earned himself a reputation as one of English football’s most entertaining characters. His personality, accompanied by the unprecedented feats he has achieved in management, have certainly not gone unnoticed.
The 52-year-old created the club at the back end of the last millennium, and has managed and owned the club for their entire existence. With White at the helm, Dorking embarked on a fairytale story, rising up the pyramid at a rate of knots. From the Crawley & District League, to the precipice of Non-League football.
His unorthodox approach to management and brazen personality has helped his side’s profile reach a global audience. Success has followed on the pitch, with Dorking reaching enjoying two seasons in the National League before relegation.
After 25 seasons in charge, White shows no signs of slowing down and is more determined than ever to get his beloved club into the EFL.
ONE TO WATCH
Charlie Carter is in scintillating form for Dorking in recent weeks, bagging five goals in his last five appearances.
The Club captain is the Wanderers’ top scorer this season and has reached double figures in all competitions.
Carter has recorded two hat-tricks thus far, with a three goal haul in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round against Wingate & Finchley preceding his claim of another match ball in the 4-2 victory over Eastbourne Borough a few weeks ago.
Amongst several individual moments to savour in Dorking shirt, Carter holds the record for the fastest hat-trick scored in National League South history and also won Manager’s Player of the Season last term.
At 29-years-old, Carter has also played for Stevenage, Chesterfield and Eastleigh.
LEAGUE FORM GUIDE
Worthing FC | W14 D3 L5 GD: +31 | Pos: 2nd
League Form: WWWWL
MD18: Torquay United 3-2 Worthing | Scorers: Joel Colbran & Joe Cook
MD19: Worthing 5-0 Hornchurch | Scorers: Brad Dolaghan x2, Razzaq Coleman De-Graft, Toby Byron and Nathan Odokonyero
MD20: Ebbsfleet United 1-2 Worthing | Scorers: Brad Dolaghan & Razzaq Coleman De-Graft
MD21: Worthing 5-0 Farnborough | Scorers: Brad Dolaghan x2, Jack Spong, Toby Byron & Razzaq Coleman De-Graft
MD22: Eastbourne Borough 0-3 Worthing | Scorers: Jack Spong, Brad Dolaghan, Razzaq Coleman De-Graft
Dorking Wanderers | W13 D4 L6 GD: +11 | Pos: 3rd
League Form: WWWWL
MD19: Chesham United 2-1 Dorking Wanderers | Scorer: Jose Marquez
MD20: Dorking Wanderers 4-2 Eastbourne Borough | Scorers: Charlie Carter x3 & Daniel Pybus
MD21: Dorking Wanderers 3-2 Weston-super-Mare | Scorers: Jack Young x2 & Charlie Carter
MD22: Slough Town 1-2 Dorking Wanderers | Scorers: Dennon Lewis & Charlie Carter
MD23: Dorking Wanderers 2-0 Horsham | Scorers: Patrick Casey x2
Tickets
We strongly advise supporters planning to attend to purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
The fixture is subject to segregation and away fans must purchase the correct ticket direct from Dorking Wanderers Football Club.
Home supporters can purchase their tickets online via Fanbase.
Online sales will close at 4pm on Tuesday – the club cannot guarantee the availability of any tickets on the gate.
Prices
- Adults: £18
- Concession: £14
- Under-18: £8
- Under-12: £5
- Under-6: Free entry
Buy Tickets
HOW TO FOLLOW
If you can’t be at the game, you can follow the game via live updates from the club’s official X account.
You can also listen to live commentary via the club’s official commentary service.
