The top of the table clash could prove pivotal in deciding who lifts the National League South title in three weeks time.
Current league leaders Dorking know if they win all four of their remaining games, their name will be engraved onto the trophy. However, a victory for the Reds at Meadowbank will see them go level on points with the Wanderers and above them into top spot due to a far superior goal difference. That would open the door for third place Hornchurch, with a flawless finish guaranteeing them automatic promotion if Dorking slip up.
A monumental surge of momentum was generated on Good Friday, as Joe Cook’s towering header in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage-time snatched three points over Sussex rivals Eastbourne Borough. The Sports held a lead for the majority of the contest, until Razzaq Coleman De-Graft’s weak-footed strike arrowed into the bottom corner ten minutes from time. With seconds remaining, Sam Packham stepped up to take a free-kick right at the death, which picked out Cook, whose goal sent shockwaves around the Sussex Transport Community Stadium.
Elation was only further emphasised by the result a few miles up the county, as West Sussex neighbours Horsham scored three past Dorking without reply.
A Good Friday to forget for Marc White’s side, which saw their grip at the precipice of the league standings become slightly more precarious heading into the final stretch of action.
All eyes are focused on Meadowbank tomorrow, with the game being advertised as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the campaign.
Team News
Former Dorking full-back Sam Beard will be assessed after the defender was ruled out of contention for Friday’s win over Eastbourne due to a slight knock. George Cox is continuing his rehabilitation from a muscular issue, while Matt Burgess isn’t expected to feature again this season after suffering an injury in training.
The Opposition
After being one of several teams to agonisingly miss out on promotion into the National League eleven months ago, Dorking Wanderers are in pole position to achieve an automatic elevation.
However, a recent injury crisis have left their resources and options fairly limited, resulting in a slide of form into inconsistency.
Only three wins out of the last nine attempts has allowed their competitors to gain ground in the race for the title and if third placed Hornchurch win their game in hand, the gap will stand at just two points.
Although a comfort for the Surrey-based side is their record on home soil. They boast one of the most commanding home forms in the country, with 17 wins, three draws and just a single loss in 21 matches at Meadowbank. That loss occurred on the second weekend of the season, with 20 teams all failing to conquer the Wanderers since.
Away from home, their fortunes have prevented them for already celebrating a league title triumph, as they sit 15th in the table solely on matches played on enemy territory.
Despite their current woes and injuries, the experience throughout the squad make Dorking the favourites to return to the National League after a two-year hiatus, with the core members of the promotion-winning squad from a few years back still in the ranks.
The Gaffer
In the opposing dugout tomorrow afternoon is a manager that needs no introduction to those attuned to the Non-League football scene.
With the unique model of leading the coaching of the team that he also owns, Marc White has become a household name for his unique and unorthodox approach to football management.
Despite having no prior coaching experience, White has masterminded a magical footballing story. Founded in 1999 by White and four friends, the club has achieved 12 promotions in just 23 years, climbing from the 17th tier tot the fifth tier in 2022 , with the last six years documented by the largely popular YouTube series Bunch of Amateurs.
Known for his polarising personality and occasional unsavoury comments, no one can disregard his success as a manager and owner. With the former broker emotionally invested, he’ll be more incentivised than anyone to help Dorking earn promotion back into the National League.
One to Watch
Dorking skipper Charlie Carter’s timely return from injury is a huge boost for the Wanderers as they prepare for four season-defining battles.
The attacking midfielder has struck double figures in the National League South from the middle of the park this season, including a goal in the reverse fixture at Woodside Road.
Carter’s campaign has been disrupted with a couple of prolonged periods on the sidelines, with a broken toe forcing him to miss eight games at the start of the year.
Since returning in late February, the 29-year-old netted in the 1-1 draw with Chelmsford and the 4-2 away success over Enfield Town, alongside assisting the team with his leadership qualities.
The midfielder was signed by Marc White in 2023 whilst the club were in the National League, as he made the switch from Eastleigh.
League Form Guide
Dorking Wanderers | W23 D9 L10 GD: +21 | Pos: 1st
League Form: LWDLW
MD38: Enfield Town 2-4 Dorking Wanderers | Scorers: Niall McManus, Brennan Camp, Charlie Carter, Alfie Rutherford
MD39: Maidenhead United 2-0 Dorking Wanderers
MD40: Torquay United 2-2 Dorking Wanderers | Scorers: Alfie Rutherford & Sam Pearson
MD41: Dorking Wanderers 2-1 Hemel Hempstead | Scorers: Paul McCallum & Jason Prior
MD42: Horsham 3-0 Dorking Wanderers
Worthing FC | W22 D9 L11 GD: +40 | Pos: 2nd
League Form: WDWWW
MD38: Worthing FC 2-0 Chelmsford City | Scorers: Ashley Nadesan & Teddy Jenks
MD39: AFC Totton 0-3 Worthing FC | Scorers: Teddy Jenks x2 & Wiktor Makowski
MD40: Weston-super-Mare 2-3 Worthing FC | Scorers: Max Harris (O.G), Joel Colbran & Brad Dolaghan
MD41: Enfield Town 1-1 Worthing FC | Scorers: Teddy Jenks
MD42: Worthing FC 2-1 Eastbourne Borough | Razzaq Coleman De-Graft & Joe Cook
Previous Meeting
Worthing FC 3-2 Dorking Wanderers, 30th December 2025, National League South.
2025’s curtain closer certainly lived up to the billing, as the Reds narrowly edged out Marc White’s Dorking Wanderers in a captivating contest in front of a record-breaking crowd at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium.
With the scores finely poised at 2-2 going into the interval, Teddy Jenks’ clinical finish was the difference in West Sussex, as the hosts weathered a late storm to claim victory at climb to the top of the league standings.
Tickets
There are no tickets remaining for this fixture. No tickets will be available on the gate – this is an all-ticket event.
With a crowd of 3,000+ expected, Dorking strongly advise supporters to allow plenty of time to arrive. Gates open at 12:00.
Order of the day:
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.
