Sandhurst - DFC: 01/03/08

[Big J R]

MATCH REPORT

 

Dorking fell to their fourth consecutive single goal defeat on Saturday as Sandhurst ground out a win that pushes them further away from the relegation spots, and leaves Dorking facing an even tougher task if they are to force themselves back into the pack of clubs just above Chicks in the league.

 

With the club immediately above Dorking, Raynes Park Vale, picking up a surprise 1-0 home win over Chertsey Town, Dorking now have a 9 point gap between themselves and the second from bottom side.

 

Manager Tony Webb will hope that two factors could indicate that Chicks could yet spring a houdini act. First, his team are looking solid in defence, with keeper Chris Roberts in outstanding form. The team have now had the greater possession in their last two matches, at Banstead Athletic a fortnight ago and in this game against Sandhurst, but clearly are lacking an out and out goalscorer. The Dorking management team are actively looking for a striker to replace recently departed top scorer Adam Pero, in the hope that a proven scorer could turn the decent possession Chicks are now having in games into goals and turn the recent run of narrow defeats into victories.

 

Secondly, out of the next 9 league games, Dorking have 7 matches at home, so if Dorking could start a run of home form going, this could prove the building block to the club notching some much needed points on the board. The first two of those home games are on Tuesday 4 March, against 3rd from bottom Cobham, while on Saturday 8 March Chicks entertain in form Bedfont Green, who despatched Banstead 4-1 on Satuday. Bedfont Green will go into that game on the back of a four match consecutive winning sequence, with only one defeat since the turn of the year, and that a narrow 1--0 defeat to runaway league leaders Merstham, so Chicks will start that game as real underdogs.

 

Manager Tony Webb will look back at this game, like the match at Banstead the week before, and wonder what might have been. At Banstead Dorking had lost to a goal 4 minutes from time having done enough to secure all three points and in this game Dorking had pressed for the first 25 minutes, Josh Smith once more influential for Dorking, before the home team had gained a foothold in the game.

 

The winner was scored 5 minutes before half time, and it was a lack of concentration that was to be Dorking's undoing. An avoidable free kick was conceded around the box, the kick parried by Roberts only to see Dorkng's defence beaten to the second ball in teh box, Sandhurst reacting the quicker to score from close range as Chicks seemed to lose concentration in an otherwise solid defensive display.

 

Dorking huffed and puffed in the second period, having a lot of possession and creating a fair bit of pressure on the Sandhurst goal, but the ball would not fall for Chicks who looked to be without a striker who will poach the sort of goals Dorking need when on top in games. Indeed as Dorking pushed, Sandhurst created a number of dangerous breaks, and it was only Roberts' fine saves on two occasions that kept Chicks in the game, including one great save when Sandhurst were one on one with the Dorking keeper.

 

Dorking's best chance fell to centre back Charlie Merrick with 10 minutes to go in the box, but his shot was blasted over when a more composed finish would have seen Dorking share the points.

 

Dorking team:

 

Oliver Barret

Alex Hill

Charlie Merrick

Roy Newman

Dan Lawrence

Julian Affiah

Paul McCormick

Lester Boniface

Joshua Smith

Lee Rodgers

 

Subs

 

Dan Clayton

Gerry Howells

Miguel Beesley

Dan Stassinos

Alex Wheeler

 

[PurpleTram]

BJR, I think I've worked out Dorking's problems this season - its a lack of knowledge of the laws of football.

 

If that teamlist is indicative of what its been like all season, then maybe someone should tell your manager that he's actually allowed to start the game with 11 players, not 10.

 

Good to see Chris Roberts doing well - always thought he looked good when he was in goal for us quite a few years ago

 

[Jeff Hamnett TSF]

It was frustrating to watch a side without a target man keep hitting high balls at the opposition center halves who towered above the dorking strikers. Two lads up front looked good when it was on the deck but the midfield couldnt move it up to them enough that way.

 

I would think there were half the side playing out of their preferred position, and they were a smaller and younger side overall than Sandhurst. That meant too many unchallenged headers and not enough strength to get stuck in on the knockdown.

 

Its not a goal poacher Dorking need at the moment but a target man if they want to play that way.

 

Put one of those strikers from Saturday on the wing leave one upfront with a bigger guy and the ball could stay in the final third long enough to score a couple.

 

 

[DorkingDave]

Blimey TSF, going to away matches???

[Jeff Hamnett TSF]

I was going to Merstham but changed my mind lunch time

[Chris Clapham]

Originally Posted By: thespursfan

I was going to Merstham but changed my mind lunch time

Was it all pay on the gate?

[Jeff Hamnett TSF]

the joy of non league chris, dont have to plan 6 weeks ahead and have an IT qualification to go to a game

[Big J R]

I will take up he matter of the team shortage wiv the bloke wot rote it !

[Big J R]

Apologies from 'Dorking News'

 

Purple Tram mentioned the missing player....

 

Chris Roberts who was in goal.