Dorking Wandering
The Dorking Wanderers FC Fans Forum
Back on the road as we face 11th placed Chelmsford City who currently sit 5 points behind us, albeit with a game in hand.
Marc said in his update that Charlie Carter is likely to return which is a massive boost. We also welcome back Josh Brooking from suspension as well. However, Jason Prior was labelled a "big doubt" for the game and Milsom also misses the match after his injury against Maidstone. Niall McManus misses the game through suspension although he also picked up an injury in that Maidstone match as well. No word on whether or not Francomb returns after missing the game on Tuesday due to illness.
Predictions:
Chelmsford City 2-2 Dorking (Rutherford, Young)
1,002 att. (189 away)
Foulkes
Camp Brooking Craig Norville-Willaims
Gallagher Young
Muitt Carter Randall
Rutherford
Subs: Fuller, B.Taylor, Williams, Briggs, Alexandrou
I reckon we might see a back 4 for this one as Marc mentioned potentially changing style due to the injury situation in central midfield. He could play a back 3 but that would likely mean a start for Alexandrou and possibly Williams and that seems unlikely.
Good squad additions today and huge news about Carter. I do fancy 4 points from the two games again so I’ll say an away win tomorrow 1-2
I agree with @calvertskans that with the current squad, a back 4 makes sense, especially with Camp and Brooking available, and Niall out. Plus, we have only one clean sheet. The defense is strong, and a lot more pace, but we are still conceding goals. I think last season at this point, we had 6 clean sheets. Marc likes his 3-5-2, but with a decimated midfield, focusing on a defensive game vs. attacking might help us keep points instead of dropping them as the pieces slowly come together. I'm going with a 1-2 win as well.
We are top scorers in the division but have conceded more goals than a couple of teams in the RELEGATION zone lol
Not the time to be sending an experienced defender out on loan IMO
With JP9 looking doubtful that would be a lot of defensive headers we are missing tomorrow.
Score draw would be a good result in the circumstances. COYW
"Why would I leave to join a League Two club? We're going there anyway!" - Marc White
And that, ladies and gentlemen is the performance and result that we have all been waiting for.
Class!
So pleased for Charlie at this difficult time.
"Why would I leave to join a League Two club? We're going there anyway!" - Marc White
Yep, so pleased for Charlie in the circumstances and great result. Gutted to miss the trip but from radio commentary Wanderers were different class. And a clean sheet at last!
Alfie is a bit of a worry now with the injury so good to have the new boys in the squad. Interested to hear how they did. Onwards to Slough!
That was a fun one and a much needed comfortable win and clean sheet! Also our biggest away win since we beat Welling 4-0 back in April 2022. We look a completely different side with Carter in there, as well as Josh Brooking. Strangely though, I actually thought we played better a week ago at Farnborough.
Jack Young was sensational yet again and I thought Morgan Williams looked really good considering he had only been at the club a couple of days. Only real negative for the day was the injury to Alfie; really hoping that isn't as serious as it sounds. We're only going to have Theo fit for Tuesday which leaves us VERY short up top. I reckon we could see Rawlins involved in the squad which would be much deserved after his B Team performances.
Stats are quite interesting for this one and they make it look a much closer game than it was:
Possession: Chelmsford 45% - 55% Dorking
xG: Chelmsford 0.82 - 1.57 Dorking
Shots (On Target): Chelmsford 14 (2) - 12 (8) Dorking
Passes (Accurate): Chelmsford 279 (195) - 338 (246) Dorking
Duels Success %: Chelmsford 55% - 45% Dorking
Dribble Success %: Chelmsford 80% - 59% Dorking
Top Performer: Charlie Carter [9.0]
- Interestingly, our 2nd lowest amount of passes this season (behind Farnborough away funnily enough).
- Only the 2nd time this season we've had under 50% duels success (Weston away being the other one)
- Lowest dribble success % by far this season
Definitely a change in style for this one!
Great day and result! I know I'm preaching to the choir, but oh my god Charlie Carter is a different gravy! Thanks goodness he didnt depart in the summer, he must have had offers!
The other thing worth a mention our set piece look so dangerous now, if you can count the goal against Maidstone that at least one goal in the last 3 games from a set piece!
