After defeat last Saturday, Wanderers journeyed to 15th place Hornchurch in search of their fifth successive away win in the National League South.
Marc was able to name an almost full strength eleven as we set up in a familiar 3-5-2. The hosts didn’t wait long to create their first big chance of the game. Wanderers failed to deal with a menacing long throw from Harry Gibbs. The ball was flicked into a dangerous area, but the Hornchurch shot fell wide.
Contentious refereeing decisions, a slow, extremely bobbly pitch and an unrelenting series of fouls led to a highly tense first 10 minutes devoid of rhythm for either side. Capitalising on a series of corners, Wanderers grew into the game well and started to assert themselves. It didn’t take long for us to capitalise on this pressure, and Matt Briggs gave us an early lead. A blocked shot from Niall McManus fell kindly to Briggs, who showed great composure finishing into the bottom corner. 22’ 0-1
The hosts looked to respond quickly in the form of Tom Wraight, who fired a long-range warning shot into the post. Harrison Foulkes remained rooted to the middle of his goal. It was then our turn to cause chaos with a long throw, delivered by Josh Taylor. His throw was flicked on at the front post, and fell to Dan Gallagher, who bundled the ball over the line in the 39th minute. He wheeled away to the celebrating away fans, who had been in rapturous voice throughout the first half. Rather belatedly, the assistant referee raised his flag for offside, keeping our lead at just 1.
The Urchins would enjoy a late flurry of corners, culminating in a Hornchurch a free kick late in the half. This effort would lead to another corner, but Wanderers held out well.
Half-time: Hornchurch 0-1 Dorking Wanderers
We got the second half underway, but it was Hornchurch who started fastest. The hosts enjoyed a barrage of attacks, as we failed to turn clearances into possession. The home crowd thought they had their reward when Henry Hearn headed well into Foulkes’ net. A belated offside flag turned the celebrations from one set of fans to the other – keeping the score at 1-0.
This anticlimax did nothing to spoil Hornchurch’s rhythm, and they continued to probe. Tensions spiked again when Briggs put in a contentious challenge on Charlee Adams and the referee took no interest.
Despite not offering much attacking threat, Wanderers reached the 70 minute mark having weathered Hornchurch’s storm. Foulkes confidently claiming a series of crosses, and Rob Milsom making two sensational tackles – one of which a last-ditch slide to dispossess Hornchurch’s Hearn – were to thank for this.
Our best move of the half was almost finished by substitute Jack Young, who was played in via a piercing pass from Carter. Young’s effort, on a tight angle, hit the side-netting. This would prove to be the last genuine chance of the game, as the final 15 minutes were a great example of game management.
Urged on by the unwavering away support, we pressed positively in midfield and relentlessly held possession in the corner – with Jason Prior and Jimmy Muitt making the most efficient human shields. As a result, 4 minutes of added time passed by without worry.
Now just three points off the top of the table, our attention turns to Aveley at Meadowbank on Tuesday evening.
Full time Hornchuch 0-1 Dorking Wanderers
Match report by Charlie Partridge.