In the wake of five consecutive league home games, it was time to hit the road for the first time in over a month as we headed to Kent to face Maidstone United.
Marc made two alterations to the side that was victorious against Hornchurch on Tuesday evening, with Harry Sidwell and Jason Prior returning to the starting eleven.
The opening minutes saw us create two early chances; however, Luke Moore and Jason Prior failed to trouble Nathan Harness in the Stones’ goal.
However, Prior would soon get another chance to grab the opener. Frank Vincent swung in an inch-perfect cross that met the head of Jason Prior, who was placed perfectly at the far post to nod the Wanderers into the lead. 19’ 0-1
Five minutes later, the hosts tested Harrison Foulkes for the first time when Sam Corne struck from the edge of the 18-yard box; however, it was comfortably gathered by our number one.
The Stones’ target man, Muhammadu Faal, also found himself with a sight of goal moments later following a direct ball that we failed to deal with. However, Niall McManus produced a lovely last-ditch tackle to prevent the danger.
The pressure began to mount on our back line as the half drew to a close. Some brilliant link-up play down the left-hand side between TJ Bramble and Jephte Tanga unlocked the Wanderers’ defence. Tanga’s curling effort was heading for the far corner until it met the outstretched arm of Harrison Foulkes, who kept us one goal to the good.
Half Time: Maidstone United 0-1 Dorking Wanderers
Similar to the first half, the second period began at a fast pace, with chances at both ends. Dennon Lewis managed to wriggle his way into shooting distance, but his effort was deflected into the grasp of Nathan Harness.
Only minutes later, Luke Moore conceded a free-kick on the edge of the Wanderers’ penalty area. The resulting effort struck the four-man wall and was eventually claimed by Foulkes.
Maidstone continued to apply pressure on our goal. Riley Court’s acrobatic attempt gave the referee a decision to make as 11 amber shirts appealed for handball, but the claims were waved away.
As the clock ticked past the hour mark, the hosts found themselves through on goal once more. It was an instant impact as Jamie Yila bore down on goal and slid the ball through to Muhammadu Faal, who calmly slotted into the bottom-left corner to level proceedings. 60’ 1-1
We set out in search of an immediate response. A teasing delivery from Louie Annesley was met by the head of George Knight. His flick-on looked destined to fall to Brennan Camp at the back post, but the outstretched defender was unable to make contact and turn the ball home.
In the 72nd minute, the Stones managed to dispossess us in a dangerous area. The ball was then fired across to Tanga, whose point-blank effort forced another superb save from Foulkes to keep the score level.
The hosts provided another heart-in-mouth moment from a corner. The ball was delivered to the back post, where Bramble’s header looked certain to give his side the lead. Jason Prior came to the rescue in the defensive third, clearing the ball off the line as the Wanderers’ survived another scare.
At the other end, Brennan Camp’s advancing touch set him up with a great opportunity. He struck his effort low and hard; however, Harness did brilliantly to match it.
As the game drew to a close, George Knight was dismissed for a high foot in the middle of the park. After a frantic encounter, we came away with a solid point on the road ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Eastbourne Borough.
Full Time: Maidstone United 1-1 Dorking Wanderers