Following Saturday’s point at Maidstone, attention quickly turned to our trip down to the south coast to face a managerless Eastbourne Borough. When The Sports’ visited Meadowbank back in December, a Charlie Carter hat-trick and Dan Pybus free-kick proved decisive in a frantic six-goal thriller.
Marc made two additions to the squad prior to the game: the arrival of Liam Vincent on an initial one-month loan from National League side Sutton United, and Harry Pinchard on an 18-month deal from Gloucester City. Both of whom were featured in the evening’s matchday squad.
The Wanderers found the first real opening of the game in what was a cagey start to the encounter. Frank Vincent did superbly to release Dennon Lewis down the left flank with his cross travelling the distance and finding Kai Enslin in acres of space; however, the Charlton loanee was unable to threaten Jamie Searle in the Eastbourne net.
Enslin was proving to be a real threat to The Sports’ back line. On this occasion, his trickery worked him into a promising position, but he was unable to guide his strike through the number of defenders in his way. Moments later, the hosts had their first sighting at goal, which saw George Alexander’s close-range effort well blocked by Louie Annesley.
The breakthrough was found in the 25th minute with a lovely combination move. Luke Moore played a sneaky free kick down the right-hand side into Alfie Rutherford. His hold-up play created space for Louie Annesley to receive the ball. He then played a fine ball into Jason Prior in the six-yard box, who was able to set Harry Sidwell, who was able to calmly dispatch from close range and net his first goal for the Wanderers. 25’ 1-0
The pressure we applied was upheld throughout the first period, Frank Vincent came close to doubling the advantage just past the half-hour mark. Jason Prior knocked the ball down well, but the midfielder’s effort was blocked and sent out for a corner. The resulting corner from Dennon Lewis was an ambitious attempt; however, it landed on the roof of the net.
As half-time approached, we looked certain to double the advantage when Vincent’s looping ball sent Enslin through the middle; he managed to get the testing ball under control; however, his effort trickled just past the far post. A dominant first half from the Wanderers, which saw us head in a goal to the good.
Half Time: Eastbourne Borough 0-1 Dorking Wanderers
The hosts started the second half on a much brighter note, accumulating a number of openings inside the first five minutes. It did not take long for The Sports to get their hands on an elusive equaliser. Matt Burgess found himself with space to create on the left-hand side. He fired a venomous ball across to George Alexander, who thumped home from close range. 51’ 1-1
However, in a matter of minutes, The Wanderers would find themselves on the front foot once again. Frank Vincent threaded the ball beautifully to send Alfie Rutherford on his way. The Wanderers striker advanced into the box and emphatically slotted the ball underneath Jamie Searle to restore the advantage. 55’ 2-1
The hosts set out in search of a second equaliser in this game. Some brilliant work from Arthur Grout in the middle of the park allowed him the space to shoot. His effort from 25 yards out looked promising, but instead it flew over the bar. Kai Corbett was the next to threaten The Wanderers goal from range; although the strike was on target, Harrison Foulkes was equal to it and pushed the ball to safety.
Jordan Norville-Williams’ darting run earned the Wanderers a free kick on the edge of the 18-yard box, also resulting in Harry Phipps being shown the first booking of the encounter. Rutherford took aim from the set piece, but the scorer of our second was unable to double the advantage, firing the free kick into the four-man wall.
The fourth official raising his board to indicate a minimum of six minutes added on made for a cagey ending to the game. Kai Corbett sent his corner to the back post, where Dan Quick thought he was fouled in his attempt to meet the ball. However, the appeals were instantly disregarded by the referee. The Wanderers were able to prevent any injury-time magic for the hosts and secured a crucial three points ahead of the visit of Chesham United on Saturday. We hope to see you all at Meadowbank in a few days’ time.
Full Time: Eastbourne Borough 1-2 Dorking Wanderers