The Wanderers arrived in Hampshire with hopes of reigniting the spark that was extinguished after a disappointing Easter weekend. However, the Wanderers’ clashes with Horsham and Worthing marked the first time we have suffered back-to-back defeats in the league all season.
The hosts have managed to accrue only one victory in their previous five matches, with their final four fixtures carrying minimal pressure, as they have mathematically secured their spot in the division for next season.
The opening stages lacked any real clear-cut chances. However, the Wanderers had the first sight at goal on the twenty-minute mark when Dennon Lewis found space down the left flank. His whipped delivery was met by the outstretched leg of Jason Prior, who was able to flick goalwards, forcing a brilliant reaction save from Ryan Gosney.
Lewis found further enjoyment on the left flank, causing more problems with his pinpoint deliveries. On this occasion, his cross sailed to the back post and found Frank Vincent, who was able to set Sam Pearson with the best chance of the game. His effort looked to have deflected inches wide of the post; however, the referee signalled for a goal-kick.
The hosts were also short of opportunities in what was a slow-paced opening period. Tony Lee picked up the ball from a loose header and let fly thirty yards from goal, catching Harrison Foulkes off guard. However, the Wanderers’ shotstopper was able to prevent any danger and keep the scoreline level as the half drew to a close.
HALF TIME : AFC Totton 0-0 Dorking Wanderers
The second half was started brightly by the Wanderers. Charlie Carter was able to wriggle his way through three blue shirts. However, his tame effort was blocked by Luke Hallett.
Then, moments later, The Stags grabbed the elusive opening goal of the encounter. The ball was driven in from the right-hand side and managed to crawl its way to the back post, where it found Alfie Merritt, who was able to turn home into an unguarded Wanderers’ net. 56′ 1-0
It took a matter of minutes for the visitors to draw level. Carter was able to twist and turn his way into shooting position once more, and his effort was blocked once more. On this occasion, it fell perfectly to Harry Sidwell, whose sweet volley arrowed past Ryan Gosney and sailed into the top corner to level proceedings again. 59′ 1-1
The scoreline did not remain level for long as the hosts managed to build forward once again. Alfie Merritt turned provider this time around and hung a cross up towards the back post. Christie Ward was able to rise highest of all to nod the ball home and restore the Stags’ advantage. 66′ 2-1
We were once again in search of a moment to bring the scoreline level. Charlie Carter and Jake Lawrence played a positive spell of interlinking football; however, when Carter was found in a dangerous position six yards from goal, his close-range effort was smothered by Ryan Gosney.
The Totton goalkeeper was called into action when Lawrence found himself on the end of a Charlie Carter through ball. His early shot failed to beat Gosney, who was alert once more.
The Wanderers had all the chances in the final moments of the afternoon. Brennan Camp’s effort on the swivel could only trickle towards the back post, before Jason Prior was able to slide in an attempt to turn the ball home, but it was matched equally by Gosney.
The game drew to a close and the hosts were able to ride the wave of Wanderers pressure to claim all three points at The Snows Stadium. Attention now turns to our final home game of the regular season, as we welcome Bath City to Meadowbank. This is an all-ticket fixture, so head over to dwfc.co.uk to grab your tickets.
FULL TIME : AFC Totton 2-1 Dorking Wanderers