An electric Dorking Wanderers secured an impressive 2-0 victory against Maidenhead United in the National League South play-off eliminator on Wednesday evening.
First-half goals from a returning Alfie Rutherford and Harry Sidwell made all the difference in the tie, as a packed-out Meadowbank crowd watched on in jubilation to kickstart the play-off campaign.
The game got off to an electric start at Surrey, with us looking confident in possession. Kai Enslin picked up the first major chance in the game, striking the post from range just after the 15-minute mark, following some innovative hold-up play from Alfie Rutherford.
Alfie continued to be at the heart of the action, with his persistence rewarding a goal 21 minutes in. Enslin progressed down the right before squaring it across to Charlie Carter in the box; the captain then parried it towards our number 10, who struck across goal to put us one-up. 1-0
Almost immediately, the goalscorer nearly helped double our advantage. Alfie ran in behind the Maidenhead defence, before being pulled down outside the area, only for Charlie to pick up the ball and have his effort saved by Jordi Van Stappershoef.
Maidenhead started to grow into the game towards the back-end of the half, with Remy Clerima forcing his team forward to apply some pressure. However, our back-line stood firm on all occasions.
Just shy of the interval, Harry Sidwell picked up a chance to fire. The youngster grabbed the ball towards the edge of Maidenhead’s 18-yard box, before launching a strike straight into the bottom left corner, doubling our advantage and sending Meadowbank into euphoria. 2-0
With the goal concluding a successful first half at Meadowbank, the teams jogged in for the break.
Half-Time: Dorking Wanderers 2-0 Maidenhead United
Both sides came straight off the blocks to start the second half; the visitors attempted to probe Harrison Foulkes’ net, before we launched an attack which resulted in Aflie having his header heroically saved by Van Stappershoef.
After being denied the third, a change in management saw us become more cautious throughout the second half, whilst remaining strong in attack in the pursuit of another goal.
Marc White executed two substitutions midway through the second half, bringing on striker Paul McCallum and Jimmy Muitt on his return from injury. The two replaced both Jason Prior and Kai Enslin.
With less than 10 minutes to go, Ryan Bartley orchestrated one of Maidenhead’s only chances in the second half, firing a shot straight at Foulkes from the right-hand side.
In the dying embers, Frank Vincent found himself with the final chance of the game, as he was slotted one-on-one with the opposing goalkeeper on the back of Foulkes’ long ball. However, his shot rattled against the crossbar to deny the midfielder’s moment.
Nevertheless, we managed to see out the final seconds to book a spot in the National League South play-off semi-finals.
Full-Time: Dorking Wanderers 2-0 Maidenhead United
The play-off semi-finals are set to commence this Saturday, with us travelling down to Torquay for a 12:30 kick-off against the Seagulls.