The Wanderers travelled to South-East London for their sixth pre-season friendly of the campaign to face Isthmian Premier opponents Dulwich Hamlet at Champion Hill.
The first ten minutes were evenly contested. The Wanderers had their first sight of goal when Dennon Lewis was able to create space on the left-hand side and find Josh Barrett on the edge of the penalty area. However, his first shot on target was collected comfortably by the Hamlet goalkeeper.
Jack Wood was the next to attempt to break the deadlock when Rutherford sprayed a pass out wide to the Wanderers wide man. Wood was able to cut inside from the right and curl an effort inches over the bar.
The Wanderers survived a few scares as the half came to a close. Glenn Morris was called into action on the half-hour mark, producing a fine low save to tip Luke Wanadio’s thunderous drive onto the upright. Five minutes later, Gaspar Mico was able to send an effort goal-bound, beating everyone in the box, only for Brennan Camp to clear the ball off the line.
Lewis and Barrett continued to link up as the half drew to a close. A similar move saw the latter with space on the edge of the penalty area; however, Barrett could only fire over the bar. George Nikaj also had the chance to drive in from the right; however, his searching effort curled just past the far post.
HALF TIME: Dulwich Hamlet 0-0 Dorking Wanderers
Despite a delay to the second half resuming due to a floodlight failure at Champion Hill, the Wanderers made a host of substitutions and continued to go in search of the opener in SE22.
However, it was the hosts who were able to put themselves ahead in the 70th minute, when a cross into the box was not dealt with well enough and allowed Luke Wanadio to thump home from close range to give the hosts the lead. 70′ 1-0
Frank Vincent was able to release himself down the left flank on a number of occasions, creating two chances with around 15 minutes left on the clock. His dangerous crosses met George Francomb and Fin Macintyre respectively; however, neither orange shirt was able to provide an elusive equaliser.
The Wanderers kept on in pursuit of bringing the game back to level terms. Some neat play between Dillon Grass and Cristiano Barreca allowed Jake Lawrence a sight of goal; however, he could only blaze his effort inches over the crossbar.
FULL TIME: Dulwich Hamlet 1-0 Dorking Wanderers
Despite the defeat, it was another valuable pre-season run-out for Marc White’s side. We return to Meadowbank this Saturday as we entertain Charlton Athletic in our final home pre-season friendly. Make sure not to miss out on the action and secure your tickets here : https://dwfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/dwfccafc