We fell short at Meadowbank this afternoon, losing 3-2 to Maidstone United in our fourth game of the season.
We made a bright start and won a corner in the opening minute after George Nikaj’s cross from the right-hand side was deflected behind. The resulting delivery led to a goalmouth scramble inside the six-yard box, with Joshua Laqeretabua and Brennan Camp both trying to force the ball into the net before the visitors eventually cleared.
Maidstone had a dangerous free-kick at the other end shortly afterwards, with Riley Court firing over the bar from 20 yards.
The visitors threatened again when Frank Vincent brought down Tom Leahy, handing Maidstone another free-kick, but the opportunity came to nothing.
We created further chances during the opening 15 minutes. Skipper James McShane crossed the ball into the feet of Alfie Rutherford, who neatly laid it off to Brennan Camp on the edge of the box, but his effort flew over the bar.
The visitors then delivered a dangerous deep cross that appeared to be heading out of play for a goal kick, but Brennan Camp took no risks and headed the ball behind for a corner.
In the 23rd minute, Joshua Laqeretabua played a diagonal ball across the pitch to George Nikaj. He drove down the wing towards his defender before using some quick footwork to move past the Maidstone man. Nikaj’s initial effort was saved, but he reacted quickest to the rebound and fired us ahead. 23′ 1-0
Maidstone responded quickly and forced us back to defend another corner, which eventually ended up safely in Glenn Morris’ hands.
The visitors continued to grow into the game after falling behind, with Brennan Camp throwing his body in front of the ball to prevent Ken Charles from equalising.
Maidstone’s danger man, Riley Court, won the ball on the halfway line before skipping past James McShane and Frank Vincent. He then played the ball down the wing to Tom Leahy, whose effort was saved by Glenn Morris.
The pressure continued to mount, and Maidstone eventually found the equaliser through Riley Court. He managed to get a foot on the ball during a scramble inside the six-yard box, with Morris tipping the effort onto the crossbar before it bounced down and crossed the line. 37′ 1-1
Maidstone’s momentum continued to build, with Court finding space for another effort and forcing Morris into a low save at his near post.
As half-time approached, the referee showed the first yellow card of the afternoon. Our number 10, Alfie Rutherford, went into the book after committing a tactical foul on Riley Court to stop a dangerous counter-attack.
HALF-TIME: DORKING WANDERERS 1-1 MAIDSTONE UNITED
We made a substitution at half-time, with David Rogalski making way for Jack Wood as we looked to regain the lead.
Eight minutes after the restart, the visitors went ahead. Ken Charles received the ball on the right-hand side of our box and was given enough space to set himself before placing it beyond Morris. 53′ 1-2
We continued fighting to get back into the game, with Dennon Lewis driving forward down the left-hand side, entering the box and winning another corner.
With 27 minutes remaining, Morris was forced to make a point-blank save from Ken Charles at the near post, keeping us in the game as we searched for an equaliser.
With the visitors still leading later in the second half, Josh Barrett was fouled inside the opposition half. The referee showed Maidstone’s Alfie Tuck the second yellow card of the game.
In the 76th minute, Maidstone’s Riley Court found himself onside and through on goal, with no defender in sight and only Morris to beat. The tricky forward took the ball around our number one and rolled it into the the empty net to give the visitors a two-goal lead. 76′ 1-3
Ten minutes later, with the game appearing to be beyond us, Josh Barrett gave us hope. He dinked the ball from the right-hand side of the box over Maidstone goalkeeper Lenny Holden and into the side netting to pull a goal back. 86′ 2-3
Five minutes of additional time were indicated, and we continued pushing for an equaliser, but the visitors stood firm and held on for a narrow victory.
FULL-TIME: DORKING WANDERERS 2-3 MAIDSTONE UNITED
The full-time whistle confirmed our second home defeat at Meadowbank this season, despite goals from summer signings George Nikaj and Josh Barrett.
We return to league action next Saturday away to Walton & Hersham as we look to get back to winning ways.
Travel options for next Saturday’s away fixture are available below.