The Wanderers made the short trip across Surrey to face a Walton & Hersham side who were in search of their first points of the National League South campaign.
As for the Wanderers, we came into the game in some fine form on the road, remaining unbeaten on our travels in the 26/27 season. Marc made a few adjustments to the side that started against Maidstone just a week prior, including the return of Harry Pinchard from injury.
However, the hosts were the ones who started the game brighter, and within the opening ten minutes, they were able to break the deadlock. Some brilliant, intricate play on the edge of the box allowed Matas Skarna to advance into a dangerous position. The winger, in turn, slotted the ball past Glenn Morris to give The Swans an early lead. 7’ 0-1
The goal perhaps sparked the Wanderers into life, and we thought we had found an elusive equaliser just two minutes later. George Nikaj was able to skip away from his defender with ease and square the ball across to Alfie Rutherford, who had the simple job of tapping home into an empty net. However, the celebrations were cut short, as Nikaj was deemed to have run the ball out of play.
The visitors were getting the most joy out wide. Dennon Lewis’ clever footwork down the left created space for him to hang a ball towards the back post. Brennan Camp was able to rise above the rest; however, his header flew just over the crossbar.
The right-back was then able to convert one of his trademark back-post headers around ten minutes later. This time, Harry Pinchard swung in a delightful cross from a wide set-piece, and Camp was able to rise high again and prod the ball past Reid to bring the game back to level pegging. 24’ 1-1
After a fairly quiet spell, the Wanderers showed their class again to put themselves ahead on the stroke of half-time. Another brilliant cross was swung in from the right-hand side, which Louie Annesley was able to divert back across the face of goal. Rutherford found himself in the perfect position and was able to turn the ball home, handing the Wanderers the lead. 44’ 2-1
HALF-TIME: Walton & Hersham 1-2 Dorking Wanderers
The Wanderers started the second half as they meant to go on. Some brilliant link-up play between Jonathon Page and James McShane allowed the latter to tee up a strike on goal from 25 yards out. His effort flew inches wide of the upright, but it was a positive start to the second period for the visitors.
The pressure paid off for the Wanderers moments later. Dawid Rogalski was found all alone inside the penalty area, with plenty of time and space to bring the ball under control and convincingly fire it past the Swans shot-stopper, netting against his former side with his second goal of the season. 51’ 3-1
It was another former Walton & Hersham player who added a fourth to the Wanderers’ tally. Jack Wood picked up the ball out wide on the right-hand side. The summer signing then drove inside, skipping away from three defenders and curling an effort precisely into the far corner, opening his account for the 26/27 campaign. 72’ 4-1
Page hung a ball towards the back post, which was met once again by the rising Brennan Camp. Camp’s looping effort was held on to by Reid in the Walton & Hersham goal, denying Camp a second goal of the afternoon and, ultimately, a fifth goal for the Wanderers.
FULL-TIME: Walton & Hersham 1-4 Dorking Wanderers
After a dominant display, the Wanderers made the short journey back across Surrey with all three points, as Brennan Camp, Alfie Rutherford and Jack Wood all opened their accounts for the 26/27 National League South campaign.
We now face a short turnaround, as we welcome Truro City to Meadowbank on Bank Holiday Monday. Make sure to grab your tickets and don’t miss the Wanderers in action by using the link here:
https://dwfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/dwtru/social