The Wanderers travelled to Essex off the back of a successful August Bank Holiday period, following an emphatic win on the road at Walton & Hersham and a last-gasp winner from George Francomb, wrapping up all three points on Monday against Truro City.
Newly promoted side Billericay had established themselves in mid-table on their first spell back in the National League South; however, they lost last time out when they faced Salisbury.
The Wanderers were the first to create any real openings on goal. Alfie Rutherford and Jack Wood were able to combine on the right flank, allowing the latter to slide through Josh Barrett, who struck fiercely from a tight angle; however, ultimately, the ball flew over the bar.
The pair combined once more minutes later. This time, Barrett hung the ball up towards the back post, which was met by the arriving Harry Forster; however, his header was held onto by Blues’ keeper Joe Wright.
However, it was the hosts who dealt the first blow. Elliot Long played a superb cross towards Macauley Bonne, who was able to volley home and give his side the breakthrough. 20’ 0-1
The Wanderers set out in search of an instant response, with Harry Forster finding himself involved once again on the left-hand side. His strike from the edge of the area was wrapped towards the far post but ended up whizzing inches wide of the upright.
But then, after an array of Billericay chances, they found their second goal of the afternoon. Jon Benton cut out some space on the left flank to create the initial chance. After many blocks from Wanderers shirts, Elliot Long was able to poke the ball over Morris to double the hosts’ advantage. 38’ 0-2
However, it did not take long after the goal for the Wanderers to net their first of the afternoon. Forster poked a pass into Rogalski’s feet in the 18-yard box. The Polishman was able to spin away from his marker and bend an effort into the far corner to reduce the deficit and restore momentum for the Wanderers. 43’ 1-2
It seemed Dawid Rogalski could not get enough of the goalscoring action, as, right on the stroke of half-time, he netted his second of the afternoon. Barrett’s blocked effort fell kindly into the feet of the striker, who was able to slam the ball past Joe Wright at his near post and bring the game back level on the stroke of the interval. 45+3’ 2-2
HALF-TIME: Billericay Town 2-2 Dorking Wanderers
Billericay showed encouraging signs at the beginning of the second period. George Wind and Jon Benton linked up down the right flank, and the ball flashed across goal, only for there to be no blue shirt to cause danger to Glenn Morris.
The Wanderers then continued to build the momentum they created at the conclusion of the first half and found an elusive third goal with around twenty minutes to play. Rogalski took his time in and around the penalty area, and he was able to play a ball to his right, where Jack Wood was all alone. The winger was able to smash the ball first time and saw his curling effort beat Joe Wright and sail into the far corner to hand the Wanderers their first lead in the game in emphatic fashion. 71’ 3-2
Rogalski was then after the completion of his hat-trick and almost had it, when Barrett played another lovely chipped cross, which was glanced by Rogalski but fell inches wide of the far post, coming so close to rounding off the hat-trick.
However, as the clock ticked towards the final minute, the Blues found the equaliser they were looking for. The ball flew over the head of Glenn Morris and, despite his best efforts to retreat and smother the ball, Frankie Merrifield was on hand to prod home into an empty net and rescue a point for the home side. 90’ 3-3
FULL-TIME: Billericay Town 3-3 Dorking Wanderers
After a pulsating encounter, the game finished even and the spoils were shared in Essex. You can hear the post-match thoughts of the gaffer by clicking the link here.
We return to league action this Tuesday as we welcome another Essex outfit in the shape of Chelmsford City to Meadowbank. Do not miss the Wanderers in action and secure your tickets for Tuesday night here.
You can see the line-ups, cards, substitutes and more on our match centre!