Match Details
• Fixture: Dorking Wanderers vs Braintree Town
• Competition: Enterprise National League South
• Date: Saturday 26 September 2026
• Kick-off: 3pm
• Venue: Meadowbank Stadium, Mill Lane, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1DX
The Preview
The Wanderers return to National League South action on Saturday afternoon as Braintree Town make the trip to Meadowbank.
We head into the fixture ninth in the table, with 13 points from nine league matches, while Braintree sit 18th with 10 points from eight games. With the visitors having a game in hand, both sides have plenty to play for as they look to build momentum during the early stages of the campaign.
The Wanderers will also be looking to carry the momentum from Tuesday night’s dramatic FA Cup victory over Southall. After being held to a 3-3 draw in normal time, we eventually secured a 5-4 extra-time win, with Josh Barrett and George Nikaj finding the net during the additional 30 minutes. Attention now turns back to league football and the opportunity to add another positive result at Meadowbank.
The Opposition
Braintree Town, known as the Iron, were relegated from the National League at the end of last season and have regrouped under manager Steve Pitt for their return to the National League South. Pitt remained in charge following relegation and oversaw a summer rebuild, with the club also appointing Tom Austin as assistant manager and Stefan Robson as first-team goalkeeper coach.
The Iron’s stated target for the season is to challenge for an immediate return to the National League, with the club having previously achieved promotion from the South Division via the play-offs in 2018 and 2024.
Braintree’s start to the campaign has been mixed. They currently sit 18th with three wins, one draw and four defeats from their opening eight league matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding 18.
The Current Picture
The Wanderers’ league record currently stands at three wins, four draws and two defeats, with 18 goals scored and 13 conceded. Their most recent league fixture ended in a 2-2 draw away at Torquay United on 12 September.
Since then, the Wanderers have negotiated two FA Cup meetings with Southall. A 2-2 draw in the first encounter was followed by Tuesday night’s 5-4 extra-time victory at Meadowbank. The result means we head into Saturday’s fixture unbeaten in seven games, across all competitions.
Braintree have also been busy in cup competition. They defeated Needham Market 3-0 on Tuesday to progress in the FA Cup, having drawn 3-3 away from home in the original tie. Their previous league outing was a 3-2 defeat at Billericay Town, ending a three-match winning run in all competitions.
That run included victories away at Slough Town and at home to high-flying Maidstone United, demonstrating the Iron’s ability to collect points against sides at both ends of the division.
Team News
The latest medical update confirms that Josh Taylor has resumed his on pitch rehabilitation following a short period of rest, and has returned to non-contact training with the group. He remains on course for a return in mid-November.
Jimmy Muitt has also progressed to ball work, having successfully completed the key components of his off-ball rehabilitation. His expected return remains early to mid-October.
Harry Forster has sustained an ACL tear, a partial MCL tear and a meniscus tear. He is due to see a consultant this week, with a view to undergoing surgery as soon as possible. He will then begin a structured rehabilitation programme, with confidence he will be back within 12 months.
Players to Watch
Alfie Matthews
Matthews has provided an important attacking outlet for Braintree this season and was particularly influential in the Iron’s 2-1 victory over Maidstone United, scoring both goals. His contribution helped Braintree take three points against the league-leaders.
Anisius Lewis
Lewis has made an impact in front of goal this season, including the late winner in Braintree’s 2-1 victory at Slough Town, with his ability to find decisive moments something for the Wanderers defence to monitor.
Reuben Swann
Swann scored Braintree’s opener in their victory at Slough, breaking through the home defence before finishing into the bottom corner. He has also featured among the Iron’s attacking contributors during their strong spells this season.
Previous Meetings
The two clubs have met four times in league competition since 2019. The Wanderers have won two, Braintree have won one and the other meeting ended level. The most recent meeting at Meadowbank was in January 2022, when the Wanderers recorded a 2-1 victory.
The earlier meetings have generally produced goals, with the four recorded league encounters averaging four goals per game. The last meeting in Essex, in 2021, ended 2-2, while the Wanderers won 4-0 on their previous visit there in October 2020.
The Tactical View
One of the key areas could be how the Wanderers manage Braintree’s attacking threat, while continuing to make use of their own goal-scoring form. The Wanderers have scored 18 times in nine league matches, while Braintree have scored 13 in eight.
The Iron have also shown that they can respond when games become difficult, most recently fighting back from behind to draw 3-3 at Needham Market in the FA Cup, before progressing with Tuesday night’s replay victory. The Wanderers will therefore need to maintain concentration throughout the whole course of the match.
Marc’s Update
See the latest update from the gaffer ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
Braintree Town (H) | Marc White’s Weekly Update
Medical Update
Read the latest news from the medical team and the current Wanderers injury list.
Matchday Information
Home Fixture: Tickets
• Ticket link: Dorking Wanderers vs Braintree Town – Tickets
• Adult price: £18
• Concession price: £16
• Under-18 price: £9
• Under-8 price: £5
• Family price (2 adults, 2 U12 children): £40
• Venue: Meadowbank Stadium, Mill Lane, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1DX
The club’s FanZone opens two hours before kick-off. Meadowbank is approximately a ten-minute walk from Dorking’s three railway stations. There is no parking directly at the ground, with parking available nearby at St Martins Walk.
Food And Drink
Supporters heading to Meadowbank can enjoy a selection of food and drink options, including:
• Burgers
• Hot dogs
• Vegetarian pies
• Chicken strips
• Fanzone Bar
• Covered Bank Bar, including family seating
Club Shop And Merchandise
Supporters can pick up official merchandise through the club’s online shop, with matchday merchandise also available around the ground.
• Online shop: Dorking Wanderers Official Shop
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Final Matchday Reminder
League football returns to Meadowbank on Saturday, as the Wanderers welcome Braintree Town.
Secure your ticket, arrive early, enjoy the food and drink at Meadowbank, and get behind Marc White’s side as the Wanderers return to league action. Back the Wanderers!
Written by Amelia Lane