The Wanderers returned back to league action as we hosted Essex side Braintree Town. We looked to continue the momentum from the emphatic 5-4 win in the FA Cup last Tuesday against step four side Southall FC and end the streak of three league draws. While the Iron were looking to pick up some points after their narrow loss away at Billericay last Tuesday.
It was a quick start for the Wanderers in the first ten. George Nikaj had the first look after finding space in behind, forcing the Braintree Town keeper, George Barrett, to block the strike. Minutes later, Nikaj found joy down the right again, where he was able to square it to Alfie Rutherford, who unfortunately got under the ball and put it over.
Yet again, the Wanderers moved down the right-hand side looking to play through the man in fine form, Nikaj. After a mistake at the back, Nikaj was able to take advantage of the confusion and place a shot into the top-left corner of the net, past the Braintree number one. Almost a replica from his strike vs Chelmsford City at the start of the month. 16’ 1-0
Our number 9 was at it again, after winning the ball on the halfway line. He found Rutherford, who was in acres of space on the left, and after two touches, he was able to set his body aiming towards the far post, deceiving Barrett as he smashed his strike near post, which doubled our lead. 33’ 2-0
It was all Braintree coming to the end of the first half, as they went forward searching for a way back into the game. The Iron found space in the box and let a shot fly, forcing Glenn Morris into a full-stretch dive to his left and only conceding a corner.
It didn’t take long for Braintree to have another chance. Fletcher Hubbard picked up the ball in midfield after he dropped short, then, after some close footwork from the number 11 to create space, he was in a shooting position 25 yards out from goal, where he could curl one up and over Glenn Morris and into the top right. 45’ 2-1
The last kick of the first half was a free kick for the visitors in a dangerous area, just outside the 18-yard box. Goalscorer Hubbard stood over it. Hubbard struck the free kick beyond the reach of our shot-stopper, clipping the bar on its way in, meaning we go into the break level. 45+3’ 2-2
HALF TIME: Dorking Wanderers 2-2 Braintree Town
Four changes in the first 15 minutes of the second half for the Wanderers in hope to break the deadlock once more. However, it was the visitors to take the lead. Anisius Lewis, who was off injured, was allowed onto the pitch behind our backline. Vladimir Paternoster picked him out and Lewis was able to slot it home. 65’ 2-3
The lead didn’t last long, as it was a swift reply from the Wanderers. Dennon Lewis went foraging forward on the left, cutting it back to our number 10, where Rutherford played into Dawid Rogalski, who tucked in a left-footed finish, curling away from Barrett. 67’ 3-3
A few injuries meant that there were a few breaks in play for Marc White to get some instructions across to the team. Shortly after, we got back into the ascendancy, where one-touch football leaves the ball with our ‘Polish Pele’ in front of goal, slotting it home into the bottom-left corner. Resulting in us leading again! 78’ 4-3
There were seven minutes added on as we looked to hold out our first win in the league at home since August. Braintree tried their luck; however, the defensive prowess of our backline stood the test and was able to keep the Iron quiet.
FULL TIME: Dorking Wanderers 4-3 Braintree Town
Yet again, another high-scoring affair for the Wanderers, and we take all the points. You can hear the post-match reaction from the gaffer by clicking the link here.
We go back to Cup action as we continue our FA Cup campaign next Saturday, as we welcome Chatham Town to Meadowbank. Do not miss the Wanderers in action and secure your tickets here.
You can see the line-ups, cards, substitutes and more from this game by using our match centre.