OPPOSITION Q&A
James discusses his team ahead of the NL game
ABOUT ME
I have been supporting Dorking since their inception. My brother played in the first season of Dorking being formed, and I also played for them around 2003/2004. I have always followed their results and been regularly watching since around 2015 or so.
BAD RUN OF FORM
Bad form has been a mix of things. Injuries, new signings and perhaps some sides showing how hard it is against full-time teams. As Marc said recently, opponents know all about us days and weeks in advance, whereas our opponent’s preparation sometimes gets done on the day! A lack of confidence seems to be something that is running through the team at times, especially when we concede first.
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights have to be winning at home against Notts County 3-1 when fan favourite James McShane scored a hat-trick. The home and away wins against Maidstone, beating Dagenham at home 5-1. For me the whole season has been a highlight of visiting new grounds and seeing some of the other sides come to Meadowbank.
KEY PLAYERS
Key players – the returning Jason Prior, the recent signings of Tony Craig and George Francomb have added some spine to the side and league experience. Also Matt Briggs coming back from injury has been a bonus.
THE MANAGER
Marc is Dorking through and through. He formed the side and as he says, he’s the biggest supporter of Dorking Wanderers. He speaks his mind and is honest and open about the side. The fans all warm to him and want him to do well. He is charismatic and far from shy, but he also knows what the club means to the people of the town.
THE LINE-UP
It depends on the formation and how Dorking set up. Recently he has changed from a back 3 to a back 4. If I had to guess at a side I would say – Dan Lincoln in goal. Tony Craig, Joe Cook and Dan Gallagher in defence. Briggs and Bowerman wide midfield, with Josh Taylor, McShane and Francomb in the middle and Prior and Seager up front.
BEST OPPOSITION
To be honest, it would be Wrexham and Notts County. However, all sides seem to have a few stand outs that do impress. Cordner at Aldershot was excellent against us, so was Webster for Bromley against us at home. Fondup got a hat-trick against us for Oldham. There have been probably too many!
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
Strengths are in our attacking play – which has seen a dip recently as we haven’t scored in a while, and our defensive record is the standout weakness, which is well-documented.
AVOIDING RELEGATION
YES! We can, but we need our fortunes to turn around soon. We have some tough away games coming up, but also some home games that we have to start winning, starting with this one. We still have a few sides around us to play so I think that is where our points will have to come from.
PRE-MATCH REFRESHMENTS
Dorking town is blessed with several pubs, in West Street I would recommend the Old House at Home and the Kings Arms. The Spotted Dog in South Street is also a decent pre-match pub – all within a short walk of one another. There is also the fanzone at the ground for away supporters.
PREDICTION
I will go with a 3-1 home win!
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