TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

Dom looks ahead to the game at Plainmoor

BIG GAME

When the fixtures were announced, the visit of Dorking Wanderers stood out more than most in the early months of the season. Both of the relegated teams Dorking and Boreham Wood will fancy their chances in the National League South, and whilst we’re only four games in, Paul Wotton and Marc White will both be determined to set down a marker and show their teams mean business. There should be another big crowd at Plainmoor, there will hopefully be more sunshine, there will definitely be beers flowing and the game could be an early season cracker! United should have their tails up after the Bath victory that’s for sure, so fingers crossed it turns out to be our day.

THE LINE-UP

Paul Wotton rang the changes on Tuesday, and I’d imagine there will be more against Dorking. The decisions are – Seymour or Ash upfront, Mussa or Hasani in attacking midfield, Palmer or Dyer (if fit) at centre back? Your guess is as good as mine on those! Finley Craske did well on his return to the line-up, so I’d assume he will keep his place in front of Finn Tonks at right wing back. I’ll predict – Hamon, Carson, Foulston, Dreyer, Dyer, Craske, Threlkeld, Hayfield, Mussa, Cooke & Ash.

MIDFIELD

In summarising the first three games by position, I think many areas of the field have ticked the boxes. Hamon has been very good in goal, we have been solid enough in defence, energetic on the wings and upfront we have sound options revolving around the impressive Cody Cooke (even if some decent chances have been missed). That leaves me with the midfield. Whilst it’s been far from terrible in that area, questions have been raised about how much pace we possess and whether some of the ugly issues from last season are rearing their heads again. I can imagine there will be one or two loans eventually to help allay those fears, but in the meantime Threlkeld, Hayfield, Collins, Mussa & Hasani should have enough quality and drive between them to help win us games. Getting a suitable balance and harmony will be key and with two 3-5-2’s matching up, the midfield battle will be very important on Saturday afternoon.

THE OPPOSITION

Marc White’s Dorking team have started the season well, with 7 points from their first three games including a draw with Boreham Wood in mid-week, and that sees them sitting 4th as they head to Plainmoor. It’s not all been plain sailing though and they are carrying a few injuries in the squad, with striker (and former nemesis) Rhys Murphy likely to be an absentee. It’s bound to be lively though with Marc prowling and cajoling his men from the touchline, and I would expect Wanderers to come and have a go at United, with striker Alfie Rutherford signposted as their danger man on our Opposition Q&A. All this could well make for an entertaining end to end game of football…or with Dorking also using a 3-5-2, both teams could cancel each other out! But it’s definitely a fixture to look forward to, see you at Plainmoor (and check out the latest GEV, see below!).