Another big game in the National League South for Dorking in the run-in. This time they faced play-off hopefuls Dartford. Dartford have been fairly inconsistent lately but were more than capable of stealing 3 points today. Dorking were top and a win today would be very helpful in their promotion hunt.
The game began and it was a very open start. It was end to end football and very entertaining for the fans watching. It only took 15 minutes for a goal to go in and it was for the home side. George Porter scored for the Darts after he goes clean through on goal and puts the ball past the goalkeeper to give the Darts an important lead. It only took ten minutes for Dartford to get a second as Marcus Dinanga doubled Dartford's advantage by smashing the ball into the bottom corner. Dorking looked shell-shocked and didn't know how to react. Dartford went in 2-0 up. Dorking came out playing like they were top of the league and were rewarded for this as they pulled one back. Niall McManus scored the goal tapping in to give Dorking a fighting chance of getting back into the game. With ten minutes to go these hopes were distant as Dartford scored their third of the day. George Porter bagged a brace after a Dartford player was clean through and he squared it to George Porter who scored the goal which felt as if that killed off Dorking. Tjis was short lived as they immediately got one back thanks to Nick Wheeler. A corner was whipped in and Wheeler fired in to give Dorking a shot of a point. Dartford held out and won 3-2.
This means Dartford stay 4th and look as if play-offs is almost confirmed for the Darts. Another strong performance laves them 3 points ahead of 5th placed Ebbsfleet United. Dorking Wanderers stay in 1st placed but fail to capitalise on a good opportunity to keep clear of Maidstone. They are 3 points ahead of Maidstone but have played a game more.
Photo courtesy of Martin Greig.