CLUB UPDATES | SEP '23
A round-up of the latest news and updates from around the club...
Mixed Fortunes For Wanderers Sides Over The Weekend...
As we cross the midway point of September with the new season well under way, this past weekend saw contrasting results for our Wanderers sides.
Tony Craig's first ever Wanderers goal was enough for Marc White's men to take maximum points at FC Halifax Town on Saturday afternoon, the 0-1 win continuing a recent upturn in form for the first team with just one loss in the past five matches, with a third consecutive clean sheet registered as well. On an afternoon where new signing Tom Blair made his debut after signing from Havant & Waterlooville earlier in the week, the away victory was a first ever league win for Wanderers in the northern part of the country, and back-to-back home games now follow for the first team this week. Wealdstone are the visitors on Tuesday evening in a 19:45 kick off before Rochdale make a first ever visit to Meadowbank on Saturday afternoon. Tickets for both fixtures are available online now.
The DWFC Women have endured a tough start to their first ever campaign in the London & South East Regional Premier Division (Tier 5), suffering opening defeats away at Millwall and then at home to Dartford before getting their first points on the board last weekend away at Crawley. A brace from striker Olivia Watson and goal from attacking midfielder Rachel Manley, who scored consolation goals in each of the previous fixtures, secured a 1-3 victory in a game played at Horley FC. This past Sunday afternoon Lou Cooper's side were back on the road but unfortunately suffered another loss as acclimatisation to the new league continues, being defeated at Aylesford FC with Watson getting the only goal for Wanderers. Four games in, the DWFC Women's final match of September takes place at Meadowbank this coming Sunday September 24th with Saltdean United making the trip across for a 15:30 kick off, the two sides meeting again in a reversal of the fixture the following weekend in the FA Cup.
After a defeat and a draw in their opening pair of matches, the Wanderers B team have gone on to make a impressive start to the season, winning six matches in a row, including seeing off recently relegated sides Alfold and Banstead Athletic away from home, avenging the opening day loss inflicted by Montpelier Villa, and defeating play-off contenders from last term, Wick FC, in their last home fixture. This past Saturday the B team made the short trip across Surrey to face Godalming Town, renewing hostilities once again after the two sides met on four occasions last term between the league and cup competitions. The latest clash ended in a 1-1 draw at The Bill Kyte Stadium, Jason Vincent's early goal for the hosts cancelled out by Ollie Rawlins penalty just under fifteen minutes from time, the striker's 9th goal of the season. Currently 2nd in the Southern Combination Division One behind leaders Roffey FC, Ruben Gaspar's side travel to Billingshurst this Saturday for their next league game prior to facing Alfold away next Tuesday night in the first round of the Peter Bentley Cup.
Loan Updates...
It was announced on Saturday that midfielder Jack Jebb will join Havant & Waterlooville on loan for the remainder of the 23/24 campaign. After spending a couple of months on loan at Westleigh Park towards the end of last season, Jack has re-joined The Hawks and will again link up with newly appointed manager Steve King, who has previously worked with Jack at Welling United and Dartford. Jack made his debut in King's first game in charge this past Saturday, a 2-1 defeat to Bracknell Town in the FA Cup.
As confirmed by Marc White in his weekly update broadcast on Friday, Alfie Rutherford will shortly be joining former club Bognor Regis Town on loan for a brief period to gain match minutes and continue building fitness following his ACL injury and heart operation. Originally set to join The Rocks over this past weekend, a minor knee injury has pushed back the start time of Alfie's loan, which is looking likely to commence this coming week.
Just over a week ago it was announced that Wanderers first team squad member and B team regular from last season Spike Steggall will join Isthmian South East (Step 4) side Phoenix Sports on loan. Spike made his debut for the Bexleyheath based club in the 1-1 home draw against Met Police on September 9th in the FA Trophy, the visiting side progressing through to the next round after winning on penalties.
We wish all three players the very best out on loan, keep an eye out for the next update reflecting on how all Wanderers loanees are getting on at their respective clubs at the end of this month.
Wanderers Back On BT Sport...
The latest round of live National League fixtures on BT Sport has recently been confirmed, with Wanderers set to feature for the first time this campaign in October and then again in November.
On Saturday October 7th the BT live cameras will be rolling at Meadowbank for the very first time when Barnet come to town for a 17:30pm kick off. Then, on Saturday November 25th, Wanderers away trip to AFC Fylde will be broadcast live from Mill Lane with the game also scheduled for a 17:30pm kick off.
Surrey Senior Cup Opposition Confirmed...
Last week the preliminary and first round draws were published for the Surrey Senior Cup. Wanderers will enter the competition at the first round stage and have been drawn to face local opposition in the form of Redhill FC at the Kiln Brow. No date has yet been confirmed for the fixture but all ties must be played by November 22nd.
Academy U19 Season Up & Running...
Our National League Academy U19 sides began their respective campaign's last Wednesday afternoon. The National League A team, who compete in the Academy South division, were defeated 4-2 away against a strong Eastleigh side, whilst the B team, who will again be playing in the Alliance Division E league this term, drew 2-2 against Charlton Athletic Trust in an entertaining game at Meadowbank.
This coming week the Tactics League U19 Wednesday and Friday teams will begin their competitive seasons, whilst our Girls U19 side will start the following week.
Academy matches involving either the National League A or B team will take place most Wednesday afternoon's at Meadowbank Stadium through to April 2024. There is no league game this Wednesday, but keep an eye on the Dorking Wanderers Academy Twitter page (@academy_dwfc) or the National League Alliance website for the latest fixture information: https://www.u19nationalleague.org.uk