MATCH PREVIEW | BARRY TOWN UNITED
Pre-Season Continues In Wales!
Dorking continue pre-season on the road this Saturday as they cross the River Severn to take on Barry Town United in Cardiff.
The fixture comes after a run of three straight home games at Meadowbank, which included the visit of Hanwell Town to Surrey this past Tuesday evening. A 'last-minute' addition to the original pre-season schedule, Marc White was eager for another match to be added following the win over Farnborough last Saturday to continue the development of fitness and provide further match minutes across the squad. Goals from Alfie Rutherford, Ryan Seager and a brace for James McShane saw Wanderers lead 4-0 at the break on Tuesday night after clinical work in the latter part of the first half. An organised and spirited Hanwell side had made it a contest from the outset though, and got reward in the second-half as Mark Waters and Massimo Giamettei halved the deficit, the game finishing 4-2.
Post-match on Tuesday and in his weekly update broadcast earlier today, Marc White again expressed frustration with the lack of balance to his side and drop off in effectiveness out of possession through the second halves of the recent home games. The manager referred to it as a 'detachment' from what was being done in the first half of matches, deliberating in midweek how much was ultimately coming down to 'will' or 'skill'. No doubt looking for improvements in the remaining trio of pre-season games, alongside his criticism the manager did acknowledge the good work that had been done with the ball and some of the flair shown through pre-season so far. He stated that the remaining games can of course allow for those 'incremental improvements' as fitness continues to improve.
The visit to Wales may come too early for Niall McManus to feature in the matchday squad as he continues recovery from a tendonitis injury. Excluding long term absentees Matt Briggs and Giuseppe Sole, Niall is the only player not to have featured in pre-season so far.
Marc White did confirm the trip this weekend will also be where the annual awards night for the club will take place.
REMINDER:
Tickets for Wanderers first 5 home games in the National League Premier are on sale now! https://dorkingwanderersfc.ktckts.com/brand/match-tickets
Barry Town United
Ahead of Saturday's clash in the Welsh capital, we spoke to the Barry Town United media team to get insight on how the club is doing, the European adventures of recent years and look ahead to their upcoming season in the Cymru South:
Thank you for taking the time to speak to us. After a five year spell in the Welsh top tier, Barry Town United were unfortunately relegated last season. After competing well in the division throughout that spell, what changed for the club last season?
"It's a pleasure to be chatting with you and we're looking forward to welcoming you to South Wales. In simple football terms we didn't score enough goals and conceded too many."
The club got back to the top tier in 2017/18 after a 13 year absence, qualifying for Europe in each campaign up until last year. What were the standout memories for the club in this period?
"We were very lucky to experience some incredible highs during this period. Travelling to both Cliftonville and NSI Runavik were particular highs for us. However, a key highlight for us has been seeing the club grow off the field to over 700 playing members across men, women, academy, grassroots, pan disability, Vets and walking football."
How are squad preparations going for next season?
"Squad preparations have gone well so far, we have fresh faces and a good mix of young and hungry players with excellent pedigrees along with an experienced spine. We're expecting one or two new signings before the window closes but the squad is already in a strong place. Our management team contains two UEFA Pro License holders and 3 A License holders so we're we'll set up tactically to navigate the challenges of the Cymru South."
How has pre-season gone so far? We understand work is currently taking place at the club's home ground Jenner Park ahead of the new season?
"Our new carpet and shock pad on our 3G pitch at Jenner Park is currently underway and a few weeks away from completion hence why we find ourselves playing in Cardiff. This will be game 5 of pre season for us, naturally it's about getting minutes into the players against strong opposition at this stage as we edge closer to our first league game of the season on 29th July"
Any key player's we should keep an eye out for?
"Kayne McLaggon - he has been our captain and the club's top goalscorer for the past 5 seasons"
Barry Town - Pre-Season Results So Far:
1 - 1 Penrhiwceiber Rangers AFC (away)
2 - 0 Taffs Well FC (home - Jenner Park)
5 - 2 Penybont (away)
1 - 1 Tiverton Town (away)
KEY INFO
Location: Leckwith SIS Pitch, Pitch 1, Leckwith Road, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ
Kick-Off: 14:30pm (changed from original 15:00pm advised time) Entry: Adults £5, Children Free
Dan Stobbart