MATCH PREVIEW | THE IRON
The First Home Game Of 2022
Dorking return to Meadowbank for their first home encounter of 2022 on Saturday as Braintree Town are the visitors in National League South action.
Following the narrow defeat to Southend United in the FA Trophy, Wanderers entered the festive window eager to pick up where they left off with their up-turn of form in the league. Deprived of the festive 'middle' fixture with Dulwich Hamlet due to Covid protocols, a double header with Havant & Waterlooville served as the Xmas/New Year obligation for this season. Neither game would disappoint, and the week will live long in the memory for Wanderers supporters. On Boxing Day Marc White's side avenged their record defeat against 'The Hawks' by inflicing the same upon them - an 8-0 demolition in front of a record crowd at Meadowbank. The recently confirmed player of the month Alfie Rutherford bagged a hat-trick on the day, Jason Prior scoring a brace as well, with the other goals courtesy of Niall McManus, Matt Briggs and Jimmy Muitt. Then, 7 days later, the first game of the New Year down at Westleigh Park saw Wanderers running out 3-1 victors; Nicky Wheeler, Jason Prior and Niall McManus on the scoresheet where the red and white army were again out in force to back the lads on the road.
Right back in the play off mix, Marc White will be very much hoping to continue the good league form as Braintree make their first visit to Meadowbank on Saturday. The fixture generator and recent premature season curtailments have sent Wanderers to Essex three times in three seasons but with no return journey from 'The Iron'.
Marc White has confirmed that James McShane and Luke Moore will remain ruled out for this weekend, and that Niall McManus and Jordan Cheadle are both doubtful. In more positive news, it does look like Wes Fogden will make his return to the matchday squad after missing out since the opening day of the campaign. Recovering from his injury quicker than anticipated, we look forward to welcoming the lively midfielder back on Saturday.
It was confirmed early this week that Charlie Hester-Cook has made his loan move to Horsham permanent. And earlier today it was confirmed that defender Cameron Black will head back to Leatherhead for another loan spell after enjoying a memorable run with 'The Tanners' earlier in the season. We wish Charlie and Cameron all the best with their respective moves.
The Iron Braintree's draw with Wanderers back in August was part of an unbeaten month and start to the campaign for Ryan Maxwell's side, but just the one league victory at home to Tonbridge Angels since then has seen the Essex club slide down to second bottom in the table. However, 'The Iron' will arrive at Meadowbank on Saturday encouraged by their last game just under a fortnight ago, a 2-2 draw at home to Dartford. It was an afternoon which could have been more resounding for Maxwell's side after going 2-0 up, only to be pegged back inside the final seven minutes, the equalising goal cruelly falling in added on time. The club has had to contend with the loss of experience at the top end of the field in recent weeks as Femi Akinwande and Tom Derry have moved on to Billericay Town and Welling United respectively. Attacking midfielder Stefan Ilic has moved the other way from the latter club though, and additional firepower has been recruited in the form of Chaynie Burgin from Woodford Town. Arjanit Krasniqi remains a key player in the heart of midfield for 'The Iron' and Luke Holness, despite not having got on the scoresheet recently, remains the top scorer in the league with four goals this term. #Throwback Wanderers visited Cressing Road on the August Bank Holiday as the sides shared the spoils in a hard fought contest. Barry Fuller had opened the scoring with his first goal in a red and white shirt before a Femi Akinwande strike and a well-hit volley from Correy Davidson sent 'The Iron' ahead going into the interval. Very shortly after the break though, Bobby-Joe Taylor restored parity via the penalty spot, neither side able to go on and grab a winner.