MATCH PREVIEW | THE STONES
Dorking Wanderers vs Wealdstone
Vanarama National League
September 19th 2023
Dorking make a swift return to league action on Tuesday evening with Wealdstone the visitors to Meadowbank for a 19:45 kick off.
Unbeaten through the month of September so far, Wanderers will be looking to continue and build upon a good run of form which has seen five points taken from the last three matches, and a trio of clean sheets kept along the way. After back-to-back goalless draws against Eastleigh and Oldham Athletic, Marc White's side turned in another resolute team display on Saturday afternoon at FC Halifax Town and this time took maximum points, Tony Craig's first half header enough for Wanderers to come away from The Shay Stadium with a first ever league victory in the north of the country. On an afternoon where Craig took the captains armband in the absence of Barry Fuller and scored his first goal in Wanderers colours, it was also a memorable occasion for new signing Tom Blair, the winger signed from Havant & Waterlooville earlier in the week named in the starting line up to make his Wanderers debut and getting an hour of game time.
Tuesday's meeting with Wealdstone will see Wanderers return home after a fortnight on the road and back under the midweek lights for the second time this term after coming from behind to defeat Southend United 2-1 last month. Wanderers are then back on home soil this Saturday afternoon with Rochdale making a first ever visit to Meadowbank for a 3pm kick off.
Team News
Marc White hinted in his weekly update broadcast on Friday that Niall McManus and Matt Briggs could potentially return to the matchday squad for Tuesday's game following their recent injuries.
Barry Fuller (knee), Luke Moore (hamstring) and Jimmy Muitt (stomach) are still a few weeks away from returning to action.
Opposition Focus: The Stones
Wealdstone sit just inside the top of half of the table in 11th place, taking 12 points from their opening 9 matches with an equal split of wins, draws and losses so far.
Like Wanderers, Stuart Maynard's side have remained a part-time outfit for 23/24, The Stones boss strengthening his squad in the summer with the signing's of Millwall U21 duo Kyle Smith (defender) and Abdul Abdulmalik (forward), the permanent acquisition of Charlton Athletic U21 defender Charlie Barker after the player featured on loan last term, plus forward Tahvon Campbell, who has signed on loan from Rochdale and netted 5 goals so far this campaign. Following the departure of former Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Howes in the close season to League Two Leyton Orient, The Stones have brought in Jed Ward on a season long loan from Bristol Rovers.
Following a run of three straight defeats, Wealdstone have got back on track in the last couple of matches, defeating Ebbsfleet United at home 2-1 courtesy of a brace from Campbell, before drawing 0-0 with Altrincham on the road this past Saturday.
Last Time We Met...
The sides last met in the league at Meadowbank in October of last year, Wanderers running out 3-1 winners. Ryan Seager put Wanderers ahead midway through the first half, but Tarryn Allarakhia equalised for The Stones not long after the interval. Harry Ottaway had been introduced at the break and restored Wanderers lead with just over twenty minutes remaining, tucking home Seb Bowerman's cut back, Seager then making sure of the victory very late on with his second goal of the afternoon.
Key Info
Tickets
Available online or at the turnstiles, tickets are priced at Adults £18, Cons £16, U18s £9 & U8s £5.
Our family ticket returns for 23/24 with two adults and two children able to watch the Wanderers take on The Stones for just £45!
Save time at the turnstiles by purchasing your tickets online:
https://dorkingwanderersfc.ktckts.com/event/g5/wealdstone
Matchday Programme
The printed programme remains in play for 23/24, available at the merchandise and food outlets on Tuesday priced at £3!
Join Us In The FanZone!
The FanZone will be open from 6pm on Tuesday evening, join us for a drink and soak up the atmosphere before kick off!
Match Updates
Not able to to get to Meadowbank?
LIVE COMMENTARY: Tom Rogers has got you covered with live commentary of the game via Mixlr! Stayed tuned to our social media channels for more information.
LIVE UPDATES: We will be providing action and score updates throughout the afternoon via Twitter, give us a follow us @DorkingWDRS
Visiting Fans Information
All the info on getting to Meadowbank, where to grab a pre-match drink beforehand and much more... https://www.dorkingwanderers.com/visiting-supporters