Gary Johnson’s men return to league action tonight, as Dorking Wanderers visit Plainmoor for the first time.
After Gary Johnson’s side came from behind to force a replay out of League One opposition Derby County over the weekend, United’s attention returns to league action on Wednesday evening – marking the first ever competitive fixture between the two sides.
Who’s the Boss?
Marc WhiteMarc White isn’t just the Dorking Wanderers manager – he is also the club’s founder, owner and chairman. The enthusiastic, straight-talking 49-year-old, who also runs a marketing company, formed the club with some friends in 1999. The team started playing football in a park, but since then the club, which currently operates on a part-time basis, has certainly come a long way. It has steadily
climbed the football pyramid, celebrating a dozen promotions, moving to Meadowbank Stadium in 2018 and clinching promotion to the National League earlier this year after defeating Oxford City and Ebbsfleet in the play-offs. White is said to be willing to sack himself as manager if the Wanderers’ next steps don’t go to plan. He is reported as saying:
“If we weren’t doing well I would be the first to go, because I am the biggest Dorking Wanderers fan of all.”
How have they been doing?
Dorking began their first ever National League campaign with a 2-2 draw against Chesterfield at their Meadowbank, home coming back from 2-0 behind, before getting their first ever top division win 10 days later winning 4-2 at Maidstone United. Wanderers have also had impressive wins against Barnet, Dagenham & Redbridge and Wealdstone, though their most notable victory was a 3-1 home win against current league leaders Notts County, with James McShane scoring a hat-trick. With their last game at FC Halifax postponed Dorking’s last outing was a 3-0 home defeat to Aldershot on 29th October. Wanderers come into this game sitting in 15th position with a record of six wins, three draws and seven defeats.
Player to Watch
James McShane is certainly enjoying his sixth season with club. He has registered 11 goals so far this term, including a hat-trick over table-toppers Notts County and braces against Maidstone United and Dagenham and Redbridge. One of the first names on Marc White’s teamsheet, James is a naturally gifted and highly skilled footballer who is comfortable in both midfield and further forward. Having turned out for Scottish sides Clyde and East Stirling before enjoying success south of the border with the likes of Chipstead, Egham and Molesey,
McShane has now made over 200 appearances and scored over 60 goals for The Wanderers.
Torquay United v Dorking | Wednesday 9th November 2022 7:45pm | National League | TICKETS | OFFICIAL TUFC RADIO