Saturday 7 September, Meadowbank, 15.00 BST
These games are coming thick and fast aren’t they, Terras fans?
It was only a few days ago where we were, once again, undone by a solitary goal in the second half, this time at home to Hampton & Richmond Borough.
But, despite that loss keeping us at the bottom of the table, it was a ridiculously unlucky result that could’ve gone the other way, had it not been for the heroics of shot-stopper Ted Curd.
Perhaps the biggest positive on Tuesday night was the debut of Jordan Maguire-Drew, whose ability to pick out a teammate with a pass is a sign of what we’ve been missing recently.
After his contract expired with *them lot* in Somerset, he’ll certainly enjoy himself a lot more down here.
But, what is less enjoyable is our points tally, as we travel to Surrey today with still without a point on the board.
Up against us is one of the league’s most talked about sides, Dorking Wanderers.
If you haven’t been living under a rock, you will have seen footage of Marc White and his meteoric rise up the football pyramid.
His remarkable journey, though, hit something of a slump at the end of last season, when his side suffered relegation back to the National League South.
Wanderers’ start to this season has been the ultimate definition of a mixed bag; sitting in 10th-place, they are one of just two sides to have an equal goal difference.
Their last game was one to forget, suffering a 3-1 defeat to 10-men Aveley earlier this week.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Though radio commentary will not be provided by the ever-brilliant Robert Santonna this afternoon, BBC Radio Solent will be providing coverage of the game; click HERE to access.
Live updates will also be posted on our social media accounts; footage and reaction will also be uploaded after the final whistle.
THE OPPOSITION
Amongst a historic league of clubs, many of whom have been established over the course of three centuries, Dorking’s footballing journey is a little different.
To start with, they have only been going for a quarter-of-a-century, only being founded by White and friends after they grew increasingly disillusioned with the way their childhood team, Wimbledon, had been run in the late 1990s
As well as being the club’s founder, White has acted as chairman and manager for the entirety of its existence.
Besides his impressive dedication, the gaffer went viral last year for his “brutal honesty,” letting “rip” on his players following a surprise 2-0 FA Cup exit to Isthmian League-outfit Horsham.
But, make no mistake, White’s mean managerial methods make success; since their foundation, his side have seen promotion 12 times.
Turns out there’s more than one Marc(k) who knows a thing or two about heading up a league!
However, with their first ever relegation at the end of last season, the Surrey outfit are facing a brand-new challenge.
Whilst their quest for promotion has seen five new additions to the squad since the end of last season, their most recognisable player will be Alfie Rutherford, who was with us on a short-term deal last season.
But, for all their talent and higher-league experience, this hasn’t helped them steer towards the top of the table, yet.
With three wins, two draws, two losses, and a red card, Wanderers have, so far, experienced every possible emotion that England’s sixth tier can throw at you.
Still, though, their recent history ensures they remain the team to beat.
But, as the mighty Terras will show, there’s only one Marc(k) in town…
PREVIOUS RESULTS…
Having faced Wanderers a total of three times (yes, that’s it!), there have simply not been enough previous contests for either side to boast the upper hand.
However, since we have won a single more game than our opponents, we will do it anyway.
These last two fixtures have both resulted in Weymouth wins, the last being a 3-2 victory in the 2019/20 play-off semi-finals.
As well as both Mark(c)s being in the dugout, Josh McQuoid was on the pitch, his third-minute penalty giving us the lead.
Then, after we had been leading by two goals since the 11th minute, Wanderers had struck back with five minutes left on the clock.
However, deep into stoppage time, there was one more twist in the tale, in the name of Yemi Odubade.
We can thank the striker’s thigh for winning us the game, and ultimately taking us to the fifth tier of English football.
An unusual way to score will be most certainly be welcomed again today; with the luck we’ve had so far, it’s time some of that went our way.
