MATCH PREVIEW | DORKING WANDERERS

Barnet will be looking to continue their fine form as they head down south to Meadowbank to face Dorking Wanderers this Saturday (7th October, 17:30 KO).

So, What’s the Buzz?
Another week and more success has come The Bees’ way. On paper, playing 2 newly promoted sides in the same week may seem straightforward but as it’s been said many times, football isn’t won on paper. Last Saturday, The Bees played brilliantly away at Kidderminster. Anthony Hartigan scored a beauty of a free kick before Callum Stead doubled Barnet’s lead. The hosts pulled one back, but Barnet’s professionalism shone through as they claimed all 3 points. Tuesday would test a different characteristic of Barnet, Resilience!

AFC Fylde made their trip to The Hive and the 23 supporters who made the long journey south were celebrating within seconds of the kick-off as Fylde took the lead leaving The Bees stunned. In a cagey affair, Fylde’s chances of taking all 3 points were dashed with 20 to go as they went down to 10 men. Stead levelled the scores as The Bees were well on top and with the announcement of 8 minutes of added time over the tannoy, The Hive was buzzing as The Bees believed they could
win late on. In the dying embers of the game, Zak Brunt met a cross well with his head and guided it superbly into the path of Nicke Kabamba who stole all 3 points at the death, sending the home fans into raptures.

3 wins from 3 leaves Barnet 3 points off league leaders Chesterfield, 2 points in front of 3rd placed Solihull Moors, and 7 in front of Gateshead in 4th but Dean Brennan’s side will have to continue to focus on the next game, which is something that Barnet’s new signing Gary Hooper, announced on Tuesday, will have vast experience in. The former Celtic and Norwich striker could end up being a decisive signing in Barnet’s push for promotion.

Club Profile
Club Name: Dorking Wanderers
Nickname: Wanderers
Founded: 1999
Ground: Meadowbank
Manager: Marc White
League Position: 14th
Form: WLWWL

Opposition Report
Dorking has one of the most fascinating stories in English football. Founded by businessman and current manager Marc White and his close friends who were Wimbledon season ticket owners before their club was liquidized. This caused White and his friends to set up Dorking initially to fill up their Saturday afternoons. Since their formation 24 years ago, Dorking has been promoted an outstanding 12 times through local and regional leagues and has 0 relegations to their name. After an impressive 16th-place finish in their first-ever season in the National League last year, Dorking will want to continue their amazing progress and incredible story in the 5th tier.

One to Watch: Jason Prior
Prior is a vastly experienced striker having played for AFC Wimbledon in League 2 and at several clubs in non-league, scoring over 300 league goals across his 18-year career thus far. Having already netted 6 goals this campaign for Dorking, Barnet will have to keep Prior quiet to help in their quest for another 3 points.

In the Dugout: Marc White
White has been an ever-present for Dorking as a player, manager, and chairman. Before Dorking, White was a banker in the city of London before going into marketing, creating his own business. White’s and Dorking’s success has been outstanding but Barnet will have to block out the noise as they target another crucial 3 points.