Saturday brings another top five team to the Yeomans Community Stadium in the shape of Marc White’s Dorking Wanderers for our opening game of 2026.
Dorking are often described as a bit of a fairy tale club, rising under White’s direction, both as owner and manager, from grassroots, amateur football all the way through to the National League, where they enjoyed a couple of seasons before dropping back into the South in the space of 25 years. But, they are a shining example of what can be achieved when a club is well-run and well-resourced and, although White can divide opinion, that should never diminish the respect he deserves for those achievements.
Since their elevation to National League South in 2019, Dorking have never finished outside the play-offs and, last season, reached the play-off semi-final, losing to Boreham Wood.
On Tuesday evening, Dorking lost 3-2 at Worthing, which left Dorking fifth, five points off their hosts, who now head the table. The defeat ended a run of four straight wins with victories over Eastbourne Borough, Weston-super-Mare, Slough Town and Horsham. The Slough win was one of their three away wins this season, having also come away with maximum points from Bath City and Salisbury.
Many of Dorking’s squad have been with White, on and off, for many years with the likes of Jason Prior, Alfie Rutherford, James McShane, Niall McManus, Dan Gallagher and Jimmy Muitt all experienced players in the squad. Charlie Carter is their top scorer this season with 11 League and Cup goals; Dennon Lewis has seven, as does Alfie Rutherford, who scored two against us on August Bank Holiday.
In goal is Harrison Foulkes, who joined in the summer from Eastbourne Borough. He started his career at Hull City from where he developed with a number of loan spells. Tony Craig made 300 appearances for Millwall and was in the Lions team which won promotion in 2010 and 2017, the second of which he captained. In midfield, George Francomb arrived in 2023 from Crawley Town, having made more than 200 appearances for AFC Wimbledon. Carter, one of Tuesday night’s goalscorers, joined from Eastleigh in 2023, having played in the Football League for Stevenage.
Up front, Jason Prior, who needs no introduction, rejoined the club in 2023 having been a key member of the successful Dorking squad between 2018 and 2022. He is the only player for whom Dorking Wanderers have paid a transfer fee when he returned from Havant and Waterlooville in 2023.
Last season’s corresponding fixture was settled in the Angels’ favour with an early Jamie Fielding goal and a subsequent resilient defensive performance resulted in a 1-0 win in October 2024.
Admission prices for Tuesday’s game are: Adults £18; Concessions £15; Youths £8 and Under-12’s free with accompanying adult with tickets available HERE with the offer to EFL season ticket holders of admission for £10 on production of their season ticket.
Gates open at 1 pm with the Sports Bar open from the outset with the offer of Carling at £4.50 per pint or £8 for two pints. The Tea Hut serving burgers, hot dogs, butties, hot and cold drinks and Fries Like An Angel, serving all your favourite loaded chips are also open from 1 pm. The Pie Shack opens from 1.30 pm. After the game, the Sports Bar will host Happy Hour between 5pm and 6pm, with all draught beer at £1 off. The staff and players will be in attendance with the Player of the Match presentation made around 6pm.
Enjoy the game!
