Opposition View | Dorking Wanderers

Ahead of the Good Friday clash between Woking and Surrey neighbours, Dorking Wanderers, we receive the lowdown from Dorking fan Toby Oliver as the Cards prepare for a first ever visit to Meadowbank.


Q1) How has your season gone so far in terms of pre-season expectations?

The season is starting to shape now, and we as Wanderers fans are over the moon to say the least as we are meeting our expectations of staying up as things stand. The season has definitely had its low points eg. Oldham home where we got trounced 5-1, and it has definitely had its high points with wins against the likes of Notts County, which to be perfectly honest no-one expected! Overall ,if our eventual outcome is us playing National League football next season, I think most of us will be very happy.

Q2) Who are your key players for Cards fans to keep an eye on?

I think George Francomb, Tony Craig, and Harry Ottaway will be players to keep an eye out for. Tony and George have only been at the club since February, but they have completely changed the way in which we defend. It has been alot tighter at the back and they have brought alot of leadership to the squad. Harry Ottaway has only come on as a sub in recent games, but when he is on, he gives his all and "fights for the badge". He also pops up with a goal from time to time. Additionally, his ability to head the ball, and win aerial duals is immense!

Q3) What is the Meadowbank experience like in terms of atmosphere, facilities and food?

Meadowbank is a very friendly, and welcoming place run by a very committed army of volunteers that always are there to put smiles on peoples faces with the way they treat fans (both home and away!). The atmosphere for big games like Friday, is usually spectacular and can get very loud. Marc has always liked to describe our atmosphere as our "12th man" at times! The facilities are very professional, and very modern at Meadowbank as the ground was built in 2018. There is a variety of food on offer for all fans to try too!

Q4) What are Dorking Wanderers’ aims for next season? '

I think the aim for next season would be to consolidate even more and perhaps aim to finish between 16th and 10th (mid table). The only trouble is with that is that we're still only part time, so at times it can be hard for the boys to compete with teams that are full time, and that really shows typically in the later stages of games. However, that would be the aim for us in the 23/24 season!

Q5) We’ve only met once before in the league, a 3-3 thriller at The Laithwaite Community Stadium earlier this season, what were your thoughts on that game?

Well that game was certainly one for the neutrals! It was very end to end type of stuff that night, and looking back on it, that point could be the difference come April the 29th for our bid for survival!

Q6) What is your score prediction for Friday’s game?

We have been on some really good form lately, winning 3 games on the spin and 2 clean sheets to back it. However, Woking have won 2, drawn 1, and lost 2 in their last 5. This game is huge for the both of us, as we are both in need of 3 points! I simply cannot pick a winner here so I am going to say a draw, but an entertaining one, 2-2.