On August Bank Holiday, we travel into Surrey to meet Marc White’s Dorking Wanderers, although the owner/manager will not be gracing the sidelines as he continues to serve a suspension.
Dorking have made a surprisingly uncertain start to the season, sitting just one place above the Angels, having gained a point more from their first four games which have have been accumulated via their home games against Chippenham Town (2-2) and Slough Town (2-0).
Last season, Dorking finished in sixth place but exited the play-offs at the Quarter Final stage at Boreham Wood, losing 4-3, after leading 3-1 with just seven minutes to go.
Marc White retained the vast majority of his squad during the close season and added Louie Annesley (Braintree), Frank Vincent Dagenham), Dennon Lewis (Woking) and Louis Storey (Darlington).
Last season’s corresponding fixture brought late heartbreak for the Angels as Rhys Murphy scored a 93rd minute winner for the home side but the game will be mostly remembered for the cessation of the game on 26 minutes when applause rang out from the Tonbridge Angels supporters in recognition of Devonte Aransibia, a young man who said he was never happier than when playing for Tonbridge Angels. As the referee, Adam Merchant, leant over an injured Taylor Maloney, the Dorking Wanderers captain, Charlie Carter, drew his attention to the applause. The game stopped, players joined with both sets of supporters in a show of respect for the young family man we have lost. In that minute, the ultimate result became immaterial, football had shown its soul.
Following their time in the National League, segregation is now in place at Meadowbank and our supporters will enter via the away turnstiles that will lead to the mostly uncovered terrace area on the east side of the ground which also houses a covered terraced enclosure that holds 150 and 50 seats will be made available to our supporters.
The Fan Zone is located next to the away fan turnstile entrance. A variety of draught beers, ciders, soft drinks and hot drinks are available, along with a selection of hot and cold food. Meadowbank is a cashless stadium.
There is no parking at Meadowbank and supporters should endeavour to use the nearby St. Martins Walk pay and display car park. The postal address for the car park is: St Martins Walk, Mill Lane, Dorking, RH4 1DU. For those using the RINGO app on smartphones, the car park code is 5643. Alternatively there is parking in surrounding roads.
Rail travellers arriving at Dorking mainline station have around a 15 minute walk to the ground.
Admission prices to the game are: Adults £18, Concessions £16, Under-18 £9 Under-8 £5 and a family ticket for two adults and two children for £38 and can be purchased HERE or card only on the turnstile.
Please note that no musical instruments, including drums, are permitted.
Enjoy the game!
