Dorkinians First Team navigated another difficult away trip successfully this weekend, returning from Wandsworth Borough with a vital three points in the SAL Senior Division 1.

Heavy rain and a characteristically narrow Richardson Evans Pitch created favourable conditions for the opposition, who looked to frustrate Dorkinians with their low-block and break on the counter. Despite these efforts, Dorkinians were still able to fashion a number of good chances in the first half. Sam Rowley saw his long-range effort that looked destined for the bottom corner saved brilliantly by Neil Baker the Wandsworth Borough keeper, tipping it round the post. Rowley was then heavily involved again as two dangerous set pieces found the heads of centre-back pair Toby Pegge and George Warne, only for both efforts to go agonisingly close.

Typical of games this season, the second half broke down with less clear-cut chances emerging for either team. Wandsworth defended strongly, extinguishing threats and breaking the game down. Dorkinians matched their intensity, with eventual Man of the Match Tan King from central-midfield making himself known all over the pitch. The threat of breaking the deadlock remained for the Dorkinians side, who through the introduction of Phil Robinson and Josh Riccio were able to change the picture and open more spaces.

Despite Dorkinians enjoying the lion share of the play, it looked like it might be a day where both teams would have to settle for a point before the play of the day blew the game open. In the 82nd minute, King won possession in the middle of the pitch and played forwards to Riccio who found a pocket on the edge of the Wandsworth box to find Andy Sears-Black. Drawing in defenders, Sears-Black then released Rowley out wide, who returned the favour with a low-driven cross that was delightfully caressed home by Sears-Black.

A moment of quality worthy of winning any match, but Dorkinians were saved their blushes by Captain Henry Warne, who was called into action almost immediately saving low-down to his right after the Wandsworth Borough centre-forward James Basnett found himself one-on-one. Warne’s save reignited the resolve of the Dorkinians defence, who were able to marshal their box for the remainder of the time without further incursions. With the final whistle blowing it was victory on the road to bounce back from last weekends defeat and a return to the top of the table with other results going Dorkinians way.

Next week sees the team venture to Harrow for their first Cup fixture of the season, following byes, as they take on Old Lyonians in the Southern Amateur League Senior Cup Third Round.