It was a historic night for Dorkinian Football Club at a raucous Meadowbank Stadium as the first team competed in the final of the Surrey FA Premier Cup for the first time in their history. Having successfully navigated a series of difficult fixtures in the lead-up to the final, including victories against last years holders Nottsborough and recently crowned Southern Combination Football League title winners Godalming Town, the Dorkinians side went into the fixture with tremendous optimism. Standing in their way was a Molesey side who had earnt themselves a final spot thanks to victories over the likes of Frimley Green, Metropolitan Police Reservers & the Honourable Artillery Company.

The game began exactly as could have been imagined, with both teams wrestling to gain an early foothold. Direct football in both directions brought a lot of early contests between attackers and defenders, with the ever-exciting Craig Kingswell for Dorkinians posing a significant threat in counter-attacking breaks of play. It was Dorkinians who enjoyed the better chances in the first quarter of the game, with Sam Rowley, James Herouvin, Andrew Sears-Black and the aforementioned KIngswell all looking dangerous around the Molesey box. Joe Pemberton was a shining light in the middle of the park across both the sides, finding pockets of space and time to link up passages of football that were unique in an otherwise old-school long ball game.

As the half drew to a close, Molesey’s attacking unit became increasingly fierce, and the back four of Dorkinians had to work incredibly hard to ensure very little clear cut chances could be created.

Half-time brought a welcome respite for both teams, with the physical exertion and excitement of a cup final clear for all to see. In the second period, personnel changes for Molesey allowed them to build a sustained period of pressure in the Dorkinians third, as they stretched Dorkinians defensively whilst continuing to bombard them with long through balls and throw-ins. Henry Warne in goal provided some well needed rearguard defensive stability, ably supported by the towering pair of Toby Pegge and George Warne at the heart of the defence. The introduction of Louis Rosher and Liam Hawkins for Dorkinians created more fluid counter-attacking opportunities. Both attackers linked up, drifting repeatedly into space to test the Molesey defensive line. Despite a lion share of possession, very little chances of note were fashioned by Molesey themselves, until a speculative strike near the end of alloted time found its way onto the crossbar and out, almost providing a heartbreaking end to what had been a brave defensive performance by Dorkinians.

When the final whistle blew with the scores even, I think most of the 354 in attendance would recognise that there was very little to separate the sides, with neither really deserving to deliver the knockout blow. With the competition dictating that all games be decided by a penalty shoot-out without extra time, a tense silence fell across Meadowbank. Well taken penalties by Pemberton, Sears-Black, Rosher and finally Woodman were enough to seal the most dramatic of victories, following an immense one-handed save from Captain Warne in goal.

The celebrations to follow are hard to describe in words, but the outpouring of emotion for the Dorkinians side was obvious. A thanks as always to the most loyal of supporters, who have braved the touchlines throughout an arduous season, rarely missing a game to ensure they can be the difference in the tight affairs. A nod also to the incredible band of youth team players, who were the loudest fans in the stadium by far and hugely inspiring for an amateur team who felt like professionals if only for one evening.

And the final note goes to stalwart Liam Hawkins, a twenty-five year veteran of the club who he has proudly represented since the age of six. ‘Hawko’ bows out his career with one of the most poetic possible endings, in a senior career that has seen him represent the first team one-hundred and forty-five times, delivering ninety goal and assist contributions. Congratulations to all of the team but a special salute to Hawko, who will be immensely missed.