Dorking Wanderers Weekly Update: Bring On The FA Cup

Wanderers Chase FA Cup History At Meadowbank

Dorking have never reached the First Round of the FA Cup. Beat Chatham on Saturday and they will be one step away.

It is the second time the Isthmian Premier Division side have visited Meadowbank this season. The clubs met in a pre-season friendly in July, with Chatham running out 1-0 winners.

The Chats have started their league campaign inconsistently, with four wins and four defeats from their eight matches. Their cup form is another matter: they went to Slough Town in the previous round and came away with a 1-0 win to set up this tie.

Dorking go into the match in good form (DDDWW), while Chatham's recent results have been mixed (DWLWL).

What Marc White Said:

Marc White admitted to relief after the win over Braintree, but was full of praise for his side's attacking options ahead of the cup tie.

"We felt light relief after the Braintree game, at the end of a difficult week with heavy load on management and players. We conceded two worldies and a third goal that shouldn't have counted. The player ran on the pitch having been off injured and my team didn't spot him," White said.

"The main thing is getting the points and it was a good set of points to get against a team that had only lost one in seven. We're on a decent long unbeaten run ourselves - one defeat in 11 - and we're really pleased with the goals we're scoring."

White highlighted the depth of his forward line. "We've got a lot of goals in the team - Dennon Lewis, Nikaj, Barrett, Rogalski, Rutherford, McShane... it's a front line to be envious of. It's always exciting watching us and we've always built teams that entertain and score goals."

On Saturday's opponents, he added: "I think Chatham have got cup pedigree - they got to the First Round last year. They're a really hardworking team and they come from a division that's really robust and we're going to have to work hard if we're to progress to the 4th Qualifying Round."

What Brennan Camp Said:

Brennan Camp, nominated for OLBG's September Player of the Month, says regular football has been the key to his form.

"Yeah really happy to be nominated for OLBG's September Player of the Month. It obviously helps when you're playing a lot and winning games. The main aim is to stay fit, and then the confidence will come with playing regularly!" Camp said.

"Regarding the recent defensive record, I think as long as we're winning games that's all that matters! Obviously, it helps when you're keeping clean sheets so I think it's just about getting a defence out week in, week out and building those relationships."

On Saturday's tie, he added: "I think this weekend will be a really tough test. We played them in pre-season and they run hard, and they're aggressive in the way they press, so we know what to expect. Hopefully we can keep this unbeaten run going and get through to the next round!

"It's a really big competition that you want to do well in. For the club it's massive. We've not had much luck in the past few years so hopefully we can win a few games and get as far as we can!"

What Jonathan Bines Said:

From the boardroom, Jonathan Bines reflected on a relentless schedule and what the FA Cup means to the club.

"The weeks keep flying by. As soon as one game is prepared for and played, it seems to be five minutes later we're back out there again! We should always continue to understand and appreciate how much work goes into the preparation for each and every game. It is relentless and we've just crept into October and we know we've got another six months of football to play!" Bines said.

"We've had some decent results but the players and the coaching staff always want more. And we've had some relatively strange and entertaining games recently. I don't think anyone would complain about a simple couple of 1-0 wins, that's for sure!"

Bines expects a competitive afternoon. "There is no point in playing it down, the FA Cup is iconic and represents an amazing opportunity for us as a club to create some really cool memories. The pre-season friendly we had against Chatham will be helpful and unhelpful in equal measure, with the clubs having a degree of familiarity with each other. I remember that game as a relatively feisty affair so Saturday will have a bit of bite to it.

"Once again, we are there to be shot at and the players will be focused on making sure that we're not having another replay to deal with."

He added: "Fingers crossed for the weekend, your support means everything to the players and no doubt you'll be right behind the lads again on Saturday as we try to get ourselves back in the hat…"

National League South Title Odds

It may be all about the FA Cup this weekend, but the title market has moved again.

Dagenham & Redbridge are back as favourites at 4/1 following Torquay United's 3-0 loss to Billericay, which sees the Gulls drift to 9/2.

Dorking's dramatic win against Braintree has seen their odds narrow to 8/1, helped by leaders Maidstone losing their second consecutive match. Just three points now separate The Stones in first and Farnham in ninth.

Truro City could go top if they win their game in hand and have shortened to 11/1.

Away from the title race, Chelmsford drew 0-0 again last weekend, meaning they have drawn eight of their nine league games, scoring nine and conceding eight. One of those was a 3-3 draw with Dorking at the start of September.

Fixture Details

Dorking Wanderers vs Chatham Town. FA Cup. Meadowbank. Saturday 3rd October, 15:00.