Dorking Wanderers Weekly Update: Wanderers Chase FA Cup History Against Southall

Southall Preview: What To Expect

Southall play two divisions below Dorking in the Isthmian South Central Division, but they arrive full of confidence. This will be their third FA Cup tie of the season, having already knocked out Deal Town and Windsor & Eton in the previous rounds.

They are unbeaten in the league too, winning two and drawing three of their five matches so far, including a 2 1 win over Ascot United in midweek. Add two FA Trophy victories into the mix and Southall's record across all competitions this season reads six wins, three draws and zero defeats.

Dorking travel as heavy favourites, but White is wary of a side well-versed in non league cup football.

Form:
Southall: WDWWW
Dorking Wanderers: WWDDD

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What Marc White Said:

Marc White admitted his side were dealt a blow before kickoff at Torquay, but pointed to the positives from a testing afternoon in Devon.

"We were hit with a bit of bad luck with Jack Wood pulling his quad ten minutes before kickoff. We had to change the team around with a two minute team talk, a different shape and three players playing out of position, so that made it very challenging," White said.

"We played well on balance. A better second half than first. We were disappointed not to get all three points, having led 2 1 and been denied what we thought was a penalty in the latter stages. But a point at Torquay is always good. It's five games unbeaten and we've got so much more to come."

Looking ahead to Southall, White was quick to play down any sense of an easy afternoon. "I think Southall are full of boys who have been around the non league system, boys who know what the FA Cup means. I think it's a real banana skin and we'll be fully focused and at full strength. We're also looking forward to visiting a new club."

He added: "How desperate am I to get to the FA Cup first round? I think I would cut a finger off if I could guarantee it. That's how desperate."

What Josh Barrett Said:

Josh Barrett, who has settled quickly into life at Dorking since joining the club, says he is beginning to find his best form.

"I've absolutely loved it, to be honest. It's a really easy group to come into and everyone's made me feel welcome. I'm really settled in already and really looking forward to the future here," Barrett said.

"I think the last four or five games I've started getting better and better each week, and obviously now I've been adding goals, which has been great."

On the visit to Southall, he added: "It will be a really tough game. We will go there treating it the same as any other game, and of course if we show our quality we could have a good game, but we have to earn that."

Asked how much a strong FA Cup run would mean to the squad, Barrett said: "It's huge. It's an amazing competition and an opportunity to play against some really good teams. It would be great for everyone, so I hope we can give the club what they deserve."

What CEO Jonathan Bines Said:

Jonathan Bines admits Sunday's trip is about as close as the Wanderers will get to Wembley for now, but says there is plenty to be excited about.

"If we were travelling to Wembley we would pass the venue for Sunday's game against Southall. It might be the closest we get, but there is plenty of room to dream of making meaningful progress in the FA Cup this year," Bines said.

"We've clearly not had too much luck in recent years, but we are surely due a change in fortunes. Squad wise we are ever improving, be that fitness wise, players gelling, newer players understanding how we play, or simply individual and team performances."

"We'd always like a few more points on the board, but this weekend will give us a great opportunity to build the feel good factor and get a win under our belts."

National League South Title Odds

None of the top five favourites for the National League South title won last weekend, so there has been little change to the market.

Torquay remain 7/2 favourites following Dorking's 2 2 draw at Plainmoor, a result that leaves the Wanderers fourth favourites at 9/1. Dagenham & Redbridge lost their second consecutive match, beaten 1 0 by Weston super Mare, while league leaders and third favourites Maidstone fell to Braintree.

Chelmsford drew their seventh match of eight but remain unbeaten, leaving them fifth favourites at 14/1. With the title favourites dropping points, Farnham Town and Weston super Mare have both drifted out to 14/1 alongside Chelmsford.

Fixture Details

Southall vs Dorking Wanderers. FA Cup, Third Qualifying Round. Sunday 20th September, 15:00.