Top of the table Dorking meet Salisbury this Saturday

Salisbury welcome Dorking Wanderers to the Ray Mac this Saturday (8th February) for the return fixture between two sides who produced one of the most exciting games of the season so far.

It’s Dorking’s first-ever visit to the Ray Mac since forming in 1999, with the game at Meadowbank earlier in the season sure to live long in the memory.

10-men Salisbury battled back from being two goals behind to come within seconds of winning against a side many fancy to be promoted back to the Vanarama National League this season.

Marc White’s side had led through two Jack Young goals, with Aiden Elliott-Wheeler having been shown a second yellow card, there weren’t many who expected what happened from the 87th minute onwards.

First Josh Hedges from the spot gave Salisbury supporters a glimmer of hope, then in the 5th minute of added time, Ronan Silva levelled, putting home the rebound after Owen Dore had hit the bar from a corner.

Salisbury’s travelling support were sent into seventh heaven when Josh Hedges grabbed his second of the game when he flicked a Jordan Ragguette cross in at the near post in the seventh minute of added time.

The game wasn’t over yet, and there was just time for substitute Bobby-Joe Taylor to grab a last-gasp equaliser for the home side in the 10th added minute. The game ended in a 3-3 draw following the breathless finale.

Dorking now sit at the top of the table on 56 points, having played 31 games, and their push for promotion continues. They are one of the form sides in the league at the moment, with only Eastbourne Borough (14) and Worthing (16) having picked up more points over the last six games.

In their last match, Dorking had to settle for a 2-2 draw against a Hampton and Richmond side that twice battled back from being behind, with Mauro Vilhete twice cancelling out goals from Dorking from Jimmy Muitt in the first half and Charlie Carter in the second. The equaliser came in the 89th minute as Vilhete kept Hampton’s fine form going, they have only lost once in the last 10.

Marc White felt that his side had dropped points in the game.

Salisbury are on a run of seven unbeaten games in the league, but have failed to beat three teams in a row who have been reduced to 10 men.

Last time out in the league, Salisbury drew 1-1 away at Hornchurch, collecting another point towards the aim of staying in the Vanarama National League South.

Callum Watts scored for the Whites in the later stages of the first half before Darren McQueen levelled the game after Salisbury failed to clear a corner with 10 minutes remaining.

Salisbury currently lay in 19th place, 9 points above the relegation places.

Tickets are available to purchase in advance here – https://www.salisburyfc.co.uk/tickets/. Tickets will also be available at the gate with Cash and Card payment accepted.