CHARLIE’S THE ANGEL AS WANDS END WOES
CHARLIE Carter’s first goal for Dorking Wanderers was enough to hand Marc White’s men a first home win since November at the expense of ten-man Gateshead at Meadowbank.
Gateshead’s Regan Booty was sent off by referee Aaron Farmer for a hefty challenge on Jason Prior on just 24 minutes, punished by Carter’s cool close-range finish just before half-time.
“I’m delighted with the win today, especially with our preparation being so limited after the postponed match on Tuesday and just one training session this week,” White said.
“We shaded the game before the red card and were in the ascendancy towards half-time but couldn’t get that important second goal.
“Then, with the way they adjusted after the break and got more bodies behind the ball, we found it tough. They completed well but overall I think we were good value for the win.”
Indeed, White’s side showed the greater urgency early on but could only fashion half-chances. Seb Bowerman fired wide after cutting in from the left, Carter’s low effort was then saved comfortably by Eddie Beach after Niall McManus won the ball on the edge of the Heed box.
But the dynamics of the game flipped on 24 minutes when Booty’s tackle on Prior right in the middle of the park was deemed a straight red by referee Farmer and the Wands didn’t lok back.
White’s men took a greater command of possession in the lead up to half-time, and whilst clear-cut opportunities was still in short supply, Carter managed to take one two minutes before the interval. Bowerman won the ball high up field and fed Josh Taylor, who in turn laid off for Carter to stab the ball beyond Beach at his near post.
Despite being a man down, it was the Heed who fashioned the better opportunities after the restart and throughout a second half frequently broken up by niggly fouls.
Louis Storey and Marcus Dinanga both went close directing headers over the bar from Luke Hannant’s set-pieces, before Connor McBride clipped the upright after twisting and firing inside the box as Dorking looked to secure a first clean sheet in the league since September.
The returning Alfie Rutherford and Jimmy Muitt both forced saves from Beach but the second goal was ultimately not necessary.
Gateshead boss Rob Elliot told The NLP: “The sending off has changed the whole outcome of the game – for me it’s not even a yellow, I thought the referee was quick to brandish the red card.
“Even with less men though I felt we had more possession and had the better chances second half, it was always going to be difficult after the dismissal but our players reacted well and showed great character.”