Robins shut out by brave Wands
SURVIVAL hopefuls Dorking and play-off chasers Altrincham were both left frustrated after playing out a goalless draw at Meadowbank which none really wanted.
Cutting edge was ultimately lacking from both sides in a low tempo, often sluggish contest, the visitors disappointment compounded in stoppage time at the end with Altrincham’s George Wilson sent off by referee Alan Dale for an offthe-ball incident.
The result left the Wands second bottom three points from safety and boss Marc White said: “We had a lot of box entries during the game, but as has been the case for us in recent times, our quality in the final third was not strong enough.
“To lose Jason Prior to injury in the first half was a bitter blow and sums up our season with regards to injuries.
“Defensively I think the boys deserve credit, we restricted Altrincham, who are a great team playing in high areas, to very few chances, and our back four deserve credit for that.
“We’re obviously disappointed not to get three points, but we are in a position where we can still pull ourselves away from danger, Thursday night is of course a big game.”
The home side narrowly avoided a scare in the early minutes as an awkward clearance from Haydn Hollis cannoned back off the defender’s own crossbar.
But from there Dorking took command of much of the possession through the remainder of the half and carved out the better chances.
Charlie Carter dragged a low strike wide after good work dribbling to the edge of the box before the impressive Aaron Kuhl and Bobby-Joe Taylor both wasted decent opportunities from set pieces within shooting range.
At the other end, Regan Linney and Matty Kosylo both drilled strikes over the bar either side of the interval respectively, and neither goalkeeper was called into action until the latter stages.
Wands stopper Harrison Male did well to parry a looping cross over the bar before producing outstanding reaction saves to keep out Alty skipper Lewis Baines volley and Jake Cooper’s header both from point blank range.
Carter stung the palms of Ethan Ross and denied Tony Craig from a header in the closing minutes, just prior to Wilson receiving his marching orders deep into time added on for an off-the-ball incident as Dorking prepared to take a free-kick.
“I thought it was a niggly game, not a pleasant one to take part in or watch,” Alty manager Phil Parkinson added.
“It’s a really disappointing end with our player being given a straight red, that’s going to affect us now back end of the season, we will look to see if it can be changed.
“I felt the referee struggled to get hold of the physicality in the context of the game.” STAR MAN: Aaron Kuhl (Dorking) ATT: 1,601 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Alan Dale