Match Report: Dartford 1-0 Dorking Wanderers
London & South East Regional League, Premier Division, played on Sunday 28th April 2024
Team: Jade Charlton, Chana Hinds, Jo Woodgates, Lizzie Adams, Shauni Griffiths,
Amelia Woodgate, Xayla-Rae Alberts, Hannah Cleary, Charlie Torry, Emily Woodhouse,
Maddison Woodgate
Subs (all used): Amy Reader, Gabby Howell, Emily Vaughan, Paris Smith
Goalscorer: Amelia Woodgate
I am indebted to Connor Brennan for bringing this match report to you. I am unfortunately on sick leave.
Another week, another ‘cup final’ for the Darts as Dorking Wanderers were the visitors to
Princes Park. Darts headed into this game knowing anything less than a victory, would mean
that our challenge for the League trophy would be all but over.
Darts began the game very much on the front foot. Sustained possession early on saw the
Darts create the better chances in the early stages of the first half. In the 10th minute, a
great move from the Darts saw Shauni cross from the right-hand side, but the cross evaded
everyone trying to get on the end of it.
The home side continued to dominate the early stages of the contest. In the 14th minute,
another good passage of play from the Darts saw Emily Woodhouse get in down the right
hand to cross for Amelia, but the effort on goal came back off the woodwork.
As the first half continued on, the visitors began to force mistakes from the Darts and this led
them growing in confidence. They created a couple of half chances in the latter stages of the
first half. The first, a cross from the right hand side saw the ball fall to a Dorking player in the
6yd box, forcing a smart stop from the Darts No1. The second, similar to the first, a cross
from the right-hand side found a Dorking player unmarked, but the effort on goal came back
off the crossbar.
HT Darts 0-0 Dorking Wanderers.
The second half began, similarly to the first, with the Darts seeing the best of the early
exchanges. Emily Woodhouse tried to catch the Dorking keeper out with an effort from
distance, but the effort on goal was wide of the Dorking goal.
Darts Substitutions:
Off: Emily Woodhouse, Charlie Torry
On: Paris Smith, Gabby Howell
Darts continued to create chances as the second half went on. In the 72nd minute, a great
through ball found Amelia, who got in behind the Dorking defence, but the effort on goal was
blocked by the Dorking keeper.
Darts Substitution:
Off: Maddison Woodgate
On: Emily Vaughan
Darts continued to apply pressure as the game approached the final 15 minutes and that
pressure paid off in the end as the Darts took the lead. In the 77th minute, a throw from the
Darts was headed on at the front post from Emily Vaughan, who in turn, found Amelia in the
6yd box and the ball was poked beyond the Dorking keeper. Darts 1-0 Dorking Wanderers.
Darts Substitutions:
Off: Shauni Griffiths, Emily Vaughan
On: Amy Reader, Emily Woodhouse
The home side continued to look for the second goal of the game and came close to doing
so in the final stages with a couple of great chances. The first saw Amelia get on the end of
another fantastic through ball, round the keeper but the effort on goal came back off the post.
The second, similar to the first, an effort from Amelia that yet again came back off the post,
the rebound from Xayla was held by the Dorking keeper.
FT Darts 1-0 Dorking.
A tough game against a very well organised Dorking Wanderers side. A result that sees the
Darts go unbeaten at home in all competitions. Fantastic achievement and a massive
congratulations to all involved!
POTM: Xayla-Rae Alberts.
Next Game: Aylesford United (Kent Cup Final, Thursday 2nd May 2024)
Match report by Connor Brennan.
Uploaded by Tony Brown
Photos by Taur Everard