Leaders inflict Twerton Park defeat on City

City suffered a first home defeat of 2022 this afternoon against Dorking Wanderers, a first half penalty and second half long range strike securing the three points for the league leaders. The opening 20 minutes was all City, Tom Smith forcing a smart stop from keeper Lincoln on six minutes then Elliott Frear blasting a great chance over the bar ten minutes later. The visitors began to show signs of life after this and had the ball in the net on 27 minutes only for a linesman’s flag to rule out McShane’s close range finish. Five minutes later McShane was involved in the incident that lead to the opening goal, appearing to catch Zak Delaney as he challenged for the ball just inside the box. The referee blew his whistle but to the astonishment of everyone in the ground, instead of awarding City a free-kick, he pointed to the penalty spot. Oldaker took full advantage of this decision, firing high to Ryan Clarke’s right into the roof of the net. The goalscorer denied Alex Fletcher a goal early in the second half with a great interception before Clarke had to be at his best to keep out Briggs’ shot. Just past the hour mark Dorking doubled their lead when Wheeler found space 25 yards out and curled a stunning shot past Clarke’s despairing dive. The Surrey side were now in control of the contest and for all City’s efforts they couldn’t fashion a clear opening. A poor clearance by Lincoln with five minutes left almost gifted the Romans a goal but Fletcher fired over from a difficult angle and Dorking comfortably saw out the remaining time to maintain their three point lead at the top of the Vanarama National League South.