This week's live TNT National League game has potential to be a memorable one, as Dorking host Barnet at Meadowbank.
After winning only one of their opening eight games, things were not looking good for Dorking. However, Marc White's side have turned it around, with four wins in six and two losses in their last seven games. After a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Kidderminster, Marc White's side will be hoping for a change of fortune in front of the television cameras.
Spirits were high at Meadowbank after a shock 2-0 victory at Victoria Park over Hartlepool. This came off the back of 1-0 away wins over Ebbsfleet and FC Halifax. Dorking have already kept five clean sheets this season, all coming in the last seven games. Last season, the Wanderers only kept seven clean sheets, so there has been a shift in strategy by Marc White. Dorking are renowned for their goalscoring prowess, so adding defensive stability to this armoury puts them in good stead. However, the loss to Kidderminster was a reality check for Wanderers, so they will be keen to ensure they are switched on against a strong Barnet side.
The Bees have only lost twice this season, away to Dagenham & Redbridge and at Rochdale. Ten wins and two draws from fourteen games see Barnet in second, just three points off current leaders and title favourites, Chesterfield. Dean Brennan's side mounted a monumental comeback to beat AFC Fylde in midweek, with the 10-goal Nicke Kabamba scoring a last minute winner. With momentum high, Barnet will hope to push on against minnows Dorking.
Dorking embarked on their debut National League season and put up a good fight, finishing 16th after only two defeats in their last 10 league games. With 91 goals conceded, Marc White's side had the second worst defensive record in the league. However, their 67 goals scored was the second most in the top eight, with the 17 goals of James Mcshane and the 13 goals of Ryan Seagar crucial in keeping Dorking afloat.
Their home form was also a strong point, with Dorking gaining 40 points from 23 home games, compared to the measly 17 away from home. This home record put them 8th in this metric in the National League.
Saturdays opponents, Barnet finished in 5th place before losing 2-1 at home to rivals Boreham Wood in the playoff quarterfinals. This was typical of their end-of-season form, only winning one of their final nine games.
The Bees were certainly entertainers, scoring 75 goals and conceding 67. 70% of their away games saw BTTS, with their away games averaging 3.34 goals per game. Away from home, Dean Brennan's side were impressive, picking up 33 away points, eight points off their home total.
Jason Prior is a non-league talisman. The 34-year-old scored seven goals in 14 appearances last season, before scoring six in 13 so far this campaign. With last seasons top scorers Ryan Seagar and James Mcshane only scoring three goals between them thus far, the onus has been on the veteran striker to provide the goals.
Nicke Kabamba enjoyed a rather fruitful 2022/23 season, scoring 19 goals in 43 games. However, this campaign, the 30-year-old has stepped it up a notch. The former Portsmouth striker has scored 10 goals in 14, including the winner in the 2-1 home victory over AFC Fylde.
Dorking 1-2 Barnet- 7.5
Barnet win and over 1 goal - 2.0
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