Dorking Wanderers. Always entertaining, to say the very least. From the Bunch of Amateurs comedic spin on non-league to Marc White’s hilarious touchline antics, most football fans have crossed paths with the Surrey-based side in one way or another.
Founded as recently as 1999, Dorking’s meteoric rise has been well documented, particularly since reaching the National League in 2022- a remarkable achievement in such a short lifespan.
After two seasons in non-league’s top flight, the Wanderers were relegated back to the National League South and then missed out on the title in dramatic fashion last season. Alongside their play-off counterparts, they fell short in one of the most hotly contested title races in recent memory, which ultimately went the way of Truro City.
This time around, Dorking have begun to motor and now find themselves back at the summit of the division. An inconsistent start left many questioning whether another season of frustration lay ahead - but White had other ideas.
One draw, one defeat and ten wins in their last twelve league games — including a run of six straight victories - has propelled the Wanderers into pole position heading into the run-in.
That lone defeat came away to recent rivals Worthing, who under the re-guidance of Adam Hinshelwood looked set to finally plant their flag a level higher. Since beating Dorking, however, Worthing have nine eight games without a win and slipped out of the automatic places.
For Dorking, a 1-0 home win on Tuesday evening against promotion hopefuls Hornchurch has reignited belief, with a return to the National League no longer looking unrealistic.
Dorking’s summer recruitment is beginning to pay dividends. Louie Annesley, Dennon Lewis and Frank Vincent were all tipped for bigger moves, yet opted for Meadowbank - decisions widely questioned at the time.
A title push at a club constantly under the spotlight may prove the springboard they need to reach the next level.
Annesley in particular stood out. After leaving Braintree Town, the full Gibraltar international - capped 55 times at just 25 - was tipped for a return to the EFL. Having started his career at Cobham before moving to Blackburn Rovers, he now finds himself thriving under White’s guidance.
Following an injury-hit start, Annesley has become central to a defence that has transformed Dorking from play-off hopefuls into title favourites.
White has never hidden his ambition: back to the National League, and ultimately into the EFL. Owner, manager and driving force, he is determined to correct the mistakes of their previous spell at the top level - and Dorking appear far better equipped this time around.
Only twice in the last 20 years has a relegated side bounced straight back from the National League South. It may take Dorking two seasons to return - but can they do it this year?
It’s a fiercely competitive division, and one we’ll be watching closely through the BoA cameras.
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