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Opposition Focus | Dorking Wanderers

Written by: Ollie Heathcote


Monday evening action at The Focus against The Wanderers, let's do it! Our second fixture against Dorking in less than two months, with the reverse fixture back on the 12th October ending in narrow defeat at Meadowbank. As The Tudors seek to respond, let's find out a little bit more about tomorrow night's opponents...


Founded: 1999

Nickname: The Wanderers

Manager: Marc White

Stadium: Meadowbank Stadium

Capacity: 3000


History of The Wanderers


Founded in 1999, Dorking Wanderers have had a spectacular journey from park football up

the non league pyramid. Founding members of the club Mark Lewington, Ian Davidson, Lee

Spickett, Penny Gregg and current manager Marc White entered the club into the Crawley & District League, immediately experiencing several promotions. They relocated from Big Field Brockham in 2007, to Westhumble, transforming the area into a senior level football ground.


In 2015, another promotion meant that the Wanderers reached Step 4 of non league. After

spending 2 years at that level, Wanderers eventually achieved promotion to the Bostik

Premier League and had another relocation to their current stadium, Meadowbank. They

achieved promotion in their first season to mark their 20 year anniversary to the National

League South. After the Covid Pandemic, Wanderers saw another promotion to the National

League in the 2021/22 Playoff Final against Ebbsfleet United. Their first taste of relegation

came after two seasons in the National League, however, Wanderers will look to bounce

back at the first time of asking.


Photo credit: Dorking Wanderers


The Gaffer - Marc White


Marc White has been the key figurehead in Dorking Wanderers’ history, being a founding

member of the club and overseeing 12 promotions in 23 years. Alongside management,

Marc White is also the owner and chairman of Dorking, being a key force behind recruitment

of players. His style of management was heavily published in the non-league channel Bunch

of Amateurs, who have documented the growth of both White and Dorking through non-

league. Initially playing for the club, White has been an incredible driving force behind the

growth of Dorking Wanderers.


Photo credit: Stuart McAlister


One to watch - Alfie Rutherford


Alfie Rutherford has proved himself to be a great threat for the Wanderers, operating on the

front line. Having already scored 6 goals this season, including one in his previous outing

with the Tudors, Rutherford will be looking to continue his goal scoring instincts in this

encounter.


Rutherford began his career at Moneyfields FC before transferring to Bognor Regis at the

beginning of the 2015/16 season. The following season, he transferred to Havant &

Waterlooville, before going on a loan to Eastbourne Borough. After 3 seasons at the Hawks,

Rutherford transferred to Dorking Wanderers, looking to make his breakthrough. His best

season at the Wanderers came in the promotion-winning season of 2021/22, where

Rutherford scored 30 goals, winning himself National League South Golden Boot.


Head Coach Marc White looks to utilise Rutherford to play on the shoulder of the last

defender, meaning that the Tudors defence will have to be aware of the threat of balls over

and through the back line.


Photo credit: Dorking Wanderers


The skipper - Charlie Carter


Charlie Carter has shown his captaincy quality, leading by example in his exceptional

performances, showing excellent creativity as an attacking midfielder. His experience in the

National League and League Two has helped Carter to develop his performances and make

him a threat to opposition defences. His CV includes representing clubs such as Woking,

Chesterfield, Eastleigh and Stevenage, which has given Carter the opportunity to play with


outstanding talent. His most outstanding performance so far this season was in Dorking’s 0-

4 victory away at Chelmsford City, where Carter scored a hat trick to announce his return

after 5 games. Carter will look to guide his team towards instant promotion back to the

National League this season.


Photo credit: Dorking Wanderers


Last Time Out


The last encounter between the two teams came on the 12th October, where Dorking took a

3-2 victory. The Wanderers started incredibly fast with quickfire goals from Charlie Carter

and Alfie Rutherford giving the hosts a 2-0 lead heading into the half time break. Jason Prior

extended the lead to 3-0 just 10 minutes after the restart. However, there was a glimmer of

hope for the Tudors, following an excellent long-distance strike by Akanbi. The lead was cut

further to 3-2 after Joe Iaciofano’s penalty, with Wanderers defender Tony Craig sent off in

the process. Despite the valiant effort, the comeback was incomplete as full time meant that

Dorking came away with the victory.


Photo credit: Club photographer, Jemma Sear (@_Photosbyjem)


See you at The Focus for some Monday evening action under the lights!

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