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Eastbourne Borough vs Dorking Wanderers
Saturday 31 August 2024 - 15:00
Vanarama National League South
ADAM MURRAY 5
Hear the exclusive thoughts of boss Adam Murray ahead of Eastbourne Borough’s return to The ReachTV Stadium against Dorking this afternoon
MATCH PREVIEW 24
Ant Scott looks ahead to today’s National League South fixture as Dorking Wanderers look to continue their good start to the new campaign
JAYDEN DAVIS 12
Tom McCleave catches up with one of Borough’s new summer signings, who got off the mark on the opening day against Chesham United
DORKING WANDERERS 32
Get the lowdown on today’s visitors, who have got off to a solid start after suffering relegation for the first time will look to bounce back
Conference South (level 6): 2004/05 (play off), 2007/08 (play off)
Sussex County League
Division 1: 1999/2000
Division 2: 1987/88
Division 3: 1986/87
Sussex FA Senior Challenge Cup 2001/02, 2008/09, 2015/16
FA Cup: First Round: 2005/06, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2016/17, 2020/21
Eastbourne Borough Football Club 2023 Ltd (Company No. 14875549).
Reg. Office: Eastbourne Borough Football Club, Priory Lane, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN23 7QH. People of significant interest: Eastbourne Sporting Village, Eastbourne Borough CIC. 12
ADAM MURRAY
A warm
welcome back to The Reach TV Stadium
for today’s
National League South fixture
Today we entertain Dorking Wanderers and I would like to welcome Marc White, his staff, players and officials to the ReachTV Stadium.
It’s good to be back at home after a long trip to Weymouth which thankfully saw us all come back with a huge three points.
After the first half where two players were forced off injured, you were thinking what else could go wrong, but the lads stood strong and overall we were really pleased against a tough opponent.
The feeling I had was true pride of what we did, and to give our amazing support something to go back home on the bus with.
I expected the game to be a bit more open than it was, but we made the most of our opportunities and it took something special from Siya to give us a deserved winner.
It completed a great weekend for us all and one in which the players were outstanding. To have that quick turn around and travel and still be able to put a gritty performance in as they did deserves a lot of credit.
Something has to be said about the two games in three days as it really is a danger
to the players. They are not robots and it is putting their health on the line.
Unfortunately we lost our skipper, which is a big blow but we await the scan results and we will go from there. Knowing him as I do he is a tough cookie and I have no doubts he will come back even stronger.
The squad is being pushed to its limits at the moment and it’s great to see people stepping up and embracing the challenge.
We will need to step up today as a team against a very strong opponent. One of the favourites to get promoted and a squad filled with players recruited for the league above.
It’s a great test for us though and one we go in to with full confidence and no fear. These are the games you want to play in.
The boys will need your superb support again today to help them keep pushing until that final whistle. When we are together at home and as one it takes something special to get the better of us.
Make some noise for the boys and let’s give it everything we’ve got !!!
Let’s go!
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SIMON LESLIE
Welcome back to Priory Lane, now proudly known as The ReachTV Stadium.
Welcome to the directors and fans of Dorking. We’re thrilled to have you join us at ReachTV Stadium for what I’m sure will be an exhilarating match day.
After a minor setback in Hampshire, the team has roared back to form with two impressive victories over the bank holiday weekend. These were matches we stumbled in last year, so our current momentum is a testament to the resilience and determination of our players, and management team even in the face of the injury challenges.
We face a formidable opponent in Dorking Wanderers, and with Marc White’s team in town, we’re bracing ourselves for one of our toughest tests yet. Marc said that teams elevate their game when playing against Dorking, and the same seems true for those facing Eastbourne. We’ve always had a knack for bringing out the best in our rivals!
We’re expecting our biggest crowd of the season so far, and your support is crucial as we aim for a third consecutive victorysomething we haven’t achieved here since November 2022 where we went 4 wins on the trot. I’ve just returned from a refreshing holiday and am full of energy to ensure our commercial and operational goals are met
over the coming months. We’re keen to involve more local businesses, welcome new fans, and stir up excitement as we fight to climb out of this league. Our dedicated team, including Holly, Adam, Louis, Alan, and myself, is committed to making this the best season ever for our club. The Cramp and Mullaney Lounge has been buzzing with activity!
This summer has been bustling with positive changes. We’ve welcomed a new chef who will delight you with a fantastic new menu, and our calendar is packed with special events leading up to Christmas. We’re already booking festive parties, so don’t hesitate to contact Julie at events@ebfc.co.uk.
Our new pink kit has been a hit, even making waves on social media thanks to @_formz’s Premier League Roundup, which you can check out on Instagram. Grab your new pink shirt either in the shop or at ebfc.shop before they are all gone! The pink army has been vibrant and vocal at our away games. I am creating a new competition for this season and it will involve the pink shirt and trip to Miami Beach! Stay tuned for the rules!
Every fan’s presence truly makes a difference, so thank you for your support.
FROM THE
DRESSING ROOM
Vice-Captain Alfie Pavey talks to Tom McCleave ahead of today’s game at The ReachTV Stadium with Dorking
As the season progresses, the role of vice-captain has seen Alfie playing a crucial part in maintaining high standards across the team.
Reflecting on these opening games, he emphasises the collective leadership within the squad. “We talk about standards a lot,” Alfie says. “There’s a few of the lads in the team who have played a lot of games, so it’s not just me that leads this – we do it as a collective, and the group just does it naturally. But if something needs stumping down on, us seniors are there to do so.”
When it comes to keeping the team focused and in peak condition, Alfie is clear that the tone is set by the management. “I think this comes from the management and we then follow. If you’re not on board with that, then you’re in the wrong team and not at the right club,” he says, underlining the importance of alignment with the club’s ethos.
Looking back at the initial matches, Alfie sees the squad’s ability to grind out results as a standout strength. “I think it’s how we are finding a way to win which stands out so far. A sign of a good team is a team that knows how to grind out results,” he explains.
This mentality has been evident in the early performances, where the team has shown a relentless focus. “For that 90 minutes we are fully focused on the task ahead, even if our backs are against the wall,” he adds.
Team chemistry, always crucial, has been strong from the start. Alfie reflects on the importance of camaraderie, saying, “All the teams I have been promoted from – this has been the main reason why. A good changing room with no bad eggs makes your journey as a team much easier.” The current squad is tight-knit and competitive, with
no one’s position guaranteed. “We are a tight group who demand so much of each other, and the best thing about it is nobody’s position is safe. Any one of the lads can come in and take your shirt at any time,” he says. A pre-season trip away helped the squad bond on a personal level, setting them up well for the challenges ahead.
With several new players joining the squad, Alfie believes they’ve adapted seamlessly. “Me being one of them, I think everyone has adapted really well. Everyone has understood the criteria of what it means to play for this manager and for this club straight away, so we are only going to get stronger and stronger,” he says. Among the new signings, young Brandon has particularly impressed Alfie.
“Firstly, what a fantastic kid off the pitch – he brings light to our changing room every day with his personality. He’s been thrown in at the age of 18 and shown what he is capable of, and he’s been our standout player so far,” Alfie remarks. Although he’s reluctant to lose a player of Brandon’s calibre, Alfie acknowledges that the young player has a bright future ahead of him.
As for his own goals, Alfie’s focus remains on promotion and personal growth. “I think the common theme is promotion and continuing to grow as a person myself, learning new ways to deal with different situations under a new manager and taking on more responsibility as the weeks go on,” he says.
As the Dorking game approaches, Alfie’s leadership, both on and off the pitch, will be crucial in guiding Eastbourne Borough through the challenges ahead. His commitment to the team’s success and his role in maintaining the squad’s high standards make him an invaluable asset in their push for promotion.
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PERFECT START FOR JAYDEN
Jayden Davis didn’t hesitate when the opportunity to join Eastbourne Borough FC came his way.
“The biggest thing was the ambition and high standards of the club,” he says.
“I’m a very ambitious person, so when I heard about the project they’re building here, it was pretty much a no-brainer.”
Jayden’s hunger for success is deeply rooted in his past experiences, particularly with Braintree Town.
“Winning promotion with Braintree left me wanting more. When I heard the aims and aspirations of this club, they completely aligned with mine,” he reflects.
His objectives for the season are clear: “Promotion is definitely my main objective.
“Personally, I want to score and assist as much as possible because that’s going to help the team achieve our final goal.”
Looking ahead to upcoming fixtures, Jayden knows the challenges that lie ahead.
“It’s going to be a really tough game, but we’ve shown as a team that we can win ugly when we need to. No game is easy, but we’ve got to stick to our playing style and show our quality.”
One of the standout aspects of his early days at Eastbourne Borough has been the camaraderie within the squad. “There’s something massive in our changing room, there’s
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no divide or cliques. Everyone gets on with everyone, and our relationships are only going to get stronger as the season goes on.”
Reflecting on his time at the club so far, Jayden recalls a special moment from the opening day.
“Scoring on the opening day was a good moment for me, even though we didn’t get the win.
“Celebrating in front of the fans was really nice, and I hope there are many more moments like that to come.”
For fans eager to know what to expect from Jayden, he describes
his playing style as one that’s sure to keep them on the edge of their seats. “I’m a direct player. I like to always excite the fans when I get on the ball.”
When it comes to handling the pressure and expectations that come with playing for a club with big ambitions, Jayden embraces it.
“Expectations are a big motivation for me, and I feel I thrive off them. They push me to play harder, and I hope I can live up to those expectations this season.”
As for what excites him most about the season ahead, Jayden
is focused on the here and now.
“It’s hard to say what I’m most excited about because I’m excited whenever the next game is coming up.
“I really hope we can achieve something special this season. Me and the boys are going to do everything we can to bring as much joy to the fans as possible.”
I HOPE THERE ARE MANY MORE MOMENTS LIKE THAT TO COME...
emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, pride for Eastbourne.”
AROUND THE NATIONAL LEAGUE
The only 100% record across the National League has gone following a blistering Bank Holiday.
Eastleigh, the only side to win all their games before today, are still top despite a frustrating 1-1 home draw with Sutton United. Paul McCallum levelled after Eduino Vaz put the visitors ahead and both look challengers this season.
The DAZN game was a thriller - the subs totally turned things around as Harry Beautyman’s late winner made it a painful return to Woking for Hartlepool manager Darren Sarll.
Reece Smith shot down Barnet as the two-goal midfielder earned Maidenhead United their first win. There were some big first wins for others. Wealdstone beat AFC Flyde 1-0, Harry Sandat with the winner.
Tamworth defeated inconsistent Aldershot 3-2 as Chris Wreh hit
the net again. Boston United also has a great Bank Holiday leaving York City with all three points. Jacob Hazel and Keaton Ward scored the goals.
It was late but great for Rochdale at Yeovil - a 91st minute Connor McBride goal earned all the points. Gus Scott-Morriss grabbed a late point for Southend at home to Dagenham in a big game at Roots Hall, it ended 2-2.
There was more late drama at the New Lawn - Forest Green scored in the 94th minute through Charlie McCann as Altrincham left heartbroken.
Elsewhere Manny Monthe scored again as Oldham pegged Gateshead back as Solihull Moors left Halifax 1-0 winners. Braintree and Ebbsfleet fired blanks.
There were some eye-catching National League South results. Early leaders Boreham Wood went down at Salisbury, Ronan
Silva the match winner for the new arrivals.
Truro City hit Worthing for five, there was a hat-trick for Jaze Kabia as the Rebels were blown at in Cornwall.
St Albans City go top after a fine 3-0 win at Aveley took Scott Davies’ team to the summit. Bradley Ash’s 96th minute winner keeps Torquay United flying high, they left Chesham 3-2 winners.
Hemel Hempstead Town also grabbed glory late on - they defeated Enfield 1-0, Trae CookAppiah the hero.
Elsewhere there were wins for Bath City over Hampton while two goal Rhys Murphy earned Dorking victory over St Albans City.
Sean Shields’ treble gave Tonbridge a stunning 3-0 win at Farnborough with Eastbourne and Weston also tasting success.
WOMEN’S UPDATE
With Women’s First Team Manager Chris Day
It’s been a whirlwind 2 months - myself and my staff only came into our roles at the start of July, so our focus was on quickly putting together a pre season fixture programme, whilst also putting the correct structure in place for the women’s side to thrive.
This has included bringing in physical performance and player care leads alongside video analysis and increased training time. I think we are still only just starting to see some results of these changes, as for many players it’s been quite a shock to have higher demands on them physically and tactically - our whole pre season schedule was based around playing teams from the league above, in order to effectively challenge the players, but also look at areas we may need to quickly focus on.
Performances have been good, and we’ve specifically targeted our out of possession pressing structure, tied in with ensuring the players are fit enough to cover the ground when pressing, and counter attacking effectively.
The biggest development has been in fitness levels - all the players now wear data vests which allow us to track their intensity during training and games, and we tie this is with each player having an Individual Development Plan, around how we can then to be the best version of themselves on and off the pitch.
We have seen some excellent pre season results against teams like Montpelier Villa and Burgess Hill through this additional support.
The most exciting thing for us as a staff group has been discovering and developing the potential within the playing group - three of our stand out players in pre season have all come through last seasons development squad, and we also have set up a brand new u18s, who will play in the Junior Premier league, the highest level of girls football outside professional academies.
Our aim is that the club becomes renowned for developing the best young female talent in Sussex - and we already have some hugely talented young players within the u18s, who we hope will become established senior players over time.
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In terms of season aims it’s very much focussed on winning the league, something we feel is more than achievable with the group we now have, alongside strong showings in the 3 cup competitions we are in.
We are well aware we have a target on our back, and that all teams will see us as a major scalp if they can get anything from the games, but all our players know that ‘pressure is a privilege’ and that with the high support they have from the club, we now expect high performance.
Our season starts away to Worthing Town on September 8th, and our first home game is a local derby on September 15th against Eastbourne Town - we would love a good crowd for that one, and we are very much looking forward to hearing the Borough faithful in full voice!
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Today’s Mascot
We are delighted to be joined by Marius Eidukas today, who plays for our Spirit of Football’ team. Marius celebrated his 20th birthday last week and lives with his family here in Eastbourne.
Both Marius and his younger brother Matas are two of our three original founding members of the squad that was formed nearly ten years ago here at Priory Lane. Marius only supports Eastbourne Borough - no other club comes close he says, and he enjoys walks, cooking and gaming in his spare time.
No matter what the weather throws at him, Marius never misses a training session on a Saturday morning as he loves nothing more than scoring goals! He is renowned for his tremendous power and strength in matches and especially his rocket of a shot in front of goal!
MARIUS
Head Coach Tim Brown says “Marius is one of the senior members of the squad and so last season became one of our first ever players to take the next step in joining our brand new Junior Coaches Programme that we launched last year. The aim is that this type of development will then help towards them securing employment.”
Welcome Marius to today’s game, thank you for your support of the team and we hope you enjoy your mascot experience this afternoon.
STEFAN VUKOJE
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SPORTS LOOK TO BUILD MOMENTUM
Ant Scott preview’s today’s National League South fixture as The Sports look to carry on their winning Bank Holiday form for the visit of Dorking Wanderers
After taking maximum points from the Bank Holiday weekend, the Sports will be looking to continue from where they left off this afternoon against Dorking.
That comes after Borough sealed back-to-back wins for the first time this season to move them up into the play-off places in the early stages of the National League South standings.
Adam Murray’s team had to show character to come from behind against a stubborn Aveley side here at The Reach TV Stadium seven days ago.
It was also a great day for both Dan Quick and Finn Ballard McBride, who both scored their first goals for the club as Borough recovered from going behind
early on to win 2-1 and secure a first home win of the campaign.
“It was a really good game, I’m really happy we got the win, and even more happier to get my first goal,” said Ballard McBride after the game.
“It’s been a long time coming, so it’s really nice to get the first one and hopefully open the floodgates to get a whole lot more.
“We had a tough game against Farnborough, so it was important we bounced back. Points now are just as important as they are at the end of the season.
“Aveley were a physical team who played direct, it was a battle, but we came out with the win.”
Travelling to The ReachTV Stadium this afternoon are Dorking Wanderers, who after suffering their first relegation in their short history will be hoping to bounce back and return to the top flight of non-league football.
Marc White’s side were dealt a tricky start to the season on paper, but managed to negotiate the first five games with just one defeat - that coming away at Torquay United last weekend.
Truro City and Chippenham Town were beaten in the first two games, before an entertaining draw with a Boreham Wood side who also dropped down from the National League this term.
And despite that 1-0 loss in Devon, Wanderers bounced back on Monday to beat St. Albans City at Meadowbank. Having gone behind to Josh Castiglione’s effort, a brace from new signing Rhys Murphy saw the hosts come out on top - despite Bobby-Joe Taylor’s late red card.
With much anticipation surrounding the game, it promises to be a great afternoon of football!
Match
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Ball Sponsor Domsalla Building Services
NEXT UP FOR THE SPORTS
Thank you for your support this afternoon, and we hope you have a great day with us!
Thank you to today’s Match Ball Sponsors Domsalla Building Services Ltd.
Domsalla Building Services is owned by Long-term supporter and sponsor Steve Domsalla.
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We hope you make the most of our hospitality this afternoon and enjoy the game!
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NLP COLUMN
Gregor Robertson writes this week’s Non-League Paper Column as the action continues across the country this afternoon
Almost two years have passed since it emerged that the EFL were ready to offer three promotion places to the National League as part of the “New Deal for Football” — the proposed financial reset resulting in more Premier League funding for the lower leagues, which instead ended in deadlock, squabbling, self-interest and silence.
When Wrexham and Notts County were embroiled in their record-breaking battle for the National League title in 2022-23, a light was shone on the inequity of a structure that grants only two promotion places to the National League, but four to League Two.
And there are still faint hopes, perhaps, that the forthcoming independent regulator can force the hand of the EFL to right this wrong, but there’s no shying away from the fact that, in the fight for “three-up, three-down”, momentum has ground to a standstill.
And yet it has become a familiar sight at this time of year to witness the National League’s promoted clubs attacking League Two with the same sense of adventure that earned them a place in the Football League, despite the margins for error being gossamer-thin and narrower than pretty much any other league on the planet.
Chesterfield and Bromley’s starts to this season have been no different, with Paul Cook’s buccaneering Spireites side sweeping aside Crewe, last season’s League Two playoff
finalists, with a 5-0 win at Gresty Road last weekend, and Bromley, thanks to the sharp-shooting Michael Cheek, winning the opening two games of their firstever EFL campaign.
That the teams joining League Two are good enough has never been in doubt. In the past ten seasons, the median finish for the National League champions and playoff winners has been 11th and 14th and, as I’m sure you are aware, no promoted team has been immediately relegated since the system of re-election came to an end in 1987.
It’s not just fallen EFL giants like Bristol Rovers, Lincoln City, Tranmere Rovers, Wrexham, Notts County or Stockport who tend to hit the ground running, though: Harrogate Town and Sutton United thrived in their first season in League Two and, while gravity may pull them down eventually, to have won promotion from the National League you had to be a bloody good side.
This is the point. The status quo has shackled aspirational, dynamic clubs and rewarded mediocrity for far too long. For a change to be ratified, of course, there would need to be a vote of all 92 Premier League and EFL clubs, with 50% being the threshold for change. Why should the National League be no more than a bargaining chip in moneyhungry negotiations between the EFL and Premier League?
If you’re reading these pages, you probably know that this has been
a war decades in the waging. When automatic promotion and relegation was finally introduced between the old Fourth Division — now known as League Two — and non-league’s top tier in 1986-87, Scarborough were the first non-league side to earn the right to play in the Football League via promotion, while Lincoln City became the first team to be relegated from Division Four. The National League had to wait another 16 years for a second promotion place to open up to the winner of a playoff, and two decades later the division remains an outlier for no discernible reason.
I know all about the unique challenges of the National League. I played for Grimsby Town in two promotion chases in 2014-15 and 2015-16. The first year, we held onto the coat tails of Martin Allen’s title-winning Barnet side until the death, before finishing third and losing on penalties to Bristol Rovers in the playoff final at Wembley. The next season we finished fourth, 21 points adrift of Gary Johnson’s Cheltenham Town, whose 101-point haul made them deserving champions.
So I know that the margin between joy and despair adds to the drama and excitement of the league. I know, too, that the standard of football at the top end is far better than the lower end of League Two. You have to be woeful to be relegated from League Two; you have to be near-faultless to win automatic promotion from the National League.
WORD SEARCH
Can you find the names of these five EBFC related words?
REACHTV SESAY LIGENDZA SPORTS DORKING
JUNIOR SPORTS
2
1 - DATE24 AUGUST 2024 - COMPETITIONNATIONAL SOUTH - GOALSQUICK 29’, BALLARD MCBRIDE 51’; OG 5’.
3,000
WANDERERS BY NUMBERS
1
Last season’s relegation was the first time the club have suffered the drop in their 25year history
12
Since forming in 1999, they won 12 promotions in their first 23 years as a football club
IN CHARGE
MARC WHITE
Love him or hate him, you can’t question White’s loyalty to the club he founded and once played for back in its earlier years.
White founded Dorking Wanderers with friends in 1999 as an amateur park divisional team and initially played for the team, as well as running the club he went on to become first team manager.
THE LOWDOWN
The Wanderers returned to Meadowbank to face St Albans just 48 hours after a trip to Torquay, in which they fell to a first competitive defeat of the campaign.
The opening stages of the half saw both sides creating opportunities on the counter, but none of any danger for the two goalkeepers. Tony Craig’s looping header proved to be the best chance of the opening twenty minutes, albeit rising over the roof of Michael Johnson’s goal.
St Albans, who came into the encounter yet to pick up a point on the road, were forced to sit back and soak up the mounting pressure for most of the opening minutes, eventually firing against the run of play through Castiglione.
The midfielder found himself in acres in space having been picked out on the left-hand side, before skipping past Barry Fuller and firing low past a helpless Harrison Foulkes.
Dorking, eager to respond before the break, continued to press their opponents through a series of arial deliveries, all of which did little to trouble Johnson.
Having made two changes in the first half, introducing Muitt and Camp for Bowerman and Francomb, Marc White reshuffled his starting line up once more by bringing off Pybus for new man Murphy.
It took the substitute just five minutes to make his mark on the match, earning the Wanderers an equaliser with a well taken finish. The forward picked up the ball ahead of
the Saints defence, eventually darting into the box and squeezing the ball past Johnson from a tight angle.
Just under ten minutes later, Murphy grabbed himself a second in Dorking colours and completed the turnaround for Marc White’s men. The goal-scorer stretched towards an arriving set piece and bundled it past the diving Saints keeper, providing Dorking a well-deserved lead.
Murphy later came inches close to completing a perfect cameo with a hat- trick, as an effort from a loose ball brushed wide of Johnson’s post.
Dorking maintained their press for a third goal, but were provided a scare as they found themselves reduced to ten men for a poor challenge. Bobby Joe Taylor’s high footed tackle caught the face of Kieran Gautier, resulting in an early bath for Bobby having received his marching orders.
The Saints, looking to make use of their man advantage, continued to load the pressure on Foulkes’ goal, but to no avail. The visitors made headway through Gio Rasulo in the dying moments, an effort which resulted in the ball drifting away from goal.
Dorking’s resolute defending in the closing stages proved to be enough as the hosts held on for all three points, allowing the Wanderers to avenge their opponents for their most recent meeting two years ago.
The victory sees Dorking move to 6th in the National League South table, two points behind current leaders Slough Town.
THE SPINE
GOALKEEPER
HARRISON FOULKES
Previous clubs: Eastbourne Borough, Hull City, Derby County
Harrison needs little introduction to Borough fans after leaving the club at the end of last season to join The Wanderers.
Foulkes came through Hull City’s academy, before transferring to Derby County in 2021, where he made 20 appearances for The Rams’ U23 side.
Whilst at Derby, the 23-year-old enjoyed two separate loan spells at National North side Kettering.
Harrison made 23 appearances for The Sports last term, and had to be patient for his opportunity before he became a mainstay in the side.
He kept seven clean sheets and played his part as Adam Murray’s side put together a strong run to end the campaign to ultimately retain their status as a National League South outfit.
DEFENDER
BARRY FULLER
Previous clubs: Gillingham, AFC Wimbledon, Barnet, Stevenage
Club Captain Barry signed in August 2020 from Gillingham.
Fuller captained the Surrey side to promotion to the National League at the end of the 2021/22 season, defeating Ebbsfleet United in the play-off final.
He brings a wealth of experience to Meadowbank, after two spells with Kent side Gillingham, either side of making 205 appearances for AFC Wimbledon.
Fuller captained the Gills to a 1–0 victory over Shrewsbury Town at Wembley Stadium on 23 May 2009 in the League Two Play-Off Final, and made over 200 appearances in total for the club.
During his time at AFC Wimbledon, he was the Dons Player’s Player of the Season twice – 2013-14 and 2015-16.
GEORGE FRANCOMB
Previous clubs: Crawley Town, AFC Wimbledon, Norwich City
George joined Wanderers in February 2023 after leaving Crawley Town. Beginning his career in the Tottenham Hotspur youth ranks before moving on to the Norwich City academy at the age of 16. He made his debut for ‘The Canaries’ as an 18-year old in the second round of the EFL Trophy against Gillingham during the 2009/10 season.
Whilst at the East Anglia club George would experience loan
MIDFIELDER FORWARD
spells with Barnet and then Hibernian, his time with the Edinburgh side including a substitute appearance in the 2012 Scottish Cup Final against city rivals Hearts.
Moving to AFC Wimbledon in 2013, George made nearly 200 appearances for ‘The Dons’, and featured in a side which won the League Two play-offs in 2016 alongside fellow Wanderers Barry Fuller and Callum Kennedy.
JASON PRIOR
Previous clubs: Havant & Waterlooville, Bognor Regis Town
Signing for Dorking Wanderers back in 2018, Jason would play an instrumental part in the club’s recent history and success as they went on to win the Isthmian Premier Division by a record number of points at the end of his first season.
Reaching the play-off semi finals the following year in the National League South, after the Covid-curtailed 2020/21 campaign, Jason would play his part in Wanderers winning the
play-offs at the end of last season and getting promoted to the National League for the first time in the clubs history.
Club legend Jason re-signed for Wanderers in February 2023 after leaving Havant & Waterlooville. Jason’s last goal in red and white before moving back to previous club Havant was the opening header in the 3-0 play-off semifinal defeat of Oxford City back in May 2022, his 68th Wanderers goal in 120 appearances.
Tom signed permanently for Chippenham Town on 23rd May 2023 after previously playing on loan for the club in the 2019/20 season. Tom started his career with Newport County making over 50 appearances in the Football League. He then headed across the border to sign for Falkirk in 2018 before returning to England to sign for National League North side Hereford where he spent 3 years.
For the 2022/23 season Tom signed for Kidderminster Harriers playing a key part in their campaign which ended with Kiddy getting promoted via the play-offs.
Player Sponsorship
2024/25 STATISTICS
Home fixtures in RED CAPS
TUE 3 H ENFIELD TOWN SAT 7 A TRURO CITY
SAT 14 [FAC Q2] SAT 21 H SLOUGH TOWN
28 [FAC Q3] OCTOBER SAT 5 A CHELMSFORD CITY
SAT 2 A HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN
TUE 5 H WELLING UNITED
9 A CHIPPENHAM TOWN SAT 16 [FAT 2]
23 H BATH CITY TUE 26 A MAIDSTONE UNITED SAT 30 A CHESHAM UNITED DECEMBER
SAT 7 [FAT 3] SAT 14 H HORNCHURCH
SAT 21 H WESTON-SUPER-MARE
THUR 26 H SALISBURY
JANUARY 2024
MON 1 A WORTHING
SAT 4 H ST. ALBANS CITY
SAT 11 H TRURO CITY
SAT 18 A SLOUGH TOWN
SAT 25 H CHELMSFORD CITY
TUE 28 A ENFIELD TOWN FEBRUARY
SAT 1 H TONBRIDGE ANGELS
SAT 8 A TORQUAY UNITED
TUE 11 H HAMPTON & RICHMOND
SAT 15 A BOREHAM WOOD
SAT 22 H HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN
TUE 25 H MAIDSTONE UNITED MARCH
SAT 1 A BATH CITY
SAT 8 H CHIPPENHAM TOWN
TUE 11 A WELLING UNITED
SAT 15 A AVELEY
SAT 22 H FARNBOROUGH
SAT 29 A DORKING WANDERERS
APRIL
SAT 5 H WEYMOUTH
SAT 12 A ST. ALBANS CITY
FRI 18 H WORTHING
MON 21 A SALISBURY
SAT 26 H WESTON-SUPER-MARE
Next Up
Eastbourne Borough vs Enfield Town Tuesday 3 September 2024 - 19:45 Vanarama National League South
Football is a cruel game, never better illustrated than seeing a crucial point snatched away in the 95th minute on Monday.
DON’T MISS A MOMENT IN 2024/25!
When you’re near the bottom, things tend not to go your way and so it was as Hemel delivered a devastating sucker punch in front of a 975-strong Bank Holiday crowd.
Unbeaten Hemel were without leading marksman Ricardo German, who scored 33 goals for Chesham last term, but still posed a considerable threat with the likes of Alfie Cerulli up front and midfield ace George Williams, a full Welsh senior international who was in their 2016 Euro squad.
After a strong start from the visitors, who missed a couple of decent chances, Town began to grow into the game and Nana Owusu almost gave us the lead after great work from Khanya Leshabela. Rhys Forster scrambled the ball clear from halftime substitute
Kyran Wiltshire while we somehow managed to keep out a flurry of quick-fire goalbound efforts. But again we responded well after absorbing pressure, Joe Payne firing a freekick into the side netting. In general this season the officials have been of a far higher standard than at Step 3 but we were on the wrong end of some highly questionable decisions against Hemel including a booking for Gavin for nothing more than throwing his arms in the air.
As both teams tired, it seemed for the world as if the match would remain scoreless, only for Ollie Knight to miss the target on 80 minutes as he headed a right-sided cross agonisingly past the post.
It may well have won the game for Town. Instead, five minutes into six added on, Hemel caught Town out down their left and when the ball was pulled back across the area, sub Trae Cook-Appiah applied a shanked finish.
