LINGFIELD MAINTAIN SUPERB START TO THEIR SEASON

Lingers’ larger than life boss Dixie Dean was left fuming after Dorking Wanderers’ controversial late equaliser, feeling that referee Frank Meilack had overlooked a foul in the build-up as super sub Matt Harmsworth gave goalkeeper Rob O’Hara no chance with a deflected flicked near post effort following Tom Tolfrey’s initial attempt after 83 minutes.

Yet it was no more than determined Dorking Wanderers had merited as the visitors failed to capitalise on their deserved 56th minute lead which had been given them by otherwise ineffective striker La’Maur Gay who snapped up a far post rebound after goalkeeper Gavin Dilley had done well to parry influential attacking left back man of the match Daniel Frith’s near post effort following a surging run on goal.

O’Hara had to be at his best in the opening stages to deny Dorking pressure, but Lingers emerged a much improved outfit after the interval, being clearly inspired by Dean’s interval team talk.

Yet Lingfield lacked the authority to ensure success however and chairman/manager Marc White’s side sensed a share of the spoils at least, putting pressure on their fellow high-fliers in the closing stages. O’Hara was overworked in one intense stoppage-time movement in particular, denying Tolfrey and Jerome Beckles in quick succession in a frantic finale.

The visitors left a little to desire in key areas, despite their overall effective formation, and clearly lacked influential players with a depleted substitutes’ bench making it an even trickier task for Dean who was left in sole charge in the absence of his assistant Darren Maziere.

Even though Lingers slipped from second spot to fifth following a difficult August Bank Holiday weekend, after the postponement at Shoreham, the mood remained confident in the camp afterwards with the initial home fixture having been delayed by the continued presence on the Godstone Road ground of the successful cricketers.

An undefeated league start after three games has provided plenty of cause for optimism for lively Lingers with White even describing Dean’s men as “one of this season’s league favourites” in his programme notes.

By David Groves

Photos are available from Simon Roe DorkingWanderers v Lingfield