JOEL PROVIDES NOEL SPIRIT WITH THE LINGERS’ LATE LEVELLER

Joel O’Hara, who has made a major impact since joining Lingfield from Three Bridges earlier this season, made the game’s switch to Dorking Wanderers’ ground for this ‘home’ fixture well worthwhile due to a waterlogged Godstone Road pitch.

Dixie Dean’s revived side deserved their hard earned point, punishing profligacy by Marc White’s side who were seventh in the table, while Lingfield had slipped to ninth place, mirroring how closely matched these local rivals are this season.

Centre back Jay Kalama claimed the man of the match award, but he was pushed close by youth team captain Harry Boultwood, 16, who produced another impressively mature performance in midfield, Rob O’Hara pulling off another string of superb saves, while left-sided attacking player Dan Frith also stood out again.

A goal-less draw had appeared to be the inevitable outcome, despite Dorking Wanderers’ first half dominance, as the game seemed to be meandering to an uneventful share of the spoils. But the deadlock was broken eventually after 76 minutes, punishing ineffective Lingfield defending as the ball broke to dangerman Tom Tolfrey whose 25 yard shot gave O’Hara no chance inside the far post. Ironically, Tolfrey, in particular, had missed a glut of chances earlier, along with ex-Crystal Palace striker Dave Stevens, as opportunities came and went like buses on the adjoining London Road.

Yet this current crop of village club players simply refuse to give in, equalising only eight minutes later when Frith’s cross from the right was inadvertently headed towards Dorking Wanderers’ goal and the predatory O’Hara fired home the loose ball, rewarding Lingfield’s positive attitude.

Indeed, only two minutes earlier substitute Sam Clements had come close to notching having worked a golden chance for himself at the far post, only for keeper Dean Cupit to deny the free scoring youth team midfielder.

With Ollie Acutt also making a late appearance, replacing captain Gareth Graham, boss Dean’s youth policy was vindicated further, providing exciting hope for the club’s future.

Lingfield: Rob O’Hara, Dean Carden, Marco Mwanza, David Dean, Jay Kalama, Gareth Graham (capt) (Ollie Acutt 85 mins), Harry Boultwood, Dan Frith, Josh Coulson, Joel O’Hara, Richard Wetton (Sam Clements 70 mins). Unused subs: Dom Lugard, Darren Maziere.

Man of the match: Jay Kalama.

By David Groves