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!