Pre-Match Thread Dorking Wanderers v Southend United, Tuesday 28th March, 19:45ko, NL

[Shrimpergonzo]

6 defeats in a row and we only need one more for a club record. The place to go to avoid the ignominy of this “achievement” is Meadowbank, home of Dorking Wanderers.

It’s no surprise given our woeful run of results to find us rock bottom of the form table.

Dorking aren’t in much better form with only 3 league wins since the middle of December, all at home - Torquay, Barnet and (last Saturday) Maidenhead.



The transfer window has now shut and with the continued embargo the squad remains the same. The only option to mix things up might be to recall a loanee and with Jack Wood bang on form for Tonbridge Angels, he would seem to be an obvious candidate.

To all but the most optimistic fans, the playoff dreams are over for this season so perhaps the time is right to experiment with different formations or players. One thing’s for sure, the formulas tried over the last few weeks have not worked, albeit all defeats were by a single goal - fine margins and all that.

Anyway, who would you pick to start at Dorking and what do you predict the result will be?

 

[Shrimpergonzo]

This thread is open for business!

 

[thenobster]

This thread is open for business!

As are we...kinda....hopefully

 

[Moley]

Something like this for me, change it up a bit please Kev. 4231/433 with Benton in a 10 role.

2-0 win, time to bounce back now.

Arnold

GSM Hobson Kensdale Ralph

Taylor Miley

Benton

Mooney Cardwell Bridge


​

 

[RHB]

Formations or selections mean nothing if the players mindsets have switched off, and this run of defeats has me worried on that score. I agree that the Play-offs are now done and gone for us, but a decent closure to the playing season is critical to the morale of the squad going into the close season. So, please take some risks tomorrow Kev, as a point or three would help rally that player morale, and set us up for the next game.

 

[Shrimper]

Formations or selections mean nothing if the players mindsets have switched off, and this run of defeats has me worried on that score. I agree that the Play-offs are now done and gone for us, but a decent closure to the playing season is critical to the morale of the squad going into the close season. So, please take some risks tomorrow Kev, as a point or three would help rally that player morale, and set us up for the next game.

This. Have a go. Dorking's defence is notedly terrible. No boring set up please

 

[MC BLUES]

I’m not sure their minds have switched off but their confidence looks to be shredded. They’re all still alert and hungry for the easy and safe ball but the minute there’s an expectation of doing something a bit special they just don’t have the belief. The run of losing matches only compounds those fears.
They’re mainly still playing for a new contract, either with us or elsewhere, so I’m sure they are still focused on the job.
We are also due a bit of luck, let’s hope that turns in our favour tomorrow.

 

[Maldon Shrimper]

We need to get something out of this game to restore team confidence if not then something is seriously wrong

 

[Smiffy]

Dorking are on a decent little run of 4 home games without defeat. It certainly won't be easy as they are fighting for their lives. They have the worst defence in the league having conceded 84 in their 38 games. But score a decent amount (55).

If we can't at least score a goal against this lot...

 

[SHRIMPERPETER]

1-0 loss

 

[Tommy2holes]

Lose this one and we are on for setting a new record on Saturday of 8 straight defeats.

I'm not going to judge Maher and Co with so much off the field **** but let's be honest, embargo or no embargo, this collapse is getting monumental.

 

[Billy Bests boot laces]

They’re mainly still playing for a new contract, either with us or elsewhere, so I’m sure they are still focused on the job.

For the players that refers to, unless the embargo & ownership gets sorted within the next couple of months, my money would be on 'elsewhere'.

 

[LeedsSUFC]

For a club with 5 football professionals in the ‘football department’, I can’t wait for the same starting XI and for the 3rd game in a row of 2 shots on target and zero shots from the midfield and people to come on here and say ‘It’s not Maher’s fault we’re tactically shambolic, its 100% the owners fault for being a ****.’

(You can criticise tactics and management without wanting Maher out by the way.)

Lump on Dorking win, odds are decent.

 

[palexander]

Be really flipping annoyed if Kev rolls up with the same formation and mostly same players. We need a refresh. Lomas, JD, Benton, Sandat will do for a start. Get Murphy out for a bit. start with Mooney wide right.

 

[davewebbsbrain]

Something like this for me, change it up a bit please Kev. 4231/433 with Benton in a 10 role.

2-0 win, time to bounce back now.

Arnold

GSM Hobson Kensdale Ralph

Taylor Miley

Benton

Mooney Cardwell Bridge


​

I honestly don't think Kev or any manager would have the balls to do that

 

[LennySUFC]

I imagine Kev will stick with the tactics and formation that until a month ago had us firmly in the playoff picture.

 

[Tommy2holes]

I imagine Kev will stick with the tactics and formation that until a month ago had us firmly in the playoff picture.

You don't change a winning side and formation but you do have to change when performances have been woeful and you are staring down the barrell of a record equalling 7th straight defeat.

 

[Tommy2holes]

On a separate note.

Love the bunch of amateurs series that follows Dorking. If you haven't seen it, watch it. Highly enjoyable and available free on YouTube.

Was looking forward to seeing our game earlier in the season at roots hall but this one seems to be missing for some reason.

 

[Piledriver]

For a club with 5 football professionals in the ‘football department’, I can’t wait for the same starting XI and for the 3rd game in a row of 2 shots on target and zero shots from the midfield and people to come on here and say ‘It’s not Maher’s fault we’re tactically shambolic, its 100% the owners fault for being a ****.’

(You can criticise tactics and management without wanting Maher out by the way.)

Lump on Dorking win, odds are decent.

I agree with you on the criticism issue, fwiw i dont want anyone gone but RON, far to much is made of any critical analysis of Kev & Co's player selections and style of play imo.
Last game I felt bringing in JD in to give Gus a rest , Bridge dropped to bench , Mooney, Benton And Sandat getting some time to vary the attacking approach play.

 

[mattytheshrimper]

I just want this season to end.