No sooner are two of the title challengers put behind you, along come the league leaders and another tough test at Dorking Wanderers.

Dorking maintained their slim hold on the top spot on Saturday with a 2-0 win away at Salisbury with two first half goals from Alfie Rutherford but the top six became no less congested with only four points dividing Dorking from Eastbourne Borough, who sit sixth.

Since the infamous evening, back in October under the (not too bright) Longmead lights when an early Jamie Fielding goal was enough to secure the points for the Angels, Marc White’s team have put an indifferent beginning to the season behind them, losing just three times in 19 games during their rise to the top.

Our last visit to Meadowbank in 2022 holds happy memories of a surprise 3-1 win, to complete a double, with goals from Joe Turner and a brace from Tommy Wood. After their promotion, through the play-offs and a thrilling comeback victory in the final against Ebbsfleet United, they spent two seasons in the National League before their relegation back to the South last season.

The Dorking strike force is very familiar to watchers of National League and National League South football. Alfie Rutherford took his tally for the season to 14 with his two goals on Saturday while Jason Prior is still knocking in goals at the age of 36, already reaching double figures. Other players who have been there for years include Matt Briggs and Jimmy Muitt while they have complemented their side with loan signings including Jack Young from Wycombe and Morgan Williams from Wimbledon.

After an encouraging performance against Worthing, despite proving fruitless, Jay Saunders was left with further team selection problems as Scott Wagstaff and Crossley Lema limped out of the game in its early stages with Liam Vincent a later substitution due to a sickness bug. “It’s the way it’s going for us at the moment, it is very frustrating.” Jay alluded to the existing absentees, and it appears that none of those would be available on Tuesday, but Nazir Bakrin returns having served his suspension.

If Ethan Sutcliffe is selected, it will be his 50th appearance for the club, an amazing total for a player that has only ever been on loan to the Angels from his parent club, AFC Wimbledon.

Following their time in the National League, segregation is now in place at Meadowbank and our supporters will enter via the away turnstiles that will lead to the mostly uncovered terrace area on the east side of the ground which also houses a covered terraced enclosure that holds 150 and 50 seats will be made available to our supporters.

The Fan Zone is located next to the away fan turnstile entrance. A variety of draught beers, ciders, soft drinks and hot drinks are available, along with a selection of hot and cold food. Meadowbank is a cashless stadium.

There is no parking at Meadowbank and supporters should endeavour to use the nearby St. Martins Walk pay and display car park. The postal address for the car park is: St Martins Walk, Mill Lane, Dorking, RH4 1DU. For those using the RINGO app on smartphones, the car park code is 5643. Alternatively there is parking in surrounding roads.

Rail travellers arriving at Dorking mainline station have around a 15 minute walk to the ground.

Admission prices to the game are: Adults £18, Concessions £16, Under-18 £9 Under-8 £5 and can be purchased HERE  or card only on the turnstile.

Please note that no musical instruments, including drums, are permitted.

Enjoy the game!