Dorking Wanderers will attempt to avoid three consecutive defeats and pull away from the relegation places when they welcome Maidenhead United to the Meadowbank Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the visitors, who occupy 14th place, ended a winless run of four games with a victory last weekend.

Match preview

© Reuters

As expected in their first season in the National League, Dorking are battling to avoid relegation, currently sitting just three points clear of the bottom four, having been in poor form of late.

The Wanderers were consigned to back-to-back away defeats and remain without a win on their travels since mid-September, after York City ran out 2-1 winners at the LNER Community Stadium last Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Manny Duku and Ryan Fallowfield gave the Minstermen a win which moved them eight points clear of the relegation zone, while Dorking remain just one place above the bottom four.

In their last 10 matches, Marc White's side have acquired just seven points, the third-fewest of any side in the fifth tier, while they also got knocked out of the FA Trophy courtesy of a 1-0 defeat at Aldershot Town.

The Wanderers' form at Meadowbank Stadium has been their saving grace this season, winning their most recent outing at home against playoff-chasing Barnet, courtesy of strikes from Josh Taylor and George Francomb.

Meanwhile, Emile Acquah's first-half double secured Maidenhead's first league win in five matches as they beat rock-bottom Maidstone United last time out.

Acquah was left unmarked to tap home a cross to give Maidenhead a 23rd-minute lead with his 12th league goal of the season, before adding his 13th of the campaign in the 32nd minute, escaping his markers once more to slide home Ashley Nathaniel-George's low cross into the box.

The Magpies do not appear to be in any relegation danger, as they currently lie in 14th place, 13 points clear of the bottom four.

After enduring a run of one win in 11 league matches, Maidenhead experienced an upturn in fortunes, recording three consecutive victories against Yeovil Town, Halifax Town and Boreham Wood.

However, before the victory against Maidstone, Alan Devonshire's side picked up two points from their previous four games, and they will be hoping to get the better of Dorking this weekend, after drawing 1-1 with the Wanderers earlier this season.

Team News

Marc White made five changes to his side against York from the one that lost to Notts County, with Callum Kennedy returning to the defence while Luke Moore came back into the engine room. However, Joe Cook and Isaac Philpot could both return to the starting XI this weekend.

James McShane is the club's top scorer this season with 17 goals, so it seems likely that he will retain his place in midfield, while Ryan Seager looks set to partner Jason Prior in attack.

As for the visitors, Emile Acquah has featured in 38 of Maidenhead's 39 league games this season, so he looks set to lead the line on Saturday.

Shawn McCoulsky could partner him up top, while Zico Asare and Alan Massey look set to start in the Maidenhead defence.

Dorking Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Lincoln; Philpot, Kennedy, Francomb, Craig; McManus, Gallagher, McShane, Taylor; Seager, Prior

Maidenhead United possible starting lineup:
Gyollai; Clerima, Massey, Asare, Beckwith; Barratt, Adams, Upward, Ferdinand, Nathaniel-George; Acquah

We say: Dorking Wanderers 1-1 Maidenhead United

The sides shared the spoils when they met earlier in the season, and we think Saturday's match will have a similar outcome, with both teams struggling for form.

Dorking may only have amassed seven points in their last 10 games, but they are unbeaten at home in their last three outings.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Previews by email