Salisbury struggle at home against Marc White's top-of-the-table Dorking Wanderers
Salisbury welcomed top-of-the-table Dorking Wanderers to the Ray Mac but were unable to prevent the visitors from taking all three points.
Two first-half goals from Alfie Rutherford proved to be enough to win the match, there was no repeat of Salisbury’s heroics in the fixture at Meadowbank in October.
Marc White’s side came out of the blocks firing; Alfie Rutherford provided the visitor’s goal threat from the get-go when he linked up with Josh Taylor to create the first chance of the game in the opening stages.
Minutes later, Rutherford found himself on the ball in the Whites’ box; the forward elegantly lifted the ball over Rhys Byrne in the Salisbury net to open the scoring in Wiltshire.
The goal woke the hosts up; Jordan Ragguette went down the other end and skipped past two Wanderers’ defenders to get Salisbury’s first chance away.
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Nial Mcmanus would enter the field of play earlier than expected as Matt Briggs picked up a knock in the 26th.
Rutherford almost doubled his and Dorking’s tally in the 36th minute; however, an exceptional last-ditch challenge from Whites’ skipper Canice Carroll prevented him.
Salisbury FC 0 - 2 Dorking Wanderers (Image: John Rose) Just as it looked like all the first half’s action had concluded, Dorking latched onto a loose pass in the centre circle. Rutherford was played in and clinically punished the hosts at such a brutal time in the match, halftime 0-2.
Salisbury brought on an extra forward at halftime to try and rescue some points; Noah Coppin replaced defender Josh Sommerton.
In the 64th minute, Rutherford missed out on a golden chance to score his Hattrick, he volleyed over the bar from close range.
The hosts were able to apply late pressure through substitutes across the frontline, Aiden Elliot-Wheeler burst down the flank and found Craig Fasanmade in the box, the latter twisted and turned but could only fire over.
Moments later, Noah Coppin found himself in a threatening position after receiving a lofted pass. The substitute struck the ball venomously, but a top save from Harrison Foulkes denied the player.
The full-time whistle blew to end Salisbury’s unbeaten run and Dorking’s push for promotion continued.
