A second 1-0 defeat in as many weeks delivered a killer blow to Dorkinians First Team season as they saw their albeit unlikely title hopes extinguished at the hands of league leaders HAC.

It was however another picturesque Saturday afternoon at Pixham, the sun and views providing some solace to a bumper crowd, entertained by two of the leagues premier sides battling it out. It was Dorkinians who truthfully dominated proceedings in the first half, fashioning a number of brilliant chances to break the deadlock. Archie Mansfield and Phil Robsinon combined early on, with both having their efforts well saved by the HAC keeper. James Herouvin was next, winning the ball back from fullback before a marauding run and one-two saw him agonisingly place his shot over the bar. HAC against the run of play nicked the lead as their #8’s snapshot found the back of the net. Hawkins and Sears-Black continued to toil, causing difficulty and half-chances, but this was to no avail as Dorks went into the break 1-down.

The second half broke down with neither side able to wrestle control, a familiar narrative to last weeks fixture. HAC to their credit defended strongly, allowing less clear-cut chances than in the first period. Dorks defensive line lead by man of the match Ben Leeson snuffed out the majority of opposition chances, but sustained possession in the right areas of the pitch proved hard to come by. The introduction of Oli Scovell late on almost levelled the scores, only for his smart run and left-footed shot to be beaten away by the HAC keeper. As the game slowed and teams grew tired the quality dropped further still, forcing Dorks into set piece play and allowing HAC to run down time with wasteful fouling from the Dorks side.

The final whistle brought to an end the match and Dorks league title aspirations. Much to the jubilation of the HAC side who knew this was the fixture that may define the course of each teams season. Respect to the HAC team who have for the second season running made it very hard for chasing teams to catch them, winning tight fixtures at a remarkable rate. With RRR in hot pursuit of the top spot, Dorks may still however play a part in deciding the final standings, when they travel across to the wonderful Richardson Evans Memorial Playing Fields in two weeks time. Before then, it’s a final match at Pixham for the 2024/25 season as they host Wandsworth Borough.

The evening brought success for the 1s squad with a number of players recognised at the club award ceremony. Phil Robsinon took home the highly coveted 1s players player award following a stellar debut season with over 30 goal contributions across all competitions. Jonny Walton was the clubs most improved player, thanks to his incredible impact since stepping up to the 1s in January. 18 year old Oli Scovell deservedly earnt the title of Young Player of the Year after he burst onto the scene back in September to regularly hold down a 1s/2s spot amongst a very competitive crop of players. Mitch Joyner won best newcomer following his arrival to the club touchline and social scene, meanwhile George Warne collected Club Player of the Year.