After back-to-back draws and a week off, Dorkinians 2s returned to form with a hard-fought win over Economicals 1st team. While their title hopes may have faded, it certainly didn’t show on the pitch, as the team gave everything—made more impressive by fielding a bare eleven due to injuries and unavailability.

Sticking with their new shape, defensive organisation was the foundation, with Carvey, Turner, and the evergreen Wills (grey hair and all) putting in strong performances. McBride, making his debut in goal, was excellent commanding his box, claiming crosses, and handling pressure from a direct opponent with composure. With a focus on solidity, attacking fluency suffered slightly, though Kehl and Goddard worked tirelessly at wingback, offering both defensive cover and attacking runs, even if the quality occasionally lacked going forward.

Goalless at the break—an all too familiar feeling—Dorkinians found themselves behind early in the second half from a flicked header at a set piece. But the response was immediate. Man of the Match Harcombe stepped up, smashing in a 30-yard goal-of-the-season contender to draw level. Minutes later, Kehl’s long-range strike took a fortunate deflection off newcomer Riccio, nestling into the bottom corner for a two-one lead.

The final fifteen minutes were professionally managed, with Dorkinians rarely looking troubled. The opposition keeper made a fingertip save to deny Goddard, while Teague went close to sealing it.

A brilliant win against a tough first team side, and a reminder that this group still has plenty to play for.

By Oli Goddard