Dorkinian 3s kept their title charge alive with a gritty 3-2 victory away at London Welsh. Missing key players and with just one substitute available, it was always going to be a test, made even tougher by a small, bobbly pitch. But despite the nervy scoreline, Dorkinians controlled large stretches of the game and left with a deserved three points.

The match started evenly, with Torpey and MOTM Mansfield battling hard in midfield to gain control. The breakthrough came when Odun’s cross looped over the keeper, with Kehl’s pressure forcing the mistake—the correct call to award the goal, but one that could have gone the other way on another day. Welsh struck back with a fortunate equalizer before halftime, leaving things finely balanced. Captain and manager Mothee made his message clear at half time: these are the games that win you titles—this was the biggest 45 minutes of the season so far and all that mattered was 3 points.

And the team delivered. The second half was all Dorkinians, with Mackrells dazzling footwork in CAM unlocking the Welsh defence, while Fisher’s energy off the bench added an extra spark. The first goal of the half came when Kehl ghosted past his full-back, whipped in a low cross, and Goddard slotted home for 2-1. Minutes later, Goddard turned provider, beating his man before slipping in Fisher, who was bundled over for a stonewall penalty. Torpey and Fisher lobbied for the spot-kick, but Goddard laughed them off, took charge, and buried it into the bottom corner—3-1. Welsh snatched a late goal from a goalmouth scramble, but thanks to Badger and Jolly’s rock-solid defending, plus O’Hara’s sharp goalkeeping, Dorkinians saw out a crucial win.

The title race is heating up—the Oval is in sight.