Dorking Wanderers are one of the more well-known National League teams, and that’s not only for some of their entertaining results on the pitch. They’ve got a reputable YouTube series which has been viewed by thousands of football fans over the last year, many of whom are impressed with the insight they’re getting into a team that are playing in the fifth-tier of English football.
The club finished 16th in the National League for the 2022/23 season, and will be looking to build on some strong performances, although consistency within those performances was lacking at times during that league campaign. However, it’s important to remember that last season was Dorking Wanderers’ first in the National League, and there were plenty of positives for the club’s supporters to take heading into the new season, which got underway earlier this month.
Dorking certainly surprised a few on matchday one, as they pushed title favourites Chesterfield all the way away from home. They were even ahead before the hour mark of that game against Chesterfield, before the promotion contenders’ class shone through, with Liam Mandeville netting a brace. Seb Bowerman then netted an equaliser in injury-time, before Joe Quigley scored a late winner with the last kick of the game to condemn Dorking to a frustrating defeat on the first day of the 2023/24 season.
However, there’s plenty of positives to take for Marc White heading into the rest of the season, as Chesterfield are a team that are expected to be challenging for promotion into the Football League this term, after narrowly missing out on a timely return to League Two last term. There is a strong core group of players that White can build around for this year’s campaign, with the likes of Aaron Kuhl, Seb Bowerman, James Prior, George Francomb, and Josh Taylor being some of those.
There’s the ideal mix of youth and experience in their starting XI, and given that they pushed Chesterfield all the way in their first game of the season, they’re to be taken seriously. There’s no reason as to why they can’t make a push for a top-seven finish in the National League, especially when you consider that the likes of Wrexham and Notts County aren’t in this division anymore. If they can continue to recruit smartly, then they could turn out to be the surprise package in the National League this season.
It’s been revealed by mybettingsites.co.uk that Dorking Wanderers are priced at 10/1 for a top-seven finish in the National League this season, which could be a tempting bet for some punters. Below, you’ll find some of the betting odds for a top-seven finish from selected teams in the National League.
- Chesterfield @ 1/7
- Oldham Athletic @ 8/15
- Southend United @ 9/4
- Gateshead @ 5/2
- Solihull Moors @ 3/1
- Kidderminster Harriers @ 11/2
- Oxford City @ 11/1
Odds displayed are correct as of 3:05 pm, Friday 11th August 2023. Odds are subject to change.
