Callum Dolan double almost enough on Jimmy Ball’s big night at Plainmoor

Callum Dolan returned from a long injury absence to score two cracking goals on the first home game in charge for new manager Jimmy Ball.

It was almost enough for victory on a thoroughly entertaining night at Plainmoor but the Gulls were denied all three points by an unfortunate Sam Dreyer own goal.

The visitors, who top the National League South, led at half-time with a header from Alfie Rutherford before Dolan struck twice in the space of three minutes but Dorking escaped with a draw thanks to a lucky deflection.

United started on fire, Jordan Young denied by a tremendous low save from Harrison Foulkes. The talisman in Yellow came close again on eight minutes, steering a side-footer inches wide of the near post after excellent play from Deon Moore.

Dorking released the pressure with a well-worked opening goal, Rutherford arriving at the back post to head past an exposed Seb Stacey.

The Gulls quickly regrouped, Jay Foulston surging forward and arrowing a cross inches beyond the reach of Moore before Wanderers enjoyed a spell of decent pressure at the other end. An enjoyable first period was replaced by a belter of a second.

The howling wind and rain had calmed down as Dorking set out in a defensive shape to protect their lead. Dylan Morgan attempted to unlock the door with a fizzing drive sent narrowly wide before Dolan entered the fray on 65 minutes.

Moore, who was a handful all night in attack, stung the palms of Foulkes with a 20-yard strike, but the Dolan show was about to begin, as he exchanged passes on the edge of the box before curling a beauty into the bottom corner.

Plainmoor was still in full celebration mode when one became two, and another cracker. Young stood up a deep cross in the wind and Dolan scissor-kicked an explosive finish beyond Foulkes, prompting wild scenes across TQ1.

Dorking, to their credit, responded immediately and had the ball in the net soon after, but United were rescued by an offside flag. Unfortunately, there was now waving hero from the next attack, as a low shot deflected off the outstretched boot of Dreyer, giving Stacey no chance.

There was one final moment of drama, as Dolan sought the winner with another wicked effort from distance, brilliantly tipped over by Foulkes.

If the Jimmy Ball show continues in this fashion, it is going to be a lot of fun!