Recap: Midfielder Ollie Banks play an hour in net as Chesterfield hold on for draw against Dorking Wanderers
The Spireites have never played the hosts and it has the potential to be a tricky opening game for Paul Cook’s men.
But the Blues will be backed by a big away following so we should be in for a lively atmosphere.
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Hide AdDorking won promotion from the National League South through the play-offs last season so they should be full of confidence.
Our reporter Liam Norcliffe is at the match and will bring you all the build-up, team news, updates and reaction so stay tuned throughout the day.
Dorking Wanderers v Chesterfield: LIVE UPDATES
Key Events
- FT: Dorking Wanderers 2 v 2 Chesterfield (3pm KO)
- Akwasi Asante gives Town lead on 18 minutes; Armando Dobra adds second on 40 minutes
- Lucas Covolan sent off after 30 minutes; Ollie Banks goes in goal with no sub keeper on bench
- Dorking score twice in second-half to claim a point in first game of new season
- Spireites: (4-2-3-1) Covolan, King, Williams, Grimes, Horton; Oldaker, Banks; Mandeville; Dobra, Asante, Quigley. Subs: Sheckleford, Maguire, Whelan, Clarke, Gyasi.
Asante gets a header towards goal from Mandeville’s cross from the right but it was an easy save.
After that, Dobra was booked for blocking an attempt by Dorking’s keeper from making a quick-kick.
Goal ruled out
For Doking after a clear foul on Covolan as he went to claim a cross. Rutherford passed the ball into the net but it doesn’t count.
Six gone, 0-0.
Paul Cook
goes over to applaud the travelling Chesterfield fans, who are on three sides of the ground. The start of the Spireites’‘ fifth season, and hopefully last, in the National League. Here we go.
Spireites fans
Have taken over three sides of the ground.
The atmosphere is building here at a sun-soaked Meadowbank.
It’s almost time.
Five debuts
Five of Chesterfield’s summer signings - Covolan, Horton, Banks, Oldaker and Dobra - make their competitive Spireites debuts today. Oldaker’s first start comes against the club he signed from in the summer.