Aldershot Town were left to rue missed chances as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Dorking Wanderers in the National League.
Josh Barrett’s second-minute goal gave the Shots an early lead in front of a crowd of 4,262 at the EBB Stadium, but Alfie Rutherford’s 75th-minute equaliser was enough to rescue a point for the visitors.
The Shots scored on their opening attack of the game, setting up an ideal start. Barrett was set up by Lorent Tolaj’s through pass, and after taking a touch, he finished calmly past Dorking custodian Harrison Male.
After a fluid move, the home team almost doubled their lead after fifteen minutes. From the left wing, Ollie Harfield clipped the ball in to James Daly, who held it up nicely before playing it back to Tolaj. Tolaj attempted a half-volley into the bottom right corner, but Male made a great save.
Three minutes later, the Shots looked even more dangerous and created another great opportunity. Tyler Frost received a dinked ball from Theo Widdrington. Barrett was caught by Frost’s backheel, but his effort was insufficient.
The next player for the home team to have a chance was Tommy Willard, but his left-footed attempt from a close angle went just wide of the post.
In the forty-first minute, Seb Bowerman gave Dorking their first good chance of the match, but his close-range shot went over the crossbar.
A minute later, Daly passed the ball through to Tolaj, giving the Shots another chance, but Male stopped him with an outstretched arm before a regaining defender cleared the ball.
On minute 64, Ryan Glover came dangerously close to doubling Aldershot’s lead when he deftly collected a crossfield pass, cut in from the left, and sent his shot into the side netting.
On minute seventy-four, Kwame Thomas flicked on home custodian Jordi van Stappershoef’s long clearance, giving the Shots another chance. Daly outran Male to the ball, but the side netting caught his shot.
One minute later, Rutherford’s shot beat Van Stappershoef to tie the score at one, making the home team pay for their wasted opportunities.
On minute 79, Charlie Carter had a great opportunity to give the visitors the lead, but Van Stappershoef made an incredible stop to keep him out.
After Male mishandled Glover’s cross, the Shots had a chance to take back the lead on 83 minutes, but Daly missed the goal with a close shot.
Two minutes later, Dorking had another opportunity, but Jimmy Muitt’s shot was wide.
Tolaj missed a late opportunity to put the Shots ahead in the game when he tried to turn the ball.
Jason Prior had one more chance to go close for Dorking, but Van Stappershoef made a great save.
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