Football season isn't going Midhurst's way just yet...

The first 20 minutes and the last 20 were the only spells in which Midhurst were able to compete fully, yet more accuracy in front of goal would have lifted the team and perhaps brought much-needed points.

One possible turning point came when new signing Garry Buller appeared to be tripped in the area by the keeper – as our picture shows – but the referee waved away penalty appeals.

Midhurst were nearly at full strength with the return of midfielders Lewis Hyde and Harry Farr and the inclusion of newcomers Mike Page and Buller.

Against Storrington, Buller had netted two goals and the previous week had put four past Steyning.

Dorking are considered to be one of the stronger teams in division two and Chris Williams, who scored all three in this game, is one of the best marksmen in the league.

Early on, Midhurst were holding their own and the midfield were putting a lot of hard work into containing a very quick Dorking forward line.

Ian Knight in the home goal was seeing plenty of action but his opposite number was not unduly troubled by the Midhurst attack.

Dorking’s Shane Duffell was shown the yellow card for speaking out of turn. Midhurst saw Gary Bullen have his name taken.

It was 1-0 at the break but Dorking were showing signs of ragged play and Jerrome Beckness and Shane Junes also saw yellow.

Sean Dummer and Liam Dreckman had good chances to equalise with 20 minutes left, but eventually Dorking overpowered Midhurst and netted two more.

MIDHURST: Knight, Page, Browne, Farr, Lewis Hyde, Saunders, Glue, Rowland, Dummer, Bullen, Dreckman. Subs: Castleton, O’Lierey, Day.

Midhurst go in search of their first league win of the season on Saturday when they host Oakwood at Rotherfield.

TED DUMMER