Bailey and Beckwith help Hawks hit back for victory at Dorking

Dean Beckwith struck a late winner for the Hawks at Dorking / Picture: Dave Haines

A goal from ex-Hawk Jason Prior gave the home side a lead at the break. Sam Magri missed a penalty before Nicky Bailey grabbed a 59th minute equaliser for the visitors. Dean Beckwith snatched the win at the death.

The visitors made two changes with Anthony Straker and Alfie Rutherford recalled to the starting XI. Junior Tiensia and Bedsente Gomis dropped to the bench. Dorking included ex-Hawks Ed Harris and Prior in their starting line-up.

The home side put an early ball into the Hawks area but keeper Ross Worner gathered. Josh Taylor had the Hawks’ first effort on goal after three minutes with a shot that clipped the crossbar.

Wes Fogden had a low shot from the edge of the area parried away by diving home keeper Sam Howes.

It was the visitors having the best of the early stages. On 15 minutes Howes was in action again when he saved low down from Jonah Ayunga after the striker cut in to get his shot away. Howes held another ball in from Straker.

The first chance for the hosts fell to Niall McManus on 26 minutes but he sent a first-time effort over the bar. A free-kick to the Hawks almost paid dividends as Bailey’s effort was deflected over the top.

The home side grabbed the lead on 37 minutes and it was ex-Hawk Prior who struck against his old club. McManus delivered a good cross and PRIOR easily headed in at the back post.

On 53 minutes Fogden was brought down inside the area. But Magri’s poor penalty was saved by Howes.

Prior had another opportunity but Worner produced a good save. The Hawks levelled on 59 minutes after Taylor won the ball back on the edge of the area.

Taylor found Rutherford, who squared the ball for BAILEY side footed home from close range. Howes made another brilliant save down to his left to keep his team on level terms and deny substitute Bradley Tarbuck from 12 yards.

Magri redeemed himself after his 12-yard miss with a goalline clearance.

In stoppage time the Hawks grabbed a dramatic winner when BECKWITH scored with a half-volley from Tarbuck’s corner.

The Hawks are just three points off top spot and have a game in hand over leaders Wealdstone. Quite what happens with the rest of the season, though, is anyone's guess.