Great Wakering Rovers have plenty of scope for moving into joint leadership of the Ryman League Third Division tomorrow night.

For a first League goal of the season by midfielder Danny Scopes just three minutes from time saw the village side to victory at a Dorking outfit who, despite being third from bottom, had previously lost only three of their 13 home Third Division games.

Rovers are finding goalscoring far from easy while top scorer Mark Hampshire continues to be out of action with an ankle injury.

His striking partner Paul Flack has seen his goal tally dry up as well and manager Eddie Nash pushed central defender Tommy Dalgarno up front for Saturday's trip to Surrey.

That represented something of a gamble, particularly as Micky Munro was still out at the back with a thigh strain. However, highly-experienced midfielder Paul Pilkington dropped back to partner John Heffer at the heart of the rearguard, won everything in the air, and earned man-of-the match ratings.

Wakering almost totally dominated the affair and saw two efforts from midfielder Adam French clear the bar before the interval. Pilkington's volley from a Neville Hickton cross was deflected for a corner prior to half-time.

Wakering, with goalkeeper Dave Hudson a virtual spectator, stepped up their pressure after the break. Home keeper Nathan Healey was forced to palm away a cross-cum-shot from Hickton after 55 minutes.

Ten minutes later an Ollie Evans effort hit the bar following a good run and cross from Dalgarno. Then, five minutes later, an excellent 25-yard effort from Scopes thudded against the woodwork.

Despite all their pressure, Wakering looked like having to settle for a share of the spoils until the 87th minute when Evans cross from the left and Scopes rose majestically at the far post to head home.

With top dogs East Thurrock being held to a 3-3 draw at Kingsbury, Wakering will become joint leaders - but trailing on goal difference - if they can win at home tomorrow (7.45pm) against a Hertford Town side who have made huge improvements since ex-Spurs and England defender Graham Roberts took over as manager.

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