That’s three league wins out of three for Spurs, but in truth this was a game that could have gone either way. In the slightly amended words of the Duke of Wellington it was a damn close-run thing. It took a magnificent penalty save by Mike Cadle and a thunderous drive by central defender Naman Nasir to ensure that the points went to the Hampshire club. Thanks to this save, which was the highlight of an excellent performance, Cadle exorcised the ghosts that must have haunted him since Spurs’ previous game here, which had resulted in a 6-2 victory for the home side. Nasir had been solid and reliable in defence throughout the match and his goal represented a bonus.

The conditions at the Meadowbank Stadium were perfect for good football with a comfortable temperature, very light wind and an excellent artificial pitch. The welcome and hospitality, as ever, was excellent. The game started with Dorking on top, but this was more because of some sloppiness in the visitors’ ranks than any brilliance by the home side. Gradually, Fleet settled down and gained some control, though Wanderers still looked the more likely side to score, putting Spurs’ defence under pressure with a number of quick breaks. However, the defence held out, enjoying a slice of good luck after 30 minutes when winger Dennis Asante hit the post with a low shot and a desperate defender was just able to prevent the follow-up shot from Pascal Sedgwick entering the net. Half-time came with no score, which home and visiting supporters agreed was a fair outcome to the half.

After the break, Spurs again started slowly and had to defend resolutely to keep out the Wanderers’ attack. As in the first-half, the visitors gradually came into the game, but Dorking continued to create goal chances. Spurs held out, with the defence making many sterling blocks, and when they were defeated, Cadle made some fine saves. Adam Bellmaine kept the Fleet attack flowing with excellent tight ball control and accurate long passes, but the Dorking defence was able to hold out, thanks to resolute defending and some profligate finishing by Spurs. Then came the seven minutes that settled the result. With less than 20 minutes to go, Lee Bush fouled Dorking sub George Membrillera in they box. Membrillera took the spot kick himself, hammering the ball hard to Cadle’s right. The keeper guessed right and splendidly turned the ball away. In the 79th minute, Liam Jupp took an inswinging corner from the right, James Scott headed it on and Naman Nasir drove the ball unstoppably past keeper Drew Churchwell’s left hand and high into the net. Wanderers then threw everything into attack in an attempt to equalise, but the Spurs defence continued to stand firm, and indeed the visitors had chances on the break to cement their victory. They were unable to convert any of these chances, and the game ended with the narrowest of away wins.

Spurs now move into second place in the table behind Jersey Bulls, who have scored 14 goals in their three league games and have yet to conceded non. Their next game is on Tuesday, when they entertain Wessex Premier side Solent University in the Hampshire Cup (Kennels Lane; kick-off 7:45). Then on Sunday the 25th, they visit Jersey in a top-of-the table clash – not a phrase that I expected to be able to use before the season started (kick-off 3:00). Fleet will be heartened by the spirit and togetherness they have shown so far this season, though the Bulls will inevitably start as favourites.

Spurs team: Mike Cadle, Matthew Hayter, Lee Bush, Douglas Noble, Naman Nasir, Liam Jupp, Jack Church, James Scott, Andre Smith (sub Brendon Nago 89), Adam Bellmaine (capt), Jake Bellmaine (sub Jamil Olweny h-t)