TONBRIDGE ANGELS left it very late to register a much-needed victory against the Bostik League Premier leaders and clamber back up into second place after a run of three defeats.
The visitors edged the first period with a performance that made the dismal display against Leatherhead a distant memory.
In the first minute Alex Read had a great chance but the Dorking goalkeeper Slavomir Huk managed to smother the ball.
On his debut Michael West, who is on loan from Eastbourne Borough, gave an early example of quality with an effort on 10 minutes.
Joe Turner was running the show but Huk was in superb form and he pulled off a fine save on the half-hour from a deflected Read effort.
The hosts improved in the second half and the introduction of Giuseppe Sole on 54 minutes gave them real hope.
He forced an excellent save from Henly five minutes after he came on.
As the clock ran down both sides tended to go long but the intensity was compelling.
The match was in the fifth minute of time added on when Jared Small ran up the right flank and won a corner for the Angels.
Tom Beere’s set-piece fizzed across the goalmouth and the keeper Huk, under pressure from Read, elected to punch the ball.
But it flew straight up into the air and the Lion of Longmead Sonny Miles forced the ball over the line to put the Angels in front.
There was still time for Dorking to get the ball down the other end and produce one more cross but the Angels defence were able to clear their lines and hold on.
It was a game that appeared to be heading for a 0-0 draw, which might have been the fairer result. But after a miserable November this was a hugely important result which should restores a degree of confidence.
Angels manager Steve McKimm said: “The scoreline has brought a smile to the faces of my players and we needed to lift the gloom around the place.”
Tonbridge, who are now just a point behind Dorking, play at fifth-placed Worthing on Saturday [December 8, kick-off 3pm].
