Combined Counties League Division One
Dorking 1 Farleigh Rovers 1
STAND-IN captain Liam Neaves blasted his Foxes team-mates as their remarkable nine-game winning sequence ended abruptly at a muddy the New Defence on Saturday.
Centre-back Neaves, who pledged his loyalty to clear leaders Foxes' title tilt by rejecting a recent approach from Ryman League Division One South side East Grinstead Town, had had enough understandably against third from bottom opponents in stoppage-time.
Neaves said: "Come on Farleigh, this is embarrassing! You are embarrassing yourselves!"
His criticism was spot on, particularly as boss Barry Regelous had warned his management team that Glynn Stephens' Dorking would be dangerous opponents following recent unbeaten form, instructing his players to put Chicks away early.
Yet, inexplicably, the cock-a-hoop visitors failed to heed his instructions, paying the price, and must learn harsh lessons from this consistently worrying inability to put sides to the sword. They must discover a ruthlessness to maintain their championship ambitions, still being nine points clear of Worcester Park who have three games in hand.
Foxes' endearing trademark this season of finding a way to win matches finally deserted them and it was a painful experience following such high standards having been set.
Yet all had appeared to be rosy still when in form midfielder Jamie Jagdeo put Foxes ahead after 20 minutes, shooting home past goalkeeper James Hodel Murphy, rewarding fine approach work by leading scorer Javaun Henry and Luke Stevens who celebrated his long overdue recall with an accomplished display.
Yet Henry, although looking lively, missed apparently easy chances in front of goal which would have condemned Chicks to another defeat as Foxes forced outclassed young opponents against the ropes from kick-off but failed to deliver the knockout blow crucially.
The visitors were made to pay for their charitable Christmas spirit on half-time when in form scorer Jimmy Brazil just beat goalkeeper Andrew Osei from the penalty spot after referee Peter Meek adjudged that right back Dan Canning had fouled Stuart Russel near the goal-line.
Foxes were incensed after 67 minutes when Meek appeared to award a goal for Henry who converted impressive approach work by substitute Joe Chandler and Jack Naraine, only for the effort to be disallowed for offside against Henry following an extensive discussion with an assistant.
Further frustration followed on full-time, outstanding Chandler finding Canning who shot wide of the far post with Hodel Murphy to beat, squandering another great chance, prompting Neaves' outburst, and even seven additional minutes could not produce yet another Foxes' victory this time.
However, on a positive note, debutant defender Jamie Williams, 26, from AFC Croydon Athletic, impressed following left back Gary Webb's late injury withdrawal.
Foxes visit fellow title challengers AFC Croydon Athletic at Mayfield on Saturday (2pm).
Farleigh Rovers: Andrew Osei, Dan Canning, Gary Webb (Jamie Williams 73 mins), Danny Clayton, James Brown, Liam Neaves (capt), Luke Stevens (Joe Chandler 62 mins), Jamie Jagdeo, Jack Naraine, Tim Moffatt, Javaun Henry. Unused subs: Richie Bull, Wayne Druce.
