A second away game in three days, a second away game on a 3G pitch, but a first game for Wimborne against Gloucester.

After 15 years in the National League, The Tigers were relegated from National North at the end of last season with a W9 D9 L28 GF 49 GA 89 record (at home it was W6 D4 L13). The travelling wouldn’t have helped – their longest was the 280 miles to play Blyth Spartans. Gloucester started that season with Tim Flowers as manager, but he was replaced in September by Mike Cook who returned for a second time in charge.

One of the favourites for a quick return to Step 2, The Tigers started this campaign on Saturday with a 6-goal thriller at Taunton, who were relegated from National South: 3-0 down after half-an hour, Cook’s team scored three in seven second-half minutes, including a brace by skipper Joe Hanks, to restore parity. On Tuesday at home against Plymouth Parkway, with a crowd of 812 urging them on, they scored another triple to leave them 3-0 up by the hour mark with that man Hanks bagging his second brace (one from a cleverly-worked corner routine, one from 25 yards). The visitors then pulled two back to make it a nervy last few minutes, but four points and six goals shows that The Tigers have started the season in exciting fashion.

The Magpies began their league campaign last Saturday by edging a tough encounter at home against Hanwell Town thanks to Cam Munn’s goal. On Wednesday they played Winchester City on Basingstoke’s 3G pitch, and recovered from going two down to win 4-2 with Cam Munn scoring a perfect hat-trick, and Billy Walker bagging one from close range. Unfortunately Drew Eccott-Young was stretchered off with a knee injury.

League games don’t come much more difficult than visiting a team who played at Step 2 last season. But Tim’s team want to test themselves against the best and will be well prepared. The Magpies will be the underdogs, and can play without any pressure – the complete opposite from last season. The two teams have scored 11 goals between then in their collective four games this term. This has all the ingredients of being a great example of non-league.

Come on you Maggies!

Venue: TigerTurf Stadium, Sudmeadow Road, Gloucester  GL2 5HD                     approx 120 miles

Admission: adults £12 (online), £14 (gate); concessions £9, 12-17s £6; U12s free with adult; family £22 (2 adults, 2 youths).

Last season Gloucester’s programme was judged best in National North, and third best at Step 2, so we’re looking forward to reading it – it sounds a proper job!

Weather forecast: sunny intervals; 21oC; <5% chance of rain.