Last Saturday we had our first-ever fixture against Uxbridge, who had been promoted from Step 4 Isthmian League South Central, winning the play-offs after finishing as runners-up. This Saturday we have our first-ever fixture against Farnham Town, who were also promoted from that division, but as Champions.

Farnham arrive for their first-ever season at Step 3 on the back of two successive promotions master-minded by boss Paul Johnson. First, they were Combined Counties Premier League South Champions (W35 D3 L0, GF 130 GA 19), then last season winners of Isthmian South Central (W32 D6 L4, GF 120 GA 32) finishing 20 points clear of Uxbridge. Once again they’ve recruited players with higher-league experience: including striker Ogo Obi who played for Hemel Hempstead and Slough in National South; Bobby-Joe Taylor with over 200 appearances in the National League; full-back Brandon Mason from Nat South St.Albans; and midfielder Tom Leggett from Nat South Salisbury. Their aim is clear – a third successive promotion, and, we’re told, the bookies think that’s very likely.

The Town have made a great start to this campaign. A first day 1-0 home win over Hungerford, watched by a cracking crowd of 848, was followed by a 3-3 mid-week draw at Gosport, and then last Saturday a 1-0 win at Chertsey. Those results leave Johnson’s boys sharing top spot with Sholing and Taunton on seven points.

The Magpies have accumulated four points from their three games: a first-day 2-0 loss at Basingstoke was followed by a sparkling 3-1 win at The Wyatt Homes Stadium over Havant & Waterlooville, another side fancied to do well, and then, last Saturday, a 2-2 draw with Uxbridge. Unlike Johnson, manager Tim Sills has mostly had to recruit young players from lower leagues. The exceptions are Max Bustamante, who has played for Berkhamsted and Sholing, and midfielder Josh McQuoid who played for AFC Bournemouth and Weymouth. Tim’s new team will take time to settle, but if they play like they did against Havant, they’ll be a match for any team in this very competitive division. Will Fletcher, Sam Roberts, and Lewis Williams were all missing last Saturday, and it’s likely that Fletch and Robbo will sit this one out too. But we know that whoever plays, they’ll give their all.

One new ground to visit, two good footballing teams to watch, and a three o’clock kick-off. Saturday afternoons don’t get much better than this.

Farnham’s ground: The Memorial Ground, Mead Lane, Farnham, Surrey  GU9 7DY c.65miles

Admission: Adult £10; concession £6; U16 free

Weather forecast: cloudy; 20oC; 10% chance of rain.