When the fixtures for this season were released, this game immediately grabbed the attention. A first Dorset derby of 2025-26 against a team who played in National South last season on Bank Holiday Monday.

Warren Feeney’s team have four points from their opening four games: a 3-1 loss at home to Evesham; a 2-0 midweek win at Plymouth Parkway; a 3-2 loss at Sholing who scored two late goals; and, on Saturday, a 1-1 home draw with Bracknell with Jake McCarthy bagging a point for The Terras with a 90^th minute penalty. Weymouth’s six goals have been scored by five different players. Those results leave Weymouth sitting 16^th in the embryonic league table.

An even later penalty for hosts Farnham denied Wimborne all three points on Saturday in a 1-1 draw; before that they’d lost 2-0 at Basingstoke; beaten Havant & Waterlooville 3-1 at the Wyatt Homes Stadium; and drawn 2-2 with Uxbridge at home. The Magpies’ six goals have also been scored by five players – Billy Walker, Joe Smith (two), Joe Ryan, Josh Carmichael and Max Bustamante.

Feeney’s squad includes Matty Burrows, Kieran Douglas and Oakley Hanger who have all featured for Wimborne in seasons past. Two more to keep an eye on are proven goal-scorer Brandon Goodship, and experienced midfielder Jake McCarthy who returned to Weymouth late last year.

Wimborne’s juxtaposition of Josh’s – Carmichael and McQuoid – have both previously played for Weymouth. Tim Sills is again unlikely to have Will Fletcher and Sam Roberts available. His thin young squad will have had little time to recover after Saturday’s gruelling effort, but you know that they’ll all give everything in this Dorset derby.

Wimborne and Weymouth were last in the same division in the 2018-19 season, which was our first-ever season in the Southern Premier. There was a goal-less draw at Cuthbury, and 1-0 home victory at the Bob Lucas as The Terras went on to win the title and gain promotion to the National South. There’s been pre-season friendlies and Dorset Senior Cup ties since then, none more memorable and emotional than last season when Scott Arnold, “Mr.Wimborne”, made his 618^th and final appearance for the Club.

As well as local bragging rights, there’s league points up for grabs on Monday as both teams seek a confidence-boosting win ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup ties. Two good footballing teams going head-to-head in a local derby in a crowded stadium – you won’t want to miss this one.

Watching a first league game between Wimborne and Weymouth for seven seasons is a great way to spend a sunny August Bank Holiday afternoon. And as we’re expecting a bumper crowd, the Club has made special arrangements to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time with additional facilities and pre-match entertainment. You can find out more at: https://wimbornetownfc.co.uk/2025/08/match-info-wimborne-town-vs-weymouth/

When you get to the ground, please follow the guidelines and instructions of the fluorescent-jacketed stewards.

As there’s limited parking at the ground in Ainsley Road BH21 2FU, if you can travel by bus, bike, or on foot it would be really helpful. However, if you do decide to travel by car and park on the nearby streets, please do so respectfully to our neighbours.

• The Morebus no.13 runs along Leigh Road from and to The Square in the town centre with stops at the bottom of Parmiter Road, a 5-minute stroll from the ground.
• There is a bike park near the players’ entrance.
• A packed printed programme will be on sale.
• Admission: adults £14, concessions £8, U18s £5, U13s £2.
• Weather Forecast: sunny; 23oC; <5% chance of rain.