Just 10 weeks into the season, Wimborne face a third Dorset derby. After twice getting the better of Weymouth in league and cup, Tim Sills’ squad travel to Dorchester for the meeting of The Magpies.
Last season the two teams twice shared the points before Dorchester bagged the final play-off spot in a dramatic last day finale at Hungerford. Promotion hopes were dashed in extra-time in the semi-final at Totton (4-3). Dorchester recruited quality and experience during the summer including Cameron Murray, Joe Parker, Tom Smith and Harvey Wright to supplement the strong core of Wes Fogden, Corby Moore and Will Spetch among others. It wasn’t surprising that Dorch were among the favourites for at least a repeat performance this time around.
However, football can be “a funny old game”, and Killick’s clan have made a disappointing start to the campaign which sees them sitting fourth from bottom in 19th with a W2 D3 L6 GF 13 GA 21 record; at The Avenue their record is W1 D1 L3 (Tiverton (1-3), Walton & H (3-3 – it was 3-0 on 91 mins), Farnham (1-3), Yate (2-0), and Taunton (1-4)). Last Saturday they had an excellent 2-0 win at Hanwell, the division’s meanest defence, but suffered a 2-0 reverse at Poole on Tuesday. In the FA Cup they brushed aside Slimbridge (1-0) and Brixham (3-1) before being knocked out at Farnham (3-0). In the FA Trophy on their 3G pitch, Dorch disposed of Bideford 4-0 with Tom Smith bagging a hat-trick to put him on five for the season; Joe Parker is next best with three. Recent loan signing from Torquay Jadyn Crosbie is a young striker to keep an eye on, he opened his account at Hanwell.
After Tuesday’s 4-1 win against Yate, Wimborne find themselves fourth from top leading the chase to catch up with the three early leaders. Their record is W5 D3 L3 GF 20 GA 12; on their travels it’s W1 D1 L3 – exactly the same as Dorchester’s home record. Their last three away-days were a 3-0 win at Berkhamsted, and 1-0 losses at Gosport and, on Saturday, league leaders Walton & Hersham. In the FA Cup wins over Bishops Cleeve (5-2) and Bath City (2-1) were followed by a 3-0 defeat to National South Worthing. The FA Trophy tie was a 2-0 victory over The Terras. Lewis Williams now has seven goals for the season, Will Fletcher six, and Joe Smith five.
The Avenue hasn’t been a particularly happy hunting-ground for Wimborne. In the Southern Prem we’ve visited five times – drawing two and losing three. Last season 1,021 watched a 1-1 draw when Matty Burrows equalised Koszela’s penalty. In the FA Cup we’ve lost First Round Qualifying replays three times, the last 1-0 in 2022. The one bright spot was a 3-1 triumph in the FA Trophy in 2014.
But when it comes to a local derby, history and league positions are unimportant; what matters is who plays better on the day, and this has all the ingredients of being a cracker. If you can get there to support Tim’s team they’ll appreciate your support. After all, it’s what Saturday afternoons were made for.
Match Info:
Dorchester’s Ground: Avenue Stadium, Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2RY
Average Attendance: 545
Tickets: Adults £12; concessions £10; students £9; 12-16 yrs £4; U12s £1
Weather Forecast: Sunny intervals; 15oC; <5% chance of rain.
