There’s a number of similarities between The Magpies and The Chats.

 

Both teams play at Step 3 – Wimborne in the Southern League Premier South; Chatham in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

 

Both teams have made a good start to the league season: Wimborne sit sixth with a W7 D4 L3 GF 26 GA 13 record, at The Wyatt Homes Stadium it’s W5 D2 L0; Chatham sit third with a W8 D3 L3 GF 27 GA 12 record, on their travels it’s W4 D1 L2.

 

Both teams have knocked out Step 2 National South teams in the FA Cup – Wimborne beat Bath City 2-1 at home; Chatham won 3-1 at Tonbridge Angels.

 

Both teams bowed out of the FA Cup to Step 2 teams: Wimborne 0-3 at home to National South Worthing in 3Q; Chatham achieved all non-league teams’ dream by reaching the First Round Proper where they lost 1-2 at National North Buxton in extra-time.

 

Both teams have won twice, without conceding a goal, in the FA Trophy to reach the Second Round Proper: Wimborne knocking out Weymouth (2-0) and Portchester (1-0); Chatham defeating Needham Market on penalties after a goal-less draw, and Waltham Abbey (2-0).

 

Both teams will be playing at this stage of the competition for only the second time in their history: in 2021-22 Wimborne lost 2-1 at home to Larkhall Athletic; last season Chatham lost on pens at National South Slough after drawing 1-1.

 

Both teams are well supported: Wimborne’s average league attendance is 728; Chatham’s a remarkable 1,358.

 

Both teams are youthful, fit and fast, and have a number of in-form attacking options: for Wimborne Joe Smith has scored eight in league and cups, and Will Fletcher and Lewis Williams seven each; for Chatham Tope Fadahunsi has scored 10 in league and cup, and Stanley Oldfield nine.

 

But there’s definitely two differences: Wimborne are part-time, Chatham switched to full-time for this season; Wimborne are at home, Chatham have to travel circa 140 miles.

 

What can we learn from their last three league games? The Magpies won at Dorchester (2-0), beat Chertsey at home (4-1), and last Saturday drew at Hungerford (0-0). The Chats have seen one win and two losses, all away from their Bauvill Stadium: Billericay (1-2), Hashtag Utd (6-0), and on Tuesday Ramsgate (0-1).

 

On Saturday, if scores are level after 90 (plus) minutes, there will be a penalty shoot-out. The 40 winners from this round will be joined in the Third Round Proper on 13th December by the 24 Step 1 teams in the National League.

 

On Saturday both teams have the opportunity to make history for their club by reaching that Third Round Proper for the very first time.

 

Given the importance of this game to players, clubs and supporters, the fire power both teams have, and their mean defences, this has all the makings of being a cup-tie cracker. You won’t want to miss it, so come on down, and cheer on Tim’s team. After all, it’s what autumnal Saturday afternoons were made for.

 

Match Info:

• 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 five-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. Please note that season tickets are not valid for FA competitions.
• Weather Forecast: Light cloud; 13oC; 10% chance of rain.
• Prize Money: Winners £3,750, losers £1,000