By James Gray
Dorchester Town will kick off an August bank holiday weekend double-header with one of the longest away trips of the season to face Berkhamsted. The Magpies will be targeting a response to last weekend's 3-3 home draw with Walton & Hersham, which saw Tommy Killick's charges surrender a 3-0 lead in second half extra time.
Berkhamsted, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their fine return to life at Step Three, with a third win out of four matches at the start of this league campaign. Here's everything you need to know ahead of Dorchester's trip to Hertfordshire.
Berkhamsted In Brief
Founded: 2009
Nickname: The Comrades
Stadium: The Glencar Community Stadium
Capacity: 2,500 (170 seated)
Playing Surface: Grass
Ones To Watch
Berkhamsted forward Jonathan Lacey - a man who ended the 2023/24 season as the FA Cup top scorer (10) - stands out as a key player for the Comrades and already has two goals to his name this season.
Pierce Mitchell is another name for Magpies fans to look out for. The defender brings a wealth of experience to the Berkhamsted backline, having previously represented the likes of Truro City and Taunton Town.
The Gaffer
Chris Devane is into his second spell as Berkhamsted manager, having re-joined the club at the start of 2024 and winning promotion last season via the Southern League Division One Central playoffs.
Devane was equally as successful during his first spell at the Glencar Community Stadium, gaining promotion to Step 3, but, on that occasion, as league champions, during the 2022/23 season.
Form Guide
Magpies - DLD
Dorchester come into Saturday's contest still looking for their first league win of the season, after draws with Uxbridge and Walton & Hersham either side of a home defeat to Tiverton Town.
Comrades - WWL
Berkhamsted, despite a loss to Gosport Borough in their previous match, have made a fine start to life back at Step Three, recording back-to-back wins over Bracknell Town and Chertsey Town at the start of this season.
Magpies Mind-Boggler
1.) Berkhamsted are one of five teams which were promoted into the Southern League Premier South for the start of this season. Can you name the other four?
See answer at the bottom of page
Team News
Goalkeeper Gerard Benfield and winger Marcus Daws remain sidelined with injury, but Killick is hopeful that midfielder Wes Fogden could return for the trip to Berkhamsted. The Magpies will also be boosted by the return of defender Ollie Haste, after he sat out the draw with Walton & Hersham.
Admission Prices
Anyone making the trip to Berkhamsted can purchase their tickets in advance on Fanbase here. Prices are as follows:
Adults: £12
Concessions: £6
Under 16s: Free*
*Must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets for unaccompanied children cost £2 and cannot be bought online.
Magpies Mind-Boggler Answer:
1.) Evesham United, Farnham Town, Uxbridge & Yate Town