By James Gray
Dorchester Town travel to Berkshire on Saturday (3pm KO) to face Bracknell Town as both sides look to claim a vital three points and climb away from the relegation zone.
Bracknell, like the Magpies, have endured a difficult start to the season, which currently sees them occupying bottom spot in the Southern League Premier South, following just a single win.
But with the two sides progressing to the Second Round Proper of the FA Trophy this past week, hopes will be high for both of continuing that kind of form in the league.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of Dorchester's trip to face Bracknell.
Bracknell In Brief
Founded: 1896
Nickname: The Robins
Stadium: The SB Stadium
Capacity: 2,500
Playing Surface: Artificial
Ones To Watch
Bracknell captain Seb Bowerman is one of the division's most experienced players, having spent two seasons in the National League with Dorking Wanderers. Bowerman, who is now into his second spell with the Robins, played a significant role in the club's rise from Step Five to Three of the Non-League pyramid, and is the current joint-top scorer (three) for Bracknell in the Southern League Premier South this season.
At the other end of the pitch, Charlie Kennedy won promotion from the Southern League Premier South with AFC Totton last season and is likely to make up part of a Bracknell defence that will prove a stern test for Dorchester's forward line.
The Gaffer
Carl Davies was installed as interim manager of Bracknell towards the end of October, taking over from former Notts County assistant manager Matt Saunders. Davies, who is himself a former Bracknell player and captain, has to date overseen one match in charge - last weekend's 1-0 FA Trophy win against Banbury United.
Previous Meeting
It was a game to remember when the two sides last met, although perhaps not for the reasons you might initially be thinking of! That's because when Bracknell travelled to the Avenue Stadium last January, the fixture took an unexpected twist, when Magpies defender Will Spetch was forced to play nearly the entire match in goal, after Gerard Benfield was forced off through injury.
Despite the lack of a recognised goalkeeper for the Magpies, Bracknell were unable to find the back of the net, missing several notable chances, including a first-half penalty.
A low, curling effort from Olaf Koszela gave Dorchester an early second half lead and, with just minutes left in the contest, Spetch produced a dramatic save to preserve his clean sheet and hand the Magpies all three points.
Form Guide
Magpies - WLLWW
Dorchester's last five results include back-to-back wins over Basingstoke Town in the league and FA Trophy respectively. The Magpies have currently won just once on their travels in the league this season, with that result coming against Hanwell Town last month.
Robins - LLDLW
Bracknell have recorded only one win in their last five games, although that victory did come during last weekend's FA Trophy tie with Banbury. The Robins have so far claimed three points in the league just once all season - a 3-2 victory over Dorchester's most recent opponents, Basingstoke, back in August.
Team News
Dorchester will be without midfielder Wes Fogden, after he fractured two vertebrae in his neck during last weekend's abandoned FA Trophy match against Basingstoke. Magpies boss Tom Killick will also assess the fitness of winger Marcus Daws ahead of Saturday's match.
Admission Prices
Dorchester supporters making the trip to Bracknell can buy their match tickets in advance* and at a cheaper rate via the club's official website here. Prices are as follows:
Adults: £11 in advance / £13 on the turnstiles
Concessions: £7 in advance / £9 on the turnstiles
Under 18s: Free*
*Online ticket sales end at noon on Saturday, November 1.
**Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Travel Information
By Car: Any supporters travelling to Bracknell by car are strongly encouraged to park at Pyes Acre Car Park, GU47 9AH, which is a short walk from the SB Stadium. This is because parking in the surrounding area is extremely limited and to help avoid any congestion on residential roads.
By Train: The nearest train station to the SB Stadium is Sandhurst, which is approximately a 15-minute walk. From the station, you can walk to the ground by turning right onto Yorktown Road and continuing until you reach the side road with the stadium on the left-hand side.
Further information on how to reach the SB Stadium can be found on Bracknell's official website here.