By James Gray
Dorchester Town continue their journey in the FA Cup this Saturday with a trip to league rivals Farnham Town. The match will see the two sides lock horns for a second time this season, after Farnham beat Tom Killick's outfit 3-1 at the Avenue Stadium, in August.
A win for either team will see them pocket £5,625 and move one step closer to the First Round Proper stage, which sees the entry of professional football clubs from the EFL League One and Two.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of Dorchester's trip to Surrey.
Farnham In Brief
Founded: 1906
Nickname: The Town
Stadium: The Memorial Ground
Capacity: 1,500
Playing Surface: Grass
Ones To Watch
Since our last meeting with Farnham, striker Owen Dean has been in deadly goalscoring form, notching goals against Sholing and Gloucester City in the Southern League Premier South.
Midfielders Bobby-Joe Taylor and Mat Mackenzie have also continued to impress, since both arrived at the Memorial Stadium this summer from Dorking Wanderers and Hanwell Town respectively.
The Gaffer
Paul Johnson has overseen a remarkable rise at Farnham since his managerial appointment in November 2022, securing back-to-back promotions and league titles for the Surrey-based outfit. Johnson, prior to his arrival at the Memorial Ground, had enjoyed successful spells in charge of Spelthorne Sports and Bedfont Sports.
Previous Meeting
Farnham enjoyed an August Bank Holiday to remember earlier this season, when they won 3-1 at the Avenue Stadium in the Southern League Premier South. Joe Parker did give the Magpies an early lead, having capitalised on a mistake by Farnham goalkeeper Zaki Oualah.
However, the Town ensured they ended the first half level when defender Jordan Stepney rose highest to power home a header. Farnham edged ahead in the second half courtesy of a Tom Leggett effort, before striker Adam Liddle was sent off for a second bookable offence.
But, despite the man advantage, Dorchester were unable to restore parity, with substitute Ogo Obi scoring in added time to secure all three points for the visitors.
You can read the full match report from that day here.
Form Guide
Magpies - LDWWL
Dorchester come into this match on the back of a 4-1 home defeat to Taunton Town. Prior to that, the Magpies had enjoyed a mini-run of sorts, with back-to-back wins over Brixham AFC and Yate Town.
Town - DDWWD
Farnham have yet to taste defeat in any competition this season, drawing 3-3 with Gloucester in their most recent match. The Town beat Erith Town and Burgess Hill Town to advance to this stage of the FA Cup.
Magpies Mind-Boggler
1.) The last time Dorchester played in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup was back in the 2014/15 season against Hendon at the Avenue Stadium, but what was the score that day?
See answer at the bottom of page
Team News
Killick has confirmed that the FA Cup clash with Farnham will come too soon for Jack Dickson and Luke Roberts. Wes Fogden is also likely to miss out, after suffering an injury during the midweek defeat to Taunton.
Admission Prices
Tickets for the visit to Farnham Town can be purchased in advance via the club's official website here. Prices are as follows:
Adults: £10
Concessions: £6
Under 16s: £1
Travel Information
Supporters Coach: The club is running a supporters coach to Farnham, which is set to depart the Avenue Stadium at 11am.
By Car: Supporters travelling to Farnham by car are encouraged to park at the nearby Waitrose and Partners store and make the short walk over to the Memorial Ground from there. More information on the available parking options can be found here.
By Train: The nearest train station to the Memorial Stadium is Farnham, which is around a 10-15 minute walk between both locations. Dorchester supporters travelling by train should please note though to leave plenty of travel time due to planned engineering works between Bournemouth and Southampton.
Magpies Mind-Boggler Answer:
1.) 1-0 Dorchester win.