By James Gray
Dorchester Town welcome high-flying Gosport Borough to the Avenue Stadium on Saturday (3pm KO) as the two sides lock horns in the Southern League Premier South.
The match, which will see the return of former Dorchester manager and player Glenn Howes, is the first of a double-header of Saturday home fixtures for the Magpies.
Dorchester boss Tom Killick will be hoping his side can make the most of home advantage and back up the hard-earned draw away to Taunton Town in midweek - a match which saw the Magpies play the entire second half with 10-men - as Dorchester seek to move away from the relegation zone.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the visit of Gosport.
Gosport In Brief
Founded: 1944
Nickname: The Boro
Stadium: The AEI Stadium
Capacity: 4,500
Playing Surface: Artificial
League Position: 3rd
Ones To Watch
Ethan Taylor has proved a shrewd summer signing for Gosport, after deciding to move to the AEI Stadium despite gaining promotion from the Southern League Premier South last season with AFC Totton.
The forward currently leads the club's league goalscoring charts with 11 goals.
Rory Williams is a vastly experienced player in the Gosport ranks, enjoying promotions with the Boro and Havant and Waterlooville across his career.
Williams, who is a defender by trade, made an impromptu appearance in between the sticks for Gosport during their midweek win over Weymouth, after an injury to former Dorchester goalkeeper Ryan Hall.
The Gaffer
Glenn Howes needs no introduction to Dorchester fans, having been assistant to current Magpies boss Tom Killick during the last two seasons. Howes, who has previously managed and played for Dorchester, joined Gosport in the summer and has overseen a strong start to his time at the Hampshire-based side.
Previous Meeting
Last March, Gosport secured a 2-0 win over Dorchester at the Avenue Stadium - only one of two defeats that the Magpies suffered at home in the league all season. The Boro claimed their victory courtesy of goals from now-Dorchester midfielder Cameron Murray and former Magpie striker Alfie Stanley.
Form Guide
Magpies - DLDLD
Dorchester have failed to win any of their previous five matches - a run of results that has seen the Magpies drop into the bottom four. Dorchester battled to a 1-1 away draw versus Taunton Town in midweek, despite playing with 10-men for the entire second half.
Boro - WWLWW
Gosport's league form has been exemplary this season, winning 10 and losing just five of their 18 matches played to date. The Boro's last five results have taken in all of Dorchester's fellow Step 3 Dorset clubs, with wins over Poole Town and Weymouth sandwiching a loss to Wimborne Town.
Magpies Mind-Boggler
1.) Last season Dorchester staged a second half comeback from 2-0 down to grab a draw against Gosport at the AEI Stadium. Can you name the Dorchester player who scored the goal that brought the Magpies level on the day?
See answer at the bottom of page
Team News
Dorchester captain Will Spetch will continue to be assessed, after missing the midweek draw with Taunton due to injury. Wes Fogden remains the only long-term absentee for the Magpies.
Admission Prices
Tickets for the visit of Gosport can be purchased in advance via the Fanbase app here. Prices are as follows:
Adults: £12 in advance online /£14 on the turnstiles
Concessions: £10 in advance online / £12 on the turnstiles
Students: £9 in advance online / £11 on the turnstiles
Aged 12 to 16: £4 in advance online / £6 on the turnstiles
Under 12s: £1 in advance online / £3 on the turnstiles
Travel Information
Full travel information on how to reach the Avenue Stadium can be found here.
Magpies Mind-Boggler Answer:
1.) Will Spetch