By James Gray
Dorchester Town welcome Hungerford Town to the Avenue Stadium on Saturday (3pm KO) in a crunch Southern League Premier South clash.
Both sides will be desperate for a win which could lift the victor further up the league table and away from the dreaded relegation zone, with Dorchester boss Tom Killick labelling the match as "vital" in his pre-match programme notes.
Draws have been the flavour of the moment for Dorchester and Hungerford as of late. In fact, the two clubs have shared seven between them in their last 10 combined league fixtures.
Are we in for more of the same or will either team be able to secure a crucial three points? There's only one way to find out and that's by getting down to the Avenue and supporting the lads!
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the visit of Hungerford.
Hungerford In Brief
Founded: 1886
Nickname: The Crusaders
Stadium: Bulpit Lane
Capacity: 2,500
Playing Surface: Grass
Ones To Watch
Charlie Austin is someone Tom Killick knows very well, having worked with the former Premier League striker nearly 20 years ago at Poole Town. Austin moved to Bulpit Lane in November from Basingstoke and, last season, scored the winning goal for AFC Totton in their playoff semi-final win over the Magpies.
Another forward for Dorchester fans to watch out for is Harry Williams, who joined Hungerford last summer from Swindon Supermarine. Williams is Hungerford's top scorer (five) in the league this season, and finished as the Southern League Premier South's joint top scorer (34) in the 2022/23 campaign.
The Gaffer
Danny Robinson is one of the longest serving managers in the Southern League Premier South, having been in charge of the Crusaders since May 2020. Robinson, prior to joining Hungerford, enjoyed a successful spell in charge of Thatcham Town, memorably winning the FA Vase at Wembley in 2018.
Previous Meeting
In a season defining game to round off the regular Southern League Premier South 2024/25 campaign, Dorchester visited Bulpit Lane knowing they had to at least match Havant and Waterlooville's result at Wimborne Town to secure a spot in the playoffs.
What unfolded on a mid-spring afternoon in Berkshire will live long in the memories of Dorchester supporters as the Magpies staged the most dramatic of comebacks to secure a 2-1 win and set up a playoff semi-final versus AFC Totton.
Hungerford had taken a first half lead on the day, courtesy of Curtis Angel, before Olaf Koszela restored parity for Dorchester midway through the second half. As the match clock ticked past the 90th minute, it appeared the Magpies would slip out of the playoff picture as a result of Havant's 2-0 defeat of Wimborne.
But Dorchester - more precisely Will Spetch - had other plans and, deep into second half added time, the talismanic defender rose highest to bury a header into the back of the Hungerford net and send a sizable away support delerious.
If you want to relive the drama, you can go back and read Neil Walton's match report from that fateful day here!
Form Guide
Magpies - LDLDD
Dorchester have drawn their previous two home league matches 2-2 - Plymouth Parkway & Gosport Borough - and are winless in all competitions since the end of October.
Crusaders - LDDDD
Hungerford, like Dorchester, have mastered the art of drawing games this season, with the second-most in the league. The Crusaders grabbed a point away to Berkshire rivals Bracknell Town in midweek.
Magpies Mind-Boggler
1.) Will Spetch, of course, scored that goal which booked Dorchester's spot in last season's playoffs, but what minute of the match did he score in?
See answer at the bottom of page
Team News
Wayne Robinson will start the first of a three-match ban, after the club unsuccessfully appealed the red card he incurred against Taunton Town. Will Spetch will continue to be assessed and Wes Fogden remains the only long-term absentee for the Magpies.
Admission Prices
Tickets for the visit of Hungerford 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.) 90+5th minute.