By James Gray
Dorchester Town travel to Slimbridge AFC on Saturday (3pm KO) as the two sides contest their first qualifying round clash in the Emirates FA Cup.
The Magpies will be hoping the break from league action brings about a change in fortunes, after a winless start to the season which has only yet yielded two points. Slimbridge, by contrast, could not have begun their season more differently, currently sitting top of the Hellenic League Premier Division and unbeaten in all competitions. Here's everything you need to know ahead of Dorchester's trip to Gloucestershire.
Slimbridge In Brief
Founded: 1902
Nickname: The Swans
Stadium: Thornhill Park
Capacity: 1,500
Playing Surface: Grass
Ones To Watch
Slimbridge lack no shortage of in-form attacking players at present, with forwards Casey Collins (six) and Jack W. Smith (five) leading the goalscoring charts.
Elsewhere, goalkeeper Stephen Sarkodie has settled quickly into life at Thornhill Park, having joined this summer from Hartpury University - a side which, last season, he helped to the Hellenic League Premier Division title and a semi-final appearance in the FA Vase.
The Gaffers
Tom Deakin and Mike Palmer share managerial responsibilities at Slimbridge, with the latter having joined the club this summer.
Form Guide
Magpies - DLDLL
Dorchester are winless at the start of this season and come into the match on the back of a pair of defeats over the bank holiday weekend against Berkhamsted and Farnham Town.
Swans - WWWWW
Slimbridge are unbeaten in all competitions this season and are currently on a five match winning streak, in which the Swans have scored 17 goals and conceded just four.
Magpies Mind-Boggler
1.) Dorchester last won an FA Cup match during the 2022/23 season in a home replay versus Dorset neighbours Wimborne Town. What was the score that day? Bonus point to anyone who can name the sole goalscorer!
2.) We can't preview an FA Cup match without reflecting on that famous 1-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle during the 2012/13 season, but how many of the Magpies starting eleven can you remember? (One point for each correct player).
See answers at the bottom of page
Team News
Dorchester are at full strength for the visit to Slimbridge aside from goalkeeper Gerard Benfield and winger Marcus Daws, who both remain sidelined due to injury.
Admission Prices
Supporters should note that tickets for this match are not available online, but can be purchased with either cash or card at the turnstiles. Prices are as follows:
Adults: £8
Concessions: £6
Under 16s: Free
Travel Information
By Car: Parking is available to supporters at Thornhill Park or the Wisloe Road Business Park, which is less than a minute walk from the ground. Full travel directions for any supporters arriving by car can be found on Slimbridge's official website here.
By Train: The nearest train station to Thornhill Park is Cam & Dursley, which can be found on the Great Western rail network. Trains terminate here traveling north from Bristol Parkway or south from Gloucester and Cheltenham Spa. It is approximately a 25-30 minute walk from the station to the ground.
Magpies Mind-Boggler Answers:
1.) 1-0, Olaf Koszela.
2.) Magpies: Matthews, Jermyn, Walker, Clough, Smeeton, Gosling, Nicholls, Gleeson, Garcia, Martin, Watson.