By James Gray
Dorchester Town will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they travel to Taunton Town on Wednesday (7:45pm KO) in the Southern League Premier South.
The Magpies suffered a disappointing 4-1 defeat away to Evesham United on Saturday, while Taunton went down 2-1 at home to Berkhamsted.
When the two sides met for the first time in the league earlier this season, it was Taunton who came away with the bragging rights, securing a 4-1 victory at the Avenue Stadium.
In the time that has since passed the two clubs have struggled for form and consistency, recording just three league wins between them and, consequently, dropping down the league table.
A win for either could thus prove crucial in kickstarting a better run of results, and Dorchester boss Tom Killick will be hoping it's his side who end up with that winning feeling this time around.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of Dorchester's trip to Taunton.
Taunton In Brief
Founded: 1947
Nickname: The Peacocks
Stadium: The Cygnet Health Care Stadium
Capacity: 2,500
Playing Surface: Grass
League Position: 15th
Ones To Watch
Ben Seymour is a name known well to Dorchester supporters, having enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at the Avenue Stadium during the 2018/19 season. Seymour joined Taunton on loan from Torquay United at the start of this season and is currently the Peacocks' leading goalscorer (four) in the Southern League Premier South.
Owen Brain is another name for Dorchester fans to keep an eye out for on Tuesday. The Taunton No. 10 is a creative presence in his side's attack and will undoubtedly be a key man for the Peacocks, should he feature.
The Gaffer
Richard Luffman has been at the helm of the Peacocks since the start of last season, leading the club to a ninth place league finish in his first full season in charge. Luffman has previously managed Otterbourne, Alresford and Cribbs - the latter at which he won the Hellenic League title with.
Previous Meeting
Taunton secured a comfortable 4-1 win at the Avenue Stadium when the two sides last met back in September.
Kane Simpson gave the Peacocks a 1-0 lead heading into the half time break, with a further effort from Simpson and goals from Kalvin Lumbombo Kalala and Jack Rice in the second half securing all three points.
Charlie Wooding's strike deep into second half added time proved scant consolation as the Magpies endured a thoroughly miserable night of Southern League Premier South action.
Form Guide
Magpies - DDLDL
Dorchester's 4-1 away defeat to Evesham on Saturday means the Magpies are now winless in their last five matches in all competitions, with the Magpies' last league win coming more than a month ago.
Peacocks - LWLLL
Taunton's strong early season form has dipped since their win over the Magpies back in September, with the Peacocks winning just one of their eight league matches to have followed that victory at the Avenue Stadium.
Magpies Mind-Boggler
1.) Ben Seymour is not the only former Magpie currently playing for Taunton. Can you correctly name him? He plays in midfield and his initials are TP.
See answer at the bottom of page
Team News
One notable addition in the Dorchester dugout will be that of Taffy Richardson, with the club legend's return to the Magpies as assistant manager confirmed on Monday.
Meanwhile, on the pitch Dorchester will assess the fitness of captain Will Spetch, after he was withdrawn at half time during the weekend loss to Evesham. The Magpies remain without Wes Fogden through injury.
Admission Prices
Supporters making the trip to Taunton can purchase their match tickets on the turnstiles. Prices are as follows:
Adults: £14
Concessions: £11
Juniors (6-16yrs): £5
Under 6s: Free*
*With a fee paying adult
Travel Information
By Car: Directions on how to reach the Cygnet Health Care Stadium for those supporters travelling from Dorchester can be found on the club's official website here.
Supporters should please note that limited on-site parking is available at £5 per vehicle.
By Train: The nearest train station to the Cygnet Health Care Stadium is Taunton, which is roughly a 25-minute walk either way.
Magpies Mind-Boggler Answer:
1.) Tom Purrington