By James Gray
Dorchester Town return to the Avenue Stadium for the first time in nearly a month this Saturday as they take on Yate Town (3pm KO) in the Southern League Premier South.
The Magpies are riding the high of last weekend's FA Cup Second Qualifying Round victory over Brixham AFC, and will be hoping they can bring some of that form into the league, where they remain winless at the start of this season. Yate, meanwhile, also come into Saturday's contest in positive mood, having secured their first win in all competitions against Tiverton Town in their last outing. It may be early in the season but both teams will know just how important a win for them could be, with three points possibly enough to see either leap out of the relegation zone. Here's all you need to know ahead of the visit of Yate.
Yate In Brief
Founded: 1906
Nickname: The Bluebells
Stadium: The South West Interiors Stadium
Capacity: 2,000
Playing Surface: Grass
Ones To Watch
The Bluebells possess a number of dangerous attacking players, including Marlon Jackson and Chris Zebroski, who between them have scored three of Yate's five league goals at the start of this season.
Former Southampton and Leyton Orient midfielder Lloyd James provides further experience in the Yate ranks, having won promotion from the Southern League Premier South during his time with Taunton Town.
The Gaffer
Darren Mullings has been in charge at Yate since September 2023, winning promotion to the Southern League Premier South last season - his first full campaign as manager.
As a player, Mullings came through the academy at Bristol Rovers before going on to enjoy spells at the likes of Weston-super-Mare, Gloucester City and Salisbury.
Previous Meeting
You have to go back to January 2023 for the last time these two sides met, with Dorchester emerging 2-0 winners on that occasion, courtesy of goals from Harvey Bradbury and Shaquille Gwengwe. Read Neil Walton's full match report from that day here.
Form Guide
Magpies - LWLDW
Dorchester are yet to win in the league this season, but do come into Saturday's match on the back of a 3-1 away win against Brixham AFC in the FA Cup.
Bluebells - LDLDW
Yate, like Dorchester, currently find themselves occupying one of the league's relegation spots, after a disappointing start to the season which has seen them win just once in all competitions.
Team News
Midfielder Charlie Wooding is suspended for Dorchester and goalkeeper Gerard Benfield continues to miss out through injury. Jack Dickson, Luke Pardoe and Luke Roberts also all miss out, however new loan signing Jaydn Crosbie could make his Magpies debut.
Admission Prices
Tickets for the visit of Yate 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.