A very warm welcome to the players and supporters of Hartley Wintney FC, who this weekend will visit the Avenue Stadium for our latest clash in the Southern League Premier Division South (KO 3:00PM).
Speaking prior to the game to Dorset Echo Sport, first team coach Brian Churchill said it is “vital that we win our home games and make it a difficult place to come”.
In the previous two home fixtures the management team have highlighted the positive difference that support from the fans has made to the atmosphere in and around the club. Saturday represents another opportunity to get behind the team and it would be brilliant to see that replicated once more.
Do you want to know a bit more about our visitors before tomorrow’s game? Then check out our official match preview below...
Nickname: The Row
Founded: 1897
Stadium: The Memorial Playing Fields, Hartley Wintney
Capacity: 2,000 (estimated), 113 seated
Playing surface: Grass
Brief history of The Row
Hartley Wintney is classified as a village located close to the main town of Basingstoke, in north Hampshire, within central southern England.
After being founded just before the end of the 19th century Hartley Wintney began life as a football club in the Basingstoke & District League.
In 1978 they were founding members of the Home Counties League - renamed Combined Counties League - playing amongst its various divisions until the 2016/17 season.
During that campaign the club won promotion from the Combined Counties League Premier Division.
The following year they repeated the trick in the Southern League South East Division to earn a spot in the Southern League Premier South Division.
The Gaffers - Ross Weatherstone & Tyrone Newton
The Row announced the appointments of Ross Weatherstone and Tyrone Newton as co-managers for the start of this season.
The duo replaced Hartley Wintney’s previous manager, Anthony Millerick, who has since moved into the position of Director of Football at the club.
Both Weatherstone and Newton were promoted internally into their new roles. Weatherstone has been with the Row since July 2020, beginning as joint under 23 development team manager. He had previously managed and coached at Bracknell Town, Binfield FC and Woodcote.
Meanwhile, Newton joined the club as a player in February 2019, before moving into a role within the first team coaching set-up in recent seasons.
One to Watch
Striker Kyen Nicholas will be one to keep an eye on for Dorchester defenders and fans alike.
Nicholas already has two goals to his name at the start of the new campaign. He also ended last season in fine form for the Row, scoring six goals in eight matches, after re-joining the club from Hendon.
Form Guide
The Magpies - WLWW
Dorchester have made their best start to a season since 2015, following three wins from their first four league games. The Magpies’ last outing saw them grab a 1-0 away victory against Beaconsfield Town, courtesy of Jordan Ngalo’s maiden goal for the club.
The Row - LLWD
After opening their season with two losses to Swindon Supermarine and Chesham United, Hartley Wintney have responded in positive style. On their third matchday the Row beat Salisbury 3-1 away from home, before drawing 0-0 with Hayes and Yeading United last Saturday.
Last Time We Met...
The most recent encounter between these two sides came in February, when the Row secured a 1-0 home victory.
In the six games Dorchester have played against Hartley Wintney they edge the head-to-head record by four wins to two.
Magpies Team News
Dorchester head into Saturday’s contest with a fresh bill of health by all accounts. The only slight concern is Torquay United loanee Alex Moyse, who was on the receiving end of a heavy tackle against Beaconsfield last weekend.
But Churchill said he reported to training this week with “just bruising to the bone” and should be available for selection.
Admission fees
Adult: £12 (£11 in advance)
Concessions: £9 (£8 in advance)
16 to 18-year-olds: £6 (£5 in advance)
Under 16-year-olds: £4 (£3 in advance)
Fans are able to order online via the official Dorchester Town FC website HERE