A very warm welcome to the players and supporters of Metropolitan Police Football Club who this weekend will visit the Avenue Stadium for our latest clash in the Southern League Premier Division South (KO 3.00pm).
Ahead of the game, Dorchester Town first team coach Brian Churchill has spoke glowingly of the Met, but warned the visitors that the Avenue Stadium is now a “really difficult place to come”.
Do you want to know a bit more about our visitors before today’s game? Then check out our official match preview below...
Nickname: The Met
Founded: 1919
Stadium: Imber Court
Capacity: 3,000 (297 seated)
Playing surface: Grass
League position: 5th
Brief history of The Met
The club was originally established in 1919 as a team for officers and civilian staff of the Metropolitan Police. However, the rule was later removed when the commissioner at the time refused to sanction time off for playing.
Throughout their history the Met have qualified for the First Round of the FA Cup on several occasions, but have the unfortunate knack of never progressing any further in the tournament.
At the end of the 2017/18 season the club was transferred to the Southern League Premier Division South. The following year the Met would have achieved promotion had it not been for an extraordinary super play-off final, which they lost against Tonbridge Angels.
Last season the club enjoyed another strong domestic campaign, finishing in the play-offs where they were knocked out by eventual winners Farnborough.
The Gaffer - Gavin Macpherson
A former player with the Met, Gavin Macpherson has held the managerial reigns at Imber Court since 2018.
Before hanging up his boots, he had also played at Nottingham Forest, Barnet, Carlisle, Wealdstone and Woking.
One to Watch
Forward Herson Rodrigues-Alves is on red hot form this season and has already bagged a superb 13 league goals.
Form Guide
The Magpies - LDWWW
Dorchester are enjoying an impressive run of form, which has seen them record three consecutive wins against Merthyr Town, Salisbury and Bridport.
The Magpies have enjoyed playing at the Avenue Stadium so far this season and will be keen to add another win to their growing tally against the Met.
The Met - LWLWW
Back-to-back league wins against Merthyr Town and Hartley Wintney has seen the Met rise up into the Southern League Premier Division South’s playoff places.
The Met themselves boast an impressive away record in the league this season, winning five of their nine fixtures on the road.
Last Time We Met...
In March, the Met left the Avenue Stadium with all three points courtesy of a 1-0 scoreline. Liam Ferdinand notched the only goal of the game for the visitors.
Did You Know...
Since switching to the Southern League Premier Division South in 2018, Dorchester have failed to beat the Met in any of the league meetings between the two sides.
Magpies Team News
Shaquille Gwengwe will be absent from Saturday’s game as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury, while Kieran Douglas misses out through suspension.
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