It has been a difficult last three seasons for Dorchester following their relegation from Conference South where they had spent the previous ten seasons. Last season they flirted with relegation but managed in the end to survive, finishing just a point above relegated Cambridge City.

Last season we lost to our visitors here early in the season, that was in the middle of our longest losing league run of four games that we had all season. However, just two weeks later we were back on track, winning convincingly down in Dorset in an FA Cup First Qualifying Round game and then won again there in the league in January.

Dorchester have a mix of a few experienced players and youngsters. Goalkeeper Chris Weale has over 250 Football League appearances behind him but a number of the side are stepping up in levels, having arrived in the summer from Portland United who won the Wessex League Championship last season.

As for United, they go into the game after an overall successful pre-season with six wins of out seven, including two wins over higher level sides. It is a mixture of some new players aiming to improve the squad with the nucleus of last season’s successful side. Latest squad news is that striker Damien Robertson who has scored over 100 goals from around 50 games for local side Chasewell Park over the course of the last two seasons signed Southern League forms last night. However, contrary to what supporters may have assumed from a piece in the Banbury Guardian, Darius Browne has not re-signed for the club.

You will notice a number of improvements at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium over the summer. A flattening out of the Town End Car Park, a repainting and refurbishing of the entrance at that end to create a good first impression, an enlarged media area in the stand, a video tower put up (New York’s “Trump Tower” now has a rival in “Shadder’s Tower”!), a refurbished Town End Tea Bar, new professional looking dug-outs and much general painting and tidying up. And the pitch is looking great, thanks to the groundstaff. The club are grateful to all the club volunteers who have spent time this summer on all this work.

Repair work on the riverside terrace has though been delayed due to the heavy rain this week. So there is a small area over by the video tower that supporters should be advised to take some caution when in that area

Tomorrow’s match is sponsored by L Jarvis & Sons Limited. Banbury United are grateful for their support.

The Brighton v Manchester City game on BT Sport will certainly be shown on TVs and also on a big screen (if there are no technical problems with the first use of the screen) in the Clubhouse after the game – so no need to rush away, why not stay behind and watch the game down at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium!

Away supporters are advised to use OX16 5AB for their Sat-Nav as the club’s official postcode may well take you elsewhere!

Admission Prices: Adults £10, Concessions (Over 60s and Full Time Students) £6, Under 16s £1.

Programme: £2.

Kick-off 3.00pm

Free to sit in the stand

Hot Food available in the Clubhouse.

Free parking