A very warm welcome to the players and supporters of Harrow Borough 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, Dorchester manager Glenn Howes said he expects an “entertaining game” against Harrow, adding the Magpies will do “everything in our power” to arrest a run of four consecutive losses.
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 Boro
Founded: 1933
Stadium: Earlsmead Stadium
Capacity: 3,070 (350 seated)
Playing surface: Grass
Brief history of the Boro
The club was originally formed in 1933 under the name Roxonian FC and played their first season in the Harrow and District League, finishing runners up. The next season saw Roxonian move leagues and into the Earlsmead Stadium.
In the late 1930s the club switched names to Harrow Town, though it wouldn’t be until several decades later that the moniker Harrow Borough was adopted.
Shortly after this the club was accepted into the Isthmian League, where Harrow enjoyed notable periods of success in the early 1980s. Harrow would win the Premier Division and decline promotion to the newly formed Football Conference, owing to financial concerns.
The Boro continued to play, with varying levels of success, in the Isthmian League up until the late 2010s when a reshuffle of the English Football pyramid saw the club moved to the Southern League.
The Gaffers - Steve Baker
Steve Baker has been manager of the Boro since January 2015, after he joined from Ryman South side Chipstead.
During his playing career he carved out a big reputation with Hayes, Yeading, Hendon and Egham Town before becoming player coach with Chertsey Town.
To date, he has also held coaching roles at St Albans City, Egham Town, Beaconsfield Town, Wingate & Finchley and Walton & Hersham.
Ones to Watch
Man of the moment Billy Leonard is hot on form for Harrow, scoring all four goals in their back-to-back wins over North Leigh and Beaconsfield Town.
He is ably assisted in attack by last season’s top goal scorer for Harrow, James Ewington, who is sure to be a handful for the Magpies’ defence.
Form Guide
The Magpies - WLLLL
Dorchester enter Saturday’s fixture on the back of four consecutive defeats in all competitions, the latest of which came midweek against Tiverton Town.
But the Magpies have only lost once on five occasions at home this season and will be keen to get back to winning ways at the Avenue Stadium.
The Boro - LLLWW
Harrow, meanwhile, travel to Dorset on the back on two victories, which have taken them out of the relegation places.
The Boro will be keen to add to their away win against Beaconsfield and return to North West London with all three points.
Last Time We Met...
Last December, the Magpies beat Harrow 3-1 at the Avenue Stadium, courtesy of a brace from Billy Stedman and an Oakley Hanger strike.
Dorchester defender, Thiago Caze da Silva, had the misfortune of scoring an own goal to reduce the deficit for the visitors.
Magpies Team News
Shaquille Gwengwe (ankle) is a minor doubt for Dorchester but should feature in some capacity.
The Magpies could also give first team minutes to summer signing Michael Lilley, after he continued his return from injury with another appearance for Dorchester’s under-23 side midweek.
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