The new season starts with the biggest local fixture of them all, as Weymouth welcome Dorchester Town to the Bob Lucas Stadium.
The Ridgeway derby never needs much of an introduction, but this one feels even more important. Both clubs relegated last season, and we face each other to begin the new season both determined to make ours stay at this level short.
For the Dorset Derby, this is about more than the first three points of the season. It is a chance to put last year behind us and the same for Dorchester.
We clubs know each other well. Almost 200 players have represented both sides over the years, and that connection has continued this summer, with Wes Fogden moving to Weymouth and Matty Burrows heading in the opposite direction.
There is plenty of history too. This will be the 180th meeting between the clubs, with Weymouth winning 105 of the previous 179.
Recent competitive meetings have also gone the Terras’ way. Weymouth are unbeaten in their last 14 competitive matches against Dorchester, a run stretching back to 2015. The Magpies have not won a league game at Weymouth since 1993.
Last season, two wins at the Avenue Stadium, including a 2-1 league victory and a 2-0 Dorset Senior Cup win. The most recent meeting ended 0-0 at the Bob Lucas Stadium in April—the first goalless Ridgeway derby in 14 years.
Tickets are on sale now, Dorchester will be limited to an initial 500 whilst we access the sales. All tickets must be purchased before the game with limited sales to Home fans through the Ticket office on the day of the match.
Hospitality and Mascot packages are available through the website
