Slimbridge AFC welcome Dorchester Town to Thornhill Park this Saturday (August 30th), in the FA Cup First Round Qualifying, with kick-off at 3pm.
This tie marks just the fourth time in club history that the Swans have faced a Step 3 side in a competitive fixture, following previous encounters with Yate Town, Merthyr Town and Chippenham Town.
The club would like to thank Kevin & Kirsty from The Hoptician micro-pub, Dursley, who are kindly sponsoring the match ball for this huge occasion at Thornhill Park.
The Opposition
Dorchester Town currently play in the Southern League Premier South, and sit 21st in the early standings with two points from their opening five games.
Their danger man so far this season has been Tom Smith, an attacking midfielder who has already scored three goals. Smith boasts plenty of pedigree, with more than 250 appearances for Bath City, and last season netted nine times in 36 outings for Taunton Town. His presence underlines the quality Slimbridge will be coming up against this weekend.
The Swans’ Form
Slimbridge, meanwhile, have enjoyed a superb start to the 2024/25 season. The Swans remain unbeaten in the league, winning five and drawing one of their opening six fixtures.
Cup progress has also been strong, with victories over Corsham Town and Portishead Town setting up this historic clash at Thornhill Park.
From the Dugout
The management team reflected positively on both the start to the season and the memorable FA Cup run so far: “The season has started better than any of us could have expected. The group has really come together. And since our pre-season game against Forest Green Rovers, the bond has grown stronger, creating a fantastic atmosphere both on and off the pitch.
The lads have worked hard, and the results so far reflect that effort. We know it’s still early days, but confidence is high at the moment.”
On the FA Cup journey: “Beating Corsham in the Extra Preliminary Round was a special day for the supporters, and we felt we fully earned it. Portishead, however, was a very different test. With three or four lads missing, we travelled there with hope, but the group thrived off the confidence that grew throughout the game, and showed real character to get the win.”
And finally, on the importance of the home support: “This Saturday brings another challenge, and one the lads are really looking forward to. It would be fantastic to see a big crowd behind us, especially as it’s been a while since we’ve played at home. The away support over the last four games has been outstanding, and we’re hugely grateful for it. We’ll train on Thursday and head into the weekend ready and focused.”
