Dorchester Town ready to stand in AFCB's way

There's a chance to see the Cherries' first team play today in pre-season as they take on Dorchester Town at 3pm at the Avenue stadium. The Magpies currently play in the Skrill Southern Premier League along with Poole Town. Many of AFC Bournemouth's players have been loaned out to the Magpies in recent seasons to learn their craft. Last January AFCB loaned out Charlie Lossaso and Jake McCarrthy and Benjamin Buchel had a spell there in February last season.

I can't say I have ever been a big follower of Dorchester Town even though I spent many early years living just 15 miles away at Bridport. Still they have a reasonable following in the hundreds and should turn out in their numbers for the AFCB game. Incidentally, Bridport are next up after the Cherries for Dorchester. So far this pre-season Dorchester have lost 3-0 at home to a Torquay XI and have draw 1-1 with Gosport.

Ben Joyce is their star man up front and he only signed for them from Weymouth last season and was at Swindon Town before that but he has had his injury troubles. Those of you familiar with Poole Town will also know that striker Dan Cann signed for Dorchester last May. Alex Godfrey was on the score sheet against Gosport and has been noted as one of their best players. If you are looking for leaders on the pitch though look out for Jamie Gleeson - he is the David Beckham look alike apparently (he also started out at that club called the Saints!), but I hope he does not play that well. Dorchester knocked out Plymouth in the FA Cup in 2012 so they won't be worried about AFCB coming down to their ground.

You should also take a look at the Dorchester Town Facebook page with loads of good stories and pictures of the ground and players. It also seems that they like their ale down there!

For AFCB we await team news but it is possible that Buchel will resume his keeper duties unless Flahavan and Camp are ready to take part, while injuries could keep out new signings Stanislas and Wilson.