A late decision to travel after work to Wimborne took me to see this local derby fixture, between Wimborne Town, who play in the Southern League Premier Division South and Weymouth Town, of the National League South.

Wimborne Town, known as the Magpies, play at the Wyatt Homes Stadium, with a capacity of 2800 and boasts seating for 500 in two covered grandstands with capacity for 250 in each. The ground was handed to the club by Wyatt Homes, who developed on land the club had sold to them, in 2020 and is a friendly, modern and welcoming setting. Manager Tom Sills will be hoping to make it two promotions in two years as his side aim to make the National League.

Weymouth Town, known as The Terras, managed by Mark Molesely, had a difficult season last year finishing 15th out of the 24 teams in National League South. Tonight they unveiled two new signings, Ben Greenwood and Euan Pollock.

The first half was a tight affair, with Weymouth coming out more strongly than the home team, whose high press left them occasionally vulnerable to the break away attack.

At the break the sides went in with the game wide open and the scores still deadlocked at 0-0.

The second half was more open, with Wimborne’s forward line finding gaps in the Weymouth Town defence. A goal for the home side, was disallowed for a late off-side flag, which, in turn, triggered a late surge from Weymouth.

With just minutes to go Weymouth Town created three opportunities that could have led to the game’s first goal. Amartey, a triallist and Touray all went close or were denied by the Wimborne Town keeper.

However at full time the teams were still tied with the scores goalless. The crowd of 335 had seen a hard fought derby match, and both teams could walk away having gained something from this fixture.