DORCHESTER Town will look to bounce back quickly when they welcome fellow promotion hopefuls Exmouth Town to the Avenue Stadium on Saturday (3pm).
The Magpies head into the Southern League Division One South clash aiming to return to winning ways after defeat to Oxford City in the Emirates FA Cup last weekend.
Despite that defeat, Glenn Howe's side have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign and remain firmly in the mix near the top end of the early season table.
The Magpies have won five of their opening league matches and will be keen to maintain their impressive home record against a side expected to challenge for the play-offs this season.
Summer signings Matty Burrows is one of the Magpies in form players having netted five times this season since his switch from Weymouth.
Exmouth arrive in Dorset sitting just two places behind the Magpies in the early standings and have also made a positive start to life in the division.
The Devon outfit remain unbeaten in the league this season with three wins and a draw from their opening four games.
Kevin Hill's side's only defeat a 4-1 loss to Hartpury in the FA Trophy.
They come into this weekend's tie with Dorchester following cup action this week, hosting Thame United in an FA Cup replay before making the trip to the Avenue.
The visitors are likely to provide a stern test for Dorchester, with both clubs targeting a place in the promotion picture.
Early-season form suggests little between the sides, adding further intrigue to what could prove one of the standout fixtures in the division this weekend.
One player to watch will be experienced striker Matt Wright who has two league goals to his name this season.
His physical presence, aerial ability and experience make him a handful for defenders, particularly in and around the penalty area. Wright's ability to hold the ball up and bring teammates into play means he can influence games even when he is not on the scoresheet.
For Howe's men, the opportunity to respond immediately to last weekend's disappointment is one that will be eagerly embraced.
Victory would strengthen Dorchester's position among the league's early pace-setters and provide another boost ahead of a busy run of fixtures, with 10 games scheduled between now and the end of October.
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