CHANGES OF FORTUNE
Inside the Story of Dorchester Sports FC's 2025/2026 Season
Defeat in last season's cup final against Hamworthy Recreation Reserves left a bitter taste in the mouths of players and supporters alike of Dorchester Sports FC.
After coming so close to silverware, the disappointment of falling at the final hurdle stuck with the players, coaches and supporters long after the final whistle. Rather than dwell on the disappointment, Dorchester Sports used it as motivation. They came into the 2025/2026 season with something to prove. What followed was a season full of successes and failures. Rising to the top of the Dorset Premier League and to an injury-riddled mid-season. This is the story of Dorchester Sports FC's 2025/2026 Dorset Premier League season.
A Background to Dorchester Sports
The Humble Beginnings
Dorchester Sports was founded in 2007 by Ashley James. They won back-to-back titles in lower divisions in their first two seasons. At the end of the 2015/2016 Dorset League season, Sports got promoted to the Dorset Premier League and have been there since.
Ashley James, Founder of Dorchester Sports FC
Ashley James, Founder of Dorchester Sports FC
A Tale of Two Seasons
The last two seasons couldn't had gone any more differently for Dorch Sports. Their 2023/2024 season was one to forget, finishing with only 44 points and coming in seventh, only winning thirteen out of thirty games. Champions that season Sturminster Newton United, came out with 77 points come the end of the thirtieth game.
The 2024/2025 season was their most successful since their 2021/2022 season. They finished with a commendable 70 points and finished in third place, winning twenty-two out of thirty this time. Unfortunately, they lost out second place on goal difference to rivals Cobham Sports and only finished four points behind champions that season, Bournemouth Sports.
"Coming so close to winning the league and then also losing the cup final to Hamworthy gave us the motivation we needed to try and win silverware this year." James said.
“I’ve never missed the start of a season, especially six games.”
Alex Godfrey
A Rough Start
Before the season had even got underway, team captain Alex Godfrey got injured in warm-up prior to kick-off against Holt United, an injury which would see the captain miss the first six games of the season. The team eventually lost the first game 2-0, marking their first of seven losses this season.
Alex Godfrey, Team Captain of Dorchester Sports FC
Alex Godfrey, Team Captain of Dorchester Sports FC
"When the injury happened, I didn't think much of it at first." Godfrey said. "I've never missed the start of a season, let alone the opening six games."
"Losing a key player that early on was a logistical nightmare for both us and the players. To lose to Holt United on top made it worse considering what we wanted to do this season. It was far from how we wanted to begin" James said.
The Rise to the Top
Even with a defeat in the first game of the season, the team proceeded to go on a remarkable run of form. They went unbeaten for eighteen games in the Dorset Premier League, along with wins in the early stages of the tournaments. Come Christmas, the team was cemented into the title race against Cobham Sports and Blandford United. It looked like there was a real chance that this year could be the year Dorchester Sports win the league after coming so close the year before.
"I had no doubt in my mind we were going to win. To me, we looked unstoppable." James said.
"Looking where we were in December; we were in a hell of a position. We were well and truly in the fight to win the league, and we really felt like we could win it." Godfrey said. "I couldn't see us losing to anyone and I felt that we could take points from absolutely everyone."
"To lose to the bottom of the league felt criminal."
Alex Godfrey
When Momentum Vanished
The successes began to fade toward the mid-point of the season. After thirteen successive wins, the team lost 2-1 to bottom of the league Poole Borough. At this point in the season, Dorch Sport were sat in second place, one point behind leaders Blandford United.
"To lose to the bottom of the league felt criminal." Godfrey said. "It really took us by surprise and our performances since then were just hit and miss."
To make matters worse for the team, in the games that followed, there were injuries for the team's key players, which meant that the team were not performing at their best.
"We unravelled in the space of two or three weeks after those injuries. We fell out of contention for a title which we had been in the race for for about five months. It was devastating." James said.
There were also personnel departures in this period. Rich Robson, first coach of the team, was announced to leave the club in late February due to working commitments. To replace him, the team brought in Andy Mallet as interim first coach.
Andy Mallet - Interim First Coach of Dorchester Sports FC - Photo: Phillip Standfield
Andy Mallet - Interim First Coach of Dorchester Sports FC - Photo: Phillip Standfield
"I didn't have any expectations when I came in." Said Mallet. "Since I came in I feel we've left seven points out there and with this squad we finished nearly 20 points behind the league winners, I don't feel we have reached our full potential."
After the loss to Poole Borough, Dorch Sports won another five games, drew four and lost five. The title slipped out of their fingers. Dorchester Sports finished the season in fifth place. Come the end, they've racked up a commendable twenty-one wins, drew six times and lost seven times. They finished the season on 69 points. Blandford United were crowned champions on the 4th of May, earning 89 points to end their season with twenty-nine wins, two draws and three loses.
"If I had one word to describe this season, it would be "Disappointing."" Godfrey said.
The Last Hope
While the regular Dorset Premier League season may be over, there is still one more chance for Dorchester to lift silverware and win their first county cup final since 2008. The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Senior Trophy Final is happening on the 19th May and Dorchester Sports are playing against Sherborne Town Reserves.
Promotion Image for the DSAAST Final - Photo: Dorchester Sports FC
Promotion Image for the DSAAST Final - Photo: Dorchester Sports FC
"Ash (James) made it really clear that he wanted success in either of the cups we were still in, thankfully we have managed to do what he asked." Mallet said. "Against Sherborne, we can't have anyone switch off, they will need to be on it from when we arrive until the final whistle."
"Ever since we realised the league was falling away from us, we have put all of our focus in on winning the cup. We've beat powerhouses like Blandford to get here so I don't see how we don't win on the 19th." James said.
"I think it will come down to who has the better mentality on the day." Godfrey said. "We have got to go in there believing we're going to win otherwise what is the point in doing it at all?"
Whether this season is remembered for missed opportunities or redemption now rests on 90 minutes. For Dorchester Sports FC, can fortune swing their way one last time?
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