Dorchester Town will tomorrow write a new chapter in the club’s 132-year history.
Not only will the Magpies be competing in the first round of the FA Cup for only the 11th time, but they will make their first-ever appearance on live television.
Tomorrow’s date with higher-ranked Plymouth Argyle is to be screened live on ESPN (4.30pm kick-off) and the magnitude of the occasion is not lost on chairman Shaun Hearn.
Although he would love nothing more than to see Dorchester pull off a major upset and sink the Npower League Two Pilgrims, the local businessman’s first wish is for his county town aces to do themselves justice.
Speaking to Echosport ahead of what is expected to be a historic day at the Avenue, Hearn said: “This game is a reward for a lot of people.
“It’s a massive game in the club’s history but the performance is more important than the result – I just hope the lads do themselves justice and perform.
“The result could be anything on the day. If we could sneak a draw that would be fantastic and an unbelievable achievement but I just hope everyone enjoys it. Anything we get on the pitch will be a bonus.
“The town has been buzzing and hopefully we will get a few new supporters out of it for the rest of the season, and see our attendances go up.
“Being on television will be a whole new experience. We will be representing the town to a national audience and it’s unbelievable.
“It will only hit me when I get there and see all the cameras.”
Asked if he would be acquiring a new suit for the momentous encounter, the superstitious chairman replied: “I’ll wear the same suit I wear to every game.
“If we win this game then maybe I will treat myself to a new one.”
It is worth noting that the Magpies’ last appearance in the second round came 31 years ago – when they held AFC Bourne-mouth to a 1-1 draw before narrowly losing the replay 2-1.
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