Bourne Town prepares to host National League South giants Dorking Wanderers in opening friendly of the summer
Bourne Town’s rise through the non-league ranks will take another significant step on Saturday when they host Dorking Wanderers in their first pre-season friendly.
The clash against the National League South outfit has been arranged thanks to the shared sponsorship of JJ Mac and club chairman Chris Good believes it’s a powerful statement of how far the club has come.
“We are really excited to be hosting a team like Dorking Wanderers in the first friendly of the season,” said Good.
“It shows how far we have come to have a team as prestigious as Dorking coming to the Lawn.
"They come with a massive social media presence and everyone knows the manager, Marc White.
"However, they are a seriously good football team and will be looking to win their league this year after losing in the play-offs last season.”
Good added: “The friendly came about via our sponsors JJ Mac. Patrick Furlong of JJ Mac is based in Dorking and both clubs are lucky enough to be sponsored by JJ Mac.
“It was Patrick and John Furlong who managed to get the fixture arranged and we are really grateful for that.”
Saturday’s clash is expected to draw a bumper crowd, including football fans and neutrals intrigued by Dorking’s rise and popularity through their hit YouTube series Bunch of Amateurs.
The Wakes' chairman is confident of attracting another big crowd.
“We are hoping for a big crowd and see it as a good game for neutrals who maybe watch Dorking’s YouTube series," he said.
"Obviously, our boys are used to big crowds after playing in the two play-off games last season and also some big games in the Vase.”
Bourne's preparations for the new season began in earnest on Monday with their first training session.
The squad remains largely intact from last season’s successful campaign, while several new faces are expected to make their debuts this weekend.
“It’s very early days and I am sure the squad will take shape over the next month with more players arriving and some departing,” Good said.
“The manager has retained most of last season’s squad and added some new faces, all of whom will get a run out on Saturday.”
The Wakes are gearing up for life in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division after achieving back-to-back promotions, a historic high for the club.
They’ll now face established non-league names such as Corby Town, AFC Rushden & Diamonds and St Neots Town.
“We are hopeful of a good campaign but also realistic where we are, facing some very big towns and teams this season with big budgets,” said Good.
“Hopefully, we can have a decent start and then reassess after 10 games.”
As the Wakes prepare for another new chapter, Good added: “The club has never been in such a strong position - on and off the pitch - and we are very proud as a club of what we have done over the last four seasons.
"It’s been extremely hard work for everyone involved but has given us all an appetite to continue to improve and move the club forward.”
Saturday's pre-season opener at The JJ Mac Stadium will kick-off at 3pm.
