MATCH PREVIEW: Chertsey Town vs Wimborne Town
After recently reminiscing with Wimborne’s FA Vase victors from 1992, on Saturday we travel to face another club who proudly celebrate winning the Vase – Chertsey who defeated Cray Valley Paper Mills 3-1 (a.e.t.) at Wembley in 2019. Just like The Magpies, The Curfews were promoted to this division at the end of the 2023-24 season: Tim Sills' team won SL Division One South while Mark Harper's men ran away with the Isthmian South Central title. And in the last eleven days there’s been another similarity as first Wimborne then Chertsey made the long trip to Plymouth Parkway on a Tuesday evening; The Magpies lost 3-2 last week, Chertsey lost 3-1 this week.
Before that defeat, and the 4-0 loss at Sholing three days earlier, Chertsey had been on a nine-game undefeated run in 2026, winning six and drawing three, master-minded by Toby Little who stepped up from his player-coach role to take charge in early October. As a result, sixth-placed Curfews are one of four teams battling for that final play-off spot with a W16 D9 L10 GF 55 GA 45 record; at their atmospheric Alwyns Lane home it’s W9 D4 L4.
Following those two recent away defeats, Little’s lads will be pleased to return to home comforts where earlier this month they won three in eight days beating Dorchester 2-1, Basingstoke 4-2, and Taunton 3-1 with both Gary Abisogun and Bradley Wilson bagging three. Clearly Chertsey’s ability to find the net hasn’t diminished since goal-machine Jack Mazzone moved to big-spending Bracknell in November. Ashley Lodge and Oliver McCoy have both featured in 34 league games in this campaign. Little has recently signed two youngsters from Leyton Orient on loan – Zac Hambury and Alfie Wellens.
Last season, when survival was the name of the game, Chertsey won 3-1 at Wimborne then Wimborne won 2-1 at Chertsey. At season-end, The Magpies were 10th with 57 points; The Curfews were 16th with 10 points fewer. This season, in the reverse fixture at The Wyatt Homes Stadium in November, second-half goals by Josh McQuoid, Sam Roberts, Cam Munn and Joe Smith overturned Chertsey’s early lead.
In the current form table, The Curfews are 8th with a W4 D0 L2 record. In that same table Wimborne sit 19th with a W1 D2 L3 record. This month The Magpies have beaten Taunton 1-0, drawn at Yate 1-1, lost at Parkway 2-3, drawn with Tiverton 0-0, and lost to league leaders Walton & Hersham 1-4 on Tuesday. Who is top of the form table? Walton & Hersham. In the table that matters, Wimborne are 12th with a W10 D12 L12 GF 47 GA 48 record; on our travels it’s W2 D5 L9.
Will there be any new signings to join recent arrivals goalkeeper Oscar Abbotson, defender Harry Thomas, and midfielder Ethan Sills? Keep an eye on the Club website and social media for news.
After Saturday’s frustrating goal-less draw against Tiverton, players and supporters will be boosted by that midweek performance against Walton & Hersham. With both The Magpies and The Curfews wanting the points, Saturday’s showdown has all the ingredients for being a cracker.
I really enjoyed my first-ever visit to Chertsey’s Alwyns Lane ground last season. It’s a proper non-league stadium with welcoming and friendly staff and supporters. Can you get there to support Tim’s team? We know that they thrive on our support.
Match Info:
- There are places for supporters available on the team coach. Contact Paula if you’re interested.
- Stadium: Alwyns Lane, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9DW approx. 85 miles
- Admission: Adults £12; concessions £8, Under 18s £3.
- Average Attendance: 583.
- Weather Forecast: Sunny; 15oC; <5% chance of rain.
