MATCH PREVIEW: Poole Town vs Wimborne Town

Wimborne Town FC | 04 April 2026 | Copy link
An “El Stourco” derby is always eagerly anticipated, but when it’s being played at the business end of the season, and both teams need the points, for differing reasons, then it’s going to be extra special. Mathematically, Poole need eight more points from their remaining four fixtures to be certain of a play-off spot, while Wimborne need ten more points from their final five to be certain of avoiding the relegation zone. Of course, other teams are likely to drop points so fewer points may suffice, but three points from Monday’s match will be a huge help.

 

After coming through a relegation battle last season to finish three points above the drop zone, The Dolphins have been transformed this season. Joint managers Joe Lea and Pat Suraci recruited well, and have their team playing attractive football. With Shaq Gwengwe banging in 38 league goals, it’s no wonder that Poole have been at the heart of the fight for a play-off spot.

 

Poole are currently fourth in the league table with a W19 D11 L8 GF 73 GA 45 record; they’re the only team to have won at champions-in-waiting Walton & Hersham; while at their Tatnam home their record is W10 D6 L3. However, since the beginning of March they’ve only won once: Dorch (a) 1-1, Taunton (h) 2-1, Gosport (a) 0-1, Yate (a) 2-2, Bracknell (h) 0-0, and on Friday Evesham (a) 1-1. Perhaps the pressure of chasing a promotion place is beginning to tell.

 

There’s a different type of pressure on Tim Sills’ Wimborne whose recent run of results has been even more disappointing with a mere two victories this calendar year. Their last six results: Plymouth Parkway (a) 2-3, Tiverton (h) 0-0, Walton & Hersham (h) 1-4, Chertsey (a) 0-3, Uxbridge (a) 3-3, and, on Friday Farnham (h) 0-1 leaves them at the bottom of the current form table. In the table that matters Wimborne are hanging on to 14th spot with a W10 D13 L14 GF 50 GA 55 record; away from New Cuthbury it’s W2 D6 L10. But those recent results do not reflect performances, with that second-half comeback at Uxbridge, and going toe-to-toe, or rather boot-to-boot, with Farnham on Friday having lifted spirits of players and supporters. Seuny made a very welcome return off the bench, and with others recovering from injury and illness, the boss may finally have a choice of players for this one.

 

In 2024-25 it was “honours even” between these Dorset neighbours, both winning their home game 1-0, with goals by Charlie Davis in August and a Jamie Whisken own goal in February, in front of a combined attendance of 3,709. On Christmas Saturday this season, The Dolphins deservedly won 2-0 at The Wyatt Homes Stadium with that man Gwengwe bagging a brace in front of a record 2,500 crowd.

 

Coming back to Monday, the scene is set for a classic “El Stourco” derby. It'll be fast, it'll be furious, it'll be feisty, it'll be a feast of flowing football. You won't want to miss this one.

 

Match Info:

  • Supporters will be segregated, and bags searched. Please read the information provided by Poole Town FC which is displayed on our website: https://wimbornetownfc.co.uk/2026/03/match-info-poole-town-vs-wimborne-town/
  • Venue: School Lane, Oakdale BH15 3JR
  • ONLINE TICKETS ONLY: There will be NO turnstile tickets. BUY ONLINE TICKETS HERE. Adults £14; concessions £9, U16s £6; accompanied U13s £2.
  • Poole have a very good printed programme, as you'd expect as it's produced by our programme editor James Aldham.
  • Weather Forecast: Sunny; 12oC; <5% chance of rain.