Dorset’s non-league football landscape is set for a compelling season as traditional rivals Weymouth, Dorchester Town, and Portland United find themselves competing in the same division for the first time in a year. Weymouth, recently relegated, saw the departure of key striker Brandon Goodship but have bolstered their squad with the addition of forward Toby Holmes, who scored over 30 goals for play-off contenders Shaftesbury last season, and experienced midfielder Wes Fogden.
Dorchester Town have strengthened their attacking options with the signing of Ethan Taylor, a prolific striker with a record of 80 goals during AFC Totton’s recent rise through the leagues. Winger Jayden Nielsen, following two seasons at Taunton, also joins to reinforce the squad. Meanwhile, Portland United enter the division without their top scorer Greg Borthwick, who has retired, but retain most of the squad responsible for their promotion, including forward Remus Nixon, who netted 19 goals.
Among other teams new to Step 4, Worcester Raiders are heavily dependent on players who achieved promotion last season. Shaftesbury, having to rebuild after losing several players, have added 23-goal scorer Dawid Regula from Larkhall Athletic and midfielder Cameron Murray, both regarded as key recruits. Winchester City, another play-off side, have retained important players such as defender Tom Bragg, midfielder Lewis Brown, and the experienced Jez Bedford.
Bishops Cleeve have seen several players leave for higher leagues, including Noah Rubio, Jay Malshanskyj, and Joe Jeremiah, but they have strengthened their roster with winger Charlie Holliday and former Cheltenham Town striker Jamal Lawrence. Relegated Hungerford Town, aiming for an immediate return to higher divisions after 14 years, have added a number of new signings, including 44-year-old former EFL goalkeeper Ryan Clarke.
Other relegated sides entering the league include Potters Bar, recently demoted from the Isthmian Premier, and Royston, who dropped from Southern Premier Central. Waltham Abbey, transferred from Isthmian North where they finished third last season, look to make an impact, as do Didcot Town, also transferred from Southern Division One South.
The division welcomes two promoted teams stepping up: Haringey Borough and Winslow United. Biggleswade FC, who finished third with 89 points last term and narrowly lost 2-1 in the play-off final to Hitchin Town, enter the competition with ambitions of advancing further. Other clubs with strong fanbases such as Thame United, Hertford Town, and Ware will also aim to challenge throughout the season.