Preview: Didcot Town

Slough Town make the short trip to Oxfordshire on Saturday as they begin their FA Trophy campaign with a Second Round tie against Southern League Division One Central side Didcot Town, in what will be the first competitive meeting between the two sides in more than 17 years.

The Railwaymen have already negotiated four rounds of the competition to reach this stage, while the Rebels enter the competition for the first time this season.

With a place in the next round at stake, Steve McKimm's side will be looking to build on last weekend's welcome victory over Walton & Hersham and continue their progress under the new manager.

THE OPPOSITION

Didcot Town, nicknamed the Railwaymen, were founded in 1907 and play their football in Southern League Division One Central, two steps below Slough in the non-league pyramid. They play their home matches at Loop Meadow Stadium, which has been their home since 1999.

Didcot have enjoyed an excellent start to their league campaign and currently sit top of Division One Central after 16 matches, holding a one-point advantage over their nearest challengers. Their position at the summit underlines the quality of the side Slough will face on Saturday.

Their attacking threat has been particularly evident, with striker Owen James leading the way with 15 league goals so far this season, making him the division's most prolific forward.

Their recent league results have included victories over Poole Town (2-1) and Barton Rovers (1-0), before a 2-1 defeat to Royston Town. They bounced back with a 1-0 home win over Hadley on 7 November, followed by an impressive 4-2 away victory against Milton Keynes Irish on Tuesday evening.

THE FA TROPHY JOURNEY

Didcot have already enjoyed a successful run in this season's competition, overcoming four opponents to book their place in the Second Round.

Their campaign began with a home tie against Winchester City on 29 August. The sides played out a 1-1 draw before Didcot progressed with a 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout.

They then produced an impressive 4-0 away victory against AFC Stoneham in the Second Qualifying Round on 12 September.

The Third Qualifying Round brought a meeting with Bracknell Town. After a goalless draw at Loop Meadow on 26 September, Didcot again prevailed in a penalty shootout, winning 3-2.

Their reward was a home tie against Poole Town in the First Round Proper on 24 October. Didcot continued their progress with a 2-1 victory, securing their place in Saturday's meeting with the Rebels.

THE REBELS

Slough head to Oxfordshire following an important 3-1 victory over Walton & Hersham at Arbour Park last Saturday.

After a goalless first half, Johnny Goddard opened the scoring from the penalty spot four minutes after the restart. Joe Morrison doubled the advantage in the 73rd minute before Kyle Brooks added a third just two minutes later. Walton pulled one back late on, but the Rebels comfortably saw out the remainder of the contest.

It was the club's first home league victory of the season and a welcome reward for an improved second-half performance.

The result followed defeats against Maidstone United (2-1), Truro City (3-1) and Dorking Wanderers (3-1), making Saturday's win an important boost as the team looks to build some momentum.

Steve McKimm will now turn his attention to the FA Trophy, with the opportunity to enjoy a cup run alongside the club's efforts to improve its position in the National League South.

The Rebels will be determined to avoid an upset against lower-league opposition and secure a place in the next round.

SUPPORTER INFORMATION

GROUND ADDRESS

Christchurch Homes Loop Meadow Stadium
Bowmont Water
Ladygrove
Didcot
OX11 7GA

TURNSTILES AND ADMISSION

Turnstiles will open at 1pm, with the bar also opening at that time.

Admission prices are as follows:

Adults: £12
Concessions: £8 (OAPs, Blue Light Card holders and Armed Forces)
Under-16s: £3

PARKING

There are approximately 200 parking spaces at the ground. The car park is shared with the Willowbrook Leisure Centre.

There are two sets of turnstiles, situated on the right as you look towards the ground from the main car park.

TRAVELLING BY TRAIN

Didcot Parkway station is approximately half a mile from the ground, and walking is quicker than taking a taxi.

The recommended walking route is:

1. Turn left when leaving the main station entrance.
2. At the first set of traffic lights, turn left underneath Cow Lane bridge.
3. Take the first left after emerging from underneath the bridge.
4. Follow the path past the skate park. The ground will now be visible on your right.
5. Walk past the fenced-in football pitch and take the first path on the right.
6. When you reach the road, the ground will be directly on your right.

REFRESHMENTS

The bar is accessible once you have entered the ground and serves a range of lagers, ciders and bitters, alongside soft drinks and snacks.

There is also a tea and coffee hut as you enter, offering a selection of hot and cold food.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

The matchday programme, The Railwaymen, will be available as supporters enter through the turnstiles, priced at £2.

THE GROUND

Loop Meadow has a main stand which can accommodate approximately 180 spectators.

Behind the railway end are two smaller seated stands and a sloped, covered terrace.

There are two sets of turnstiles on the right-hand side when approaching the ground from the main car park.

Safe travels to everyone making the journey to Didcot, and thank you for your continued support!