With the 2026/27 season fast approaching, it’s time we take a deeper look at who the Acorns will be facing in the Southern League Div One South.
After a fantastic debut campaign at Step Four last time out, just missing out on the play-offs, the Acorns prepare for their second season at the level hoping to better our last campaign.
The Acorns will face nine new teams in the league next season, so now it’s time to shine some light on the teams relegated from Step Three.
WEYMOUTH
NICKNAME: The Terras
STADIUM: Bob Lucas Stadium
DISTANCE TO TRAVEL: 129-miles
MANAGER: Jamie Wells
FOUNDED: 1890
2025/26 FINISH: 19th (Southern League Premier South)
ABOUT THE TERRAS
It’s been troubling times for the Terras down on the south coast, who suffered their third relegation in four years.
The Terras return to Step Four for the first time since the 1997-98 season, which has seen the side rise up through the pyramid.
Last campaign saw the Terras lose their spot in the Southern League Premier South on the final day of the season, dropping into the relegation on goal difference.
Weymouth suffered a 2-0 defeat at play-off contenders Berkhamsted and were hoping results elsewhere would save them, however Evesham United held on for a goalless draw at Taunton Town, sealing the Terras fate.
PLAYING HOLLYWOOD
It was only as recent of 2022 when Weymouth were fighting for a spot in the English Football League, when they were competing in the National League.
The Terras spent two seasons at the cusp of the EFL and even had the opportunity to battle with Hollywood owned Wrexham, as the Welsh side began their rise to the Championship.
The Terras were unable to overcome Wrexham during that time with the Red Dragons netting 12 goals in four meetings, compared to Weymouth’s three goals.
Weymouth’s stay in the National League came to an end in 2022 which lead to the Terras fighting it out in the National League South.
But, in 2025, they were relegated to the Southern League Premier South before struggling yet again and suffered back-to-back relegations to the Div One South.
MANAGEMENT AND RECRUITMENT
Jamie Wells stepped into the management role back in December 2025, as he attempted to steer the side to safety.
Unfortunately, Wells was unable to stop the outcome but has recruited well in the summer, as he aims to take the Terras straight back up.
Attacker, Toby Holmes, made the switch from Shaftesbury adding firepower up top for the Terras, whilst a more controversial move was made by midfielder Wes Fogden who joined from rivals Dorchester Town.
DORCHESTER TOWN
NICKNAME: The Magpies
STADIUM: The Avenue Stadium
DISTANCE TO TRAVEL: 123-miles
MANAGER: Thomas Killick
FOUNDED: 1880
2025/26 FINISH: 20th (Southern League Premier South)
DROPPING DOWN
Dorchester Town’s 12-year stint in the Southern League Premier South came to an end last campaign, as the Magpies finished seven points from safety.
The Magpies return to the Div One South for the first time since 1977, having enjoyed lengthy spells in the Southern Prem and the Conference South (now known as the National League South).
Dorchester’s troublesome season was highlighted when the side failed to score in any of their last four games of the 2025/26 season, condemning them to relegation.
FA CUP MEMORIES
For clubs in the lower levels, the FA Cup can be a major source of income or a chance to produce a magical cup run.
The Magpies have enjoyed the competition throughout their history reaching the second round proper on four occasions.
They first reached it in the 1954-55 season facing York City but suffered 5-2 defeat however, they didn’t have to wait long to reach the round again, as they faced Plymouth Argyle during the 1957-58 season.
Another 5-2 defeat awaited the Magpies, meaning they would have to wait until the 1981-82 season to face AFC Bournemouth in the second round.
Dorchester forced a replay at the Cherries, but it was defeat yet again, leaving a 30-year wait to reach that far again.
In the 2012-13 season, the Magpies matched up with Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, but for a fourth time, suffered defeat at this round losing 3-1.
HUNGERFORD TOWN
NICKNAME: The Crusaders
STADIUM: Bulpit Lane
DISTANCE TO TRAVEL: 58.1-miles
FOUNDED: 1886
MANAGER: Danny Robinson
2025/26 FINISH: 21st (Southern League Premier South)
ABOUT THE CRUSADERS
Hungerford Town suffered a second relegation in three years, after recording a disappointing 21st placed finish in the Southern League Premier South.
This relegation sees the Crusaders return to the Southern League Div One South for the first time since 2013.
In the time since they last graced this division, Hungerford manged to reach the National League South in 2016.
During their debut season, the Crusaders finished in the play-off positions but were denied the chance of promotion due to ground grading.
The Crusaders spent a further six seasons at Step Two before finishing bottom of the pack in 2023, seeing them return to Step Three.
PREMIER LEAGUE INVOLVEMENT
Last season saw the Crusaders aided with some former Premier League firepower when former Southampton, West Brom and QPR striker Charlie Austin joined the side.
Austin, being from Hungerford, rejoined the side 18-years after he departed the Crusaders, having begun his career at Bulpit Lane.
The striker featured 16 times for Hungerford last campaign and chipped in with four goals along the way.
The 37-year-old is no stranger to the non-league system having played for the likes of AFC Totton, Poole Town, Thatcham Town and Basingstoke.
TIVERTON TOWN
NICKNAME: Tivvy
STADIUM: The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium
DISTANCE TO TRAVEL: 100-miles
FOUNDED: 1913
MANAGER: Asa Hall
2025/26 FINISH: 22ND (Southern League Premier South)
BACK AFTER NEARLY A DECADE
Tiverton Town had become a regular member of the Southern Premier South enjoy nine seasons at the level.
But, after amounting just five wins across the season last time out, Tiverton finished rock bottom of the league and returned to the Div One South for the first time since 2017.
The last time Tivvy graced the division, they secured a third placed finish and eventually went on to earn promotion through the play-offs, defeating Sailsbury 2-0.
FA VASE WINNERS
Tiverton boast a brilliant history which includes three trips to Wembley to compete in the FA Vase final.
Tivvy first made the final in 1993 but fell short on the day, suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bridlington.
It wouldn’t take long for the side to reach another Vase final, as they competed at Wembley in 1998 with greater success this time around.
Tivvy lifted the trophy for the first time with a 1-0 win over Tow Lawn Town and would go on to make it back-to-back Vase triumphs in 1999, defeating Bedlington Terriers 1-0 at the old Wembley.
With the season approaching, the Acorns look forward to locking horns with each of these sides in what promises to be an exciting season.
