Introduction to the
Dorset Premier Football League
The league was formed in 1957 and was initially called the Dorset Football Combination League.
The 2019/2020 Season will be contested by 17 teams covering the entire county of Dorset and neighbouring Counties.
The objective of the League on its formation was to increase the standard of football in Dorset, an ideal that still holds true today as the League currently sits at Step 7 of the FA's National League System.
The DPL is proud to have been awarded it's FA Standard Charter League Status.
DPL League Management Committee Decision - 26 February
FA Update - 22nd February 2021
We welcome the UK Government’s update today regarding the Covid-19 roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions which means we can look forward to the safe return of grassroots football from 29 March for both adults and children.
With this new clarity around timings, we will continue to work with Government on plans for a safe return for grassroots football across England and will communicate updated guidance as soon as we can.
We can also confirm that the 2020-21 grassroots season has been extended until the end of June in order to provide additional flexibility and time for leagues to complete their fixtures this season if they wish to do so.
Please note: the extension does not apply to the National League System (NLS) Steps 3-6, Regional NLS Feeder Leagues and the Women’s Football Pyramid from Tier 3 and below, including County Leagues at Tier 7, as the process to determine the preferred route forward for these competitions is currently ongoing. We will provide a further update on this in due course.
Summary of decision - Click below for full letter
After discussion around a host of issues with extending the season until the end of June, given we are normally used to finishing on/by the 2nd Saturday in May, I have listed below some of the issues amongst others raised;
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Club availability in line with recent survey Results conducted over concluding season
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Availability of Pitches, Players, Match Officials, Club Volunteers etc.
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NLS Season curtailed at Steps 3-6
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Additional matches in lower Sat & Sun Leagues impacting on Availabilities
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Additional Costs incurred – given No Current Income Streams
The Decision taken UNANIMOUSLY by the LMC is to NOT EXTEND the Season after May 31st 2021 and it was further discussed and UNANIMOUSLY decided to therefore CURTAIL the 2020/21 League season with Immediate Effect, the rational for Curtailing the League season is as follows, given we will not be extending into June.
In the meantime, we are committed to offering Competitive Football in the form of a Supplementary Cup Competition throughout April & May, the format will be decided once the below questionnaire has been received back from ALL Clubs by 5pm on FRIDAY 5th March 2021 due to needing replies from each member Club, League Rule 5D(I) will be enforced.
This Competition is optional to you and there will be No penalties for not entering nor will membership of the DPL for season 2021/22 be compromised, and given the released Roadmap, I am confident that next season will see a Full Pre Season in July ready to kick off in August on time and see a Full League & Cup Program completed in Full. (fingers crossed)
Covid 19 Match day protocols will remain in place until instructed otherwise.
I must also remind you that player Qualification rules will still be in place - League Rule 18 I
Match Day Roundup
11
17th October 2026
News Item
🗓 17th October2026 @ 🕡 6:30pm
Match Day Round Up
There was no change at the top of the Dorset Premier Football League this weekend as the leading contenders all recorded victories, with Dorchester Sports continuing to set the pace in an action-packed afternoon of football across the League.
League leaders Dorchester Sports FC maintained their position at the summit with a 3–1 victory over Bournemouth Electric FC at the Avenue. Bryn Doyle was the star of the show for the hosts, striking twice in the first half to put Dorchester firmly in control. Dylan Ellis also got his name on the scoresheet as Sports collected another valuable three points, with Mareusz Grybowski grabbing a consolation for the visitors. Swanage Town & Herston FC kept up their challenge with an impressive second-half turnaround at Portland Utd FC Res, eventually running out 3–1 winners. It was the home side who made the brighter start, with Connor Bent giving Portland a 1–0 advantage to take into the half-time interval. However, the Swans came roaring back after the break, Jack Torniainen restoring parity before Will Pryor struck twice to complete the comeback and send the visitors home with all three points. There was also an emphatic away victory for Balti Sports FC, who returned to winning ways with a convincing 4–1 success at Gillingham Town FC. Jack Summers proved the difference between the sides, producing a clinical display in front of goal to complete a superb hat-trick. Ryan McKechnie was also on target for Balti, while Harry Barnes scored Gillingham's only goal on a difficult afternoon for the home side. Wimborne Town FC Reserves were another side celebrating on their travels as they claimed bragging rights with a comfortable 3–0 derby victory at Verwood Town FC. Jake Collett-Carr, Jacob Wilson and Nathan Davis all found the back of the net in a commanding performance that ensured Wimborne returned home with maximum points. Over at Petersham Lane, Holt United FC were made to work hard for their 2–1 victory over a determined Wareham Rangers FC outfit. George Ashby gave Holt the perfect start by firing them ahead, but Wareham responded through Brandon Williams to bring the contest level. With the game finely balanced, Johnny Powell stepped up in the second half to grab the decisive goal and secure another important victory for the hosts. One of the most emphatic performances of the afternoon came from Cobham Sports FC, who swept aside Sherborne Town FC Reserves with a resounding 5–0 home victory. The hosts were in ruthless form from the outset and had effectively put the contest beyond doubt by racing into a 4–0 lead at the interval. Logan Nicholson contributed a goal, while Brad Hill and JP Pascal both helped themselves to braces as Cobham delivered a five-star performance to keep their momentum going. In the "Hamworthy" derby, Hamworthy United FC Reserves edged out Hamworthy Recreation FC Reserves 2–1 in a closely fought encounter. The Hammers took control during the opening period, with Isaac Majisiri and Mason Trevor both finding the net to establish a two-goal cushion by half-time. Recreation refused to lie down, however, and Owen Lampshire reduced the deficit to set up an intriguing finish. Despite their opponents' efforts, United held firm to claim the bragging rights and all three points. The afternoon's only draw came at Chapelgate, where Bournemouth Sports FC & Westland Sports FC served up an entertaining 2–2 stalemate. Matt Charalambous and Lewis Evans were on target for the home side, but the visitors from Alvington matched them through goals from Phil Ormrod and Lucas Cawley. With neither side able to find a decisive winner, the points were shared following an enjoyable contest.
Useful Links
Fixtures, Results and Tables
We now provide links to the Full Time Website - Click Below
League Handbook 2019/2020
DPL MATCH COMPLIANCE FORM
To be completed by both sides prior to a Match and sent by the Home side to Giles electronically, photo or email, BEFORE the game kicks off. Download from the below link.
Diary Dates
Event | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
Start of season 2022 / 2023 | Saturday 13th August 2022 at 15:00 |