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zone, but eventually almost certain relegation was avoided only when it was decided to null
and void the campaign due to the advent of Covid 19.

The Magpies have enjoyed significant success in cup competitions over the years, and have
reached The Second Round Proper of the FA Cup on four occasions, including the fine
achievement in season 2012 – 13 when they eliminated Sky Bet League Two side Plymouth
Argyle in The First Round Proper at The Avenue Stadium, a game which was televised live
on ESPN, and the first time The Magpies had eliminated a Football League side. However,
they were then knocked out in the next round by Luton Town at Kenilworth Road. The most
recent run to The Second Round Proper, prior to 2012, was in 1981, when they lost to AFC
Bournemouth after a replay, before a crowd of 8700 at Dean Court. Previously they had
played York City and Plymouth Argyle, at that same stage of the competition, both in the
1950’s. They have also reached The First Round Proper on six other occasions, with their
opponents being Norwich City, QPR, and Port Vale, again all in the 1950’s, Gloucester City in
1989 - 90, Oxford United in 1995 - 96, and finally in 2000 - 01 when Wigan Athletic were
the opposition at The JJB Stadium, when The Magpies went down 3-1 after a fine display.

In the FA Trophy The Magpies have twice reached the last sixteen, firstly in 1971 - 72 when
they lost to the holders Telford United after a replay, and then again in 1996 - 97 losing to
eventual winners Woking.

The Magpies, then in the Eastern Division, won the Southern League Cup competition in
season 2001 - 02, convincingly defeating then Premier Division King’s Lynn by an aggregate
score of 4-0 in the two leg Final. Prior to that Dorchester's most successful season in that
competition was 1991 - 92 when they finished as runners up to Dover Athletic. Previously
they reached the semi-finals in 1981 - 82 when they lost to Wealdstone, and they reached
the same stage again in 1998 - 99 when they were defeated by Cambridge City.
Dorchester have won the Dorset Senior Cup on twelve occasions, the most recent being
season 2011 - 2012 when Wimborne Town were beaten in the Final played at the County
Ground at Hamworthy.
Dorchester moved to their current ground, The Avenue Stadium in August 1990, which is
literally a few yards down the road from their old home. The ground stands on land owned
by the Duchy of Cornwall, and Prince Charles, in his role as Duke of Cornwall, took an active
interest in its design, making a number of private visits during construction, before officially
opening the ground on the 20th November 1991. A Tesco supermarket has been built on the
Club's previous ground, which they had occupied since 1929. The highest attendance for a
league game at The Avenue Stadium is 4129 for the match against Weymouth on the 1st
January 1999, although the stadium capacity is 5009, with seating for 710.

In May 2013 Chairman Shaun Hearn transferred half of his majority shareholding in the club
to the Community Trust, with the commitment to see D.T.F.C become fully community
owned, a process which was duly completed. This has introduced an entirely new business
model to the club, which now needs to run in a sustainable manner in order to protect its
long-term future. This is a daunting, but exciting, venture, which should bring long-term
benefits to both the club and the wider community as they become more closely involved
with each other. Supporters can now have a real say in how D.T.F.C. is run by the new
Board of Directors, for the first time in its history it is truly OUR club.

During the close season in 2018, a 3G pitch was laid, which has opened up new avenues,
and which has increased the community involvement in the club, with the facility being used
on most days and evenings during the week. A significant uplift for the club for the future.