Avril Lancaster

Shaftesbury secured its first points of the season by defeating Bideford AFC 7-2 in the Southern League. After Bideford took an early lead through Ryan Turner, Shaftesbury scored seven times, including two goals each from Harry Baker and Alefe Santos, with further goals from Sonny Pike, Dawid Regula and Ollie Hughes. Turner added Bideford’s second goal, but Shaftesbury completed a comprehensive victory.

Bishops Cleeve defeated Shaftesbury 2-1 in the Southern League after recovering from an early setback and playing most of the match with ten men following Jamal Lawerence's dismissal. Dawid Regula put Shaftesbury ahead in the 25th minute, but Matt Bower equalised in the second half before substitute Stephen Davis scored a deflected late winner. Shaftesbury hit the bar and had another effort saved, while Bishops Cleeve were praised for their defending.

Shaftesbury defeated Chippenham Town 2–1 at Cockrams in a pre-season friendly. Chippenham took an early lead through Joel Odel Larbi, but Shaftesbury equalized shortly afterward and secured the win when substitute Alefe Santos D'Abadia scored in the 76th minute. Both managers used the match to give players valuable minutes ahead of the Southern League season, while Shaftesbury also faced concern over Brandon Mundy after he was stretchered off.

Shaftesbury secured a 2-0 pre-season friendly win over Laverstock & Ford, with goals from Dawid Regula and Jack Hoey. The victory was the club’s second of pre-season as manager Josh Staunton and assistant Steve Rutter prepare for matches against Wimborne Town and Chippenham Town before the league opener against Bishops Cleeve. Shaftesbury reached the Southern League Division One play-off final last season but lost to Malvern Town, and faces increased competition from relegated Dorset clubs Dorchester Town and Weymouth.

Shaftesbury lost 3-2 to Moneyfields in their third pre-season friendly after initially taking the lead through a Louis Sweeten penalty before a trialist equalised. Manager Josh Staunton used the match to assess options ahead of the upcoming season rather than focusing on results. The team continues preparations with further friendlies against Laverstock & Ford, Wimborne Town and Chippenham Town before opening their Southern League Division 1 South campaign against Bishops Cleeve.

Shaftesbury drew 2-2 with Hamworthy Recreation in a pre-season friendly after leading by two goals at halftime. Young Shaftesbury players impressed as manager Josh Staunton continued to rotate the squad to build fitness and experience. Harry Baker and Dawid Regula scored for Shaftesbury before Hamworthy responded through Ollie Davies and Henry Barham early in the second half. Both sides took positives from the match as they prepared for the upcoming season.