PREVIEW: Dereham Town vs Woodbridge Town

Woodbridge Town face Dereham Town in the last game of the season (Photo: Max Woodward)

Woodbridge Town are in action for the final time this season, as the Peckers travel to take on Dereham Town. With the sides only separated by a point in the table, this final clash of the 25/26 season will decide who takes 10th place in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division. It’s been a mixed season for Woodbridge, who will want to end on a positive note and make it back to back seasons with a top ten finish.

Dereham have put together a strong run of form to end the campaign, going unbeaten in their last six games (3W 3D). They most recently came from behind to draw with Stowmarket Town. The good form throughout 2026 has also seen the Magpies reach the Norfolk Senior Cup Final, where they will take on Premier Division champions Mulbarton Wanderers.

It’s been a mixed bag of results for the Peckers to close out the season, with two wins and three losses in their last five. They recorded an important victory last time out against Lakenheath, where a Roman Burton-Yurevich brace guided Woodbridge to a 3-2 win. The Woodpeckers will want to make it back-to-back victories to end the campaign in style.

Roman Burton-Yurevich scored his first ever senior goals last time out (Photo: Max Woodward)

The only meeting between the two sides this season came back in September, where goals from Luke Beamish and Kye Webb saw Woodbridge beat the Magpies 2-0. Last season however Dereham did remain unbeaten over the Peckers, as a 1-1 draw at the Homestyle UK Ground was followed by a 4-2 home win for Saturday’s hosts. Clashes between these two are usually close and can go either way.

The main threat for Dereham will come through Jamie North, who has notched up ten goals this season. Dylan Derbyshire has looked in good touch recently and will hope to continue his good form into the last game of the campaign. The Magpies’ positive goal difference is another testament to not only their attacking strength, but their defensive solidity - having only conceded 23 goals in 21 matches at home.

For the Peckers, Roman Burton-Yurevich will hope to pick up where he left off against Lakenheath, alongside Kye Webb, after the two linked up well last time out. Woodbridge have the scoring power to put the Dereham defence under pressure, with Mark Ray and Ash Blow also carrying a big threat for the Woodpeckers. Woodbridge’s last six fixtures have all involved three goals or more, so expect another entertaining clash here.

Ipswich Town loanee Roman Burton-Yurevich celebrating with Kye Webb (Photo: Max Woodward)

A win for Woodbridge in this one would see them jump ahead of Dereham and finish 10th. If the Peckers draw, they will remain 11th while a loss would open the door for Walsham Le Willows to go above Woodbridge, seeing them finish 12th. It’s in the Peckers’ hands now to determine where they finish the 25/26 Premier Division season.

We can’t thank you enough for all your support across this season, it truly is appreciated. It’s been challenging at times, but let’s get behind the lads for one last 90 minutes and hopefully they can secure a top ten finish. The campaign isn’t over for our other teams, with the Ladies, 23s and 18s still with games to play so make sure to get up to the Homestyle UK Ground and support our club. For the final time this season, UP THE PECKERS!

If you would like to be notified of more posts like this, as well as exclusive updates, events and information from Woodbridge Town, make sure to sign up to our mailing list on the home page!