Tom Dyer made his Falcons debut on the 20th September 2008 in a Cheltenham League Division 3 fixture against Bourton Rovers Reserves. A very quiet and shy young man rocked up at the ground befoe promptly locking his then girlfriend away in the car for the afternoon, and did his talking on the pitch as he helped Falcons, the soon to be new love in his life, secure a 2-1 victory. Having joined us as a young raw 18 year old having graduated from the St Edwards Football Academy of Excellence - schooled in the class of none other than David Ruck - the midfield dynamo has never looked back!

Having established himself as a mainstay in the First team under two different managers, Dyer has very much suffered the highs and lows that come with being a Falcons player; 2 promotions including the infamous 2011 Division 2 title triumph, through to many a cup semi final heartache and missed opportunities of further progression.

Now in his ninth season with the club, Dyer has spent six of these playing in Cheltenhams Premier Division, and will make his 115th appearance in the competition this weekend.

With Falcons as close as they have ever been at this stage of the season to finishing in that illusive first place promotion spot, we caught up with the First Team Captain to garner his thoughts ahead of a rare old set-to between the top two.

• Firstly, before we get in to the football chat, how did you get on at Cheltenham Races?

I didn’t go to badly. After a disastrous start I ended up being about £40 up for the week after a good Thursday. I know I did better than the Chairman at least!

• How excited are you about this weekend’s game?

Very excited, it's one of the biggest games in the clubs history. If you don’t get excited about games like this then you should probably pack it in. Casanova Newport-Black arranged his mid-season lady boy hunt around the fixture, such is the importance of it to the whole squad.

• Is this the biggest game of your football career?

It is defiantly up there. I would put this and the Charlton Rovers game to win Division 2 in 2011. This game arguably has more at stake as we know how hard it is to get out of Division 1 and winning this game is essential to our ambitions.

• After 6 seasons in the same Division, can the football club finally get to the Promised Land?

I believe we can, the gaffer has assembled a squad with plenty of depth and quality. We know we have to keep going one game at a time, the next game is always the most important.

• Do you have a favourite moment of the season so far?

Beating Cheltenham Civil Service was particularly sweet given the disappointment the weekend before; losing in the manner we did in the Cup Quarter Final to them. It also effectively made the title hunt a two horse race.

• Welland FC have had a excellent first ever season in Cheltenham’s top flight. How do you rate this weekend’s opponents?

They have done exceptionally well coming from Division 2 and losing only once all season to date is a fantastic record. They are well organised and hard to break down as having the best defensive record in the division testifies too. We know they will like to get the ball from back to front quickly, and we will have to be at our best to get the result we are striving for.

• Falcons won the reverse fixture back in November last year, do you think this could lead to complacency?

Absolutely not! They are unbeaten away from home and will be looking to continue that streak. Everyone knows we will have to be at our best.

• Connor Linham has had quite an impact this season since joining the club, will the team miss him in our front line on Saturday?

He will be a loss as he has great pace and has contributed with both goals and assists this season. However, the gaffer has assembled a strong squad and I am sure whoever steps in to the side will be more than capable of having a positive impact on the game.

• Falcons had a shocking start to the season losing two of the first three games, but have since only lost one in ten in the league. What for you was the key turning point in the season?

I think the first 3 games were almost like pre-season. We did not have the most productive of summers meaning we were still to figure out our most effective shape and personnel. Switching to a new system seems to have worked well for us and the types of players we have. I also have to tip my hat to the new signings made by the gaffer - they have really added to the depth in quality of the squad and have settled in well. Then when you join some Wins together, the confidence grows and we have not looked back.

• After 2 consecutive victories, including a fantastic Home win against Cheltenham Civil Service, will the 2 week break affect momentum?

It has been quite stop start this year in general, with how the cup was laid out and teams dropping out of the league so I don’t envisage it being too much of a problem. Especially considering it is the same for both sides.

• Falcons are unbeaten at Home, and Welland are unbeaten Away, surely something has to give. How do you see the game going?

I can see it being a tight game given it is the two best defences in the league going toe to toe. It will be hard fought and you will see a contrast in styles. But I think for the neutral it will be a great occasion and a good game to watch.

• What is your score prediction?

Putting me on the spot now, Falcons to nick it 1-0

NOTE: Falcons AFC vs Welland FC takes place at The Beeches this Saturday 25 March with a 3pm kick off. If you can make it down to support the team then it would be much appreciated!