MARK Jermyn’s testimonial date has been set, with Championship giants Portsmouth due to visit the Avenue Stadium on August 2.

The Magpies’ skipper is just two competitive appearances shy of 500 in county town colours, having joined the club back in 2000.

News of the 30-year-old’s richly-deserved tribute match was first announced at the end of March but only now has the clash with a Pompey XI been finalised.

Jermyn is hopeful that former Magpies such as Matt Groves, Matty Holmes, Alex Browne and Jamie Brown will play some part in the festivities.

Annie Greenslade, on behalf of Jer-myn’s testimonial committee, said: “Further details will be announced nearer the time but we hope that there will be a big turnout for this to show our appreciation of Mark’s fantastic service and loyalty to the Magpies over many seasons.

“The committee would like to express its sincere thanks to Steve Cotterill and Andy Awford at Portsmouth for agreeing to play a match for Mark and also to Stuart Morgan for his help in arranging it.”

Prior to the visit of Portsmouth, Dorchester play host to Npower League One outfit Exeter City in a pre-season friendly on July 8.

However, the date with rivals Weymouth, scheduled for July 30, has been cancelled by the Terras, according to Magpies’ vice-chairman David Martin.