Young winger and arguably Farm’s best player thus far, Kieron Ireland was the first to try his luck in the second half, weaving through a couple of defenders before being denied by a good save by Matthew Turner. Farm experienced a double whammy just before the hour mark, first losing striker Bamford to injury and then conceding a second. A poorly defended corner fell to visiting substitute Matthew McCall, who rifled home from the penalty spot. Farm were still creating plenty but kept only being able to find Turner’s safe hands. The young farmy army got the goal their performance deserved as the game ticked into the final quarter, good work from young substitute Luco Ponsillo led to the ball breaking to Evander Grubb, who jinked inside and steered a superb finish in the far corner. A comeback could sadly never materialise as a serious and unfortunate injury for the visitors led to a premature end of the game.
Bristol Manor Farm 1 Shirehampton 2
An extremely youthful Manor Farm found themselves 2-1 down before their 3rd pre season game ended early, due to an injury against Shirehampton at a damp Creek stadium. Farm, who were at least flanked by 3 senior players, looked positive early on and two of those older heads combined for the first real chance of the game inside the first quarter hour. Jay Adams played a neat one two with Lewis Bamford before breaking in the box but slipping the ball just wide. Young Charlie Tylie had quietly grown into the game and he had the next two efforts. Firstly neatly slipping between two defenders before letting fly but only finding the keepers arms, and then latching on to a loose ball before his second effort had the same result. Shirehampton weathered the early storm – and weathered the weather! Their first meaningful effort came from a poor clearance from Farm keeper Liam Jaques, but visiting striker Joe Harvey could only lift over the bar. The game was opened up shortly after the heavens firmly opened as Mason Smart was cleverly played through and calmly slotted home right on half time.