Bristol Manor Farm were unable to make it three consecutive league wins on Saturday, as they were held to a draw by league strugglers Thatcham Town at The NL Services Stadium.
Heading into the game, Bristol Manor Farm named an unchanged side following last weekend’s 5-1 away victory at Westbury United. Farm’s latest signing, Salhin Abubkar, started on the bench.
Within minutes of the first half, Thatcham Town had the ball in the back of the net and thought they had taken the lead, but the linesman quickly ruled it out for offside. However, just minutes later, Manor Farm broke the deadlock following a mistake from Thatcham goalkeeper Matthew Pullinger inside the box, allowing Farm defender Aron Robbins to tap home from close range. Thatcham responded quickly, as forward Harvey Flippance equalised from close distance shortly after the Portwaymen had taken the lead.
Manor Farm had a good opportunity to regain the advantage from a free kick in a dangerous area, but George Dowling’s effort was well gathered by the Thatcham goalkeeper. The rest of the first half saw both sides create opportunities, but neither was able to convert before the interval.
In the second half, it was Thatcham who went in front first, as a near-post header from Jadyn Dundas beat Farm goalkeeper Seth Lock from close range, giving the Kingfishers the lead for the first time in the game. However, Manor Farm did not let going behind affect them, and with about ten minutes of normal time remaining, an Evander Grubb cross into the Thatcham box was buried from close range by none other than Louis Britton, bringing the Portwaymen level. Farm had a great chance to snatch victory at the death but couldn’t convert.
Manor Farm held out until the final whistle, earning a deserved point. Although they were unable to secure a third win in a row, they remain unbeaten in 2025.
Next up for Bristol Manor Farm is another home game at The NL Services Stadium, this time under the lights, as they host play-off-chasing Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Tuesday evening. Farm will be looking to get back to winning ways, with Bemerton Heath currently sitting just above them in sixth place following their 1-0 away win at Helston Athletic.