Manor Farm end their league season away to Westbury United on Saturday afternoon, with the Portwaymen looking to secure what could be their most crucial three points of the season. Jack Davies is back to preview matchday 38.
Lee Lashenko will lead his Bristol Manor Farm team out onto the pitch for their last league match of the 2022/23 Southern League Division One South season in a little over 48 hours when they travel to Westbury United’s Meadow Lane. Despite the challenges they have faced this season, the team still has a chance to achieve their goal of retaining their proud status, making for a potential fairytale ending to their campaign.
Following the club’s triumphant Western Premier League season in 2016/17, which saw them earn promotion to the Southern League, Bristol Manor Farm has experienced a range of emotions over the past few seasons, from the highs of historic cup runs in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy, as well as reaching last year’s playoff final, to the heartbreak of losing their former Chairman, Geoffrey Sellek.
It’s been a season of mixed fortunes for the Farmers, with some impressive performances and results, but also some that have put the club in danger of a potential relegation play-off if the final day’s results aren’t in favour of long-serving Manager Lashenko’s side.
In our latest interview, Lee Lashenko, who has been with the club for a long time, shared his thoughts and emotions about the upcoming dramatic finale of his 10th season as the club’s manager.
“When I first sat down with Geoff it was all about reaching the Southern League, and now it’s all about making sure we do everything in our power to secure that,” Lashenko began.
“It’s been a rollercoaster of a season, with its fair share of ups and downs, but we’re not going to let that define us. We still have a chance to retain our league status, and that’s the only thing on our minds right now.
After Evesham United’s impressive win over Willand Rovers on Wednesday evening, the outcome of Bideford’s crucial match against Bishops Cleeve on Thursday night is eagerly anticipated. Lashenko is confident that the integrity of the league will play a significant role in determining which teams avoid the possibility of a relegation play-off by Saturday evening.
“Colly (Paul Collicutt) is a great manager who has been there and done it all for clubs across the divisions. Having seen first-hand the sides that he has produced in the past, as well as this season, I know they will have full respect for the division by going to Bideford looking to get all three points,” Lashenko expressed.
With Lymington also positioned in the bottom four of the division, Lashenko also believes that there couldn’t be two better clubs to honour their seasons in Cinderford Town and Slimbridge AFC.
“We know that the task on Saturday is enormous, but not impossible,” said Lashenko.
“Nonetheless, the level of class and respect that Cinderford or Slimbridge will exhibit in their final game of the season could have a significant impact on determining which four teams might face a relegation play-off.
“As we saw with our recent match against them, Cinderford are a club with many great people connected with the club and we know they will be looking to end the season on a positive note when Willand head there on Saturday.
“Tom Deakin, the new Swans Manager, is demonstrating his ability to produce positive outcomes with their resurgence, and the same applies to him.
“In my opinion, Saturday’s outcome will be a genuine representation of the entire season, and we understand that our only option is to focus on our own performance and strive to achieve a positive result at Westbury,” Lashenko said.
The Farmy Army’s support for the club and its players has been incredible, and we’re looking forward to seeing you all come out in full force for our last league game of the 2022/23 Southern League season.
As the saying goes, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
Farm host high flying Hamworthy in another huge game in their fight for survival, and Jack Davies is back to preview tomorrow’s action.
Bristol Manor Farm FC is set to reward its loyal supporters with a fantastic offer during its upcoming match against Hamworthy United.
The club will be offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal to fans who attend the game on Saturday, where supporters who attend the match will also be given a raffle ticket which will let them gain free entry to the club’s match against Evesham United on the following Monday evening at 7:45 pm.
This exciting offer is designed to thank fans for their continued support and to encourage them to attend the club’s final two home matches, as we look to secure our Southern League status.
The match against Hamworthy United promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to end the season on a positive note. The Portwaymen have seen a real resurgence in form, following the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, and the players will look to continue their winning streak in front of their home fans.
The raffle ticket giveaway is an additional bonus and offers fans the chance to attend another match for free. The game will kick off at 3 pm on Saturday, with gates opening at 12:30pm.
Bristol Manor Farm FC’s Manager, Lee Lashenko, said: “We are delighted to be offering our supporters this fantastic deal. We know that times are tough for many people at the moment, and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to come and support their local team. We hope that this offer will encourage more people to come and cheer us on.”
With the offer available for one day only, fans are urged not to miss out on this excellent opportunity to support their team and enjoy some fantastic football in our fight for survival.
Manor Farm continue their search for three points when they host old friends Paulton Rovers at The BS3 Services Stadium on Monday afternoon, and Jack Davies has all the action covered in his latest preview.
Manor Farm will be hoping for a very ‘Good Friday’ as they make the short trip to Melksham this bank holiday, and Jack Davies is back to preview all the action.
Whilst we’re disappointed that today’s match has fallen victim to the recent downpours across the South West, we still think you’ll love Matchday Host, Kevin O’donohoe’s, excellent Life on the Farm feature that was due to be published in today’s Matchday Programme!
April fool’s day is no laughing matter for Bristol Manor Farm as they host Evesham in another massive game at The BS3 Services Stadium, and Jack Davies has all the action covered with his latest preview.
It goes without saying that Tuesday’s match at Badgers Hill is an extremely poignant one for both clubs, with Frome having one eye on each the relegation zone & play-offs, whereas the mission for Manor Farm is simple: survival. Jack Davies returns to preview all of the action with his latest preview.
Manor Farm travel to Frome for the first time since their famous play off semi-final win last year. The two sides came 2nd and 5th respectively to make those play-offs but have both failed to get anywhere near repeating the feat this time around. Farm are in a real relegation battle and need points wherever they can get if they’re to stay in the division. Frome are just about clear of danger but are firmly in the bottom half and will be hoping to end their season in a more positive frame. Farm will be hopeful of a return for captain Jake Gosling, having welcomed back midfield partner Frankie Artus from suspension and injury recently.
Factfile:
Nickname – The Robins
Stadium – Badgers Hill (31 miles)
Founded – 1904
Manager – Danny Greaves
Star man – Jon Davies
Last season – 2nd
Last match – 1-0 defeat to Westbury
Fun fact – Tristan Plummer, of Gogglebox fame, played for them whilst filming the show in 2018.
As a result of several absences, the Geoff Sellek Memorial Walk has been brought forward one week to Sunday 16 April.
