MATCH REPORT: Bristol Manor Farm 1-3 Bishops Cleeve
Nine-man Bristol Manor Farm suffer defeat at home to Bishop’s Cleeve in a game marred by several controversial decisions, writes Jack Davies.
Match Reports
MATCH REPORT: Bristol Manor Farm 2-0 Gosport Borough (FA Trophy)
Bristol Manor Farm strike twice in the second half to inflict a 2-0 victory over Step 3 Gosport Borough and progress into the next round of the Isuzu FA Trophy, writes William Ledbury.
MATCH REPORT: Bristol Manor Farm 2-2 Bideford (5-4 Pens)
A shootout win over Bideford AFC last Saturday showcased Manor Farm’s character as they qualified for the FA Trophy Third Round Qualifying, writes William Ledbury.
Less than 48 hours from the Farm’s victory against Bideford, Manor Farm will host Southern League Premier South outfit Gosport Borough at The Creek for what is set to be another historic match in the club’s history.
Jake Gosling kick-started Saturday’s action with a venomous left-footed free-kick which almost beat Adam Seedhouse-Evans in the Robins net.
Despite dominating the opening exchanges, Farm’s excellent start was hindered when Craig Duff opened the scoring for the visitors. The forward chased down a loose ball, and after a clever cut-back, struck the ball ferociously into Ben John’s left corner.
The Portwaymen would retaliate through Evander Grubb’s strike. The tricky winger chested the ball down with ease, and after making a mockery of the Robins’ defence, Grubb’s strike narrowly flew past the far corner and went behind for a goal kick.
Grubb would eventually turn provider when Owen Howe buried a close-range shot past Seedhouse-Evans to equalise in the 35th minute. Steve Kindon’s switching pass found Grubb who cleverly crossed the ball with the outside of his right boot – finding Howe who made no mistake with the finish.
Despite two half chances for Duff and ex-Farmer Kai Fisher in the second period, Farm’s dominance and Howe’s attacking prowess put them deservdly ahead on the hour. Marcus Day’s exsquisit backheel found fullback Mason Winter who delivered a fantastic first time cross into the area – and Howe rose highest to head past Seedhouse-Evans.
Duff’s second goal in the 90th minute cut Manor Farm’s lead heartbreakingly short, exactly as it had done in the Frome match last weekend. The corner wasn’t dealt with, and due to the FA rules, the Robins forced Manor Farm into a penalty shootout to determine who would face Gosport Borough in the next round.
After three perfect penalties each, Bidford’s Niall Heeney clattered his strike off the far post – allowing Bryant and Kingdon to send Manor Farm into the next round of the Trophy against Gosport Borough.
MATCH REPORT: Bristol Manor Farm 1-1 Frome Town
Frome steal a point at the death as Farm’s winless league start continued at the Creek, writes Jack Davies.
MATCH REPORT: Wimborne Town 2-3 Bristol Manor Farm (FA Trophy)
Bristol Manor Farm recorded their first victory of the season on Tuesday evening when they defeated Wimborne Town 3-2 to progress in the FA Trophy, writes William Ledbury.
MATCH REPORT: Evesham United 3-2 Bristol Manor Farm
Three errors prove costly as Manor Farm shoots themselves in the foot away to Evesham United, writes William Ledbury.
Prior to the match, Farm were boosted by the returns of Theo Llewellyn and Josh Ford who made straight returns to the starting lineup, with the latter featuring for the first time this season since he picked up a knock away to Merthyr Town in pre-season.
Following a frantic start to the match, Farm deservedly opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Jake Gosling. The winger demonstrated why he is one of the division’s finest players when he danced past the Evesham defence and struck the ball with ferocity into the back of the net.
Farm’s next chance came through Lloyd Mills who lashed his strike well over the Evesham net.
Early signs of Farm’s downwards spiral came in the 34th minute when the linesman deemed Ben Whitehead to be onside, and the forward showed excellent composure to score past Ben John.
Just four minutes later, Owen Howe rightfully restored Manor Farm’s lead when he stroked home an Evander Grubb cross to make it four goals in all competitions for the striker.
In the 42nd minute, former Gloucester City and Weston-Super-Mare midfielder Chris Knowles pounced on a misplaced clearance from captain Aron Robbins and looked set to score an easy finish – but the defender all but made up for his mistake to slide the ball off the goal line to safety.
As the referee signaled for half time, the Farm had the wind in their sales and a lead to protect. Lashenko’s side dominated the opening 45 minutes of the match, creating several chances, and it looked like all three points would be heading back to The Creek. Yet, as this season has shown – trouble and misfortune would haunt the side once more.
Ben John’s heroics in the Farm net denied Evesham once again, flinging his body in front of a melee of shots in a goalmouth scramble.
In the 57th minute, Man of the Match winner Evander Grubb couldn’t believe that he hadn’t extended Farm’s lead when his powerful header was tipped behind by Fraser Barnsley.
Then two minutes later, Farm were left rueing missed opportunities, and Evesham dealt the deadliest blow after Chris Knowles sprung Josh Ford at the back, allowing Kyle Belmonte to score. Instead of clearing his lines, the returning Ford chose to take on the Robins attack and was unsuccessful in his attempts, allowing Evesham to undeservedly draw level.
The Farm didn’t let that goal stop them in their pursuit of three points, and they began a siege on Evesham’s goal. First, Grubb’s trickery led to a sliding pass that found an unmarked Howe at the back post – but the forward overcooked his strike and cleared the crossbar from only a few yards out. Within a few moments, Farm were left holding their heads in their hands after a shot cannoned off the base of the Evesham post.
On 78 minutes the turnaround was complete for the home side. Steve Kingdon and Mason Winter went to attack the same ball, but both clattered into each other leaving Ford to deal with three attackers charging at John’s goal. Owen James for Evesham had time and space in the area and slammed home what was to be the match’s winner.
As the Portwaymen continued to attack the home side’s goal, Evesham held firm to secure the victory. While Lashenko’s team lost on Saturday afternoon, that performance was arguably their best of the season – and certainly wasn’t deserving of defeat. The Farm now prepares for a cup tie next weekend, traveling to Wimborne Town in the First Qualifying Round of the Isuzu FA Trophy.
MATCH REPORT: Slimbridge 1-1 Bristol Manor Farm
There was plenty of huff and puff on show at a sunny but typically breezy Wisloe Road on Monday afternoon as Slimbridge and Manor Farm – both looking for a first win of the campaign – finally both had to settle for a point.
MATCH REPORT: Bristol Manor Farm 1-1 Larkhall Athletic
Two second-half goals condemn Farm to an early FA Cup exit as Aylesbury Vale Dynamos progress, writes Jack Davies.
The first-half was a very even affair, with the hosts having the first effort of note. Dave Brown slipped past a few feeble challenges before firing wide.
The Farm should have led inside 15 minutes. A dangerous Steve Kingdon throw was flicked by Aron Robbins, but Ben Bament could only lift the ball over as he arrived at the back post.
The Portwaymen would take the lead via the penalty spot before the half hour. Howe used his body well to win it before dusting himself off to score.
Gosling went close to doubling the lead just minutes after. He combined well with Harry Lucas before forcing a smart near-post save.
Aylesbury would equalise with their first real chance of note. Jack Hodgkins flicked on a corner and his centre-half partner Terry Griffiths bundled the ball home at the back post.
Bristol Manor Farm would have the final chance of the half. Gosling’s clever flat corner found Howe unmarked, but he failed to make proper contact.
The second-half was not one to live long in the memory for Lashenko’s Farmers. Baldwin collected a loose ball and strode through unchallenged to calmly tuck away and give the home side the lead.
Aylesbury would double the lead as Farm found themselves at 6s and 7s once more. Prince Nimoh in acres of space on the right and he cut in unopposed to fire into the far corner.
Despite a tough start to the half, Farm did have half an hour to get back in. Almost back in it instantly as Howe met Gosling’s free-kick but his header went wide.
Even when Farm did have the ball in the net the luck was against them. Howe finished brilliantly after substitute Evander Grubb’s through ball but the flag halted the celebrations.
Aylesbury always carried a threat on the counter as their confidence grew. Ben John forced into an excellent double save before Fulton’s sliced effort hit the inside of the keeper’s post.
Aylesbury’s keeper Liam Studley would have the final word, finally forced into second-half action after he saved smartly from Jayden Neilsen’s low strike in injury time.
MATCH REPORT: Aylesbury Vale Dynamos 3-1 Bristol Manor Farm (FA Cup)
Two second-half goals condemn Farm to an early FA Cup exit as Aylesbury Vale Dynamos progress, writes Jack Davies.
The first-half was a very even affair, with the hosts having the first effort of note. Dave Brown slipped past a few feeble challenges before firing wide.
The Farm should have led inside 15 minutes. A dangerous Steve Kingdon throw was flicked by Aron Robbins, but Ben Bament could only lift the ball over as he arrived at the back post.
The Portwaymen would take the lead via the penalty spot before the half hour. Howe used his body well to win it before dusting himself off to score.
Gosling went close to doubling the lead just minutes after. He combined well with Harry Lucas before forcing a smart near-post save.
Aylesbury would equalise with their first real chance of note. Jack Hodgkins flicked on a corner and his centre-half partner Terry Griffiths bundled the ball home at the back post.
Bristol Manor Farm would have the final chance of the half. Gosling’s clever flat corner found Howe unmarked, but he failed to make proper contact.
The second-half was not one to live long in the memory for Lashenko’s Farmers. Baldwin collected a loose ball and strode through unchallenged to calmly tuck away and give the home side the lead.
Aylesbury would double the lead as Farm found themselves at 6s and 7s once more. Prince Nimoh in acres of space on the right and he cut in unopposed to fire into the far corner.
Despite a tough start to the half, Farm did have half an hour to get back in. Almost back in it instantly as Howe met Gosling’s free-kick but his header went wide.
Even when Farm did have the ball in the net the luck was against them. Howe finished brilliantly after substitute Evander Grubb’s through ball but the flag halted the celebrations.
Aylesbury always carried a threat on the counter as their confidence grew. Ben John forced into an excellent double save before Fulton’s sliced effort hit the inside of the keeper’s post.
Aylesbury’s keeper Liam Studley would have the final word, finally forced into second-half action after he saved smartly from Jayden Neilsen’s low strike in injury time.
MATCH REPORT: Bristol Manor Farm 0-0 Bideford
Bideford leave the happier of the two teams as they survive a late Farm onslaught to take a share of the points, writes Jack Davies.
Both sides were keen to kick on from 2-1 defeats at the weekend the visitors had the game’s first chance. Lewis Wilson seized on a mix up at the back but could only fire over from the edge of the box.
Farm’s first chance, as did many during the game, fell to Marcus Day. The winger cut inside a few challenges before firing just wide at the near post.
Bideford once again came close following a mix up, this time an errant defensive header dropped to Javan Wright, but his volley was off target.
Joe Charles, the scorer of the Robins’ goal at the weekend came close to adding another but Steve Kingdon flew from nowhere to make a vital sliding block.
Farm took control after the half hour and did have the ball in the net. Day picked out Lloyd Mills at the back post and whilst his cut back was tucked in by Ben Bament, the flag was already up.
Day had the next chance, using Gosling’s clever decoy run, he cut inside and forced a save from Adam Seedhouse-Evans.
Bideford’s final chance of the half almost gave them the lead. Wright hit the crossbar from 20 yards before Wilson could only head the rebound at Ben John.
Farm would have more chance of a frantic first half. Day did superbly to close down a Bideford cross and he exchanged passes with Evander Grubb before forcing another save.
John made the first save of the second half too. Craig Duff met a Wright cross, but his header was well scouted.
Farm began to control as Bideford were forced to sit deeper. Mason Winter stole possession and found Gosling, who made himself half a yard but dragged his shot wide.
Another neat move gave Farm a presentable chance on the hour. Gosling, Bament and Owen Howe all involved before the latter’s flick to Day saw the winger drag another shot just wide.
Day would get one final chance to get on the score sheet as the time ticked past 80. He swiped at a bouncing ball just inside the area, but defender Ben Gerring diverted the ball wide.
Farm would have one final chance to grab all 3 points and it was perhaps the best chance of all.
Kye Simpson judged a bouncing ball far better than the visitors defence, but he fired wildly over on the half volley from just inside the area.