[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bristol Manor Farm First-team Manager Lee Lashenko was full of praise for his sides resilient performance last night against a ‘very strong’ Clevedon Town FC.
Hear what the gaffer Lee Lashenko had to say in our latest interview:
“Last night’s match was a proper game of Football, and one I’m sure the neutrals would have enjoyed if supporters were allowed into the stadium,” Lashenko began.
“We arranged the friendly against Clevedon because we knew they were a strong, competitive side. They certainly didn’t disappoint us from a footballing perspective.
“They controlled the first-half and definitely had the upper hand in terms of momentum. But we knew we had to improve our performance levels in the second-half, and I think we came away deserved 2-0 winners.” Said Lashenko.
Despite the Farm’s fantastic away performance, two isolated incidents involving Owen Howe resulted in the striker being given his marching orders when he was sent off on the hour mark. With clubs up and down the English Footballing pyramid taking part in the Social Media Blackout from 3pm on Fri 30 April to Mon 3 May, in response to the sustained discriminatory abuse received online by players and others connected to the game.
“The social media blackout campaign couldn’t have come at a better time if I’m honest,” Lashenko started.
“Last night, Owen (Howe) engaged in a really competitive duel with Clevedon defender Syd Camper – who I thought was excellent all game.
These were two players, with excellent quality, who gave each other a really good test – and it was a matchup which I feel a high-levelled referee would have been able to manage better. There was no need to start branding cards around in a pre-season fixture, and I feel that a Southern League standard referee would have controlled the situation far better. From that, I feel that Owen was harshly dismissed after what was an exciting contest between himself and Syd Camper.
“I know Owen was no Snow White when he last played for us, but I know for sure that he’s a changed man. His performances and goals since coming back has already shown me that he’s up for the challenge and wants to succeed in a Manor Farm shirt.
“What’s most disappointing isn’t actually the red card, but the abusive messages and comments that Owen received on social media last night. One certain individual who has made many mistakes at the club in the past has directed personal attacks on Owen – which I feel is totally unacceptable, seeing as supporters cannot attend and form a genuine opinion.
“This certain individual thinks it’s okay to pass off these comments and actions as ‘banter’ because that’s the word that is branded around these days.
“As manager of Bristol Manor Farm Football Club, it is my duty to look after these players. Owen’s a fantastic lad and a proper man. Everyone directly connected to Manor Farm knows that his heart and intentions are in the right place.
“Last night was a prime example as to why we still need to partake in these campaigns, and right now we have to stand with Owen.” Lashenko expressed.
You can read our full match report from last night’s pre-season victory over Clevedon Town FC HERE.
If you haven’t already, make sure you head over to our newly launched YouTube channel – Official BMF TV
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