After what will have been three weeks away from action, Bristol Manor Farm return to the banks of the Portway on Friday, 15 March for an all-Bristol derby against Cribbs. In our latest interview, we spoke to Manager Lee on the city’s big fixture.
“Our Farmy Army supporters never cease to amaze me with the support they show me, the players, and staff.”
It goes without saying that football in Bristol is synonymous with its top teams, but since both the Robins and Gas are playing away that weekend, the attention will turn to the city’s two highest-ranked non-league clubs. At the time of release, Manor Farm sit just inside the play-offs (5th) and Cribbs (3rd) just seven points off the summit. So the outcome of Friday’s match could very well play a big part in either side’s final standing come April 27th.
Speaking to the club on Thursday evening, Manager Lee Lashenko expressed that his refreshed Manor Farm side will be ready to face the ‘best possible’ Cribbs side at The NL Services Stadium.
I think he (Richard Luffman) has been a breath of fresh air to the division,” Lashenko expressed. “Much like the time we joined the Southern League a few seasons ago, he has ruffled a few feathers and Cribbs have adapted to the new division brilliantly. At the time of this interview going out, they’ve dropped a couple of points but are still very much in with a shout at the title.
“Without being disrespectful to Cribbs, they weren’t a side on our radar until their new manager came in, and now they are right up there with the top non-league sides in the city. I have full respect for what they’ve achieved so far and we’ll be fully prepared to face the best possible Cribbs side that heads to The NL Services Stadium,” Lashenko added.
Until the enforced break, Manor Farm had won their last three on the spin, including the 4-0 rout of play-off hopefuls Bemerton Heath Harlequins. Despite not playing for what will have been thee weeks, Lashenko only feels that the time away could be seen as a positive for his side.
“We had a good last weekend without any football, and if we can have another one this Saturday, then we’ll be fully set for what’s going to be a brilliant night for non-league football in Bristol,” Lashenko said.
“Our pitch has been holding up well despite persistent rain lately, and we’ve played the most matches in the division, so our time away has allowed us not only to recharge but also to even out the table. If we can remain in the top 5 by the time next Friday’s match rolls around, that will be an added bonus,” he said.
“Our Farmy Army supporters never cease to amaze me with the support they show me, the players, and staff, and I look forward to seeing them turn out in their numbers for the Cribbs game.”