[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]AFC Bashley v Bristol Manor Farm – 13/08/22, 3pm KO
Factfile:
Nickname – The Bash
Stadium – GlenMex stadium (125 miles)
Founded – 1947
Manager – Paul Morris
Star man – Rafa Ramos
Notable former player – Wade Elliot
Last season: Promotion from Wessex League
Last result: 3-1 loss to Stoneham
Fun fact: Reached the FA Cup 2nd round in 1994.
A long trip down to Bashley is Manor Farm’s first test as they look to bounce back from their play-off final defeat in May. The hosts gained promotion from the Wessex League last season and will be full of confidence and momentum, despite a disappointing cup loss last week.
The Bash
Bashley have a solid spine, are difficult to beat and can score plenty of goals. Shot stopper Ross Casey is protected by partners Jackson and Thompson in defence and dead ball specialist Lewis Ross probes the midfield. In attack, the Bash boasts former Bournemouth and Portsmouth talisman, Matt Tubbs. He is supported by talented attackers Rafa Ramos and Harry McGrath.
The Farm
Farm have brought back exceptional young talents Marcus Day and Evander Grubb, as well as retaining almost the entire squad who ended last season. Bustling strikers Owen Howe and Kye Simpson score plenty of goals and former Gibraltar international Jake Gosling can terrorise an entire defence on his own. Defensively, Steve Kingdon, Josh Ford and Sam Boulton protect one of the division’s finest goalkeepers in Ben John.
The Form
Farm are playing their first competitive game this season but will be buoyed by a record-breaking 2021-22 season, albeit ending in disappointment in the play-off final. The pre-season campaign, on the whole, was fairly strong and Farm will be hoping to be there or thereabouts again this season.
Bashley by contrast have already kicked off their season, losing by the odd goal in the preliminary FA Cup round to AFC Stoneham last week. The Bash will take a wealth of positivity into the league season however as they hope to establish themselves back in the Southern League Division One South.
Join us on the supporters’ coach to Bashley for £15 pp or £25 for two seats – book by calling Club Secretary Rachael on 07767 633549. If you can’t make the match, follow all the action with live score updates on our official Twitter page HERE.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]