The 2023/24 season kicks off with Manor Farm taking on Thame United in the FA Cup, and Jack Davies is back to preview it.
The Farm have had a hugely promising summer on and off the pitch. Returning skipper Jamie Adams kicked off the summer rebuild, and he’s been joined by a wealth of new talent including defender Ollie Woodhouse, goalkeeper Seth Locke and returning forwards Evander Grubb and Shea Bennington-Mannings. Youngsters Luco Ponsillo, Alfie Cummings and Bevan Cross have all had impressive summers whilst striker Ben Bament grabbed seven goals in just six pre-season games. Last year’s player of the season Jayden Nielsen has also looked imperious this summer and in his more advanced role, he could be the key to Farm’s season. Manager Lee Lashenko also welcomed the popular Liam Harding to his coaching team.
Thame United also have plenty of optimism going into their season and have also welcomed a plethora of new talent. New signings including goalkeeper Fred Chapman and defender George Plummer added to an already impressive squad and young pair Theo Ramsey and Lewis Cross join up with the first team having impressed in the reserves. The Oxfordshire club play in the Southern League Division One Central and achieved a mid-table finish last year, having also secured the Oxfordshire Senior Cup.
Factfile:
Nickname – Red Kites
Manager – Ben Williams
Stadium – Meadow View Park (90 miles)
Star man – Alfie Anderson
Last season – 12th (Southern League)
Fun fact – They have won the Oxfordshire Senior Cup on 9 occasions but last years was the first time since 2003.