Bristol Manor Farm will make a trip to Thatcham Town this Saturday afternoon as they return to the FA Trophy, marking a year since their impressive journey to the First Round Proper, a historic achievement for the club in this competition. Here, Jack Davies returns to preview all of the action at The Stacatruc Stadium.
The Farm have been different class in cup competitions so far this season, having won all three of their FA Cup ties so far (Thame United, Roman Glass & Bishops Cleeve). Additionally, the Goals are coming in plentiful supply so far in all competitions, with youngster Bevan Cross becoming the latest different goalscorer, after he nodded in his first for the club on Tuesday. Lloyd Mills has been scoring goals for over 10 years at the Farm, and he also opened his account for the new season last time out. The previous meeting with Thatcham would be the final game before the national lockdown back in 2020, which was also the last game in the first spell for First-Team Captain Jamie Adams, who scored two that day and will be hoping to open his account this time around, against the same opponents. The Farmy Army may also remember former Goalkeeper Ben John’s remarkable goal from inside his own penalty area in the club’s 2-0 win against The Kingfishers in February 2020. You can watch the goal HERE.
Thatcham Town now play in the Isthmian League and started with two league wins, before suffering two recent defeats. Forward Christian Johnson has 3 goals in his last 3 games, and he’s well supported by fellow attackers Jordan Alves and Sam Tanner, whilst skipper Nathan Jones patrols from a very combative midfield. The Kingfishers have had an up and down spell including a League and Cup double 5 years ago.
Factfile:
Nickname – The Kingfishers
Manager – Yashwa Romeo
Stadium – The Mettal Stadium
Star man – Christian Johnson
Last game – 1-0 defeat to Badshot Lea
Last season – 13th (Isthmian League)
Fun fact – They won the FA Vase in 2018