With two local mouthwatering ties ahead of them, Bristol Manor Farm look forward to a Bank Holiday double-header away to Cribbs on Friday and host Yate Town on Monday. You can read what Jack Davies has to think below with our latest preview.
Farm remain unbeaten so far this season after two cup victories and two league stalemates. The last of those cup wins came last weekend as a rampant Farm bagged four against Roman Glass St. George. Owen Brain has had an incredible start to life at the Farm, with his hat-trick last week meaning he’s scored an incredible six goals in just four matches. Young defender Harry Lucas got himself up and running for the season against Glass, making it there different defenders who have all scored for Farm so far this season (Aron Robbins, Steve Kingdon & Harry Lucas).
Neighbours Cribbs had a fantastic season last year, winning the title and achieving promotion to this level for the first time. A very defensively astute side last season, Cribbs are difficult to break down and have an abundance of quality going forward. The fixture list could scarcely have been tougher for them, having began their league campaign with a 0-0 draw to Frome followed by narrowly losing a seven-goal-thriller at home to Hamworthy. They are coming into this match off the back of an excellent 5-1 win in the cup against Virginia Water.
Yate Town have come in the opposite direction as they were relegated from the Southern Premier South last season. The Bluebells suffered a lot of departures during that troubled season, but have still retained a squad more than good enough to bounce back. Former Farmer, Kyle Tooze, leads the line and newly signed goalkeeper Aaron Sainsbury remains of the best at this level. Yate are still awaiting their first point of the season, having lost to Bashley and Malvern respectively, but are also coming into the weekend off the back of a hard earned cup win.
Factfile – Cribbs
Nickname – Cribbs
Manager – Richard Luffman
Stadium – The Lawns
Star man – Jake Brown
Last game – 5-1 win over Virginia Water
Last season – 1st (Hellenic Premier Division)
Fun fact – They were originally founded in London before a company relocation to Bristol.
Factfile – Yate Town
Nickname – The Bluebells
Manager – John Rendell
Stadium – Lodge Road
Star man – Kyle Tooze
Last game – 1-0 win in cup over Holywell
Last season – 21st (Southern Premier)
Fun fact – They’ve reached the Fa Cup first round twice in the last 11 seasons.