Whether you’re a Farmy Army regular or visiting Bristol Manor Farm as an away fan, we’ve got you covered. Our matchday guide has everything you need to make the most of your visit, from previews to essential information.
Bill’s Preview:
Bristol Manor Farm v Thatcham Town – Saturday 8th February, 3pm.
Bristol Manor Farm return to The NL Services Stadium on Saturday afternoon, and with the city’s two namesakes, Bristol City and Bristol Rovers, both not in action, this is set to be the go-to match for live football.
The Farm are beginning to show their trademark New Year form—the kind that has brought them success in recent seasons, including two promotion finals in the last three years. Manager Lee Lashenko will be hopeful that his side can take it one step further and finally secure promotion to the Southern League Premier South for the first time in the club’s 65-year history.
Last Saturday, The Farm enjoyed another successful visit to Badgers Hill, where Westbury United recently announced a groundshare with Frome Town. Goals from Louis Britton and Dan Dodimead sealed an emphatic victory at their opponents’ new home. Britton has now netted 32 goals in all competitions, while Dodimead has been instrumental since shifting into a new role amid a squad reshuffle caused by several absences.
Standing in their way this weekend are Thatcham Town, who are battling to escape the relegation zone. The Kingfishers currently sit third from bottom with 21 points, but with three games in hand on Shaftesbury, they will see this as a crucial opportunity to close the gap. Their confidence will be boosted by last Saturday’s 1-0 home victory over Larkhall Athletic, who themselves are in a precarious 17th position at the time of writing.
THE OPPOSITION:
- Stadium – The Mettal Stadium
- Manager – Yashawa Romeo
- Star Man – Alfie Bridgeman
- Founded: 1894
- Last season – 8th
- Honours – 4x Wessex League Cup winners, FA Vase winners, 3x Basingstoke Senior Cup winners
- Fun fact – Former players include Charlie Austin and Lawrie Sanchez
Tickets & Programmes:
- Adults: £10
- Concessions: £7 (Over-65’s / NHS / Armed Forces and Military Veterans)
- Under-16s: £2
- Under-12s: FREE
Printed matchday programmes will be available to purchase at the gate for just £2. Full ticket information can be found here.
Hospitality
The serving hatch will be open, offering Clark’s delicious and famous homemade pies and pasties, hot and cold refreshments, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The new burger van, Chargrilled, will also be in operation, serving various delicious hot foods. It can be found between the two main stands, near the social club fire exit.
We truly value your input, so please don’t hesitate to share any suggestions for further matchday improvements.
Travel
Supporters on planning to use public transport have two main options. There are Trains that run to Avonmouth and Severn Beach every 20 minutes from Bristol Temple Meads and you will need to get off at Sea Mills station, followed by a short 5 minute walk to the ground. Supporters travelling by Bus can catch the Portway Park & Ride from the city centre every 10 minutes, and will need to get off outside the ground at the Riverleaze stop.
We offer a FREE Car Park for our supporters. However, we encourage everyone to arrive at the ground well in advance of the match start time, as the parking spaces tend to fill up quickly once players and staff begin arriving for the evening.
The NL Services Stadium, Portway, Sea Mills, Bristol, BS9 2HS.
weather:
Here’s what’s expected of the conditions for Saturday’s home match against Thatcham Town.
