The Southern League season gets underway this weekend as Bristol Manor Farm make the trip to Willand Rovers for their opening league fixture under new manager Will Justin.
After the disappointment of an FA Cup replay defeat in midweek, the Farm will be eager to reset and start their league campaign on the front foot. It’s a fresh chapter under Justin, and all eyes will be on how his side responds as the focus shifts to the league.
Everything you need to know ahead of the game is in our Matchday Guide. Have a safe journey to Devon and we look forward to seeing the Farmy Army at Silver Street.
Jack Davies’ Preview:
Willand Rovers v Bristol Manor Farm – Saturday 9th August, 3pm.
Club Reporter Jack Davies looks ahead to Saturday’s league curtain raiser away to Willand:
Bristol Manor Farm are back in Southern League action this weekend, with Will Justin taking charge of his first league game as the Farm travel to Willand Rovers on opening day.
The season began with FA Cup heartbreak for the Farm — a strong away display undone by a late equaliser and a narrow defeat in the replay. Now, Justin and his side are determined to bounce back and get their league campaign off to a positive start.
Originally set to take place at the NL Services Stadium, the fixture was reversed to Willand’s Silver Street due to the recent vandalism incident at our ground. We’re incredibly grateful to Willand Rovers for their cooperation and support in making the switch possible.
The Devon outfit are familiar opponents, with recent meetings proving closely contested. Willand will be looking to improve on last season’s underwhelming finish and, like the Farm, come into this one off the back of an early FA Cup exit. Key threats include captain Jamie Richards and forward Harvey Dorothy — a name Farm fans may remember all too well.
We hope to see another strong showing from the travelling Farmy Army as we kick off our league journey in Devon.
THE OPPOSITION:
- Stadium – Silver Street
- Nickname – Rovers
- Manager – David Steele
- Founded – 1946
- Last season – 15th
- Honours – Western League Premier 18/19, Western League Div 1 04/05
Tickets:
- Adults: £12
- Concessions: £8
- 16 – 18: £5
- Under 16s: £2
Hospitality
If you’re heading to Willand, we recommend arriving early and grabbing a drink in the clubhouse.
Parking tends to fill up quickly closer to kick-off, so it’s best to get there in good time and settle in at the clubhouse, located at the far end of the ground.
Travel
Willand Rovers FC, Silver Street, Willand, Devon. EX15 2RG
From the North – M5 Motorway southbound until Junction 27: leave the motorway and take the FIRST EXIT at the Junction 27 roundabout onto the A38 towards Wellington; continue for 0.5 miles to the Waterloo Cross Inn roundabout – take the second exit off the roundabout, effectively TURNING RIGHT, onto the B3181; follow this road for 2 miles to reach the village of WILLAND. At the first roundabout take the second exit to stay on the B3181/Silver Street; after 0.5 miles the ground can be seen on your LEFT Parking is restricted inside the stadium on matchdays, but is unrestricted around the ground on the local streets.
By Train – get off the train at Tiverton Parkway Station and hail a taxi – the short journey will cost in the region of £14 -£19.
