Willand Rovers v Bristol Manor Farm
The gates are open, the grass is mowed, the pints are flowing and footballs are flying. All these lead to the start of a brand new campaign in the Southern Football League Division One South where Rovers kick off on matchday one with a reversed fixture as Bristol Manor Farm make their way to the Street on Saturday with a 3 pm KO!
Last time out it was cup fever but you could’ve mistaken Rovers for falling ill at the first hurdle with a swift exit out of the competition at the hands of Barnstaple Town whose first-half impact set the tone for the entire 90 and helped the Western League side to set up a preliminary round tie.
David Steele’s men will be looking to make huge strides and improvements from Saturday’s performance and the side which separates us from a positive start to the season is a new look Bristol Manor Farm who have been all change over the summer with departing manager Lee Lashenko heading over to Bridgwater alongside several key names in the Farmy Army squad.
Will Justin is now in the dugout at The Creek, a whole pre season to get to grips with how things flow that side of the Avon later and a overhaul on the squad which includes a former Rover man in Brandon Bak who has been selected as the one to watch in the side with him arriving from Weston Super-Mare to West Bristol in the previous week where already he has provided a goal in their cup efforts.
Both sides met back in January in BS9 where the hosts made their mark in the fixture by putting two past Burton on the afternoon on what was a bitterly cold day by the Riverside and train tracks. At the Street however, it was a point a piece for both sides on a Willand Wednesday not to forget as Rovers provided the heat on a colder evening.
With a new season comes the chance to become a new hero. Supporters crowd Silver Street, full of hope and expectation. Desperate to cheer on the team. We’re all dreamers before the first game of a new campaign. Players, staff, fans; we can’t wait for Kick-off. The past is behind us. This is a whole new challenge and a fresh chance to shine. COME ON YOU ROVERS!
