Town boss Yashwa Romeo returns to the dug-out this afternoon having missed the away defeats at Larkhall and Yate through work commitments. Bristol Manor Farm are
currently in 8th though have games in hand on all the teams above them.

The Farm have enjoyed a great run in the FA Trophy this season, reaching the First
Round proper. They defeated our conquerors Evesham United before losing at home
to Southern League Premier side Havant & Waterlooville on penalties last weekend.
They have scored four goals or more in five league fixtures this season, with Louis
Britton having scored an incredible 21 goals already this season.

The last three fixtures between the two teams have all been played in Berkshire and
been incident-packed affairs, with Manor Farm winning all three...

Last September Manor Farm won a penalty shoot-out to knock the Kingfishers out of
the FA Trophy. Jordan Alves put Town two goals up, however the visitors dragged
themselves level though Mason Winter and Owen Brain. The tie became increasingly
stretched despite the searing heat, but ended 2-2 and had to be settled by penalties.
Only Owen Clark converted for Town as the visitors won 3-1 on spot kicks.

Manor Farm visited Thatcham in the Southern League in November 2020, the final
game before the country re-entered lockdown and the season terminated. Conor
Lynch scored for Town, either side of two Jamie Adams penalties, as Manor Farm ran
out 2-1 winners. Following the second penalty award, Town keeper George Legg was
sent off for his protests and Shemar Pettet donned the gloves, but Yashwa Romeo,
then Assistant Manager, came off the bench to keep goal for the second half.

In February 2020 Manor Farm earned a surprise win at Thatcham, considering
Danny Robinson’s side topped the table. Goalkeeper Ben John claimed the visitors’
second, as a defensive lapse allowed his long clearance to bobble into the goal. Kyle
Tooze scored a late penalty for Town in another 2-1 away win.

With Yash away during the week, Chairman Paul Ayres contributed this week’s programme notes…

“It’s fair to say it’s been an interesting season for us so far. We’ve had an indifferent
start, with results that perhaps haven’t always reflected our performances on the pitch.
While we’ve seen some promising spells and solid displays, we’ve often walked away
with less than what we deserved. However, games are not won on ability alone, in
leagues as physical as the Southern League we need to show resilience, graft,
determination and work ethic for every single point because league position and ability
are not a given, and it’s something we’re working tirelessly to address.

We have a talented squad and a committed management team who know what it takes,
but as a team we need to ensure from the first kick to the last kick of the game that it
reflects our commitment. Battling 100% and getting stuck in when the going gets tough.

Off the field I would like to thank all our sponsors for their continued financial support, all the kind donations that we have received from fans and supporters that have been
helping us this season. Also, a huge thank you to both West Berks Van Hire who have
arranged discounted mini-buses and Newbury & District Coaches who again have given
us incredible prices on coach hire to a few of the longer journeys.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our fans that continue to support us both
home and away this season. For me personally it’s been fantastic to see some of our
younger fans really get behind us this season. The young fans are the future of our fan
base so to hear their songs of support is very satisfying and I hope that you continue to
bang that drum in support of us.

Finally, I’d like to offer my congratulations to our captain Callum Willmoth who has
recently achieved 250 appearances for the Kingfishers. This is an incredible milestone
and we couldn’t be prouder. As a local player Callum shows time and time again what it
means to wear our shirt. His commitment, work rate and heart for the game have set the
standard. As our captain he leads by example, inspiring young players and setting a legacy of passion and dedication, a leader and role model. Thank you, Callum, and here’s to many more appearances.”