Match Preview: Frome Town (A) – Tuesday 19th July 2022 – 19:45
By Robert Santonna
I do believe there were positives to take from the Poole match. Firstly, I think we needed that test. Poole are putting together a superb squad for their league. They are a side angling for promotion, therefore we should have expected them to come at us with everything they have. Furthermore, I thought it was good to see our squad becoming a little more complete. We only had 5 trialists in the squad on Saturday. We are starting to see more of what the team will look like going into this season. Personally, I am gripped to my phone and more specifically the clubs Twitter page. Awaiting the next big announcement that can further add another cherry on top.
Yesterday we saw just that, the club announced the signing of a certain ex-cherry in Keelan O’Connell. The winger/attacking midfielder featured off the bench in a 3-0 and 2-1 win over the Terras whilst with Torquay last season. He racked up over 1,000 minutes in the National League last season. This can only be a huge plus for our squad. Not many players in our squad have that kind of experience to their name let alone at just 22.
This further accentuates the south coast partnership between Premier league new boys AFC Bournemouth and us. They are building a new training facility in order to increase their quality of youth intake. Therefore, we should see quality players available to us in the future too!
Today’s opponents!
Our record against Frome makes positive reading. We have won 20, drawn 8 and lost 9 against the team ‘over the border’.
Our most famous game was probably a final qualifying round in the FA Cup in 54/55 when they created a huge upset. Their win created a tie against football league Leyton Orient. This was their only appearance in round one.
More recently, we have faced the Robins in the southern league and enjoyed a 9/1/5 WDL record. We enjoyed a brace of clean sheet wins in our title winning season in 18/19.
We have tasted victory on the last two visits to Badgers Hill but prior to those wins, it has always been a tough place to go. Having only one once in nine meetings.
Last season Frome finished in a highly respectable 2nd place in the Southern League DIv One South. Just 3 points behind eventual winners Plymouth Parkway. They progressed onto the playoffs where they were beaten 3-1 by Bristol Manor Farm.
Played for both!
Several players have turned out for both teams over the decade including Mark Cooper, Jordan Copp and Ben Thomson
Players to watch from the hosts!
I have selected a few Robins players to look out for today: James Ollis and Jon Davies
Players to watch from the Terras!
New man Keelan O’Connell will be a man to watch for sure. Alongside Ofosu, Brad Ash and youngsters Owen Peart and Frankie Monk!
I have full confidence that we will bounce back in what will prove to be an enjoyable match for both parties. As the season fast approaches, we will most likely see some more definitive trialist choices and see who David’s first eleven will be!
#UpTheTerras
