Matchday Preview – Bristol Manor Farm (A) Match Day 11
By Duncan Gardner
As a Bristol resident of nearly 30 years I have a bit of an advantage writing this preview on one of our “new” opponents this season!
In fact I have watched their games several times over the years at their fairly unique little ground in the western suburbs of the city, sandwiched between a major road on one side and a railway line and river Avon on the other.
Unique in that I would imagine it’s the only ground in the country placed on the site of an old Roman fort! To add to the quirkiness there is a tiny railway station just over the creek (from where the ground gets its name) and trains are often spotted idling past during matches.
Manor Farm are one of many teams at or around this level in the Bristol area but of all the clubs I’ve been to in the region they probably boast one of the biggest identities and most fervent fan base. Whereas many non-league fans in the area support City or Rovers first and their local side second, it always seemed to me many of these supporters had their primary loyalty here, loudly shouting “Farmy Army” from the sidelines.
Traditionally Western league stalwarts, they finally moved up to this southern league division some 10 years ago and, despite some off-field upheavals during this time, they have maintained that level and will be desperate to do so again this term.
Our paths have crossed just once before when we travelled up the A37 for a pre-season friendly in 1989 when we ran out 4-0 winners in sweltering conditions.
Will the farmy army plough their way through the Terras or can we scythe the hosts and harvest another three points?
