SEAGULLS HOST TRURO IN NEW YEAR’S CLASH
Weston are back in home action as they prepare to take on Truro City in the first game of 2022, KO Saturday 1st January, 3pm.
After the disappointment following a late postponement away at Tiverton on the 27th December, Weston will be looking to better their most recent result, a 2-1 defeat away to Swindon Supermarine.
Following that postponement, the Seagulls now sit 11th place in the league table but remain just 3 points off the play off spaces.
Saturday’s opponents are 14th and currently have 28 points, 6 less than Weston’s 34. They most recently suffered a narrow defeat at home to National League Dagenham & Redbridge in the FA Trophy. After drawing 1-1 in normal time, Truro saw themselves eliminated after the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.
The last time the two sides met was on the same date back in 2020. The Seagulls faithful were treated to a New Year’s day spectacle when Scott Laird equalised in the 91st minute. It got even better for Weston when Mike Symons fired home in the 94th minute to send the Optima into pandemonium.
On this day in 2020 however, the tragic news that former player Chris Barker had sadly passed away broke.
Speaking in his programme notes, Manager Scott Bartlett said:
“Today (01/01/22) marks 3 year’s since my good friend Chris Barker sadly left us, ironically Truro were our opponents on that day. He had a positive impact on so many careers and he had a connection with a lot of people in the dressing room.
“The way the club rallied round everyone was amazing and I’ll never forget that. The way we have dealt with the loss of amazing people, and the challenges of Covid together has been brilliant.
“We are in a good position, with an excellent squad and staff. Lairdy and I couldnt be happier with what we have and we are looking forward to the second half of the season and beyond.
“I hope you enjoy the game and thanks as always for your incredible support both home and away.”
KEY MATCHDAY INFORMATION
As a Club we wish to provide as free and safe environment as possible.
To that end we are retaining our safety processes, but they are now advisory, not mandatory.
TICKET PRICING
Adult – £11.00
Concession – £7.00
Under 16 – £3.00
TURNSTILES
We will be operating 2 turnstiles at our main Turnstile block next to the club shop.
Turnstile 1 will operate on a card only basis. Turnstile 2 will operate on a cash only basis.
Both turnstiles have suggested Social Distance markings on the floor outside them.
WESTON-SUPER-MARE AFC WALKING FOOTBALL & JUNIOR ACADEMY MEMBER
Please note the entrance for Walking Football & Junior Academy Members is now via the main turnstiles.
Those eligible members will be admitted entrance as per your team agreement.
Junior Academy Parents, you will need to be with the Junior Academy Member at time of entering.
Please note for “All Pay Games”, you will be required to pay full price.
WESTON-SUPER-MARE AFC SEASON TICKET HOLDERS
Your entrance using your Season Ticket Card will be via the players and officials’ entrance.
Please note for “All Pay Games”, you will be required to pay full price.
CAR PARK
Our Supporters Car Park charges £2.00 to park on a match day. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept card payment for this. So please ensure you have £2.00 available to pay on arrival.
For Season Ticket holders, early arrival is recommended, your car park will still be for your exclusive use, when full you will be given free parking in the Supporters Car Park, where possible, instead.
FACILITIES WITHIN GROUND
Please note our Sportsman bar will close 90 minutes prior to kick-off, at which time the turnstiles will be open and access can be made into the ground. Our Somerset Suite Bar, Kitchen and inside ground Joe’s Bar will all be open.
Card payment can be made at all three locations.
All three areas do have ground markings detailing the social distancing suggestions. At busy times, such as half time, we will be placing Stewards in these locations to remind supporters of the suggested social distancing.
MENU & PRICES
|
BEEFBURGER |
£3.50 |
|
CHEESEBURGER |
£4.00 |
|
HOT DOG |
£3.00 |
|
CHIPS |
£1.50 |
|
CHEESY CHIPS |
£2.50 |
|
TEA / COFFEE / BOVRIL |
£1.50 |
|
EXTRA BURGER |
£2.50 |
|
CURRY & CHIPS |
£2.50 |
|
CANS |
£1.30 |
CLUB SHOP
The Club Shop within The Optima Stadium will be open for all Weston-super-Mare AFC First Team games.
PLAYER TUNNEL GATES
We may close these, for the players’ entry to the pitch and return from the pitch during their pre-match warm-up, there may be a slightly longer period before the game where these will have to remain closed.
We do apologise in advance for this. The Stewards will open them as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
MATCH FOOTBALLS
We do ask that supporters try not to throw balls back on to the pitch.
A Steward or Ball Person will instead make their way to your location, gather the football, and return to the Home Dugout so that it can be cleaned before going back on to the pitch.
When balls leave the pitch in this manner, the Home Dugout will be throwing another ball on to the pitch for the continuation of the game.
TRACK & TRACE
Before entering The Optima Stadium, we ask you to complete a Track & Trace system.
There are signs before entering the turnstiles and one in the turnstile. There is the recognised NHS App version system.
Additionally, for those unable to use the NHS App there is a simple QR scan code that you scan using your mobile telephone, click on the link it gives you and then complete your details.
This is recommended for every visit you make to The Optima Stadium.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
We do remind all supporters it is your responsibility to maintain current UK Government Social Distancing guidelines while you visit The Optima Stadium.
This includes all areas of the ground, inside and out, along with the seated areas.
Check up on the pre-match build up and keep up to date with all the action from the match with our live twitter updates – @WSM_AFCOfficial.
We would like to wish all supporters a very Happy New Year and hope you enjoy your trip to the Optima for this league encounter.
