THE SEAGULLS TAKE ON THE MAGPIES IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE CLASH

Weston are back at the Optima Stadium as they take on Dorchester Town in the Southern League Premier South this Saturday, 25th February. The match kicks off at 3pm.

The Seagulls are back on familiar territory after two successive journeys to the outskirts of London in the last few days. Last Saturday’s 3-2 win at Hendon was followed by Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw at Met Police, with the two positive results helping Weston extend their lead at the top of the table.

As Weston continue their quest for promotion, they come face-to-face with another side with promotion aspirations of their own this weekend. As it stands, Dorchester are currently ninth in the table and are enjoying a fine season. They had found themselves in the play-off zone recently, but five defeats in the last six league games have halted their progress, although another good run could get them back on track.

Former Magpies player Glenn Howes is now the manager of the Dorset side and has turned the side from perennial relegation candidates into a side capable of qualifying for the end of season play-offs.

While current form hasn’t been good, Dorchester can look back at their previous win in the league, a fine 3-0 win against Hanwell Town at The Avenue. Goals that day came from Jordan Ngalo and a brace from Charlie Gunson. The latter was also on the scoresheet in one of The Magpies’ finest results of the season as he scored a wonderful goal in a 1-0 home victory over Truro City.

There were also goals of the highest quality at The Avenue earlier in the season as Weston won 3-0 at Dorchester back in October. After a tight first-half where it ended goalless, Marlon Jackson opened the scoring as his fine finish completed a well-worked team goal, before a trademark Dayle Grubb free-kick doubled Weston’s lead. Scott Laird, whose dad Craig has managed both sides, scored with an exquisite chip to complete the scoring. Laird was also on target in the corresponding fixture last season, a 1-0 victory in November 2021.

Games between the two sides are often entertaining affairs, hopefully we’re in for another exciting game in BS24 this weekend.

KEY MATCHDAY INFORMATION:

ADMISSION:

Adult – £12

Concession – (60+, Student with ID, Armed Forces with ID, NHS with ID) £8

Under 16 (accompanied by an adult) – £3.50

Under 8 (accompanied by an adult) – free

Family – £22.50 (valid for two adults & two under 16s)

Pay on the turnstiles only.

TURNSTILES:

We will be operating two turnstiles (Turnstiles 1 & 2) at our main turnstile block next to the club shop, and an additional turnstile on the other side of the ground by our 3G facility (Turnstile 3).

Turnstile 1 and Turnstile 2 will operate on a card only basis, Turnstile 3 is cash only and Academy players.

It helps with congestion and access to the ground if you queue at the correct turnstile.

WESTON-SUPER-MARE AFC WALKING FOOTBALL & JUNIOR ACADEMY MEMBERS:

Please note the entrance for Walking Football members is via the relevant payment method turnstile and Academy members is via Turnstile 3 only.

Those eligible members will be admitted entrance as per your team agreement. Academy parents, you will need to be with the Academy member at the time of entering.

WESTON-SUPER-MARE AFC SEASON TICKET HOLDERS:

Your entrance using your Season Ticket Card will be via the players’ and officials’ entrance.

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 is 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 before 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.

GROUND REGULATIONS

Please note our full ground regulations are detailed on our website www.westonsmareafc.co.uk/ground-regulations All spectators are expected to adhere to these regulations during any game held at The Optima Stadium.

Failure to do so can result in expulsion from the Optima Stadium and its facilities with no refund issued.

CLUB SHOP:

The club shop within The Optima Stadium will be open for all Weston-super-Mare AFC first team games.

KITCHEN MENU AND PRICES:

BEEFBURGER £3.50

CHEESEBURGER £4.00

HOT DOG £3.00

CHIPS £2.00

CHEESY CHIPS £3.00

CURRY SAUCE AND CHIPS £3.00

TEA/COFFEE/BOVRIL £1.50

EXTRA BURGER £2.50