WESTON BACK AT HOME FOR PLYMOUTH PARKWAY CLASH

Weston begin 2023 with a Southern League Premier South fixture at home to Plymouth Parkway this Monday, 2nd January. The match at the Optima kicks off at 3pm.

The Seagulls will be looking to start the new year in the same fashion they ended the last one after the 2-0 victory at Tiverton Town on Boxing Day, courtesy of Scott Laird’s close-range finish and Jordan Bastin’s super strike from the edge of the area.

That win in Devon was extremely hard-fought, and Weston will need to be at their best again as they take on another Devonian side in Plymouth Parkway.

Parkway also played on Boxing Day, and gained a creditable 3-3 draw with their tenants, Truro City. In a topsy-turvy encounter at Bolitho Park, Parkway had equalised through Ben Seymour’s penalty, before finding themselves 2-1 down to the promotion contenders. They then roared back and equalised as ex-Weston loanee Seymour grabbed his second before Jack Crago gave the hosts a late lead, only for the White Tigers to equalise at the death to deny Lee Hobbs’ side all three points.

Maximum points would have been more than useful, as Parkway find themselves second-bottom of the Southern League table. However, it must be noted that Parkway have several games in hand on the sides in and around the relegation trapdoor.

Parkway have played the fewest games in the league due to their lengthy FA Trophy run, where they reached the Third Round Proper. The fabulous run came to an end shortly before Christmas, losing by just the one late goal to nil at National League side, Barnet. On their Trophy journey, Parkway picked up an excellent win at Oxford City, showing what a good side they are on their day.

This will be the second time The Seagulls and Parkway have faced each other this season. Back on the August Bank Holiday Monday, Weston travelled down to Bolitho Park and emerged victorious after a 4-1 win. Goals that afternoon came from ex-Plymouth Argyle striker Reuben Reid and Will Tunnicliff in the first-half, and Elis Watts and Dayle Grubb after the interval.

Parkway had equalised through Callum Rose and had some good spells against Weston, and their draw with Truro should give them confidence ahead of their trip to North Somerset.

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