WESTON BACK IN FA CUP ACTION AGAINST TAUNTON TOWN
The Seagulls return to Emirates FA Cup action with a second qualifying round tie at home to fellow Southern League side Taunton Town on Saturday 18th September, 3pm kick off.
Weston come into this cup tie on the back of a hard fought 1-0 victory away to Dorchester Town on Tuesday with Lloyd Humphries scoring the vital goal.
Scott Bartlett’s side had to overcome Flackwell Heath in the last round, who fought valiantly and even took the Seagulls to a replay where a late Nick McCootie goal saw Weston through.
The Peacocks were drawn away to Toolstation Western League side Shepton Mallet in the first qualifying round where they won convincingly with the final score being 8-1.
Most recently Taunton faced an away trip to Poole Town in the league and were held to a point courtesy of a late Poole goal.
The Peacocks are currently 8th in the league and 1 place above the Seagulls due to a slightly superior goal difference.
There are a handful of familiar faces for the Weston faithful to look out for when Taunton make the short trip north including Jack Goodall, Gethyn Hill and Lloyd Irish. Former player Matt Villis is also now at Taunton, acting as assistant to manager Rob Dray.
KEY MATCHDAY INFORMATION
As a club, we wish to provide as free and safe an environment as possible. To that end, we are retaining our safety processes, but they are now advisory, not mandatory.
ALL PAY GAME
Please note this game is an All Pay Game.
There are no discounts or free entry for Walking Football & Junior Academy Members or parents.
Although tickets can be brought at the turnstile on match day, we recommend supporters from both teams buy in advance.
Adult – £11.00
Concession – £7.00
Under 16 – £3.00
TURNSTILES
We will be operating 3 turnstiles for this match – 2 card/ticket tailor pre-purchased tickets & 1 cash.
Turnstiles 1 & 2 will operate at our main Turnstile block next to the club shop taking Card and Ticket Tailor ONLY.
Turnstile 3 will operate at our Facility Block Entrance taking Cash ONLY.
Both turnstiles have suggested Social Distance markings on the floor outside them.
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, you will be given free parking in the Supporters Car Park, as the usual Season Ticket Car Park is reserved for Players/Officials for this match.
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, and inside ground Joe’s Bar will both be open.
The kitchen and additional food outlet near the Alto Digital Stand will also be open.
Card payments can be made at all locations.
All 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.]
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 wish all supporters a safe trip to the Optima Stadium for this Emirates FA Cup tie.
