WESTON RETURN TO THE OPTIMA FOR BRACKNELL TOWN CLASH

Weston return to the Optima Stadium this Saturday, 10th December as they take on Bracknell Town in the Southern League Premier South. The match kicks off at 3pm.

The Seagulls will be looking to continue their excellent home form and make it six league wins in a row here in BS24, with the latest victory coming in last Saturday’s 4-0 win over Hartley Wintney.

As for Bracknell, their last league encounter was on Tuesday night as they entertained Plymouth Parkway at Bottom Meadow. That game ended goalless. However, Town had scored eight goals in the two games previously after a 4-2 win against Swindon Supermarine and a 4-3 victory at Hendon before that, with forward Joseph Grant grabbing a brace in both of those games.

Bracknell Town were our first opponents in this Southern League season, in what proved to be an entertaining match on a baking hot August afternoon in Berkshire.

The Isthmian League South Central champions certainly started that match on fire, as they found themselves two-nil up early in that game and were in full control. However, Weston eventually found their way into the game and reduced the arrears shortly before half-time when Dayle Grubb slotted in a penalty, the first of his seventeen League goals this season.

With the game heading towards its climax at the end of the second-half, it looked as though Bracknell were going to hold on for a vital three points. However, Ben Griffith popped up with a close-range finish to spark pandemonium behind the goal as the visiting Weston supporters celebrated exuberantly, delighted at grabbing a point that had looked unlikely an hour or so earlier.

Much has changed at Bracknell since August as their charismatic manager Bobby Wilkinson has since departed and taken over at National League South side, Weymouth. Despite Wilkinson’s departure to the South Coast, Bracknell’s league form hasn’t suffered as joint-managers Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers have coped admirably, and they still find themselves extremely well-placed in the table. They are currently sixth in the current league standings, just one point off the play-offs but with three games in hand.

The main reason for playing fewer league games than the teams around them is due to their fantastic FA Cup run. After battling through the qualifying rounds, they were then drawn at home to former FA Cup and UEFA Cup winners Ipswich Town, a game that was broadcast live to the nation on terrestrial TV. Bracknell played well but bowed out after a 3-0 home defeat.

It has proved to be an exciting season for Bracknell so far, but Weston will be looking for the vital three points to continue with their own feel-good factor that has seen some fantastic football and memorable victories for the table-topping Seagulls this season.

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