WESTON WELCOME HELSTON IN FA CUP CLASH

Cup fever hits the town as Weston are back at the Optima Stadium again as they welcome Helston Athletic. The Emirates FA Cup Third Qualifying Round tie kicks off at 3pm this Saturday, 1st October.

The Cornish outfit come into this game on the back of a memorable win over Bishop’s Cleeve in the previous round. After a 3-3 draw in Gloucestershire, Helston won the replay in Cornwall by four goals to three. At one point, a visit to Weston was looking unlikely as they were 2-0 down to Cleeve, before storming back to win 4-3 and book their tie here in BS24.

Not only was this a magnificent win on the night, but beating higher league opposition was a great achievement and something Weston need to be wary of.

This is the first time Helston have reached this stage of the competition and they will be backed by a decent away following as the club have kindly paid for their supporters to travel free of charge.

Moreover, Helston are the only Cornish side left in the FA Cup to add to their obvious sense of pride.

Since their win in the replay, Helston have also progressed in the FA Vase after a 2-1 home win over Saltash last Saturday, as Rikki Shepherd bagged himself a brace. Then on Tuesday, they then beat Millbrook 3-0 in a Western League Premier Division clash at their Kellaway Park home.

The Seagulls come into this game with their confidence sky-high after Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Swindon Supermarine as goals from Reuben Reid, Dayle Grubb and Marlon Jackson secured the victory to continue Weston’s astonishing run.

That game was played in front of another large crowd here in North Somerset. Another bumper gate is expected due to Weston’s fantastic start to the season, as well as the healthy away following from Cornwall.

With this in mind, it’s all set for a cracking atmosphere here at The Optima as both sides battle for a place in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the world’s greatest cup competition.

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 three turnstiles for this fixture.

Turnstiles 1 & 2 will be located at our main turnstile block next to the club shop – these will operate on a card only basis.

Turnstile 3 will be located on the opposite side of the ground by our 3G surface – this will operate on a cash only basis.

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 & 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 the time of entering.

Please note, this is an ‘all-pay fixture’ and the appropriate payment will need to be made at the appropriate turnstile.

WESTON-SUPER-MARE AFC SEASON TICKET HOLDERS:

Please note, this is an ‘all-pay fixture’ and the appropriate payment will need to be made at the appropriate turnstile.

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 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