Watch your Mouth!

The Season So Far:

Avonmouth FC currently play in the Premier Division of the Bristol and Suburban League – a feeder league to the Gloucestershire County League. Today they face higher-league opposition in Bristol Manor Farm who play 4 divisions above in the Southern League Division One South. This is the home team’s second friendly this preseason after facing Western League Premier side Bitton AFC the previous weekend. This game finished in a 5-2 victory for the side making the trip from the other side of Bristol. Manor Farm, on the other hand, have a couple of games under their belt having faced off against Welsh sides Llantwit Major last weekend, and Barry Town United yesterday. This suggests there will be some rotation in their squad and perhaps some trialists getting a runout, given they’ll be playing 2 games in 2 days!

Most will be expecting a win for the visitors, but as we know friendlies can be very unpredictable so we will see what happens.

The Visit:

My first Sunday game as a groundhopper came about rather fortuitously: my Saturday plans were interrupted by a family event and luckily this fixture had also been moved to the Sunday. Avonmouth is the main cargo port for Bristol and the South West, and as such I was expecting a somewhat urban experience. I was not wrong, but I think this adds to the unique experience – the M5 stands looming over the ground and ensures a consistent level of noise. There was a healthy crowd no doubt passing the time before England’s ill-fated Euro 2020 final later in the day, and the mood was generally optimistic. The ground is decent, especially considering the level at which Avonmouth play. On one side is a collection of buildings – changing rooms, clubhouse etc. Opposite this lie the dug outs. At the far end by the motorway, there is nowhere for spectators to watch from as tall trees stand right behind the goal. The near end is more fan-friendly which grass and some shelter available from more trees.

As the match began the rain was just about holding off, although the forecast promised some of the wet stuff at some point. After 3 minutes, Avonmouth’s number 10 was gifted the ball but his shot only troubled the side-netting. Manor Farm’s first chance was a header on 9 minutes which looper over and onto the roof of the net. Shortly after, the home side’s imposing number 2 tried his luck in lobbing the keeper from 45 yards but it fell comfortably short for Harry Thomas-Barker to gather in his arms. Thomas-Barker was called into more meaningful action a few minutes later as the home number 8 got on the end of a deflected cross, forcing a point-blank save from the keeper. The visitors should have gone ahead on 24 minutes but somehow Mike Bryant directed the ball over the goal from close in after some good wing play by Marcus Day. Things turned interesting just after the half hour mark when Manor Farm boss Lee Lashenko took exception to a tackle which eventually saw his right back, Mason Winter, being subbed off. Lashenko wouldn’t let up with his protestations and the referee gave him his marching orders. With no stand to retreat to, the manager was asked to watch the remainder of the game from the opposite touchline. Some good advantage played by the man in black shortly after allowed the ball to run to Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist who found the back of the net. The lead was short-lived: a minute before half time Avonmouth won a free kick in a dangerous place. Number 8 hit it well and, after taking a deflection off the wall, it looper over the stranded Thomas-Barker. There was time for one more chance after more good work and a cross from Day, but Lloyd Mills headed over.

Bristol Manor Farm started the 2nd period brightly and it was only a great block by an Avonmouth defender that prevented them re-taking the lead. Luca Ponsillo’s effort couldn’t find a way through the home defence after he was played in by Bryant. The home keeper was called into action by Leigh-Gilchrist as he was forced to beat the ball away well after a great Ponsillo pass. 5 minutes later, the home 10 came close to scoring but couldn’t quite make any contact with a low cross. Leigh-Gilchrist sized up a free kick 2 minutes later, but the home goalkeeper was equal to it. With around 15 minutes remaining, Manor Farm grabbed the lead. Leigh-Gilchrist finally getting the better of the Avonmouth number 1 with a powerful shot. The away team were good value for their lead and didn’t look likely to losing it. Their number 12 forced another save from the keeper, and then Ponsillo shot just wide. It finished 2-1 to the Southern League side who completed the impressive feat of 2 games in 2 days with a victory.

Anyone considering a visit to Avonmouth FC should do so, in my opinion. A unique setting for a football match as well as friendly locals awaits.