By Matt Bishop and Sam Elliott
Bristol Manor Farm
IF at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. That’s exactly what Bristol Manor Farm have been doing after coming heartbreakingly close to promotion three seasons running.
However, last season, the dream of playing Step 4 football was secured, as Lee Lashenko’s men romped to the Western League title to seal their first ever season at this level.
Naturally, everyone associated with the Farmy Army can’t wait for their season ahead with media manager Kev O’Donohoe telling The NLP: “It is fair to say the players are chomping at the bit waiting for that first blast from the referee’s whistle.
“That same buzz is palpable off the pitch and around the club in general – these are unchartered waters for most of us, but the same challenge so readily accepted by the players is also one that our small army of unpaid volunteers is relishing.”
Since joining the club in 2013, boss Lashenko has done a brilliant job, with Manor Farm only ever on an upwards trajectory, and with the hard work put in to reach the Southern West league, the club are in no mood for a short stay.
“When the manager joined in 2013, our aim to was bring Conference football to the club by 2020.” said O’Donohoe. “We are not going to rest on our laurels. We are not here to make up the numbers and look back on last season’s triumph. We are only looking forward.”
