Page 3 - Ashton & Backwell FC v Bridgwater Utd 120222

Welcome to the Lancer Scott Stadum

Good afternoon, I would like to offer a
warm welcome to you, particularly to the
officials, players and supporters of
today’s visitors Bridgewater United. I’m
anticipating there’s going be quite a few
followers coming up the short journey
along the M5 as I’ve been down to
Bridgewater a few times over the last
two seasons and I’ve been very
impressed by the level of your support.
Talking of support, as this is our 5th
consecutive home game, attendances,
for us, have been fantastic, 247, 85, 202,
and 98. Your support is much appreciated by the club, nice to see some new
faces appearing regularly and I can understand the impact on people’s pockets
that 5 home games can have.
I’d like to think that those improved figures reflect the entertainment on show,
the honesty and effort of our players and this Premier division is a good level of
football and certainly a very competitive one. As we hope to prove today.
We are disappointed that we didn’t get at least a point last week against an
experienced and physically imposing Millbrook side. In the last 15 minutes, at 2-
2, I could only see us winning. It was another good team performance with
impressive performances by substitutes & new signings, Jack Sells and Jamie
White. But nothing to show from it.
Over the last few weeks I am regularly being asked how many teams will go
down. We all need to realise that, despite being just 19 teams in this division,
the rules are that 2 teams WILL go down. I can assure you that this club really
wants to be in this division next season, that maybe stating the obvious but I
can tell you that it’s been said to me by others clubs, Division I would be a far
easier option.
Onto today’s visitors, Bridgwater currently sit in 5th place, 5 points behind 2nd
place Exmouth. Since today’s 2 sides met at the end of November, Utd’s form
has been patchy, winning 3, losing 4 in 7 league games. Bridgy beat us 2-1 at
Fairfax Park, a 2nd half Sam Price goal really got us back in the game and we
looked like we could take a point, again! In injury time Our keeper, Coomber, was
1 good touch away from being a hero, unfortunately ended up with a red card
& a 4 game ban!
We have coaches planned for the visits to Buckland (Newton Abbott) and
Ilfracombe. Please see the arrangements in this programme.
Thank you for your support today, enjoy the game and please respect the
officials.

UP THE STAGS, Mike, Chairman