The eagerly awaited opening Western League match finally arrives tomorrow as the Robins take on old adversaries Buckland Athletic at Fairfax Park.
Bridgwater United v Buckland Athletic
Saturday 31st July, 3pm
Toolstation Western League
Fairfax Park
The Newton Abbot based side are a consistent force and have strengthened their squad in the last few days with 22-year old midfielder Owen Stockton moving down the road from neighbours Bovey Tracey and he will be joined at Homers Heath by teenage defender Owen Price. The youngster joins from Torquay United where he was highly rated and boasts England Colleges caps.
On the debit front popular keeper Kenny Griffiths has been forced to retire with a shoulder injury after more than 200 games in Bucks’ colours but they should still prove an attractive prospect for the Bridgwater supporters.
Robins’ boss Dave Pearse will also be looking for his new recruits to help his squad get off to a flying start on Saturday as they prepare for three important games in seven days.
Former Weston-super-Mare midfielder Tom Llewellyn joins brother Jake in the squad and the 20-year old will be part of a young and dynamic midfield alongside Archie Sturdy who is now fully fit again after hamstring problems kept him off the field for some time.
Popular midfielder Harry Horton makes a welcome return to the club after a spell in county football and the ball-playing midfielder is bound to make a strong impression in what is a talented group.
The defence will be missing both Jake Llewellyn and Jordan Greenwood for the Buckland game as they are suspended but Pearse snapped up central defender Ross Edwards from Bishops Lydeard after he impressed in pre-season and scored in the friendly at Bideford.
Up front, experienced West Walian striker Nick Woodrow will be a handful for any Western League defence, having starred in the League of Wales for Haverfordwest before winning trophies galore in local football in Pembrokeshire. Nearer home, Clevedon Town striker George King is another key signing and he is the son of former Clevedon and Backwell United striker Ryan King and will be keen to make an early impression.
Another defender with Backwell connections is 23 year old Jacob Spence who has been a target for some time and comes to Fairfax Park having made a big impression against Bridgwater previously when playing under current club coach Stuart Jones.
A number of Mo Hopkins’ successful youth team from last season have also been promoted to the senior squad with Gabriel Plant, Acey Mead, Merson Ham, Harry Durant, Ollie Chubb, Sully McKenna and Callum Chivers all looking to force their way into the side during the upcoming campaign.
Admission
Adult: £8
Concession: £5
Children (Under 16): £3
Turnstiles will be open from 1pm. Payment is accepted by card of cash, with dedicated turnstiles for each.
Refreshments
Both the Cafe and The Robins Club Bar will be open before and during the match with the bar open after full-time.
The bar will continue to operate under table service with the cafe running a takeaway service only.
Parking
Parking on the day will be limited on the driveway into Fairfax Park. Bridgwater & Taunton College Campus will operate as an overflow car park.
