Community comes first for champs

14 Jun 2017 By David Watters

Division 1 South & West news

Western League champions Bristol Manor Farm are signing players and warming up for their EVO-STIK League Southern debut with a major community event and fundraising fixture against Bristol City.

Farm manager Lee Lashenko signed striker Lewis Powell from National League South Weston-Super-Mare on Tuesday as officials appealed for volunteers to help them host their neighbours at The Creek on Sunday 9 July in the Bristol Community Game.

Now organised annually by the city's EFL Championship outfit, profits from the fundraising fixture and community day are set to be split between Farm's charitable arm and the Bristol City Community Trust.

Bristol Manor Farm dominated the Western League Premier Division last season, winning 33 of their 38 league games to finish with 102 points and earn promotion to the EVO-STIK League Southern's Division One South & West for the first time in their history.

Looking ahead to the charity fixture, chairman Geoff Sellek said: “When I heard Bristol City were willing to look at Bristol Manor Farm as a club to host what will be their fifth annual Community Match, to say I was excited is an understatement.

“I think what Bristol City have done over the last four seasons is great for grassroots football, the City supporters and the charities that gain funds to support their cause. This will be a unique first derby match between City and the third Bristol club with Bristol in its name."

He added: “Our thanks go to Bristol City for picking our club for the fifth annual Community Match. We hope to fill the ground and raise a lot of money for charity.”

Farm boss Lashenko, whose squad return for preseason training next week on Tuesday 20 June, made former Yate Town and Bitton attacker Powell, pictured below, his 13th signing of the summer on Tuesday.

He told the club's fans: “Lewis has been on our radar for a while and it’s great to be able to get him for the club. His past in the Southern League will be an asset and we know that a few clubs were in for him so we’re glad he has decided to join us. We’re sure it will be a boost for the whole squad.”

Volunteers to help out at the community fundraiser should email: secretary@bristolmanorfarm.com

Images courtesy of bristolmanorfarm.com

Follow the EVO-STIK League Southern on Twitter at @SouthernLeague1

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