Match Preview

Preview by Jon Green

This Saturday sees Bashley visit The Winterfield Stadium just three weeks after we travelled to The GlenMex Stadium; the original tie, back in October, having been abandoned due to heavy rain.

Bashley had a very strong season last time out, but have struggled with consistency so far this term. A strong start gave way to a slide down the table and they currently sit in 17th place on 25 points. However, with the previous game being so recent, recalling the score-line that day is a strong reminder that this won't be an easy game. Their previous six results have seen two wins, three defeats and a draw. Their fixtures sandwiching our game with them at The GlenMex, saw them win and lose to the same team, Exmouth.

Our corresponding fixture with Bashley last season saw us take a 2-1 victory when a late header from Joe Morgan followed a goal by Dan Restorick.

The unfortunate postponement of Tuesday's fixture with Malvern means that this match will Richard Fey's first game in charge since returning to Rovers. Richard has been quick to make signings and this game could see the new faces feature.

Attacking midfielder, Milo Murgatroyd is already on-board. He made his first start in the defeat at Bishops Cleeve but showed a number of times what a handful he can be.

Joining Milo will be Aaron Parsons (left) who has joined from Larkhall. Aaron is a central defender that is well known to our new boss having been managed by him during his time at Melksham. He began his career with Bristol City before moving to Weston-Super-Mare.

Richard told us, "Aaron's a quiet lad but a big strong centre-half with a great attitude who always gives his all"

Also joining the ranks of defenders will be Theo Mara (right), a left sided defender from Bath University.

Central midfielder, Joe Hall (left), also joins the squad signing from Bristol Manor Farm. Richard says, "Joe is a box-to-box player who has had a very good career so far. Joe played at Yate under Paul Michael when they finished high in the Premier division"

Richard has also confirmed his backroom staff. Lee Collier (right) will be his number 2: "I've known Lee for a while; he played under me as a central midfielder with Bitton and Chippenham. Lee knows what he is doing as a coach; he works with Oxford United's youngsters having also coached at Aldershot. I'm pleased he's come in as my assistant until the end of the season."

Richard also confirmed that James Moon joins as coach alongside Matty Hesford who stays with the club. We are also pleased to confirm Everett Welch and Aaron Whittock remain as physio and kitman respectively.

Please welcome all our new faces to the club but, quite understandably, Richard will be playing his cards close to his chest with regards to the final squad for the game!

The final word also goes to Richard, "We're all in this together and it's going to take one big collective effort for us to get out of the situation we're in."

We'd really love to have as much support as possible as we go into this final crucial period!

Winterfield Road entry prices:

Adult £10.00*
Concessions £8.00*
U18 £3.00
U12 FREE (with paying adult)
*£2 discount for current member loyalty card holders

Please purchase tickets at our well stocked bar in the club before entry. Available up until kick-off. Not available on the gate.

Winterfield Stadium
Winterfield Road
Paulton
Bristol
BS39 7RF