Town continue their build up to the impending new season tomorrow evening (30th July) with a game held over from last season, namely the Final of the Somerset Premier Cup against Weston-super-Mare, kick-off 7.45pm.
Due to the Peacocks’ involvement in the Play-Offs last term, it was agreed for the Final to be rescheduled to become part of the 2019-20 pre-season programme so both sides will face the unusual scenario of playing a competitive fixture before the actual season has started. The venue of the Final has also changed, with it originally due to be held at Yeovil Town’s Huish Park but instead the Seagulls have home advantage tomorrow after winning the toss of a coin.
Weston have played six warm-up games so far, their most recent being a 1-1 draw at Clevedon Town last Wednesday. Before that wins over Ashton & Backwell and Banwell were followed by defeats to Exeter City, Slimbridge and an 8-1 reverse to Newport County. The Peacocks had a challenging time of it last week against pro opposition, losing to Yeovil but so very nearly beating Exeter City who snatched a draw in added time. It therefore has the makings of a good contest tomorrow, with added spice coming from the fact Weston will be in the Premier League South alongside the Peacocks this coming campaign after being relegated from the National League South.
With both sides having made personnel changes since last season, the Somerset FA have decreed that all currently registered players are eligible to play in the Final unless they featured for another club in the competition last season. This means that both Jamie Short and Naby Diallo are cuptied, having already played for Street and Weston respectively. Head of Football Rob Dray remarked:” The next three games will give us some real time levels. Things have gone well in pre-season so far, our fitness looks good and there are plenty of positives to take from the games we’ve played. It’s a cup final against one of the promotion favourites this season and we’re looking forward to it.”
On The Road – Weston-super-Mare
Ground: The Optima Stadium, Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare BS24 9AA
Directions: Approaching from the South along the A370, take 2nd exit at Hospital roundabout signposted Oldmixon & Weston Ind Estates. Carry on along Broadway until reaching mini roundabout where you turn left into Winterstoke Road. The ground is approx. half a mile along the road on the left.
Admission: Adults £8, Concessions £5, Under 16’s £2, Under 8’s Free, Family Ticket £15