The Peacocks turn their attention back to the Emirates FA Cup when they make the short trip to Weston-super-Mare tomorrow (18th September), ko 3.00pm.
The 2nd Round Qualifying tie is Town’s fifth successive away game where they will be looking to change their fortunes on the road after picking up just one point from their two Southern League fixtures in the past week following defeat at Farnborough and a draw at Poole. Tomorrow’s game against their divisional rivals appears a close one to call, with the Seagulls having a near-identical League record to the Peacocks after seven games, and only lying a place lower due to a one goal variation in goal difference.
They will come into the tie buoyed by their 1-0 victory at Dorchester Town on Tuesday evening although their form at the Optima Stadium has not been overly impressive. Their only win came against Merthyr in the opening League fixture before successive 1-0 losses followed to Gosport and Metropolitan Police and then a draw with Tiverton. Weston were also held 2-2 at home by Flackwell Heath from the South Midlands League in the previous round of the FA Cup before winning the replay thanks to a goal from former Town player Nick McCootie.
The Peacocks had no such trouble in their first match in this season’s competition when they stormed to an 8-1 victory at Shepton Mallet and they will hope to find their shooting boots again tomorrow to help them progress and scoop the £3,375 prize money on offer for the winners. Jack Veale returns to the squad after playing for his parent club Exeter City U23’s in midweek while Ben Adelsbury is ready to start and Lee Lucas is expected to be fit. Head of Football Rob Dray commented:” We’ve had some great times in the FA Cup in the last few years. To get through these qualifying rounds you often have to beat a good local side and this year it is Weston. They will be a hard team to beat on their own pitch and it may well come down to who wants it most on the day. The lads are looking forward to it though and with a good travelling support to back us we can hopefully progress.”
Traveller Info
Ground: The Optima Stadium, Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS24 9AA
Ground to Ground: 27.0 miles
Admission: Adults £11, Concessions (over 60’s/Students) £7, Under 16’s £3, Under 8’s Free
Family (2 adults, 2 children) £20
Tickets can be purchased either at the gate or by advance online sales HERE
Turnstiles 1 and 2 will operate at the main Turnstile block next to the club shop taking Card and Ticket Tailor ONLY.
Turnstile 3 will operate at the Facility Block Entrance taking Cash ONLY.
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.