We look to continue our Emirates FA Cup journey this weekend when we entertain Enterprise National League South side, Weston-Super-Mare who were promoted in the 2022/23 season after finishing as Southern League Premier South champions.
There will be 40 ties played over the weekend with the clash between Westbury United and Farnborough being chosen as the BBC televised tie, which will kick off at 12.30pm. The winners of each tie will receive £5625 from the prize fund with the losers taking home £1875.
We have two other local sides in action; Wimborne are at home to Worthing, whilst Dorchester travel to Farnham.
We continued our unbeaten run last weekend with a goalless stalemate at Hungerford. The point keeps us within reach of the top of the table at this early stage. (P8 W4 D3 L1 15 points). One of the most pleasing aspects of our performances has been the number of goals that we are scoring and the number of players who have found the net.
Shaquille Gwengwe leads the way with 8, IK Hill has 4, then we have five players who have one each, Tyrrell Sampson (departed), Harvey Slade, Kris Campbell, Josh Staunton and Selim Saied.
We are currently in 6th place in the form table P6 W3 D3. Our last home defeat, which was on February 22 against Gloucester City, came at the end of the run of five straight 1-0 losses throughout February. We have certainly moved forward from those days.
Weston-Super-Mare are in great form themselves sitting at the top of their league form table P6 W6. They earned their place in 3Q by beating Taunton Town 3-0 in a home replay after the sides drew 1-1 at Taunton. Their only defeat this season was the opening day 3-2 reverse at Hornchurch. Since then, they have accumulated 22 points from 8 matches putting them just one point behind Hornchurch who top the league on 23 points after nine games.
The basis of their success must be having the meanest defence in their league. They have conceded just five goals, in 9 league matches. Shaq and IK will certainly have their work cut out on Saturday, but as we know, they are only too willing to accept the challenge.
Callam Wood, the left-footed defender joined Weston on a permanent contract in May 2025, following his release from top Championship side, Bristol City. He has featured prominently for the Seagulls at the heart of their defence, making 8 appearances to date.
At the other end of the pitch, we will probably come up against Louis Britton, who has scored 7 goals in all competitions so far this season. After successful spells with Brislington and Mangotsfield United, Louis earned a move to Bristol City in 2019. Whilst at Ashton Gate, Louis spent time out on loan at several clubs gaining valuable experience, before joining Weston in March 2025.
The Seagulls, will come into the match under the supervision of temporary manager Scott Rogers after Weston agreed terms to release Scott Bartlett to take over at Eastleigh. He had been at Weston since 2019 and took them into the National League South in 2022/23 season. They narrowly missed out on a play-off place in their first season.
Scott Rogers enjoyed a playing career with the likes of Bristol City, Tiverton Town, Weston, Chippenham Town and Newport County before becoming player-manager at Willand Rovers in 2013. He joined Weston as Assistant Manager in July 2023, linking up with Scott Bartlett and helping to spearhead the club forward.
We can expect great backing on Saturday, with our average home attendance nearing 600. So come along early to take in the great atmosphere and get behind the lads as we strive to continue our participation in this year’s FA Cup competition.
Enjoy the game
Neil Wellington.
