PLAY-OFFS EXPERIENCE WILL HELP STAR JAKE
JAKE Gosling has won promotion to the Football League with Bristol Rovers, now he’s hoping to take Bristol Manor Farm to their highest level.
The former Gibraltar international played for Rovers in their 2015 success on penalties over Grimsby Town at Wembley, and seven years on has been a key cog in The Farm’s excellent campaign.
Gosling claimed an assist in Tuesday’s 3-1 semi-final win at Frome Town.
“The lads were buzzing afterwards, but we knew we couldn’t celebrate too much!” he told The NLP. “We were still jumping about the changing rooms but obviously nothing drinking-wise as we are trying to prepare for a final.
“Frome were probably favourites but we knew what we were about and were very confident going into the game. They started better but I think we deserved it.
“That past experience in play-offs will help me. It’s a completely different level to the Rovers game but I’m really looking forward to it.”
Since Christmas Day Lee Lashenko’s men have lost once in 16 games – 12 wins and nine clean sheets.
A vast improvement from a November 5-1 loss at the home of Monday’s opponents Winchester City, a game Gosling made his debut in.
“Maybe it was the kick up the backside we needed,” admitted the 28-year-old. “The game went away from us when we went down to ten men. Since then we’ve grown in confidence and gained momentum.
“We’ve found a formation which suits us and we’ve gelled. We’ve looked really solid, we’re a close knit group. It’s been brilliant.”
Manor Farm and Winchester met last Saturday, concluding the season with a 2-2 draw at The Creek to seal both teams’ play-off spots.
Gosling was recognised for his displays by being voted Manager’s Player of the Year.
“It’s great to get the gaffer’s recognition,” said Gosling. “It helps being around good players. I like to think I’ve added a bit. It’s a joint effort, not just me.”
The club announced on Friday that former chairman Geoff Sellek had died after a courageous battle against cancer.
“We’re dedicating Monday’s game to Geoff,” said Gosling. “The lads were devastated and from the amount of tweets you can see how well respected he was. I’m sure he’s massively proud of how the lads have done. It’s our highest ever finish.
“It’s such a shame he won’t be there to see whether we won promotion or not but I’m sure he’s looking down on us wishing us luck.”