FARM BOSS LEE HOPES IT’S THIRD TIME LUCKY
BOSS Lee Lashenko has a third successive play-off season ahead of him, and admits he can’t wait for tomorrow to come around.
Last year, Bristol Manor Farm defeated Saltash United to remain at Step 4, 12 months after they missed out in the Step 3 play-off final.
Wednesday’s 2-1 win at Cribbs gives the Farm a return trip to Frome, where they ended their league season on April 27.
It ended 3-3 where Farm threw away a 3-1 lead. Under Lashenko they’ve scored at least two a game in 12 of their last 13 matches.
“There’s never a dull moment!” he laughed. “We’ll always put sides out who are attacking, attractive to watch.
“In October/November time we were only dreaming of being in this play-off situation. We started slowly following on from last year’s strange season.
“It feels like we’ve been playing knockout football for weeks. We knew if we didn’t get a near maximum return we wouldn’t get into the play-offs, we still needed a point at Frome.
“We’ve got a lot more quality than we showed against Cribbs, the resilience and desire was all there though.
“The atmosphere was superb. Our fans have been fantastic for us, Manor Farm always take a lot away, they will to Frome. This year our support base has given us momentum and confidence – everyone is enjoying each other’s company.”
Frome boss Danny Greaves coached under Lashenko during Bristol Manor Farm’s run to the FA Vase quarter finals in 2016, when they lost to eventual winners Morpeth Town.
“He’s a very prepared man and a very good coach,” said Lashenko, whose been in charge at The Creek for 11 years. “I’ve full respect for him.
“This only adds to the occasion as well – we’ll be working hard to gain an advantage over one another.”
The Bristol-club lost the 2022 play-off final 4-1 at Winchester City, just days after the passing of former chairman Geoff Sellek.
“He’s never not in my thoughts when it comes to football,” said Lashenko. “There will never be anyone as important to Manor Farm as him. People were numbed from his passing.
“I’m fortunate enough to have a dad that was heavily involved in my football life playing or managing.
“Geoff could never replace my dad but I had that close connect with him. We were both united in our support of one another.
“Obviously this is something we want to achieve for him but Frome will have their own motivation as well.”