Two More Commit to Manor Farm

Lee Lashenko, manager of Pitching In Southern League Division One South club Bristol Manor Farm, has announced that two more of last season’s squad have agreed to return to The Creek for 2023/24.

Jayden Nielsen has agreed to extend his contract and the news will be greatly welcomed by supporters.

Nielsen, who joined the club during the pandemic from Toolstation Western League side Brislington AFC in December 2020, quickly endeared himself to both teammates and fans alike with his exceptional skills and dedication.

His outstanding performances on the pitch have earned him widespread recognition, and he was recently honoured with both the supporters’ and players` player of the season awards at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.

The decision to extend the 21-year-old’s contract was met with overwhelming support from Lashenko, who has seen the youngster continually elevate his performances since arriving at The Creek.

He told his club’s website: “The re-signing of Jayden is a massive one for this football club. Next season we want to be more competitive and return to the levels that we have displayed across the past decade. Having Jayden on-board will only further strengthen our unit, and I’m sure the supporters will be thrilled to see him feature for us again.”

Manor Farm also announced that Luco Ponsillo has agreed to sign new contract to keep him at The Creek for the 2023/24 season.

Ponsillo was first introduced to the first team in the club’s hugely successful 2021/22 season.

The 19-year-old had a blistering campaign for the club’s under-18s, and when given the opportunity by Lashenko, supporters caught glimpses of what was to come from the emerging star.

After winning the Western Counties Premier Division title, Ponsillo gained valuable senior experience at Hengrove Athletic and Portishead Town in the Western League before his impressive return to the Manor Farm senior squad.

Three goals in quick succession against Hamworthy United, Bishops Cleeve and Melksham Town really ignited Lashenko’s belief in the future of the football club, and has ‘high hopes’ for Ponsillo for 2023/24.

Lashenko added: “Luco is another fantastic example of what we’re trying to do here at Bristol Manor Farm. Last season he was brought in to add extra fire power, and his goals and performances really gave me a spark after what was a tough festive period here. I’ve always been very proud of the youth that we have blooded into the first team, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Luco can bring next campaign.”

Lashenko has also promoted last season’s under-18 top scorer Alfie Cummings to the first team squad.

Cummings joined the Young Farmers at the beginning of the 2021/22 season, adding further quality and depth to what is considered by many to be one of the greatest under-18 squads of its generation.

In the final match of that season, Cummings scored a brace which helped the team to secure the Western Counties Floodlight Youth League Premier Division title.

Following the graduations of prolific duo Josh Jenkins and Luco Ponsillo, Cummings admirably stepped up to lead the Young Farmers attack.

He did so emphatically, scoring 13 goals in 12 matches to finish as the league’s top goalscorer.

Bristol Manor Farm Web Site