Match Preview
Yate Town v Sholing FC
Southern League Premier Division South
Saturday 9th August 2025 – kick-off 3.00pm
Be there to support YOUR local club.
Yate Town start life in the Southern League Premier Division South against Sholing FC, who 11 years ago appeared in the FA Vase Final, beating West Aukland Town, at Wembley Stadium.
It was less than four months ago that Yate Town received the Division One South Championship Shield after beating Didcot Town in front of over 1500 fans.
With a number of new signings, plus loan players, there will be a lot of new faces for Bluebell fans to see in this opening fixture of a new season, plus of course some familiar faces.
Summer signings, Rex Mannings, Matt Britton, Dan Ball and Dayle Grubb are likely to be included in the squad but Dave Sim-Burgess is out with an ankle injury. Loan signings Charlie White, Charlie Moody and Wil Tuner, all on loan from Bristol Rovers, and goalkeeper Jack Witchard, on loan from Bristol City, whilst Aaron Sainsbury is working on regaining full fitness, are also likely to be involved.
The club are looking for a good crowd on Saturday and with Bristol City and Bristol Rovers both away, this is a great chance for all local fans to come and support their local club.
Sholing FC have the experienced Paul Doswell as their manager who was at the helm when Sutton United won the National League South and went on to progress to the Football League. Doswell has also managed Havant & Waterlooville.
Form Guide:
After finishing in 11th position last season in the Southern League Premier Division South, the Boatmen have had a number of pre-season friendlies including beating AFC Porchester 3-1, a 0-3 loss to Dorking but they beat an Aldershot side 3-1 at their Mortgage Decisions Stadium and last Saturday beat Winchester City 2-0 at home.
Recent meetings:
The clubs have played each other 8 times in the past over a period of four seasons – the last being in season 2014/2015. In these 8 games the Bluebells have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 4 with each side scoring 12 goals and therefore conceding the same number. The last two games in season 2014/2025 saw the Bluebells get the double over Sholing FC winning 4-2 on the south coach (with substitute Nuno Felix scoring) and the game at Lodge Road saw a 4-1 win with both Jordan Rogers and Jake Jackson scoring twice for Yate Town.
Match day information
Admission prices:
Adult: £12
Concessions: Over 66, Students, NHS, armed forces and fire services – just show correct ID information: £8
Youth: (11-18) £5
Under 12: £1 (accompanied by adult)
Bristol City, Bristol Rovers and other EFL season ticket holders - show your season ticket at the turnstiles to gain entry for £10
The left-hand turnstile is for CARD payments and programmes can also be purchased at this turnstile
The right-hand turnstile is for CASH payments.
All fans with tickets that have a QR code please go to the gate to the right of the turnstiles to gain entry.
Please arrive early to ease congestion.
All U-12’s entering the ground must be accompanied by an adult. If the adult has a “School Ticket” they can enter at half price along with their child free.
The bar is open from 1.00pm
Turnstiles open: 1.00pm
The match day programme front cover
Programmes: £3.00 –we are producing a special souvenir edition match day programme for this fixture to celebrate the achievements of last season and the day the title was secured on 26th April with the win over Didcot Town. The programme is packed with photographs and articles related to this plus a look ahead to this season and more.
So, BUY YOUR COPY AT THE GAME – and don’t miss out on this special unique programme. You will be able to look back on it and remember all the great moments from that day and more.
Programmes can be purchased outside the ground, at the left-hand turnstile and at the club shop.
Visit the club shop
Club Shop: The club shop will be open before the game, at half time and after the game, where you can buy a whole host of new club merchandise, including shirts, tops, Yate Town championship mugs, key rings, mouse, badges, coasters, umbrellas and much, much more.
Tracey will also be selling match day programmes and 50/50 tickets.
And, don’t forget to visit the clubhouse for that pre-match and post-match drink and chat.
Other information
· We welcome Yate United Under 9s as our mascots for Saturday’s game
· If Yate Town fans have not collected their season tickets yet they will be available from outside the turnstiles prior to the game.
· Fixture cards are also available collect from the club shop and the bar. Our thanks to Trashman Clearance for sponsoring the fixture cards.
PARKING
There is plenty of space is available but if you are parking on the roadside, or once the car park is full, PLEASE CAN YOU PARK WITH CONSIDERATION TO THE CLUB’S NEIGHBOURS.
· Please do NOT park in Addlings (a new road near the end of Lodge Road) as the estate roads are tight and there is limited parking for residents
· The Fox pub car park is for patrons only
· If you park over on the trading estate, please make sure that you are aware of any parking restrictions that may be in place.
Food and drinks are available inside the ground.
Please note that the South West Interiors Stadium is a NO dogs ground (apart from guide dogs).
Yate Town FC website: www.yatetownfc.co.uk
Next up: The Bluebells travel to Taunton Town on Wednesday 13th August (7.45pm) then it’s off to London to play Hanwell Town on Saturday 16th August (3pm) before the Bluebells return to the South West Interiors Stadium on Saturday 23rd August when CHERTSEY TOWN are the visitors.