Monday night football at The Focus awaits! Tomorrow evening we entertain Weston-Super-Mare, looking to put stop the the league leaders 17 game unbeaten streak in the league. As we aim to knock The Seagulls of their perch, let's take a closer look into tomorrow evening's opponents...
Founded: 1887 Nickname: The Seagulls
Stadium: The Optima Stadium Stadium Capacity: 3500 Manager: Scott Bartlett
History of The Seagulls
Weston-Super-Mare AFC were founded in 1887, with a great amount of history attached to
the club. Having had two spells within the Western Football League setup before the
outbreak of the First World War, the club was disbanded due to the ongoing conflict.
Between both wars, the Seagulls played their football in the Bristol and District Football
League as well as the Somerset County League before disbanding for a second time upon
the outbreak of World War Two. After the Second World War, the club was reformed in
1948, rejoining the Western League Division Two before the league was narrowed to a
single division in 1960. Success came in the 1991-92 season where the Seagulls earned
promotion to the Southern League Midland Division. They continued in this league until the
2002/03 season when they were promoted to the Premier Division, where they then
progressed to the Conference South. During their existence, the Seagulls have never been
relegated despite reprieves on three occasions. However, this record was tarnished after
they suffered relegation from the National League South in the 2018/19 season. This year,
they have started very well and look to be a threatening side to the National League South.
The Gaffer - Scott Bartlett
Scott Bartlett will be heading into this fixture with full confidence having received Manager of
the Month for October, with his team in a Playoff position. Having joined as the manager of
the Seagulls after their relegation was confirmed in the 2018/19 season, he has led the team
to promotion and a feeling of stability within this division. His only other managerial
experience comes from Forest Green Rovers, with his role in the Academy setup as well as
spells as Caretaker Manager. He will look to continue his impressive run of form with a
victory against the Tudors.
One to watch - Luke Coulson
Luke Coulson is a player who has shown a blend of creative prowess alongside his scoring
instincts, having scored 6 goals and assisted 7 in 14 appearances. Operating as a left
winger, the experienced attacking midfielder will be heavily on the radar of the Tudors
defence.
Having risen through the youth system at Stoke City, Coulson has spent the majority of his
career in the National League. Having learned his trade, making contributions for clubs
including Bromley, Eastleigh and Ebbsfleet, Coulson moved to Dartford, who played in the
National League South. Coulson has experienced Playoffs on many occasions which shows
that he could be a player to be called upon in high pressure scenarios.
Having signed for the Seagulls at the beginning of this season, Coulson has made the
perfect first impression, especially after the game at home to Aveley, where he assisted
every goal scored. He will look to replicate his creativity in Monday night’s fixture.
The Skipper - Emlyn Lewis
Leadership is an attribute that would be familiar to Emlyn Lewis. After representing Welsh
side Cardiff Met, helping them to progress to the Europa League Qualifiers in 2019, Lewis
has also captained the Wales C Team, growing his reputation within Welsh football. His no-
nonsense approach combined with his leadership from the backline is one of many reasons
as to why the Seagulls are in a good league position, looking to continue to work towards
ending the season in the Playoffs. Despite the move to Weston-Super-Mare being his first
taste of English football in his career, Lewis has proved his defensive qualities, with the
Seagulls only conceding 12 goals so far this season.
Last time out
Last season’s matchup between the two sides saw the Seagulls emerge victorious after
some late drama at the Focus Community Arena. After Dayle Grubb’s fantastic free kick to
put the visitors in the lead in the 62nd minute, the Tudors thought they had rescued a point
after a Robbie Willmott own goal in the 81st minute. However, the Seagulls won it late on
through Jacob Cane to break the hearts of the Tudors.
See you tomorrow evening Tudors! We wish those from Weston-Super-Mare, a safe journey to Hertfordshire.
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