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Opposition Focus | Weston-Super-Mare

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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