Bournemouth Poppies vs. Frome Town: Preview and Ticket Info

Steve Jupp, BA11's Club Historian, provides his thoughts ahead of a trip to the seaside.

With the big Southern League kick-off now just THREE weeks away, it's a change of scene for the Robins in their pre-season schedule as they head to the South Coast for some sea air and a visit to Wessex Premier League outfit Bournemouth FC.

Those present at Oldland witnessed Danny Greaves' charges come out on top, eventually, in their most physical friendly so far and the Poppies, 11th in their league last term, will provide a similar test.

In their lengthy 150-year history, the Dorset side have hosted Frome just once before, an FA Vase Second Round tie in 2005, and it turned out to be a day to forget for the visitors.

Keeper Ali Hines was red-carded in conceding an early penalty, having to be replaced by manager Andy Crabtree who was booked before even touching the ball. The spot-kick was then missed as a bruising encounter ensued in which both Mark Salter and Jon Hayter were hospitalised, Hayter's rib injury causing a delay of over half an hour.

The Poppies too had a man sent off, and eventually broke the deadlock in extra time, holding on to their slender 1-0 advantage despite a valiant late onslaught from ten-men Frome who had salt rubbed into their wounds on discovering the theft of personal items from a changing room break-in.

Let us hope for a bit less drama at Victoria Park on Saturday!

Squad Update

Manager Danny Greaves gave a briefing on the squad that will visit the Poppies: "It was great to get Kyle Phillips back on the pitch for 45 minutes against Oldland before his week away on holiday. Sam Teale returns from his break and will be looking for his first minutes of pre-season.

"Theo Lynden, Theo Lewellyn and Tom Roberts also return to the squad after missing Wednesday night. Our only injury doubt is George Dowling - he will be assessed on Friday, but may not be risked."

Discussing the first few weeks of the pre-season on the latest Dodge The Question podcast episode, Kurt James, First Team Coach, said: "The things I've been most impressed by so far this pre-season is the attitude, the application and the work rate of the players. You can have the best players in the league, but if you don't work hard and apply yourself, you won't be successful!

"The players aren't stupid - they know they need to be looking after themselves and getting their recovery in. It's a quick turnaround in pre-season, training and playing every other day, but I don't see any issues going into August."

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The latest information on ticketing, which can be bought on the gate, is as follows:

Adults - £5

Concessions and Under 18s - £3

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Check out our pre-season guide!

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Listen to the latest episode of the Dodge The Question podcast!

Steve & Zeb with their usual chit chat and featuring a catch up with First Team Coach, Kurt James.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3285hNNKGD5jR2keO0pBuB?si=aec06a2b8d214814

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s02-e03/id1751186747?i=1000717408451

You can also listen on Frome.FM radio every Friday at 5pm (repeated on Saturday 3pm).

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Secure your entry, purchase your season tickets and make the most of the sponsorship and hospitality packages for all of our games at Badgers Hill this season via the link below!

https://www.intix.co.uk/org/frome-town-fc