Following Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Nailsea and Tickenham here at the Rivermoor in the Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round, we will embark on a Great Western Adventure tomorrow evening with the clear objective of staying in the Emirates FA Cup as we head to North Somerset for the Replay.

The winner of this tie will go on to play Gloucestershire based Hartpury University in the First Round Qualifying.

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION

At the end of the 2014/15 Football season a meeting took place between officials from Nailsea Town and Tickenham United Football Club. From this meeting it was agreed that the pooling of resources would present an opportunity to become the first club in Nailsea’s history to offer Western League Football. Nailsea and Tickenham FC was born.

The previous nicknames of Nailsea Town and Tickenham Utd were the Swans and the Stags and a new nickname “The SWAGS” was created.

Since the merger, the club has finished in the top three of the Somerset County Premier Division, twice as Runners Up, also winning the Somerset County Cup on two occasions and Runners up in the Premier/First Division Cup Final. Their reserves are currently playing in the Somerset County League Division 1.

During this time the club has continued to make improvements to the ground at Fryth Way and acquired some portacabins from Bristol City’s old training ground, which gave them the opportunity to open a new small clubhouse and bar, a new public toilet block, kitchen and club officials room.

In season 2021/22, the dream became reality, and their first team won the Somerset County Premier Division.

This was a very special season as the team never lost a game, playing 30. Winning 25 and drawing just 5. In addition to this, they also won the Premier and 1st Division cup, presenting the club with the double by defeating Chilcompton 4-2 in the final.

Their first season of Western League football, which they knew would be a huge challenge was nothing less than amazing and saw them gain back-to-back promotions finishing Runners up in Division one and holding a top three spot for most of the season.

The Premier Division is once again unknown territory for the club, and we know it will present many challenges, and we will continue face these head on and enjoy the journey.

Finishing in 9th position in the Western League Premier Division in the 2023-2024 season was better than they could have ever imagined.

They now look forward to the 2024-2025 season & know there will be the same challenges ahead.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the Cityzens first ever trip to the JLC Ground, home to Nailsea & Tickenham. Both clubs will enter the history books before a ball is even kicked as tomorrow night’s fixture will mark the first time an Emirates FA Cup clash has been played under the lights in Nailsea.

Saturday’s game here at the Rivermoor was the first ever meeting between the two sides and ended 1-1 to set up tomorrow night’s replay. Tomorrow night however we won’t be leaving the West Country until this tie is settled which means Extra Time and Penalties may feature.

TICKETS

Prices are:

Adults: £8

Concession: £6

Under 16: Free

THE JLC Ground

Address: The JLC Ground, Fryth Way, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 2AS.

GETTING HERE

By Car:  From Reading take the M4.

At junction 20, Use the 2nd from the left lane to take the M5(S) exit to A38/Thornbury/Filton/Bristol(W)/Bristol Arpt

Use the right lane to take the M5 slip road to Bristol(w)/Airport

Slight right to merge onto M5

At junction 19, Use the left lane to take the A369 exit to Portishead/Royal Portbury Dock

Take Mill Ln and B3128 to Fryth Way in Nailsea

By Train:  A direct train service operated by Great Western Railway runs between Reading & Nailsea and Backwell departing hourly.

Alternatively take Great Western Railway services from Reading bound for Bristol Temple Meads and then change for services heading to Nailsea & Backwell.

Bus: Once you’ve arrived at Nailsea and Backwell Railway Station, the JLC Ground is a 45-minute walk away, we would therefore recommend getting the bus.

Leave the Railway Station and continue straight on along Station Road, the station car park should be on your left hand-side. Station Road will meet Bucklands Batch continue straight on here until you reach Queens Road, then turn left and continue along Queens Road until you see The Perrings on your left-hand side.

When you reach The Perrings continue straight on over the junction to stay on Queens Road, about 100 yards from the junction you should come across a bus stop ‘The Perrings’.

This walk should take roughly 13 minutes from Nailsea & Backwell Railway Station.

Board the X9 Badgerline service here and ride 5 stops, disembark at ‘The Co-Op’. ,

The X9 Badgerline service is operated by First Bus Bristol, Bath & West.

Once you’ve disembarked Pets Corner should be on your left-hand side, continue straight on and turn left on to Queens Road.

You’ll come to a crossroads with Queens Road, North Street and Hanham Way. Continue straight on to Hanham Way.

Take a right to stay on Hanham Way and Watery Lane will be on your left. Continue Straight on and join Causeway View until you reach Fryth Way.

The walk from the ‘The Co-Op’ to Fryth Way should take 13 minutes