Bristol Manor Farm took a 3-1 victory over Bishop's Cleeve in the first round qualifying of the FA Trophy on 29 August 2026. The result sent the visitors through at the expense of the home side at their ground. To be fair, the scoreline didn't quite reflect how the match unfolded, though the goals told their own story. And here's the thing — Bristol Manor Farm had already shown they could hurt teams away from home.
The visitors struck first and never looked back, with their attack finding the net three times while Bishop's Cleeve managed a single reply. By then it was clear this wouldn't be a tight contest, and the home side never really got back into it. The away side worked the channels well and made Bishop's Cleeve pay for every mistake. The goal difference of two now sits in Bristol Manor Farm's favour after a result that felt deserved.
Neither side had much recent form to lean on going into this tie. Bishop's Cleeve had drawn 1-1 with Ipswich United in their last outing, while Bristol Manor Farm had lost 3-0 away at Newport County. The visitors had been involved in three consecutive goalless draws at a higher level, which suggests they weren't scoring much but weren't conceding either. And here's the thing — sometimes a cup match is about who wants it more.
The victory moves Bristol Manor Farm into the next round, while Bishop's Cleeve's season continues without the progress they'd hoped for. The away side showed composure when it mattered, closing the game out after taking their lead. For the home fans, it was another day of frustration at a ground where results have been patchy at best.