MATCH PREVIEW: BRISLINGTON V ST AUSTELL

🦊 Match Preview: Brislington FC vs AFC St Austell

Brislington return to Ironmould Lane on Saturday to face AFC St Austell — the same opponents from two months ago when new manager Matt Lewton first took his place in the Foxes’ dugout. Back then, he wasn’t yet officially in charge, but alongside Ash Kington, Lewton’s influence was already evident as Bris ran out convincing 4–0 winners in Cornwall.

Since that afternoon, it’s been a whirlwind period of transition. A host of new players have come through the doors — some fleetingly, others now forming the backbone of a more settled squad — and as things begin to stabilise, Lewton’s side will look to turn promising performances into points.

Both sides have found wins hard to come by in recent weeks, and with Nailsea & Tickenham’s withdrawal from the league wiping out previous results, it’s been a frustrating setback — particularly for St Austell, whose only points of the season (a win and a draw) were erased, and for Brislington, who lost six points as a result.

⬜ The Opponents: AFC St Austell

It’s been a difficult season for the Cornish visitors, who sit bottom of the Premier Division after 17 matches. They remain without a win on record following the nullification of their Nailsea result and have conceded over 100 goals in the process.

Despite their struggles, St Austell are no strangers to this level and continue to battle with commitment and spirit. They’ll head to Bristol determined to restore pride and find something to build on as they look ahead to the second half of the campaign.

🔴 The Hosts: Brislington FC

For Brislington, the past two months have been about evolution and cohesion under Lewton’s guidance. Performances — particularly the home wins over Helston and Buckland — have highlighted the team’s potential, though consistency has remained elusive.

Last weekend’s defeat was frustrating given the Foxes’ competitiveness for long spells, but the focus now turns to recapturing that buzz around the Poplar Stadium that electrified the stands when young Jaden Neale fired home his dramatic late winner against Buckland.

The enforced six-point deduction from Nailsea’s withdrawal has made the climb steeper, but Lewton’s men are determined to make up lost ground. With St Austell struggling defensively and Bris having won this fixture 4–1 last season, there’s every motivation to produce a confident, attacking display.

📊 Form Guide (Last 6 – League)

Brislington FC: 🔴🔴🔴🟢🟢🔴

AFC St Austell: 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

💬 Manager’s View

Lewton wants to see his side channel the energy from previous home highs:

“It’s been a big couple of months — lots of change, lots of learning — but you can see the group growing each week. The lads have shown real spirit, and when Ironmould Lane gets behind us, like it did against Buckland, it gives everyone a lift. We’ll be aiming to bring that same buzz and belief into Saturday.”

✍🏻 The Final Word

Both sides will see this fixture as a chance to reset after testing spells on and off the pitch. Brislington will want to seize control early and play with freedom, while St Austell will aim to frustrate and restore pride after a difficult run.

If the Foxes can reproduce the intensity and togetherness that lit up that Buckland game — and the sharpness shown in September’s 4–0 win — Ironmould Lane could once again provide the spark for a much-needed lift in momentum.