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The Creek has been home to Bristol Manor Farm FC since the late 1960s, when they took over the ground from the Port of Bristol Authority Sports & Social Club. The tidal creek after which the ground is named, runs adjacent to the Bristol End and has been known the flood the playing area in the past.
Once in residence, The Farm were able to join the Somerset Senior League and progress to the Western League in 1977. During that time, a rough extension constructed from scaffolding poles and corrugrated iron provided some shelter adjacent to the clubhouse on the near touchline. However, this was destroyed by storms in the late 1980s.
Much work has been done in the past, to eliminate what was a notoriously sloping pitch, whilst banking which extends from the near touchline ‘round behind the near goal provides a good vantage point, and is set off nicely by a wooden painted perimeter fence.
A modest but smart shelter staddles the half-way line on the far side of the pitch, with the dugouts on either side. Although of simple construction, they are painted in the club colours and clearly well maintained.
The near touchline has seen the erection of two stands, the second of which is seated and is named after Chairman Geoff Sellek, a driving force for the club off the pitch. Although of the bland and now increasingly commonplace prefabricated design, these are set atop of the slight banking that runs along that side of the pitch and therefore provide a more elevated view than they would otherwise do.
Behind lies the clubhouse, although this is due for replacement during the 2004 close season.
All in all, The Creek is an unusual and well-kept venue that is well worth a visit.
Ground details
Capacity: 2,000
Seats: 84
Floodlights: Yes
Directions
Exit the M5 at J18 and follow the A4 for Bristol. You will pass the ground on your right. Take a U-turn on the dual carriageway by the Bristol & West sports ground (on left) and double back for half a mile. The entrance to the ground is down a narrow lane on the left.
By rail
Sea Mills station (BR Temple Meads-Severn Beach line)
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