Preview | City seeking more home comforts

It’s International Women’s Day on Saturday and just like at every home game here at the KMM Energy Stadium, there will be numerous women fulfilling key matchday operational roles.

One of the first faces that supporters will see as they arrive for our clash with Bracknell Town will be that of Lisa Mann.

A loyal and popular volunteer for around 15 years now, she is part of ‘Team Turnstile’ who always ensure a warm welcome for both sets of supporters.

Lisa’s involvement as an integral member of the matchday staff is a far cry from the days when she used to bring her son along to games and wait in the car.

“My son, Charlie, is the stadium announcer,” said Lisa, as she takes up the story. “When he was young, 13 or so, he wanted to start watching City, who were then playing in Cheltenham.

“I used to drive him to every game and sit in my car outside the ground waiting for him. Then a request went out after I'd been doing this for about 18 months for volunteers and that's how I got involved.

“I am now a proud member of Team Turnstile, but previously I was a Golden Goal ticket seller and have also stood outside on car park duties.

“I love being part of Team Turnstile. We get to speak to all our lovely regulars each week and also some of the not so lovely visitors that can attend, depending on how much they may have had to drink beforehand!

“It is a friendly place to volunteer because of the different people who all have our club in common. The kindness I was shown recently when I lost my Dad by so many fans is something that you cannot buy.  It is like a mini family and people genuinely care for one another.

“Quite simply, volunteers keep clubs going as the time they give is immeasurable.”

It was during a game that Lisa first met her partner, Dean.

“During my early days of actually going in to watch games, I remember some loud-mouthed man stood behind me,” she added. “He was screaming at an injured opposition player. I asked my son who the foul-mouthed yob was and it turned out his name was Dean.

“I discovered over time that his bark is most definitely worse than his bite and we are still together today, sharing our love for City!”

Having secured an impressive 2-1 win at fellow high-flyers, Poole Town, last weekend, City return to home action this weekend determined to strengthen our place in second spot.

We face a stern test from opponents who have seen an upturn in fortunes as the campaign has gone on.

When the two sides met earlier in the season, Bracknell were amongst the bottom four and fighting for their lives amidst on and off the field troubles. Now they find themselves with aspirations of making the play-offs following an impressive run of form under manager, Carl Davies.

They go into the game in tenth place in the table, seven points off the top five. Recent results have tailed off from what they were, but nevertheless it has been an impressive turnaround and they will be looking to respond to a 4-2 home loss at the hands of Chertsey Town in their last outing.

From City’s point of view, as well as the glow of last weekend’s victory over our fellow high-flyers, we can also reflect upon a commanding 5-0 victory over Wimborne Town in our last home outing, something we will be looking to build upon on Saturday.

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