Hengrove's future boosted by Community Match

The aim of the yearly pre-season fixture is to raise vital funds for local opposition as well as the club’s own Community Trust.

On the pitch, City were victorious hitting Grove for seven but the real winners of the day were the hosts.

“About ten years ago we came into the Western League and the requirements were floodlights and stands,” Hengrove chairman Michael Greatbanks told Bristol City Player HD.

“We didn’t have the money to do that so we took out a bank loan, which we’re still paying back on a monthly basis.

“We’re just trying to keep our heads above water and the money we will raise from this game will give us a huge buffer for the next five years - it’s that big to our club.”

He continued: “None of our players get paid so every penny raised will go towards ground developments for the future of our first team, reserves and youth teams.

“Myself and a few of the dads went down to Ashton Gate this week and took the old dugouts, which will go on our top pitch to try and make it up to county league standard.

“To be awarded the annual Community Match is an honour and it will have certainly have raised Bristol City’s profiled in the community around here.

“The majority of our players and coaching staff are Bristol City fans so this is a day they’ll all remember. Bristol City FC has helped us so much."