Written by Sam Russell
The Southern League Div One South season kicks off in just three days time for the Acorns so, it's time to delve into the final three sides we'll meet this campaign.
In our final edition of 'Meeting the League', we stay close to home with trips to Bristol and Worcestershire, before branching out further towards Devon.
So, for one last time, let's get stuck in.
WILLAND ROVERS
STADIUM: Silver Street (Stan Robinson Stadium)
DISTANCE TO TRAVEL: 96 miles
NICKNAME: The Devon All-Whites
FOUNDED: 1946
MANAGER: Ben Watson
25/26 FINISH: 19th – Southern League Division One South
SEASON BUILD
Willand Rovers endured a genuinely difficult 2025/26 campaign, finishing 19th of 22 in Southern League Division One South.
David Steele's departure during the season led to Ben Watson taking charge, and results picked up under his management, though not enough to lift Rovers clear of trouble on the pitch.
Survival ultimately came of it, as the club was handed a reprieve by the FA following Portishead Town's relegation over ground grading issues and Mousehole's voluntary demotion, meaning Willand stayed in the division for 2026/27.
Supporters still had things to celebrate, with Josh Ford named the club's Player of the Season and committing his future to Rovers ahead of the new campaign.
Watson has been credited with laying foundations for a more competitive side heading into next season, giving fans genuine reason for optimism despite the tough year.
RECENT MEETINGS
Hartpury and Willand produced two contrasting results across the season.
Hartpury thrashed Rovers 8-0 at the 4ED Hartpury Stadium, with Renato Prifti, a Billy Osborn brace and Vanylson Silva among the scorers.
Willand hit back in stunning fashion in the reverse fixture, winning 3-2 at Silver Street thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Reece Shanley.
It was a result that summed up Willand's season — capable of big moments even in a difficult campaign.
SAVED BY THE RULEBOOK
Despite finishing 19th, Willand Rovers will play Southern League football again in 2026/27 after other clubs' ground grading and voluntary demotion issues opened the door for a reprieve.
It's a rare twist that shows survival in non-league football isn't always just about points on the pitch.
SC INKBERROW
STADIUM: Sands Road
DISTANCE TO TRAVEL: 36 miles
NICKNAME: The Eagles
FOUNDED: 1978
MANAGER: Umit Eminoglu
25/26 FINISH: 11th – Southern League Division One South
SEASON BUILD
Sporting Club Inkberrow had a season to remember in their first campaign at Step 4, having only been promoted into the Southern League via the play-offs from the Hellenic League.
The Eagles were formidable at home, finishing with a home record that placed them inside the division's top ten for form at Sands Road.
Their away form was a different story, and it was that inconsistency on the road that ultimately capped a finish just outside mid-table.
Forward Aidan Clarke was central to their goal threat throughout the year, and Inkberrow's attacking approach saw them regularly involved in high-scoring games, including a wild 6-4 win over Didcot Town.
For a club that started life as Inkberrow Colts back in 2016, reaching Step 4 football and finishing 11th represents a remarkable rise in less than a decade.
RECENT MEETINGS
Hartpury and Inkberrow met twice in a genuine battle between two promoted sides.
Hartpury won the first meeting 3-1 at the 4ED Hartpury Stadium after a dominant first-half performance.
The return fixture at Sands Road went the other way for long spells, with Inkberrow leading 2-0 before Hartpury fought back through Louis Manning and a Vanylson Silva brace, with Jesse Aldridge sealing a 4-2 win late on.
FROM COLTS TO THE EAGLES
Sporting Club Inkberrow's rise has been remarkable — the club began life as Inkberrow Colts in 2016 before adopting their current name and colours in 2019.
Their Sands Road home was officially opened by Sir Bobby Robson in 2008, giving the club a unique link to one of English football's most respected figures.
BRISTOL MANOR FARM
STADIUM: The Creek
DISTANCE TO TRAVEL: 39 miles
NICKNAME: The Farm, The Portwaymen, Farmy Army
FOUNDED: 1960
MANAGER: Will Justin
25/26 FINISH: 12th – Southern League Division One South
SEASON BUILD
Bristol Manor Farm entered 2025/26 in a genuine period of transition, with Will Justin taking the reins after Lee Lashenko's departure ended a hugely successful 12-year spell in charge.
It was billed as the start of a "New Era" at The Creek, and Justin used pre-season to blood a mix of first-team players, under-18s and trialists before the campaign began.
The Farm settled into a comfortable mid-table season, finishing 12th and showing the foundations of a squad Justin can continue building around.
There were promising signs along the way, including some big results against sides in and around the play-off picture.
With Justin now a season into the job and a new chairman in John Line also freshly installed, the club looks well placed to kick on further next season.
RECENT MEETINGS
Hartpury won the first meeting 3-1 at the 4ED Hartpury Stadium.
Bristol Manor Farm turned it around in the return fixture, winning 1-0 away at Hartpury in a performance the club described as "a great team performance from minute one to ninety."
It made for an even season series between the two sides, each picking up a win on the road.
FROM THE PORT TO THE PITCH
The Creek, Bristol Manor Farm's home since 1965, was originally the site of the Port of Bristol Authority Sports & Social Club before the club took it over.
It's a fitting piece of history for a club whose "Portwaymen" nickname ties directly back to that dockside heritage.
We look forward to crossing paths with all these new clubs and wish them the best of luck next season!
