Weston-super-Mare v Bristol Rovers
Pre-season, The Optima Stadium, Tuesday 7 July 2026, 7:15pm KO
Bristol Rovers will get their pre-season fixture schedule underway with a short trip to Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday night.
The Pirates gained plenty of momentum towards the end of the 2025/26 season, winning eight straight fixtures in the fourth tier before concluding the campaign with a draw at Notts County, and will be looking to continue the good feeling into the new term.
The Gas will want to start strongly and have strengthened their squad accordingly. Before any transfers got underway, Rovers extended new contracts to Ellis Harrison and Brad Young, before welcoming back Richie Smallwood and Kofi Balmer on permanent deals after successful loans last season.
Ben Purrington penned a deal at the Club after departing Cambridge United, with Tommy Leigh also returning to the Pirates for another loan. Tom James, Ciarán Kelly, Bobby Kamwa and Jack Aitchison have also moved to Rovers.
The Seagulls finished sixth in the National League South last term before losing to Hornchurch in the play-off semi-finals.
Tickets…
Online ticket sales are no longer available for the fixture against Weston-super-Mare. However, you can purchase tickets at The Optima Stadium on Tuesday; prices are available here.
Travel…
To drive from Bristol to the Optima Stadium in Weston-super-Mare, begin by joining the M5 southbound and continue to Junction 21, signposted for Weston-super-Mare. Leave the motorway and follow the A370 towards the town centre, continuing straight across the first three roundabouts.
At the fourth roundabout, turn left onto Winterstoke Road, then continue straight over the mini-roundabout and across the railway bridge. The Optima Stadium, located on Winterstoke Road (BS24 9AA), will be on your right-hand side and has on-site parking available for visitors. The journey is approximately 22 miles and usually takes around 35 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
By train, Weston-super-Mare railway station is approximately 1.6 miles away from the stadium, which is around a 30-minute walk away.
Opposition…
Weston-super-Mare had so much to be proud of in the 2025/26 season and will want to build on all the positives going into the new campaign. The Seagulls finished in their highest-ever league position after finishing sixth in the National League South, beating Hemel Hempstead on penalties in the play-off eliminator before losing to Hornchurch in the semi-finals.
They also impressed in the Emirates FA Cup. After reaching the First Round Proper, they beat Aldershot Town and Chelmsford City before losing to Sky Bet League Two team Grimsby Town in a five-goal thriller. The Seagulls levelled twice at Blundell Park before Kieran Green struck the winner for the Mariners.
Weston has already played one pre-season fixture, with a youthful outfit beating Cullompton Rangers 2-1. The Seagulls have made several additions to their side, signing Archie Taylor from Bristol City, Liam Sercombe after he departed Forest Green Rovers, Brad Ash from Torquay United, and Ollie Hulbert from Barry Town United.
Previous Meetings…
The Pirates have only ever played Weston once in a competitive fixture, in the First Round of the Emirates FA Cup in the 2024/25 season.
The Gas gained the lead just before half-time through Jamie Lindsay before Jordan Bastin levelled to send the fixture into extra-time. However, the Pirates had too much for the Seagulls, with Connor Taylor and Grant Ward netting to help Rovers on their way to a 3-1 victory.
Rovers had also played Weston in pre-season fixtures, most recently winning 3-0 away after goals from Ryan Broom, Rory Gaffney and Ellis Harrison.
Match Officials:
Referee: Ross Martin
Assistant Referees: Adam Wilson and James Hooper
Fourth Official: James Salt
