8^th February 2020 - Sharpness go top with narrow victory at Bromley Heath

Ron Holpin

Sharpness go top after winning 1-0 at Bromley Heath United while Frampton United and Wick draw 1-1 at the Bell Field.

The game at Bromley Heath United was far from a spectacular but both teams did their best with a very strong cross wind blowing the whole game. The visitors Sharpness have a very strong tall side and won most everything in the air especially in defence. Because of the condition very little passing football was dished up and long balls from both sides were the flavour of the afternoon. The opening chance fell to the home sides Dan Fowler who walked away with his hands covering his face after shooting straight at keeper Dan Hobbs in the 4^th minute of the game. A Sharpness free kick on 15 minutes was pushed over the bar by keeper Tom Sheppard. The keeper was in action again midway through the half this time saving well from a Dan Gayner shot. Sharpness had two corners in succession curled in from the right side and the home defence did really well to defend both. Sharpness took the lead on 30 minutes when Dan Gayner hit a left foot shot which Sheppard saved with his feet but then saw the Referee point to the penalty spot. Dan Gayner hit the ball really hard to Sheppard’s left the keeper went the right way and got a hand to it but failed to keep it out of his net. On 36 minutes there was a scramble in the Sharpness goalmouth but the ball ran loose for Hobbs to collect.

6 minutes into the second half Sharpness managed to scramble the ball out for a corner from a Dan Fowler free kick. Fowler had another chance in the 61^st minute but shot wide. In the 74^th minute a high cross into the Sharpness goalmouth was excellently dealt with by keeper Dan Hobbs. The best chance of the second half for the home side fell to Jay Malpas in the 88^th minute his flying header just clearing the bar.

Just the one goal at Gala Wilton where today’s visitors were Henbury. A goal in the very first minute of the game came from a Craig Howell cross to the far post that was headed back across goal by Martin Smith and John Clay was on hand to tap the ball in. The rest of the half was played out with no chances from either side created. Ryan Dobbins had a chance for the home side when he turned in the box but shot wide and the only other chance fell to Ben Sluman in the 78^th minute but his shot was well saved by Henbury keeper Jack Bebbington.

Unbelievable, at Hillside Gardens where Rockleaze Rangers and Hanham Athletic were drawing 0-0 after 45 minutes but the home side hammered seven into the visitor’s net in the second half. There were chances in the first half the first falling to Marcus Williams of Rangers his shot just clipping the crossbar. On 15 minutes Rangers keeper Lewis Brodie saved well from a Luke Corbiere’s shot on target. Right-on half-time Mike Perham struck the crossbar for Rangers following a corner but it remained 0-0. Rangers started well in the second half and went 1-0 up in the 46^th minute from a corner that was flicked on at the near post and Jordan Dent finished it off. Dent scored again in the 64^th minute when he struck fierce drive from the edge of the box that gave Mason Hawkins in the Hanham goal no chance. 3 minutes later Nick Jones got in on the action to score from the edge of the box. Then just 2 minutes later Dan Webb scored the first of his three goals when Dent set up the chance. Webb got his second on 72 minutes when he broke clear to make it 5-0. Jay Connor came on as a substitute and scored with a great lob over the keeper in the 79^th minute and Webb rounded the scoring off on 84 minutes to complete his hattrick.

Frampton United (Blue/White) v Wick (Yellow), Images courtesy Peter Langley

Frampton United (Blue/White) v Wick (Yellow), Images courtesy Peter Langley

Frampton United (Blue/White) v Wick (Yellow), Images courtesy Peter Langley

Frampton United (Blue/White) v Wick (Yellow), Images courtesy Peter Langley

Frampton United (Blue/White) v Wick (Yellow), Images courtesy Peter Langley

Frampton United (Blue/White) v Wick (Yellow), Images courtesy Peter Langley

Frampton United (Blue/White) v Wick (Yellow), Images courtesy Peter Langley

Frampton United (Blue/White) v Wick (Yellow), Images courtesy Peter Langley

Frampton United (Blue/White) v Wick (Yellow), Images courtesy Peter Langley

Frampton United (Blue/White) v Wick (Yellow), Images courtesy Peter Langley

Previous Next

Frampton United slipped down to third place in the table after they were held to a 1-1 score-line at home to Wick. The visitors had much the better of the first half and went ahead after 12 minutes when Sam Thomas scored following a corner. Frampton equalised 2 minutes into the second half following a great run by Manolo Espada and a cross in for Jack Bartman to slot home. Joe Pople the Wick keeper then saved well from an Espada shot on target in the 55^th minute and 10 minutes later Sam Thomas had a great chance to put Wick ahead again but shot straight at substitute keeper Davis who took over in goal when Sparrow had to leave the field with a damaged hand. Right at the death Joe Thomas could have won it for Wick but his header flashed the wrong side of the post.

Little Stoke are producing some indifferent performances of late and today was no exception when they were well beaten at home by Hardwicke. They went behind after just 2 minutes when Will Matthews headed in from a cross. On 27 minutes Stuart Nelson struck the crossbar for Little Stoke and on 36 minutes Kieran Williams had his shot well saved by the visitor’s keeper. Hardwicke were quick of the mark in the second half and went 2-0 up when Steve Bick hit a low drive into the bottom corner. Bick struck again in the 70^th minute and Keiron Squires headed home a fourth in the 78^th minute.

AEK Boco led 2-1 in this game where they missed numerous chances throughout but the visitors hit back to go away with a valuable point. In fact, it was Broadwell Amateurs who took the lead on 22 minutes after Alex Browns shot rebounded to Adan Fowler to drive home. 5 minutes before the break the home side levelled the score from a Liam Powell shot that sped through a crowded box to finish up in the back of the net. Boco were awarded a penalty on the hour mark and Jake Slocombe put the home side 2-1 up. However, as the game went in to time added at the end of 90 minutes Dan Brain scored a fantastic goal from an overhead kick to give the visitor’s a point to take home.

Ruardean Hill Rangers are struggling with inconsistency this season and were beaten 2-1 at home by Quedgeley Wanderers. The home side got off to a dreadful start conceding after just 2 minutes from a long ball into the box and defenders thinking the flag was going up saw Dorian Colling made ground to head past keeper Bowles. Just 3 minutes later Ricky Tingle had the ball in the back of the Wanderers net but it was ruled out for offside. Wanderers Karl James -Bryan could have made it 2-0 but shot wide. Then on 21 minutes after a good passing movement up field Luke Brown effort on goal went wide. On 25 minutes Tingle had a great chance to level but was tackled at the last moment by Dan Lander. The home side saw Brown go down in the box just before the break but nothing was given. Luke Brown hit a great 25-yard shot on the hour mark to level the score and then Tingle had two great chances to score both set up by Brown but poor finishing let him down. On 77 minutes Ruardean’s Steve Coombs was sent off following a foul and from the free kick Karl James-Bryan netted the winner for Wanderers

23^rd December 2019 - Respect Awards 2019/20 for the First 10 Games

In keeping with the Leagues Respect programme, five clubs will each receive £70 towards fees because they did not have a player sent to the sin bin in their first 10 matches.

A vast improvement saw only 23 players sent to the sin bin, however 3 clubs ended up with officials and players receiving Yellow and Red Cards.

On behalf of the Management Committee may I take this opportunity to wish all those connected with the Gloucestershire County Football League a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Peter Langley

Chairman.

17^th February 2020 - AEK Boco looking for necessary promotion

Simon Parkinson

AEK-BOCO chairman John Winter insists his club will do "everything in our power" to secure a coveted and "necessary" promotion – and hasn’t ruled it out for this season.

The Hanham-based mid-table Marcliff Gloucestershire County League outfit and 2016 title winners urgently want to push on to non-League step 6 status in order to satisfy the demands and expectations of a burgeoning set-up involving youth, female and senior male performers.

Winter, who is also first team manager, takes BOCO into league combat tomorrow at Greenbank Road HQ for a date with Little Stoke.

And while that takes immediate priority it’s the bigger picture that is soaking up so much of Winter’s and his colleagues’ time and energy, with elevation "as soon as possible" to the Toolstation Western League, or equivalent Hellenic League, of pressing concern.

He explained: "We have under-18, under-17 and three under-16 teams packed with lads all eligible to move into senior men’s football. If we can’t progress as a club we’ll continue losing them to other clubs. So it’s a real key time for us.

"We also have two under-16 girls’ teams doing well and ready to move into successful women’s football here at BOCO. Again, if we don’t demonstrate we have the facilities to stage higher-level football they’ll move on too.

"You can only do so much as a club and we’ve been held back by red tape for far too long."

BOCO are making strides to upgrade their facilities in readiness for a potential move up the pyramid.

"We’re working at laying a solid pathway around two sides of our pitch and the V-mesh fencing around the pitch needs to be installed," Winter outlined.

"We’re on course to meet ground grading criteria for the next level up and we’re just awaiting South Gloucestershire Council final planning confirmation and landlord permission.

"We understand too that we’re the only club in the County League this season to apply for promotion and that a top five finish could be sufficient.

"If we can get the go-ahead to carry out these necessary ground works it would give everyone a lift and incentive to press on hard for that top five place and I see no reason, with games in hand, why we couldn’t achieve it."

Of his team’s on-field battles, Winter stressed: "We’re doing okay and we’re in the semi-finals of the League Cup where we play the current leaders Sharpness at home (on Saturday, April 4, 3pm).

"Our Jake Slocombe is top scorer in the league with 23 goals although we could really do with others pitching in with goals as we are creating chances.

"Everyone tells us we play good football and we just need to find the finishing touch more often to cap it off.

"It’s also encouraging to see so many of our successful under-16 Avon Youth League players going so well under the guidance of their manager ‘Spenny’ Thomas.

"Joel Manning has stepped up to us and done really well in goal and we’re gradually introducing others such as Kai Stenner (central midfielder), who was in the squad last week, and Liam Jones, a winger, with a view to getting them their first senior starts," added the BOCO leader, who can recall central midfielder Jason Thatcher and centre-half and captain Austen Shopland tomorrow.

He is, however, without Kalum Withey and Liam Powell, who scored in the 2-2 weekend draw with Broadwell Amateurs.

10^th February 2020 - Promotion Applicants and other movements

The following clubs have applied for promotion to the league for season 2020/21

• Cribbs Reserves (Bristol Premier Combination)
• Shaftsbury Crusade (Bristol Premier Combination)
• Avonmouth (Bristol and Suburban League)
• Filton Athletic (Bristol and Suburban League)
• Stoke Gifford United (Bristol and Suburban League)
• Brockworth Albion (Gloucestershire Northern Senior League)
• Chalford (Gloucestershire Northern Senior League)
• Charlton Rovers (Gloucestershire Northern Senior League)
• Cheltenham Civil Service (Gloucestershire Northern Senior League)
• Harrow Hill (Gloucestershire Northern Senior League)

The following club has applied to the FA for a lateral movement into the Gloucestershire County League

• Shirehampton (Somerset County League)

Two clubs will be promoted to the league in accordance with the Gloucestershire FA Local Football Pyramid Regulations. The Relevant Regulation is reproduced below, Step 7 is the Gloucestershire County League, Step 8 is the Bristol Premier Combination Premier Division, Bristol & Suburban League Premier Division One, Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division One and Hellenic League Division Two (Gloucestershire Affiliated Clubs).

Any vacancies will be dealt with after the promotion/relegation has been resolved as above and the FA have dealt with promotion to/from Step 6 Leagues.

7. Local Football Pyramid Management

1. Gloucestershire FA will appoint members to any Joint League Liaison Committee (JLLC) convened to discuss issues related to these Regulations. The Committee shall meet at least once per season or at the request of an affiliated League.
2. A Promotion and Relegation Link shall exist between Competitions at Step 7 and Step 8 as agreed and/or amended by the JLLC and approved by Council from time to time.
3. Promotion to Step 7 is subject to the Team’s proposed facilities meeting the FA Step 7 minimum ground grading criteria as published from time to time and;
   1. Applying to the Step 7 Competition for membership, in writing, on or before 31^st January, enclosing the application fee agreed by the JLLC from time to time.
   2. Evidencing security of tenure at a playing facility that meets the FA ground grading criteria from 1^st August to 30^th April in the following season.
   3. The Club being affiliated to Gloucestershire FA as its ‘Parent County FA’
4. Affiliated Clubs may appeal to the Association against a decision made by a Competition in respect of promotion eligibility in accordance with FA Regulations.
5. Subject to 7c, a minimum of two Teams will be promoted to the Step 7 Competition from Step 8 Competitions each season as approved by the JLLC.
6. A maximum of two teams may be promoted from any one Competition at Step 8 unless otherwise agreed by the JLLC.
7. Should a Champion Team not wish for promotion to Step 7 or, alternatively, not meet the necessary ground grading criteria, then the second, third or fourth placed Team in that Competition will be eligible under the same conditions.
   1. The JLCC shall prioritise promotion for the Champion Teams, then the Runners-up followed by the third or fourth placed Teams, subject to Regulation 7c.
8. In the event of there being more than two Teams equally eligible for promotion to Step 7, promotion shall be determined by virtue of being the winners of a play-off match or series of matches. The eligibility criteria and format of the Play-offs shall be determined by the JLLC. Play-offs shall be managed by Gloucestershire FA at a suitable venue.
9. The bottom two Teams in the Step 7 Competition shall be relegated to Step 8.
   1. Should one or more Teams withdraw from the Step 7 Competition after the Playing Season has commenced an equal number of Teams to those withdrawing in that division shall not be automatically relegated
   2. Each relegated Team will be consulted and allocated to the Competition recommended as most appropriate by the JLLC.
10. In the event of there being no eligible Club in any Step 8 Competition wishing for promotion or not having the necessary grading criteria, this will reduce the number of Clubs to be relegated from the Step 7 Competition.
    1. If only one Team is eligible or wish for promotion, only the bottom Team in the Step 7 Competition will be relegated.
    2. If no Clubs are eligible, or wish for promotion, no Clubs will be relegated from the Step 7 Competition.

3^rd February 2020 - Les James League Cup Semi-Final Draw

The Semi-Final draw for the Les James League Cup sponsored by Boca Teamwear is as below.

• AEK Boco v Sharpness
• Wick v Gala Wilton

All games to be played on Saturday 4^th April with a 3 PM kick-off

10^th August 2019 - Pens and Badges for Sale

The league has some 50^thAnniversary Pens and Badges for Sale

Pens at £3, Badges at £3 or £5 for a pair

To send the pens and badges by post it will cost £1.15 (Second Class) £1.35 (First Class)

Please make Cheques payable to Gloucestershire County Football League
Or Direct Bank Transfer
National Westminster Bank
Sort Code - 60-01-29
Account Number - 50003666

Please send to:
Ron Holpin
27, Brockley Close
Little Stoke
Bristol.
BS34 6HA.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS

If you wish to contact me by email: sec.gloscountyleague@btinternet.com
Tel: 01454 612842 or 07816 947169