31^st August 2024 - Harper Hat-Trick seals big win for Sharpness

Nigel Meaney

Almondsbury maintained their perfect start to the season with a late win at Broadwell Amateurs. Sharpness and Chalford also continued their unbeaten starts to the season with good wins on the road at Henbury & Rockleaze and Quedgeley Wanderers respectively. At the other end of the table Wick picked up their first win with a fine second half display as Cory Landon netted four in a 5-2 win at Totterdown United who are taking time to adjust to the higher level.

On a pleasant Saturday afternoon at The Hawthorns, Broadwell Amateurs faced off against an Almondsbury side with a 100% record. The game began with both sides exchanging possession and chances in a frantic opening half. Broadwell had the first real opportunity in the 9^th minute after a promising move down the right, but the shot blazed over the bar, much to the frustration of the home supporters. Almondsbury suffered a setback just 21 minutes in when Danny Lane was forced off due to an injury, disrupting their rhythm. The home side continued to press, and in the 28^th minute, another chance fell their way. Connor Smith delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, finding Ethan Wilkins in space, but he could only direct his effort wide of the post. Remarkably, neither goalkeeper was seriously tested for much of the half. The most notable moment came in the 42^nd minute when a through ball set Jamie Belfitt free, with only the goalkeeper to beat. As he bore down on goal, Belfitt was hauled down by the last defender on the edge of the box. The referee awarded a free kick but chose not to issue a card, a decision that left the Broadwell bench and fans incensed. The resulting free kick came to nothing, and the teams went into the break level at 0-0.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. The game was largely confined to midfield battles, with neither side making significant inroads into the opposition's half. It wasn't until the 71^st minute that Broadwell registered their first shot on goal. A cross from the right found Ethan Wilkins, who attempted a volley, but once again, the shot flew harmlessly over the bar, much to the dismay of the home crowd. Just as the match seemed destined to end in a goalless draw, Almondsbury struck in the 86th minute. Matt Harmer latched onto a cross that somehow eluded everyone and struck a fierce shot that nestled into the back of the net to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. It was a cruel blow for Broadwell, who had battled hard throughout the match. The final minutes saw Broadwell desperately searching for an equalizer, but despite their efforts, they couldn't find a way past the resolute Almondsbury defense. The visitors held on to secure a hard-fought victory. Broadwell will be disappointed to have come away with nothing after a match in which they created enough chances to get something from the game. Almondsbury, on the other hand, will be pleased with their resilience and ability to capitalize on their one clear opportunity which keeps them at the top of the League.

Chalford made a rapid start at Quedgeley Wanderers, where a chance created straight from the kick off was not cleared effectively and so was slotted home by Andrew Maryon on 20 seconds. On 12 minutes a ball down the left, beat the Quedgeley Right Back and was squared for a tap in by Andy Roberts. There were further chances for both sides with Harry Furniss looking lively for the home side, and Jack Bright making a diving header to clear a dangerous cross from Chalford. On 41 minutes a Lawson cross fell to Diwash Kerung but was headed straight at Sam Neale in the Chalford goal. Then on 42 a mistake in the Quedgeley defence allowed the ball to be played to Ryan Harry to tap in Chalfords third.

Chalford dominated the opening exchanges in the second half with Quedgeley keeper Nathan Charnock denying George Parker early and Dean Turner firing just over. Alfie Pledger forced Chalford’s Sam Neale into a save when a superbly struck ball from just inside the Chalford half was heading for the top corner. Chalford continued to have the better of the game and on 80 minutes completed their 4-0 victory when a ball over the top, was met by Luke Brunsdon who beats Pledger and nutmegs Charnock into the bottom corner. I the dying minutes Chalford struck the post, and a Pledger free kick was touched onto the bar by Neale to deny Quedgeley a consolation.

Henbury & Rockleazes continue their poor start to the season with a disjointed performance at home to a dominant Sharpness side. Henbury & Rockleaze should have scored early on when they broke down the right-hand side, but Kacper Kalkowski passed rather than taking a shot and Nick Jones effort was saved by a back tracking defender, Sharpness broke away down their right Mears cross struck the crossbar with the defence scrambling leaving man of the match Liam Harper to fire home form 3 yards out. On 14 minutes Dan Webb cut in from the left and his fine effort was inches wide from curling in. on 26 minutes Kieran Bennett pulled the ball back from the right bye line leaving Harper with another tap in to make it 2-0. On 28 minutes Cam Tarr made a wonderful save down to his right saving from a Harper downward header and just before the break on 45 minutes Bennett struck the post from 15 yards out with Tarr beaten.

The second half started in much the same vein and on 54 minutes Archie Mears raced clear of the defence and in a one-on-one situation with Tarr struck the ball well to make it 3-0. Substitute Jordan Dent reduced the arrears on 65 minutes with a left foot drive form 25 yards out which nested in the corner of the net, however, within a minute Harper had his deserved hattrick with a rasping freekick from 20 yards out. The remainder of the game petered out with Sharpness in control but without needing to do much more to take the points.

Frampton United welcomed Gala Wilton to the Bell Field for their first home game of the season. After a pretty even 30 minutes Frampton opened the scoring in the 34^th minute when Ellis Danes-Rutherford headed in a from a Josh Browning cross, 5 minutes later it was 2-0 when Archie Myatt beat a defender on the edge of the box and fired the ball into the bottom corner. On the stroke of half time a good through ball by Charlie Nash found Myatt who scored his 2nd goal of the game. Frampton finished the scoring in the 76^th minute with a 2nd by Danes-Rutherford, Gala almost got a consolation goal in the 88^th minute from a long range strike from Ryley Mace but Tom Kaye did well to push the ball around the post.

Totterdown United hosted Wick at Bristol Barbarians RFC with both teams looking for their first win of the season. Totterdown started the game the brighter of the two and took advantage of the good start to score a good team goal finished off by Aaron Thorne on the 10 minute mark. Wick grew into the game and put Totterdown under some pressure for the remainder of the half but some good defending, excellent goalkeeping and poor finishing kept the score at 1-0 going into half time.

Wick started the second half with real conviction and put Totterdown under a lot of pressure. Totterdown held on until the 60^th minute when Cory Langdon was played over the Top and calmly slotted home a 1 on 1 into the Totterdown net. The floodgates open and Wick scored a quick fire 4 goals from another 3 from Cory Langdon and one from Liam McCracken put the game to bed. Totterdown finished the game with a consolation goal from Dan Harrison. Final score 5-2 to Wick who were deserved winners on the day.

Stoke Gifford SGS United hosted Ruardean Hill Rangers and the game started very quickly as Gifford broke away from the Kick Off an went straight through the Ruardean defence to create a one on one with the Ruardean keeper Aaron Underwood who was able to tip the ball over for a corner. The corner was quickly taken and cleared to Ruardeans’ Alex Stephens who bulldozed his way through the home defence to whip the ball across the box to Steve Clark who took a touch and drilled the ball past Oli Gargett to leave the visitors 1 up inside a minute. The hosts gradually worked their way back into the game against a very well drilled Ruardean side who always had a threat to their play. Before half time Sam Garrod was able to get on the end of a cross and head Gifford level at the break. Stoke Gifford started the second half with a bit more purpose with Mike Barry and Cosmo Browne always looking to create an opportunity. But they were unable to break down a resolute Ruardean defence until later in the half when a cross field ball found captain Rudy Hill free on the right side of the box and he slammed the ball home. Ruardean thought they had equalised but from a defence splitting ball their strikers had strayed offside. Late on substitute Arian Askari won and converted a penalty to leave the result 3-1 to Stoke Gifford SGS United.

30^th August 2024 - Electronic Programmes

Henbury & Rockleaze v Sharpness

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Totterdown United v Wick

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25^th August 2024 - Almondsbury maintain perfect start

Mark Simpson

Almondsbury the only team with a 100% win record in the league. At the other end Cheltenham Civil Service and Totterdown United are yet to register a point.

To The Field Almondsbury took on Quedgeley Wanderers and a strong wind had an impact on the quality of the game and an early goal for Almonds proved to be enough for all three points. Four minutes in it was Sam Burgess who made a full-blooded tackle on the edge of his box to break up a promising Quedgeley attack. Hughes then played an inch perfect ball out to the right for an Almonds counter which Nicholls latched onto and clipped the ball past Nath Charnock for 1-0. Just after 30 minutes Quedgeley had the ball in the net but unfortunately the ball had gone straight out from a corner. Into the second half and Burgess made a good stop to deny Quedgeley. After a triple substitution for Almonds they twice went close around the hour, a looping cross from Lancastle was headed back by Harmer for Mannings to fire wide, Alrawi was causing all kind of problems for the Quedgeley backs, and won a corner which was headed over by Coote. Almonds Nicholls crossed to Alrawi whose drive flashed just wide, and a minute from time Brown was one-on-one with Charnock who stood tall to shut down the attack and 1-0 it ended.

Sharpness are on Almondsbury’s heels and took on Totterdown United at Hamfields. The first half was devoid of any meaningful goalmouth action, but right on half time Sharks Korbin Walker drove forward into the box and squared to Will Tainton who worked a yard of space and shot inside the far post for 1-0. Early into the second half Kier Bennett made his way into the box and squared to Will Tainton who added his second. Totterdown responded with a good run down the left, the ball squared to Ollie Love who side footed home. The scores were level on the hour, a ball played to Chaz Hemming on the edge who spun and hit a looping shot for 2-2. Sharpness were sparked into life and went in front on 70 minutes when Tom Frankham threaded the ball to Bennett to slot into the far corner. Sharks made sure of the points when Brad Hewer’s deep cross was met by Frankham who headed back to Liam Harper to tap home for 4-2.

At Arnall Drive Henbury and Rockleaze took on Chalford in bright sunny but gusty conditions and had the better of the early chances with shots by Dan Webb and Jordan Buckett narrowly wide. Chalford responded with close efforts by Ryan Harry and Andrew Maryon, and indeed were in front soon after with George Parker played in and finishing with a good shot from just inside the area. Chalford finished the half well on top with a few close efforts. The second half started with both sides going close. A Chalford corner was met with a good header Jonathan Davis but H&R broke quickly with good build up down the left and Nick Jones’ cross was controlled and hammered home by Marcus Williams for 1-1. Both sides probed for control and Chalford had a series of corners which were defended with difficulty in the gusty conditions and in time added on Jones’ cross glanced off the Chalford crossbar and to safety for an evenly contested 1-1 draw.

Joint leaders Gala Wilton had a difficult game at Filton Athletic’s Pen Park. Early on Fraser Venables forward ball was defended well by Gala, who themselves went close with Jamie Creed’s shot well saved by Barry Phillips. It was Filton’s Trey Merrett who scored first latching onto Venables through ball and rounding Oscar Bignell. Kyle Thomas went close for Athletic well saved by Bignell who also saved Cooper’s follow up. A good cross from Venables was headed out for a corner from which bounced around the area before ending up in Bignell’s hands via a defender. Fifteen seconds into the second half Trey Merrett scored his second assisted by Cooper and it was nearly three when Venables went close. It was three when Venables went on a skill run cutting in from the right and firing past Bignell. Gala looked for a way back in but Creed shot just over. Filton’s fourth came from Kyle Thomas who fired in after Abdu Rahem’s shot was blocked and Filton seeing out a fairly straight forward 4-0 win.

After a good win at Hanham in midweek Bromley Heath United came unstuck at Broadwell Amateurs Hawthorns. It was a bright and lively afternoon with both sides delivering an intense and competitive first half. In an end-to end affair a few half chances were created by both sides but resolute defending and sharp goalkeeping kept the scoreline goalless. Bromley almost scored when a stinging shot spun out of Jack Watkins grasp and fortunately for Broadwell struck the post. The second half was similar to the first with both teams struggling for some sort of control. The game seemed to be heading for a draw but, in the 92^nd minute when Nathan Davies made a determined run into the Bromley box and was upended for a penalty duly converted by Jordan Locke. Bromley pressed for an equaliser but Broadwell remained resolute and held on for a 1-0 win.

After disappointment in midweek Hanham Athletic found their form at the Hallett Construction Pavilion against Cheltenham Civil Service. Hanham almost scored inside three minutes but Karim Rendall’s header from Josh Gibbs’ cross was brilliantly saved by John Dix. Rendall made it 1-0 a few minutes later finishing when put through by Brandon Barnes. But Service levelled on 13 minutes when Hanham gifted them an opportunity on the edge of the box, allowing Mico Rewczuk to lob Sam Brown. Hanham had a chance in the 37^th but Rendall’s rather tame spot kick was saved by Dix. Hanham made it 2-1 on 58 minutes Rendall with his second after a fantastic one-two with Barnes. Hanham got their third and Rendall’s hat trick back heading into the net after Dix’s poor punch. Hanham made it 4-1 a minute from time, when Jamie Johnson’s free kick was finished by a great strike from Paul Coles.

On a bright and breezy afternoon Stoke Gifford SGS United and Frampton United played a played out a five-goal thriller. After a quiet opening 10 minutes Frampton’s Jacob Geddes headed home from 10 yards for 1-0. It was 2-0 on seventeen with Ellis Danes-Rutherford on the scoresheet and indeed, it could have been three in the 20^th minute with Danes-Rutherford’s shot well saved by Oli Gargett. Stoke Gifford slowly got their way back into the game and were dominating possession when Spike Weaver turned and shot for 2-1. Gifford came flying out of the traps for the second half and Harvey Morgan had the ball in the net but was judged offside. Gifford carried on dominating and good interplay saw Weaver brought down and he got up to convert the resulting 58^th minute penalty. Frampton came back into things and Danes-Rutherford broke the line for a one-on-one which Gargett saved as he did in the 85^th minute from Dom Brown. But, in the 93^rd minute Weaver popped up in the box to slot home the match winner and his hat trick, SGS winning 3-2.

23^rd August 2024 - Electronic Programmes

Almondsbury V Quedgeley Wanderers

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Filton Athletic v Gala Wilton

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Hanham Athletic v Cheltenham Civil Service

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Henbury & Rockleaze v Chalford

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20^th August 2024 - Electronic Programmes

Hanham Athletic v Bromley Heath United

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18^th August 2024 - Filton Athletic win Derby game

Mark Simpson

Starting with a midweek round-up in the league, Sharpness and Ruardean Hill Rangers fought out a 0-0 draw at Hamfields and Sharpness were generally on top and Bennett’s “goal” just before half time was ruled out for offside and right at the end Sharks skipper Frankham came within a whisker of taking all three points his thunderous drive striking the base of Underwood’s post.

In the second Ron Holpin Trophy match Stoke Gifford SGS United hosted Hanham Athletic at SGS and a convincing first to half performance saw SGS 3-0 to the good, in the end it was 4-0 but a much better second half saw a vastly improved Hanham giving Oli Gargett in the SGS goal a lot more work to do. Abrahams (2), Alexander and Cooper with the SGS goals.

On Friday evening in front of 167 spectators Henbury and Rockleaze entertained Almondsbury at Arnall Drive for an evenly contested affair with all the goals coming right at the end. H&R should have had the lead on 19 minutes with Jordan Dent went through on goal but his weak effort was easily saved by Burgess. On 27 Almonds Nathan Brown had a spectacular 25 yarder saved by Jordan Dunning. Five minutes before the break Burgess saved superbly from Dent. Right on half-time Danny Webb was through on goal but Burgess, again, made a decent save with his legs. On 55 minutes Nick Jones free kick for H&R was narrowly wide after a deflection off the Almonds wall and on 62 Liam Nicholls should have broken the deadlock for Almonds when through on Dunning’s goal but only managed to scuff his shot wide. The visitors took the lead on 87 minutes when the ball fell to Craig Lancastle who effortlessly stroked the ball past Dunning from six yards out. On 93 it was two when the ball appeared to ricochet off Zach Morgan and over a diving Dunning. H&R deservedly pulled one back on 96 minutes forcing the ball home from a corner and Almondsbury deservedly took three points, from a 2-1 win.

After Wednesday’s Ron Holpin Trophy win it was a different story at Pen Park where Stoke Gifford SGS United were the visitors to Filton Athletic. It was a fairly end to end match with the first chance to Filton as the lively Trey Merrett latched on to a ball over the top. Filton had a few more chances with Kieran Cooper’s 11^th minute shot dealt with by Oli Gargett. Gifford had their chances with Spike Weaver just over and keeper Barry Phillips dealing comfortably with a cross. On 23 minutes a ball over the top from Cooper and Merrett’s great finish made it 1-0. Gifford had afew chances which came to nothing and Gargett stopped Matthews shot just before the break. Just in to the second half Merrett had a shot over the top and the Gifford pushed for the equaliser but the Filton defence held strong, they had a cross off the post and a close header. But, in time added on Abel Abduraham won the ball high up the pitch and fed to Said Hassan who neatly finished for 2-0 and the three points for Filton Athletic.

After two draws Sharpness visited Oldbury Lane, Wick and a lively start with Sharpness just wide with keeper Wilson rooted. The game settled with flowing football with Wick just edging things and the Sharks dangerous on the break. This proved so when Sharpness broke quickly down the right and the cross found Alfie Jones unmarked to flick the ball past Wilson to open the scoring. Wick responded when Bailey Rudge weaved his way into the box but his cross went unconverted. Minutes later a great shot from Fred Taylor-Fox found the bottom corner of the Sharpness net for 1-1. In first half time added on Wick gave away an unnecessary free kick on the edge and a poorly aligned wall allowed Will Tainton to stroke his kick into the Wick net. Two minutes into the second half Cory Langdon broke into the Sharpness box and was upended for a penalty which Langdon struck well but was at a good height for Phillips to save. Sharpness then broke quickly down the right and centre half Liam Robson’s attempted clearance went goalward and James Tainton finished it off for 3-1. Five minutes later it was James Tainton again whose shot from outside the box beat Wilson for four – one. Liam Robson picked up his second yellow with minutes to go but Wick’s Jay Rudge smashed a shot in to pull one back and from the re-start the Sharks broke away for Keiron Bennett to shoot past Wilson for a 5-2 win and a bad day at the office for Wick.

A bright start to the campaign for Gala Wilton at Fairmile Gardens against Cheltenham Civil Service. After a fairly even start it wax Gala in front on 20 minutes with a goal from Ben Sluman but the lead didn’t last long with a Cam Blacker goal bringing Service on level terms. However, Gala re-gained the lead on 35 when a Jamie Creed free kick beat Jon Dix in the Service goal. The second half was a fairly mundane affair with neither side able to make a breakthrough leaving Gala with the three points and joint top of the league.
A gallery from Steve Rolfe is available Here

Chalford played their first County League match At Bristol Barbarians RFC , home of fellow newcomers Totterdown United, and it was Chalford who started brightly and dominated the opening exchanges. The first goal came for Chalford after ten minutes when a Jamie Lock cross was met at the back post for Jon Davis to score Chalford’s first ever County League goal. They continued to press and had a penalty when Andy Maryon was brought down after a smart turn, however, Ben Minnican’s spot kick was tame and saved by keeper Ashley Martin, and Minnican nearly took out a passing plane with the rebound. Chalford eventually got their second when good build up found Minnican in space on the right and his cross was dinked over Bush by James Keylock for 2-0. Although Totterdown looked threatening on the counter there was nothing substantial to threaten Chalford keeper Duane Portlock. Totterdown came out for the second period somewhat revived, controlling possession and creating chances but Chalford kept them at bay, and indeed, this left spaces for the Chalford counter and Maryon headed the third on 55 minutes from Keylock’s cross essentially sealing the win. Totterdown sub Josh Hemmings created a few chances and maybe could have had a goal and up at the other end Martin made some great saves to keep the score at three. Brunsdon did have one for Chalford ruled out for offside but an excellent first County League match for Chalford and a deserved 3-0 win.

After a somewhat difficult start Broadwell Amateurs entertained Quedgeley Wanderers at The Hawthorns. On a perfect day for football Quedgeley started on the front foot and gained a free kick just two minutes in and Connor Webb’s effort narrowly missed the target. Despite Quedgeley’s early pressure it was Broadwell who struck first with Jamie Belfitt making an impressive run down the left and crossing for Nathan Davies whose initial attempt went awry only for Harry Williams to cooly slot in for a seventh minute lead. The game developed into an end-to-end affair with both sides creating chances and Harry Furniss was a constant threat for Quedgeley down the right. However, Broadwell doubled their lead on twenty minutes when Ethan Wilkins found Davies inside the box and he made no mistake this time. Quedgeley responded with urgency but they were repeatedly denied by solid defending and impressive goalkeeping by Jack Watkins. Quedgeley emerged for the second half with continued vigour and took control of the early stages and their persistence paid off in the 54^th minute when Broadwell gifted the ball to Finlay Jenner who slotted past Watkins. Both sides made several substitutions to attempt to shift the momentum with Quedgeley still pushing and Broadwell trying to maintain possession. Several stoppages led to ten minutes of added time during which a long ball into Quedgeley’s area led to an unusual handling error by Nathan Charnock allowing Jamie Belfitt to tap in and seal a valuable 3-1 win for Broadwell.

16^th August 2024 - Electronic Programmes

Henbury & Rockleaze v Almondsbury

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Filton Athletic v Stoke Gifford United

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Gala Wilton v Cheltenham Civil Service

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Totterdown United v Chalford

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11^th August 2024 - Gala Wilton open with a win

Mark Simpson

Here we are again – new season and I think much seemed to go as reasonably expected. But not to read too much into things on the first Saturday. Stoke Gifford SGS United and Hanham Athletic lead the way and Gala Wilton showing good form.

We start at Fairmile Gardens where on a warm sunny afternoon Gala Wilton took on Bromley Heath United with both sides keen to make a good start. In a goalless first half Gala had control of the first twenty-five minutes but were unable to create anything worthwhile and Bromley had control up to half time. Gala came out stronger for the second half and it was new signing Jamie Creed who opened the scoring after 54 minutes with a well taken finish from an acute angle having beaten the defence and rounded Will Ferguson. Bromley responded and it took two good saves by keeper Adam Fenner to keep them at bay. Gala remained resolute and were nearly rewarded with a second goal but Jordan Molyneux’s effort on 88 minutes was ruled out, but it was Gala who kept the clean sheet and gave a strong overall performance for an excellent 1-0 win.

Another close match ensued at The Field where Almondsbury took on newcomers Totterdown United, and it was Almonds who controlled the opening 15 minutes and on 18 minutes Liam Nicholls let the ball run and Jensen Mannings has Almonds first attempt which saw keeper Liam Macfarlane beat away. The breakthrough came on 22 minutes when a long ball to Luke Meacham was cut back for Danny Lane to finish past the keeper. The remainder of the half remained fairly quiet with no clear- cut chances. Totterdown started the second period with more urgency and having the majority of possession but without creating anything meaningful. As the half went on Almonds took control of the midfield and on sixty-nine minutes Lane crossed and Matt Harmer headed straight at the keeper. A few minutes later Zach Morgan broke into the Totterdown box his shot saved by Macfarlane and the 50/50 follow up challenge was deemed a foul. Ten minutes from time a great double save from Macfarlane, first from Craig Lancastle and then Mannings kept the visitors in it but Almondsbury held out for the 1-0 win.

Another fairly close one at Waterwells where Quedgeley Wanderers took on Henbury & Rockleaze who started the proceedings well with plenty of the ball, creating a few half chances giving keeper Nathan Charnock something to think about. Dylan Venn had the best chance for the hosts on the six- yard box smashing a dropping ball stopped well by Jordan Buckett heading the bullet away. However, on the half hour Dan Webb was put through and poked the ball past Charnock for 1-0 to the Rocks, and then Jensen Beard pressed and forced Charnock into a 1 on 1 save. H & R then sent a long ball over everyone to George James and Charnock had another save to make. The second half started with Rocks having much of the ball but Quedgeley kept a tight shape. Rocks keeper had a few simple saves to make and Quedgeley were largely kept at bay. In the 83^rd minute Webb was played through but Charnock again kept him out. With minutes left Charnock went up field for a last-ditch free kick and he kept the ball alive poking it to Jenner who played in Sean Lawson on the edge of the box, and he hammered the ball in for 1-1 and there were ecstatic celebrations for a big Quedgeley point.
Match highlights available from Glos Roots Sport on You Tube

A few more goals were to be found at Hamfields where Sharpness hosted local rivals Frampton United. Sharpness had the better of the opening exchanges an should have been in front on 5 minutes when Tom Palmer corner found Anglin in the box but his effort was over. The Sharks went close midway through the half when a Jack Higgs back heel sent Lacey through one on one but his shot came back off the far post. However, it was Frampton who took the lead, a move down the right led to a cross and Porter was on hand to score from 6 yards. Frampton had a chance to double their head when Henry Driver-Dickerson latched on to a long ball over the top but James Holder made the save. Sharpness were on level terms early in the second half when Jack Higgs spotted Tom Kaye off his line and chipped him from 25 yards. Frampton re-took the lead on the hour when a well worked training ground free kick that took the Sharks by surprise and resulted in Driver-Dickerson tapping home at the back post. Sharpness were level on 70, a one-two between Payne and Lacey allowed Payne in behind and his cross was met by Mears who made no mistake at the far post and 2-2 it finished.

Oldland Lane was all set for the seasons opener between a new look Wick and league newcomers Filton Athletic. With the pitch in fantastic condition both sides came out testing each other, and an early Wick chance was blocked by the Filton defence. Filton’s first opportunity came from a free kick on the edge but the shot was wide. Filton played with ten after 18 minutes with a Kyle Buffery yellow but Wick couldn’t capitalise and failed to test keeper Barry Phillips. Both defences held firm for the remainder of the half. Wick started the second half brightly and on 52 minutes had a 20-yard free kick which crashed off the crossbar. Wick continued to press for the next ten minutes and created three chances but failed to convert. Filton had a good chance on 62 when an excellent through ball saw the attack thwarted by excellent defence for a corner. Wick, however, failed to clear their lines allowing Frazier Venables to shape his shot from 20 yards and curl it beyond Kai Wilson in the Wick goal for 1-0. Wick increased their efforts to equalise and on 74 fired over the Filton crossbar, but on 80 minutes a great ball released Cory Langdon down the right and he slotted past the advancing Phillips to restore parity. Wick had another great chance five minutes later but the ball cleared the bar from 6 yards out. After 89 minutes Wick were down to ten for a second yellow to make it a nervy end as Filton tried to press home their numerical advantage, but, on 95 Wick thought they had the lead but on consultation with the linesman the Referee awarded a foul on the keeper and 1-1 it was.
Some Images of the game from Wicks Matt Davis Here

To the Hallett Construction Pavilion, Vicarage Road where Hanham Athletic, under new management took on Broadwell Amateurs, and it was Broadwell who were in front on sixteen minutes when Ethan Dunscombe beat the offside trap and scored at the second attempt. The lead was short-lived as a minute later Karim Rendall rose higher the keeper Jack Watkins to head the ball into an empty net. Broadwell almost regained the lead on 27 minutes but Sam Brown made a brilliant save from Harvey Williams close range effort. Hanham then made it 2-1 on thirty-two minutes when a Jay Vile header came off the bar and Rendall was on hand for his second. Hanham were again close on 52 minutes Rendall setting up Vile but his first-time effort went narrowly wide. Vile was unfortunate again shortly after but his shot was well saved by Watkins. Hanham made it 3-1 on the hour with Louis Short heading in from a corner and Liam Jenkins made it 4-1 five minutes later, shooting through Watkins legs after breaking in from the left.

Finally to the Stoke Gifford Stadium where Stoke Gifford SGS United took on Cheltenham Civil Service. On a bright and breezy afternoon it was Gifford who dominated possession and territory but were mostly frustrated in the final third by poor finishing. On just 8 minutes Arron Sweete was close but his lobbed effort was tipped over by Jon Dix and the keeper continued his busy start moments later denying Max Cooper from 10 yards. Despite the home sides dominance Service could’ve taken the lead when Adonis Georgiou found himself unmarked from a corner but nodded over. On 28 minutes SGS finally got the lead when an attack seemed to have been dealt with, but tenacity from Cooper found Jake Abraham who managed to loop his header over the helpless Dix. The remainder of the half saw Gifford push for a second with Cosmo Browne going close and Abraham smashing against the woodwork after smart play. The second period began with much the same pattern, but it was Service with the first big chance when Brandon Russell fired wide from the edge of the box. Gifford then punished that miss when Rudy Hill attacked Evan Maidment’s delivery to nod home for 2-0. The lead remained comfortable and SGS made a host of changes in the last 30 minutes to try to put the game to bed. Stu Alexander showed great footwork but his effort was thwarted once more by the impressive Dix. On 86 minutes things were wrapped up when Arian Askari finished with a superb chip and so 3-0 to SGS it ended.

9^th August 2024 - Electronic Programmes

Almondsbury v Totterdown United

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Gala Wilton v Bromley Heath United

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Hanham Athletic v Broadwell Amateurs

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4^th August 2024 - Bromley Heath United clinch Ron Holpin Trophy

Mark Simpson

Held over from last season (pitch awash in August!) the Ron Holpin Trophy between Broadwell Amateurs (League cup winners) and Bromley Heath United (League runners up) was played under bright sunshine.

Broadwell had a fair start creating promising opportunities with some effective play on both flanks keeping Bromley Heath on the back foot but they demonstrated a resilience and were able to create a few effective counters themselves. The match did, however, become a midfield slog with the heat not helping, and it was hard to see where a goal might come from but two minutes from half time Ethan Wilkins seized on a mistake from Bromley keeper Dan Adamson to put the hosts in front. But, straight from the kick off a long ball over Broadwell’s defence caught them off guard allowing Aiden Noble to fire past Jack Watkins for the equaliser.

The second half was close in terms of endeavour but chances were limited with Watkins pulling off some crucial saves. It was Bromley Heath who found the breakthrough after 61 minutes, when from a corner Nathan Rose, in space, found the net with a knee-high volley. Broadwell’s efforts to equalise were frustrated with Bromley Heath continuing their generally solid defensive display, although a near-miss right at the end could have meant a share of the spoils, but it wasn’t to be. Bromley Heath will hold the cup for two weeks before it goes to this years match between Stoke Gifford SGS United and Hanham Athletic.

31^st July 2024 - Les James League Cup First Round Draw

The First Round draw for the Les James League Cup sponsored by Boca Teamwear was made at the League Meeting last night and the full draw is as below.

Stoke Gifford SGS United begin their defence of the cup with a trip to Frampton United.

All three promoted clubs were drawn away for their league cup debuts, with Chalford visiting Henbury & Rockleaze after their merger. Filton Athletic have a run up the motorway to Gala Wilton. Totterdown United get an early visit to the Forest of Dean to face Broadwell Amateurs.

• Sharpness v Ruardean Hill Rangers
• Frampton United v Stoke Gifford SGS United
• Henbury & Rockleaze v Chalford
• Gala Wilton v Filton Athletic
• Hanham Athletic v Cheltenham Civil Service
• Bromley Heath United v Wick
• Quedgeley Wanderers v Almondsbury
• Broadwell Amateurs v Totterdown United

All games to be played on Saturday 7^th September

12^th June 2024 - Constitution 2024/25

Nigel Meaney

The constitution for season 2024-25 was confirmed at the AGM.

Congratulations to Avonmouth who have been promoted to the Jewson Western League

The league loses Hardwicke who have been relegated to the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League and Little Stoke who have resigned from the League

The league welcomes Chalford who are promoted from the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League. Totterdown United who are promoted from the Bristol Premier Combination League, Filton Athletic who join from the Bristol and Suburban League to fill a vacancy.

Gala Wilton have been reprieved to fill the other vacancy.

The League matches will start on 10^th August, end date to be confirmed by the FA probably 3^rd May 2025.