News and Match Reports

16th November 2024 - Totterdown United into Les James Cup Semis - sponsored by Boca Teamwear

Mark Simpson

results

Only one game to report this week – the Les James League Cup Quarter Final tie between Totterdown United and Gala Wilton. Most of the rest were in the third round of the County Cup with seven Clubs making it through to the next round.

At Bristol Barbarians RFC Totterdown United took on Gala Wilton in the last of the League Cup Quarter-Final ties. Gala started the brighter of the two sides retaining a lot of the possession. They had the first big chance when Jamie Creed took advantage of a short back pass but his finish was well wide of the goal. Totterdown grew into the game after the first 15 minutes and became the more threatening of the two sides hitting the post twice and having a goal chalked off for offside and with Oscar Bignall making a couple of good saves. The second half was much of the same with Totterdown looking threatening with every attack, and the most notable of the missed chances was Chaz Hemmings 5 yards out in the centre of the goal, scuffing his shot wide. It seemed like a case of when, and not if, Totterdown would score when Gala anyway, gave them a generous helping hand with one player forgetting he was playing football and turned to wrestling getting himself a red, and with another sin binned in the same passage of madness. Totterdown capitalised and scored a well worked goal ending with Jack Millard slotting the ball into the back of the Galas net. It was all Totterdown for the rest of the half with few more missed chances before Ollie Lovell finished the game off from a Jack Moon pass sealing a 2-0 victory for Totterdown United joining Henbury & Rockleaze, Frampton United and Quedgeley Wanderers in the semi-finals.

15th November 2024 - Electronic Programmes

Totterdown United v Gala Wilton

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9th November 2024 - Chalford take points at Hanham

Mark Simpson

results

Almondsbury stay top, but there is a chasing pack not a million miles behind and one of those clubs is Chalford who have made an impressive start following promotion from the GNSL, with Sharpness and Frampton United the closest of the pack. At the bottom Cheltenham Civil Service’s recent form has made their position look a lot less hopeless.

Starting at the Hallett Construction Pavilion, Hanham Athletic took on Chalford and indeed it was Hanham who had the lead on 5 minutes when a fantastic cross by Sam Archer was headed home by Mickey Golding. Chalford piled on the pressure and deservedly equalised on twenty when George Parker volleyed in unmarked from a corner. Eight minutes later with Hanham screaming for handball, Ben Minnican thundered the ball past Ashton Trott. It was 3-1 just before the break, when Hanham’s defence was pulled apart for the umpteenth time and Travis Cooke finished well into the corner. A huge mistake by Sam Neil in the Chalford goal let Hanham back in on the hour, letting a hopeful cross by Jordan Rickman through his hands. Chalford would have made it 4-2 but for a great goal line clearance from Sheldon Saunders and 3-2 to Chalford it remained.

To the Forest for the local derby, Ruardean Hill Rangers against Broadwell Amateurs, with Hill dominating early possession, and on 17 minutes a shot from Ollie Mason was palmed out by Jack Watkins and Kane Sampson tapped in. Broadwell began to build into the game and five minutes before half time Aaron Underwood spilled a Broadwell shot but managed to recover the ball. Broadwell started the second period well, with a lot of positive passes going forward. But, on 55 minutes Ruardean broke and earned a free kick 35 yards out which Steve Clark fired into the top right corner for 2-0. On 58 both teams were reduced to ten, Harry Knight a straight red Fin Jones a second yellow. On the hour Hill attacked down the left, Mason running past a defender and scoring with the outside of his boot from 7 yards. Ten minutes from time Broadwell crossed in and Aidan Creighton hit the ball on the half volley for 3-1. Five minutes later from a Broadwell corner the headed ball was just wide but in the end Hill took the points 3-1.

At Pen Park it was honours even in a one-sided affair between Filton Athletic and Henbury & Rockleaze. Filton were out of the blocks from the off, an early Merrett cross out for a corner but Tom Fry was then caught offside. Moments later Merrett was put in again by Fry but his cross was over the top. The pressure continued and Venables crossed for Jack Cole to head straight at Jordan Dunning. A further Trey Merrett effort was blocked by Jordan Buckett. Still only 20 minutes gone when Kieran Cooper headed over Hillier’s cross. Five minutes before the break Merrett was through again from Jack Cutler but the on-rushing Dunning foiled him. The second half continued in the same vein, Filton having most of the ball and openings. Merrett shot just over, Fraser Venables’ shot well saved by Dunning, and Merrett drew another Dunning save from the resulting corner, Fry then headed another corner straight at Dunning. And after all that, the goal for the hosts came on 63 minutes as Merrett tapped in after Venables shot was well saved by Dunning. On 67 a rare H&R break saw Nick Jones cross go over. And after all the virtually continuous Filton pressure the inevitable happened when keeper Barry Phillips dwelt on the ball too long and allowed Joe Hodson to poke in the equaliser. And there it is! After virtually total domination Filton had to settle for a point at 1-1.

Frampton United are probably the closest to Almondsbury at the top and they took on Totterdown United at the Bell Field in their first County League meeting. And, it didn’t take long for Frampton to open their account Myron Turner’s first minute shot from the edge creeping in off the post. Eight minutes later Joe Wilton’s cross beating the defence and George Driver-Dickerson was on hand at the back post to fire past Ashley Martin for two-nil. Totterdown’s Alex Silvester came close heading just wide from a corner. In the 55th minute Zak Tyers beat a couple of defenders, played the ball through to Tom Mangan who slotted past Martin for 3-0. Totterdown came close again, Chaz Hemmings heading on a cross which Jack Moon latched onto but his lob was just too high. Henry Driver-Dickerson was on the score sheet when his shot went through a crowd of players for 4-0. George Saunders was unlucky for the visitors when Tom Kaye pulled off a great save to deny him, and Totterdown finally got their reward when Mike Rimmer pulled a goal back. Frampton finished the scoring in the last minute when Manolo Espada’s shot deceived the keeper for 5-1 to Frampton.

A “six-pointer” at Tewkesbury Road between Cheltenham Civil Service and Quedgeley Wanderers and it was the visitors on the front foot with lots of set pieces and high press. But, it was Service who took the lead, breaking down the left and Cam Blacker with a nice finish, slotting past Nathan Charnock. Service started the second half with better football, creating lots of chances and indeed, Blacker scored his second from some good work in the box, a back heel by Riley Greenwood assisting a comfortable finish. Quedgeley attacked for the final twenty minutes but were unable to break down the home defence and a valuable 2-0 win for Service and a huge amount of work left for Quedgeley.

At Hamwells, Sharpness picked up back-to-back victories (this one against Gala Wilton) and another clean sheet. Sharpness scored all three goals in the first half, the first an own-goal when a James Tainton cross was inadvertently headed in! The Sharks doubled their lead when a goalmouth scramble ensued from a corner and Brad Gibbs was on hand to stroke the ball home. The third came when James Priday played a ball over the top of the Gala defence and Alfie Jones raced through and poked the ball past the advancing Oscar Bignall. Gala did come close to pulling a goal back after a well worked free kick sent Brad Loveridge through one-on-one with Holder who pulled off a smart save to deny him. The second half was a bit of a damp squib, all the damage done in the first half and a 3-0 Sharks win to keep their title challenge alive.

On a dull and grey Saturday afternoon at the Stoke Gifford Stadium a feisty battle ensued between Stoke Gifford SGS United and Wick. Early exchanges were pretty even, but it was only 12 minutes before the deadlock was broken Rudy Hill’s shot was saved by Kai Wilson and Maidment was first to react to score from close range. The rest of the half remained even, with both sides failing to put away some decent chances and second half remained much the same, both sides working hard for a goal. On the hour, Cory Langdon was left free at the back post to tap in the equaliser for Wick. SGS’s Hill had a looping header cleared off the line by Kyle Russell, and in the 72nd minute that man Cory Langdon was on hand again to run on to a through ball and smash home his and Wick’s second goal. SGS responded, and threw everything at Wick, but Wilson was defiant. Two minutes in to time added on Harvey Moran was through for SGS but Wilson made a great save to keep Wick’s 2-1 advantage intact.

Finally, it was the turn of leaders Almondsbury to visit Pomphrey Hill to take on Bromley Heath United and with them four points clear at the top it looked as though it was going to be another routine win as they were ahead just eight minutes in when a speculative ball into the box was won in the air by Zac Morgan under challenge, and his looping header dropped into the net. Bromley reacted to this setback and created a few half chances themselves making sure Burgess was kept on his toes. The remainder of the half was pretty even with Almonds just edging possession but Bromley creating more. Bromley started the second half the stronger and from an early attacking corner had Burgess beaten but was narrowly over. Within minutes Alex Hill’s long range shot for Almonds was just over. The rest of the half saw both sides cancel each other out but, as in many games between two competitive sides one goal is often enough to decide things and this was no exception and three points to Almondsbury 1-0.

8th November 2024 - Electronic Programmes

Cheltenham Civil Service v Quedgeley Wanderers

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Filton Athletic v Henbury and Rockleaze

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Hanham Athletic v Chalford

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Ruardean Hill Rangers v Broadwell Amateurs

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2nd November 2024 - Cheltenham Civil Service gain first points

Mark Simpson

results

Almondsbury keep the pace up at the top, and Cheltenham Civil Service get their first league win of the season away to Henbury & Rockleaze. Earlier in the week Quedgeley Wanderers surprised Sharpness by taking a semi final place in the league cup – but interestingly Quedgeley have yet to win a County League or league Cup match this season, both their cup matches have been won on penalties!

First to Arnall Drive where Henbury and Rockleaze took on Cheltenham Civil Service on a fine autumnal day in what turned out to be an often-fiery match. H&R should have had the lead on 4 minutes with Callum Winter one-on-one with Jon Dix who saved well with his legs. The next thirty minutes were fairly uneventful, but things came to life on 34 when, after an H&R back line mix up Cam Blacker slotted past Jordan Dunning for 1-0 to Service. However, the lead didn’t last long, as a minute later Winter fired a post rebound past Dix to level things up. Service were rather fired up for the restart and retook the lead two minutes in when a well worked free kick foxed the H&R defence and ended up at Micolaj Rewczuk’s feet who calmly slotted past Dunning, who was to make a terrific save from Blacker to prevent a 63rd minute third Service goal. Things heated up and Jordan Buckett was sin-binned on 70. A few minutes later Dix made a good save from a dipping Fraser Butt shot and ten minutes from time Butt struck a Service post. On 83 minutes Service secured the points when Harvey White had a simple tap-in following a break away. Sam Bailey scrambled one in for H&R in time added on but Service stood firm to deservedly take the three-points, 3-2, back up the M5.

Up to the Forest for an interesting match between Ruardean Hill Rangers and Frampton United. The first chance fell to Henry Driver-Dickerson who swept the ball over the bar. On ten minutes Hill’s Josh Sladen drilled the ball into the box and Clark just failed to make contact. Another great move by Frampton saw Henry Driver-Dickerson with a free shot from ten Yards but Aaron Underwood was equal to it tipping the ball over. A quick move from Ruardean saw Ollie Mason intercept the ball and fed Clark who had a crack from 30 yards with Tom Kaye producing a great save. On the half hour Henry Driver-Dickerson had another snap shot which Underwood was equal to. Two minutes later Henry Driver-Dickerson finally got his goal, when through on Underwood his initial shot drew a great save but he was able to tuck the rebound in. Frampton almost made it two five minutes before the break when Fin Blythe let fly from 20 yards but Hill’s Tom Landon was in the way. A quieter second half followed but Hill almost equalised five minutes in when Steve Clark let fly from 25 yards bringing a great save by Kaye. A couple more chances fell to Hill, with Kane Samson heading over and Tom Kaye saving late on but Frampton held on for a 1-0 win.

After a cracking win last week Bromley Heath United went to Quedgeley Wanderers Waterwells and were at it again. Bromley had a couple of chances in the first five minutes to set their stall. Quedgeley went close on 18 minutes when Harry Furniss knocked the ball past Sam Sackett-Springer only for it to be cleared off the line. A few minutes on Rory Hunt came in from the wing and put Furniss through who shot from the angle and warmed Sackett-Springer’s hands up. Bromley broke from the corner and were driven wide but gained a free-kick but came to nothing. A few more attacks from both sides saw the game to the break. Quedgeley had the first chance of the second half well defended by Bromley, who indeed scored straight after, Fletcher Cripps picking the ball up and put it across Nathan Charnock for 1-0. Five minutes in it was 2-0, from a long free kick Ben O’Brien rose above the rest to nod home. Ten minutes later it was three, Nathan Rose from the spot. The hosts came close on 83 with a free kick, which was well defended for a throw, which, itself, was well worked and crossed by Curtis to Barnett who smashed his header off the bar. In the last minute a Quedgeley corner was countered by Bromley and cleared off the line, but only to Olly Hanham who made it 4-0 for a healthy Bromley Heath win.

Gala Wilton took on Chalford at Fairmile Gardens for the first ever County league clash between the two clubs. The first half was dominated by the respective midfields and it was Chalford who had the best of the goal bound efforts both saved by Bignall. It was another long-range effort that led to Chalford’s 33rd minute opener when a shot was deflected into Andrew Roberts path who fired home from six yards. Gala came out strongly at the start of the second half, but missed a great chance to equalise on 50 minutes and were punished soon after when Andrew Maryon headed in for Chalford from close range. Gala responded and missed another chance but pulled a goal back just after through Cameron Rees’ header from Ben Sluman’s cross. However, Gala were unable to find the equaliser that their efforts probably deserved with Chalford clearing off the line right at the death to secure the three points with a 2-1 win.

A gallery from Gala Wilton is Here

Back up to the Forest for Broadwell Amateurs hosting Wick, with Broadwell showing early confidence and Jack Knight’s ambitious strike testing keeper Kai Wilson. Wick responded and Rudge’s powerful effort was steered wide by Jack Watkins. Burson-Stephens fired a goal bound shot for Broadwell but Wilson was equal to it. The second half began with renewed energy and Wick mounted a left-wing attack which was stopped by Creighton’s perfectly-timed tackle. Broadwell earned a free kick but Locke’s attempt was narrowly wide. However, on 54 minutes Wick were awarded a penalty which McCracken confidently slotted past Watkins. The momentum was now with Wick and both Campbell and Mogg forcing good saves by Watkins. Broadwell showed resilience and continued to search for an equaliser which came in the 84th minute, when Jenkins delivered to Locke who was brought down for a penalty which he got up for, kept his composure, and converted for 1-1. However, deep into stoppage time a scramble in Broadwell’s box saw a brave save by Watkins but Thomas was on hand to tap in Wick’s 2-1 winning goal.

To The Field where Almondsbury took on Hanham Athletic and took a 9th minute lead where Morgan rolled a free kick on the edge to Hill, who struck it low into the corner. Hanham had a 22nd minute chance but was headed over from 10 yards. A few minutes on Craig Lancastle fed Morgan but his left footed shot was saved by Ashton Trott. Hanham broke but were stopped by O’Loughlin’s last-ditch tackle. On 32 Mannings broke down the line and fizzed a ball across but Nicholls was unable to direct his header. Five minutes before the break Trott fouled Lancastle who took the resulting penalty and tapped it straight down the middle for 2-0. Just before the break Hanham won a penalty but Sam Burgess palmed the ball over to deny the visitors. On 57 Mannings was just over from distance and on 71 Meacham netted but was adjudged offside. Ten minutes from time Lewis Hughes came off the bench and fired past Trott for 3-0 and a disciplined display keeping Almonds at the top.

To Hamfields for a second v third clash between Sharpness and Stoke Gifford SGS United. Sharpness started brightly and were 1-0 up after 5 minutes when James Tainton hit a cross that was parried by Healan into the path of Will Tainton who struck the ball home. The game was being played at a frenetic pace with both teams looking to take control. Sharpness almost made it two when Bennett latched on to a ball in the channel, got in behind Osborne but Healan saved. On the half hour Sweete broke for SGS but his shot was easily dealt with by Holder. Just before the break a Priday free kick was only half cleared and Will Tainton volleyed over. SGS had a good opportunity early in the second half when a Taylor free kick found the head of Cooper but he couldn’t direct his header on target. On the hour Sharks had a great chance when Will Tainton’s cross found Archie Mears at the back post but Healan made a great save. With minutes remaining Alfie Jones latched onto a long ball and took the ball towards the corner flag, but in trying to win a corner or throw in, he inadvertently found Bennett in the box but Healan again denied the home side. SGS had a deep free kick right at the death, the ball was flicked down by Norton, but there was a coming together as players from both sides went to kick the ball but it was deemed that no infringement had occurred and 1-0 to Sharpness it remained.

A gallery by Kevin Humble is availableHere

1st November 2024 - Electronic Programmes

Almondsbury v Hanham Athletic

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Gala Wilton v Chalford

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Ruardean Hill Rangers v Frampton United

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