Andrew Myland

A warm welcome to Arnall Drive to the players, spectators, and management team of this afternoon’s visitors SGS.

Last Saturday saw us dominate our GFA Cup Game from start to finish and run out worthy 7-1 winners against Premier Combination side Greyfriars Athletic. Hopefully, this will provide the lads with much needed confidence to kick start our season and gain the wins that our performances have generally deserved.

Last Saturday saw all 4 teams win for a club ‘clean sweep’, the first we have had since the merger, their was a great atmosphere in the clubhouse afterwards, so late hope we can repeat this a few more times this season.

Please come and search me out or contact me through our website if you can help with sponsoring a match, player, or pitch side advertising board, or would just like to help and get involved with the running of the club. We are always looking for more help with match days, pitch works, fundraising or just being

part of an active committee.

Finally, please remember ‘we win

together, we lose together but

most importantly we stick together’.

#UTHR

A warm welcome to the players, management and officials of Stoke Gifford SGS United to today's fixture at Arnall Drive.

     GLOUCESTER COUNTY LEAGUE

Stoke Gifford Football Club was founded back in 1947 by Mr J. Scott. In our first few seasons, between 1947-51, we played on the Downs in Clifton. At the beginning of the 1951 season our club stalwart Jim Sparrow joined the club as a wanting to play for his local team. Also in 1951 we moved to our current home at North Road, Stoke Gifford after having the old orchard levelled off to create our pitch. The old barn where cider used to be made was converted into our changing rooms. This is also where the club adopted the Barn Owl as our club symbol. This has been our club home ever since, although from the 2018/19 season the first team relocated to Stoke Gifford Stadium at SGS College, leaving our reserve and ‘A’ team to fulfill alternate Saturdays in the ‘Village’.

Following the move to Stoke Gifford, the club colours were red shirts and white sleeves until 1964 when the club adopted our now well know blue and white trim. The club has used navy from time to time but we predominantly wear royal blue each season.  

In 1982/83 season, Jim Sparrow took up the position as chairman with the aim to bring some much needed success to the club. This is a position Jim held within the club until 2020-21 when it was time for Jim to pass the position on and take up the roll of club president. Jim is a true hero to the club and without his passion and drive over the many years in the role, the club would not be in the position we are in today.

In the 1988/89 we won the Bristol Suburban League Premier 1 title for the first time in our history. The team, managed by club legend John Black, were fired to the title by his younger brother and now club chairman, Martin Black, who finished top goal scorer allowing us to pip Totterdown United to the title.

Our home changing room and bar were located in the trust owned ‘Poplar Rooms’ until plans were drawn up in 2004 to build a new sports facility adjacent the pitch. The new clubhouse opened in the 2007/8 season and was constructed off the back of a number of former players most notably Rob Thorne and Ian Sweeten.

We won the title again in the 2014/15 season. This time managed by Martin Black and assisted by current gaffer Dan Dunt. The pair assembled a strong squad with the aim of winning the title. The season began well and Gifford were in a very strong position come March time. However, this is when disaster and heartbreak struck. Club talisman and top scorer, Ben Hiscox, suffered a fatal accident while playing after a collision with the club house wall. The club was broken at the time but the boys managed to rally together and finally got over the line in a tense final day away to AFC Mangotsfield. Needing a point to secure the title, the village went ahead when Geraint Williams converted from the spot, but an equaliser in the second half resulted in the most nervous of finishes. Emotional scenes followed the final whistle with Ben’s dad, Clive the focal point of celebrations.

In 2018 the club began a dialogue with local college SGS, to build a relationship to give young players from the area a clear pathway into adults’ football. This has been hugely successful to date, with the first team gaining back to back promotions after being crowned champions in both Bristol Suburban Premier 1&2 divisions. We have also helped develop some hugely exciting talent that have moved on to play a higher level of football.

Marcus Thatcher -  First Team Manager – Thatch has been at the club for ten years now. He has played a massive role in player recruitment and coaching over the past few years while playing through numerus injuries.

Dan Worton – First Team Assistant- Worton will be joining the management team this season. Sadly now has stopped playing due to injury. Worton will be good in the changing rooms and hopefully will stay out of the refereees book now hes not playing.

Daryll Barnes – First Team Coach– Daryll is a massive part of the management team and takes care of all the unseen work that needs to be done. A great bloke who will whatever is necessary to support the club. Looks like Wayne Lineker.

Evan Healen (GK)– Second season at the club, big Welsh daft keeper. Played a massive part in our defensive record last season.

Tauren Williams (Defender) – Solid, experienced centre back who has experience playing with Almondsbury, Hallen etc in the leagues above. Has been transformed into a centre back recently and has become a real leader for the group. His know how and game management is a big asset to us.

Harrison Murchdoch-McCormack (Defender) – Harrisons 2nd seasonn with the club, is defender. He is a tenacious defender who also has great eye for a pass. Has recetly taken on fines master duties which will be interestin.

Lawrence Mitchell (Defender) – ‘Legs’ is in his third season at the club, a really good lad who always has a smile on his face. Has decided to be nastier this campaign and get at least on header on target.

Jared Ball (Defender)- Jared is a useful addition to the sqaud this season.He has a big heart and a great attitude. He will be an important player this campaign.

Courtney Pinnock (Defender)– First season at the club, lots of pace, tough tackling defender. He is the coolest customer in the squad and rarely breaks sweat.

Rudy Hill(Defender)- Rudy has shown a fantastic attitude since joining us, playing a key role in the reserves being promoted a few seasons ago. Voted last seasons ‘Players Player of the Season and Managers Player of the Season’.

Raymond Oppong (Defender)– First season at the club, adds good height to the backline and a physicality. Lots of potential.

Ben Chambers ( Full Back)- Chambo back for another season, great lad to have around the group, after performing very well for our reserves last season, is ready to step up to the first team.

Harry Ford (Centre Mid)- Fordy second season with the club, he broke into the first team half way through the season and has never looked back. Expecting big things from him this season.

Daniel Twomey(Centre Mid)- Twomey has been around the club for years now. A combatitive midfield whose experience has been vital. Hates paying a fine

Sam Garrod (Centre Mid) – Sam he is a very talented, young midfield player. Has a lovely passing range but also enjoys the nasty side of the game.

Kyle Ford (Centre Mid)- Fordy has joined us this season, has loads of experince from playing higher. Has just came back from a few years out of the game due to injury. Glad have him back playing on the pitch

Joe Taylor (Centre Mid) – Joe 2^ndseason at the club has bags of ability and is a very confident lad. Gets on far too well with Thatch! Expecting big things this year.

Oscar Sealey (Centre Mid)– First season at the club. Wanted by many clubs, but Thatch secured the signature. Will bring excitement in the attacking third.

Masood Garder (Winger) – Masood first season with the club buzzing to have him this season. He is a fast winger who causes all sorts of problems for the oppostion, he also has an insanely good leap that catches opponents off guard.

Patryk Kosciolek (Winger)- Patryk second season with the club, buzzing to of kept him for the season. Tricky winger and always popping up with a goal. Loves a vodka redbull.

Ben Courtier(Striker)- Strong, powerful forward with an eye for goal. Played higher level so will be bringing in experience at top end of the pitch.

Stu Alexander (Striker) – Stu second season with the club, has a great first touch and hold the ball up well. His experience will be useful for our young squad.

Saturday 13th September

By Mark Simpson

Frampton United and Sharpness maintain their 100% records and they meet next week. Quedgeley Wanderers are hot on their heels whilst at the bottom Chalford and Tewkesbury Town remain pointless.

Wick welcomed Frampton United to the Nest and it was the away side who got the early advantage on six minutes when a long ball forward from Tom Kaye bounced in the Wick box before Tyler Jaggers slotted into the top corner. Wick reacted well and on 18 minutes some neat work by Sam Archer down the right flank he delivered a cross which Cory Langdon couldn’t quite get on the end of. There was a large pause in play mid-way through the first half as Wick defender Kyle Russell suffered a suspected broken elbow. Play resumed 15 minutes later and in the 39th minute Cory Langdon spotted Kaye off his line and lobbed him from 35 yards for 1-1. Wick were the side in the ascendancy and Kaye made some smart stops from Sam Archer and Mitchell Davies but, against the run of play on 70 minutes Frampton countered and a mistake by Wick’s Toby Rennie allowed Jacob Geddes a chance in the box which he rifled past Kai Wilson. Wick continued to ask questions of Frampton but their defence and keeper held strong and held out for a 2-1 victory to keep them top.

Chalford welcomed Sharpness to Highfield Way in what was Mike Finan’s first home game in charge. The first ten minutes was rather scrappy with the wind making things difficult but it was Sharpness who gained a thirteenth minute lead, a corner was not properly dealt with and Archie Mears hit a great strike from the edge of the box for one-nil. With Sharpness still pressing Sam Neale made a great save from Alfie Jones’ header. On 35 minutes Chalford created their first opportunity with an unbelievable ball from Jack Hughes and Cam Kerr’s header was brilliantly saved by Pete Dykes. On 51 minutes a long throw into the box was not dealt with and Jones was on hand to make it 2-0. Chalford started to get into the game and with twenty minutes to go an Adam Day strike was dealt with by Dykes, but two minutes later he was beaten, great work from Reagan Cross whose ball into the box was volleyed home by Adam Hazel. Chalford had some momentum then and on 78 minutes a great strike by Cross was brilliantly saved by Dykes and Sharpness held on for a 2-1 win maintaining joint top.

At Waterwells Quedgeley Wanderers produced a dominant display to sweep aside Cribbs Reserves and maintaining their very positive start. The breakthrough came inside five minutes when Max Harper-Emerson cut in from the left across the edge of the area and buried his shot into the bottom corner for 1-0. The early pressure continued although Cribbs briefly threatened on the counter before losing control on the slippery surface. QW’s control was rewarded on the 

half hour. After Finlay Jenner had already gone close, they put together a flowing move down the right and Seb Keith whipped in an inviting cross, the ball fell loose from Harper-Emerson’s challenge to Jenner who slotted in for two nil. Keith nearly made it three, rattling the crossbar as QW remained in command. The second half brought more of the same with Quedgeley dictating the tempo. Reynolds almost made an instant impact but keeper Jude Brown smothered. QW corners were causing constant problems and the woodwork was struck for a second time. With their pressure still mounting QW sealed the game in the 82nd minute, Jenner worked space down the right, leaving his defender sat on the ground before crossing for Keith to make it 3-0. Wells almost made it four when his thunderous strike came of the post and in the closing stages Zee saw his header crash against the bar, and a thoroughly commanding 3-0 Quedgeley win.

After a difficult start to the season Broadwell Amateurs met a good Filton Athletic side at the Hawthorns and continued good progress. Filton came out of the blocks fast creating a few half chances as they controlled the first 15 minutes. Then, came Broadwell’s first chance with Kristian Burnard through 1-on-1 with keeper Matthew Barry who pushed his effort round the post. This started a period of dominance for Well with Jamie Belfitt flashing an effort just wide, then Ethan Dunscombe with a turn and shot which Barry must have seen late and did well to tip the shot around the post. Filton started to show their quality in the second half, creating some decent chances but denied by Jack Watkins. A good game to watch, with the spoils shared, 0-0.

At Hardwicke, Tytherington Rocks dominated Bromley Heath United in a return to League action. Rocks took the leads on the half hour when a ball down the line by Jon Morgan found Ali Al Fadhli who squared for in form striker Ollie Briggs to make it 5 from 5. Rocks had a few chances to double their lead and took just two minutes into the second half to take their chance, Blaine Skuse volleyed in from a miss-kick by Sam Sackett-Springer. It wasn’t to be the keeper’s afternoon, judged to have handled outside the box he received a red card. From the resultant free-kick Tytherington gained a corner from which the substitute keeper punched the ball straight onto Stuart Nelson’s head for 3-0 for a deserved Rocks win.

At Vicarage Road, Hanham Athletic took on Totterdown United who started the stronger of the two sides, and after hitting the inside of the post early on they took a twentieth minute lead with a thunderbolt from Ollie Lovell. It was 2-0 on 35 minutes, Lovell played a sublime through ball for Jack Moon to finish well, past Hanham keeper David Taylor. Hanham worked hard to get back into the game but, were undone on the hour by a fantastic individual goal by Lovell for his second of the game. Hanham forced a couple of corners but firstly Liam Dibble’s header was blocked and then Cade Lovell’s follow up was cleared off the line. So, in the end a fairly comfortable 3-0 Totterdown first win of the season.

Stoke Gifford SGS United took on Tewkesbury Town who started well and were in front inside five minutes when Dan Beasley’s shot was well saved by Jack Sheppard but Nathan Gallaway was on hand to tap in from close range

Town nearly went two up on ten minutes but Gifford cleared their lines and Town being reduced to ten! Gifford took advantage of the player difference and equalised on 15 minutes when Patryk Kosciolek cut in from the wing and placed a well struck shot into the bottom corner. On 18 minutes the game took another turn when a Town player handled on the line and they were reduced to nine, with Kosciolek scoring from the spot. Against the odds Tewkesbury equalised when Jamie Goodwin scored direct from a corner. Into the second half Gifford controlled for long spells but were unable to break down a determined defence. And ten minutes from time Tewkesbury re-took the lead, the impressive Jamie Goodwin bagging his second, but, in a frenetic finish Gifford equalised on 87 minutes through Babacar Sarr and clinched victory in stoppage time with a twenty-yard drive from Harry Ford. A 4-3 Stoke Gifford win but you cannot help wondering if Tewkesbury hadn’t have had two players dismissed early on, what would have happened.

Finally, Ruardean Hill Rangers v Bishops Cleeve Development. The first chance of the game came from a well worked set piece from Ruardean Hill leads to header at the back post from Luke Brown, well saved by Cleeve keeper, Noah Sunter. In the 21st minute, Oliver Mason won the ball on the edge of the Cleeve penalty area and forces a good save at Sunter's near post. Cleeve then countered down the right through Monty New who squared to Harry Davis who opened the scoring. Cleeve then dominated the game with George Cuzner hitting the post in the 34th minute before Henry Danter-Welch volleyed home for Cleeve’s second from a corner. The Hill tried to pull a goal back before halftime but good defending from Danter-Welch to stop a cross

from Oli Mason denied Steve Clark an open goal. Half time 0-2 to Cleeve.
The Hill started the second half on the attack. However, two breaks from Bishops Cleeve forced two great save from the Hill goalkeeper Arron Underwood. In the 50th minute a well worked move resulted in Steve Clark pulling a goal back from the Hill. Two minutes later, the Hill were level with a great strike from Clark from outside the 18-yard box, following good work from Oli Mason. Cleeve then made substitutions and regained control of the match. Danter-Welch pounced on a loose ball, charges forward and sees his shot from the edge of the box tipped over the bar by Underwood. In the 75th Minute, Sam Smith shot from the edge of the box, forcing a good save from Underwood but Monty New got to the loose ball first and slotted home to make the score 3-2 to the visitors. Cleeve had a chance in the 89th minute to seal the game when substitute Salehbai wass played through but his shot was straight at the keeper. The Hill equalised in the 90th minute after a Luke Brown cross was finished by Steve Clark to seal his hatrick and give Ruardean Hill a share of the points. In added time, both teams had changes saved as they pushed for the victory. The game finished 3-3. An entertaining game, well refereed and both teams gaining a deserved point.

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