Andrew Myland

A warm welcome to Arnall Drive to the players, spectators, and management team of this afternoon’s visitors Broadwell Amateurs. Fingers crossed we have a sunny Bank Holiday Monday to enjoy the game.

Last Saturday we witnessed a 2-2 home draw with Ruardean Hill Rangers, it wasn’t a great performance, but the lads showed character to fight back from early setbacks to gain a useful point. Pete and his management team are aware all the teams around us are collecting points and they are doing all they can to ensure we also pick up points.

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’.

Kick Off 3pm (2pm Nov to Feb)

     GLOUCESTER COUNTY LEAGUE

Broadwell Football Club was formed in 1905 by the local working men and originally played at “The Purples” Coalway. In the 1930s Broadwell moved to play at “Wynols Hill” where they stayed until 1947, when they moved again to what is now known as “The Hawthorns”. This was done with the help of the two late trustees, Mr Bert Ruck, and Mr Frank Haviland.

Over the years various facilities were used such as “the Rising Sun “, church hall, and the local working men’s club. However, in 1963 with the help of the chairperson, Mr Rube Kibble, Secretary William Smith and committee men Mr Cyril Hamblin, a new changing quarter was officially opened by referee Mr Tom Finney.

These new changing quarters were totally funded by the club’s own money after refusal of agrant by both the G.F.A. and F.A.

In 1982, a bar facility was opened by the late president Mr. Hubert Smith and seven years later a new bar, skittles alley, kitchen, and referees changing room were added by a dedicated bunch of Broadwell supporters and sponsors.

The football social club has a strong golf society which plays twice a year open to all club members young or old regardless of ability.

The football club currently run three senior sides, which play on a Saturday. Broadwell won the G.F.A. Senior Amateur cup north in its inaugural year in 1925-26 and reached the final on two other occasions, losing to Charlton Kings in 1947-48 and Bishops Cleeve in 1964-65.Other honours over the years have been the northern senior league division one championship in 1925-26,1946-47 and division two runners up in 1976-77.

Runners up in the G.F.A. Challenge trophy season 1998-99. Winning the Northern Senior league again in 1993-94 enabled them to gain promotion to the county league, before being voted from the league three seasons later.

Broadwell’s most famous player was the late Colin Hamblin who was also went on to play for the county; a trophy cabinet in his honour is proudly displayed in the club house.

2006-07 Season the first eleven finished as runners up to Tuffley Rovers in Northern Senior league Division 1. After a run of eighteen games without defeat a bad run of five defeats in the last eight games stopped them winning the league. Broadwell lost to Tuffley Rovers at Harrow Hill in the GFA senior county cup final the same season.

Broadwell were crowned Senior North County Cup Winners in season 2008-09 beating Shortwood Res 2-1 in the final at Slimbridge Afc.

Season 2009-10 the first team lost in the semi-finals of the GFA county cup and finished third in the league. The club continually finished in the top five for the next five seasons.

2014-15 Season saw the first team win the northern senior league title, win the Reg Davies memorial league cup, and come runners up to Brockworth Albion in the senior north county cup.

The clubs committee committed to changing room improvements and without any funding built new away changing rooms along with referee/assistants changing rooms, completed in April 2015. 

After a good first campaign finishing sixth under Gary Hurcombe the first team were managed by Lee Williams and Scott Albon finishing 12th in the league season 2016-17, reachin the final of the Les James cup losing to AEK BOCO 3-0.

Season 2017-18 saw Broadwell in the top five of the league for most of the season only to fall away at the later part due to the high volume of games played eventually finishing in seventh place. Broadwell did however jointly win the Respect league with Frampton United with a remarkable 100% record of no bookings for dissent. Season 2018-19 proved difficult for the club Manager Lee Williams and Scott Albon jointly retired from Management but continue their close links with the club. Season 2019-20 the club moved out of their comfort zone and appointed a manager from outside the club. Simon Beardsell ex Cheltenham Town Youth academy coach who stood down October 2019. The club were lucky to appoint immediately local coach Stuart Liddington ex Lydney Town, his task to improve on season 2019-20 league position. The extended period away from football due to Covid saw Stuart leave the club and return to Lydney Town 2020. First Team duties are now in the very capable hands of Chris Brain, who’s task is to blend our successful under eighteen team into first team players.

Chris made a positive impact, with Guy Jones as his assistant, bringing in some top players but nurturing the existing squad members seeing them secure some great results during the season, not to forget mentioning the team winning the Les James Cup in a tough battle against Sharpness, seeing Broadwell secure a 3-1 win! A great game and a great achievement for everyone.

The 2022 season saw the team start with Chris but unfortunately a few weeks in Chris made the decision to step down from the Manager role which made way for Guy Jones to step up from Assistant Manager to Manager.

Guy had some big shoes to fill in what was his debut as a County League Manager but he took on the role and gave it his all. Working hard on keeping morale up and spirits high, Guy continued to work with the team he had, making sure each game was a positive vibe, setting small goals and always applauding the results, regardless of win or lose. The season proved to be a tough one for Broadwell and during the final weeks of the we found ourselves at the bottom of the league table and heading towards the relegation zone. It looked a tough gig for Guy and the team to pull through and remain in the County League but through sheer determination from everyone and the support of all at Broadwell they did it! The final matches gave them the points they needed to remain just above relegation and another season heading into the CountyLeague.

Over the past couple of years Broadwell Club have benefited from some dedicated and enthusiastic club members who work tirelessly to improve our facilities, look after our grounds and keep everything tip top. They are fondly known as “The Wednesday Crew” and they are very much appreciated by all involved at Broadwell AFC, so much so they were awarded Clubman of the year at the clubs annual presentation in 2024!

Going into the 2024/2025 season Guy Jones remains as first Team Manager but now with Chris Powell at his side as Assistant Manager.

Chris brings a wealth of positive energy, years of football experience and plenty of banter to the squad. The two together have high hopes and the club are excited to see what they can achieve.

The squad have been working hard at training pre-season and had some good friendlies to set them up and make some early changes where needed.

With some new faces in the firsts this season, including players who have moved up the ranks at Broadwell, along with some very loyal and trusty existing players it’s looking to be a great season
UP THE WELL!

Jack Watkins – Goalkeeper
One from the youth production line now starting his 5th Season in senior football. Great shot stopper who very rarely misses a game.

Jack Knight – Defender
Former Harrow Hill, right back or Right Midfield Jack can play both carries the ball well and has a very long throw in his locker. Loves a moan though.

Harry Knight – Defender
Younger brother of Jack and the better footballer (sorry Jack). Centre Half or Right Back, strong as an Ox and never shirks a challenge.

Jordi Locke – Defender
Ex Centre Mid who played Left Back last season due to lack of numbers. Mr dependable who adapted very quickly to his new role. Voted Players Player of the season last year.

Aidan Creighton – Defender (Captain)
El Capitano or Mr Angry whichever you like. First name on the team sheet and can play anywhere along the back line. Another Mr dependable who we couldn’t do without.

Ethan Dunscombe – Defender
Ex Viney Hill Midfielder who joined start of last season. Mr Utility who played Defence, Midfield and Striker for us. Never moans or lets us down wherever we play him.

Kian Skidmore – Defender
Kian 22 is also back at the club after playing at a higher level for Cinderford and Lydney. Can play Left Back or wide in midfield, loves a tackle and has a wand of a left foot sometimes.

Kris Burnard – Defender
Missed far too many games in recent seasons through injury and suspension but if we can keep fit is one of the best Centre Half’s in the County. Also thinks he’s a striker but scoring record isn’t the best.

Nath Davies – Midfielder
Nath who played Cinderford Town 18s when he was younger joined us 3 seasons ago from Harrow Hill. Work horse midfielder who gets around the pitch so well. Chips in with the odd goal but really should get more.

Ben Fishwick – Midfielder
Senior statesman of the squad, Mr calm on the ball, rarely gives it away. Just what you need in Centre Mid, his experience will be valuable with such a young squad.

Kieran Pearce – Midfield
New to the squad this season better known as KP who loves a tackle and a header. Played at a higher level with Melksham when he was younger maybe just what we need in the Centre of the Park.

Sam Porter – Midfield
Sam is a tough tackling midfielder who joined us mid-way through last season from Monmouth. Very calm on the ball and rarely gives it away.

Harry Malcom – Midfield
Another young tough tackling Midfielder who joined early last season from Malvern. Such a great engine and does so much work that goes unnoticed. Got a good future
ahead of him.

Jamie Belfitt – Midfield
Young Mr Belf definitely gets his footballing ability from his Mum. Played wide last couple of seasons and also as a makeshift Striker. Will look to Cement a place in Centre Mid this season as it’s his preferred position.

Dan Brain – Midfield
Dan is now back at the club after a few years away playing higher at Cinderford and Lydney. One of our most creative players and still only 22, always looking to create and pops up now and again with a goal.

Connor Smith – Defender
A young Right back who never lets us down, tenacious and has a great engine. This season will want to push on and try and cement a position in the first team

Liam Brain – Midfield
Younger brother to Dan and goes by the nickname of Snowman. Baby of the group at 16 but will be in and around the squad this season. Can pick a pass and has bags of energy, one for the future.

Rhys Childs – Defender
Rhys is a young quick defender who played reserve and A Team football last season. Bags of energy and doesn’t mind getting stuck in for his age. Another one Guy will be keeping a close eye on.

Sharpness maintained top spot with a win over Bishops Cleeve but Filton’s 12 match winning run was ended with a stalemate at Frampton and two points dropped. Hanham, Tytherington and Totterdown all won at the bottom but Tytherington have games in hand and Hanham are still 5 points adrift of safety.

Stoke Gifford SGS United took on Hanham Athletic on a dry sunny and windy afternoon. Playing with a strong wind behind them Hanham edged the opening exchanges and took the lead after 30 minutes, a soft free kick was conceded by Gifford and Liam Maggs stepped up to hit a screamer into the top corner from 30 yards. Gifford rallied but were unable to create any threat to the Hanham goal. Hanham almost went two up on the stroke of half time when Jay Vile’s 40-yard effort was tipped onto the bar by Taylor Smith and out for a corner. Within minutes of the restart Maggs bagged his and Hanham’s second firing home unchallenged from the edge of the box. On the hour Maggs completed his hat-trick calmly slotting home from inside the box after Gifford failed to clear their lines and the game was put well out of Gifford’s reach on 80 minutes when Jordan Rickman poked home following a scramble in the box. And, a somewhat unexpected 4-0 win for Hanham.

On a bright and blustery day at Arnall Drive those present witnessed a real game of two halves between Henbury & Rockleaze and Ruardean Hill Rangers. The visitors were two up in three minutes after two uncharacteristic mistakes by Harry Trett in the H&R goal. Firstly after just 70 seconds Ruardean had a free kick fully 45 yards out and with Trett anticipating a long cross, he was out of position allowing Charley Mason to hit the free kick down the middle of the goal with the 

with the stranded keeper unable to get back in time, and then on three minutes a 20 yard effort by Oli Mason was allowed to squirm under the body of the H&R custodian for what was a dream start for Ruardean. Both sides settled into the game although the wind was affecting how both sides could play, on 32 minutes a Mitch Griffiths free kick was well gathered by Trett and H&R went up the other end to force a number of corners with this pressure eventually paying off with Jordan Buckett scoring a thunderbolt header from Marcus Williams corner 5 minutes before the break. The second half was dominated by H&R without them creating too many clear chances until the final twenty minutes. They equalised on 73 minutes when Drew Sawdon headed in at the back post from Nick Jones cross. In time added on Joe Hodon struck a dipping 20 yard shot which Chovanec in the Ruardean goal did well to tip over. From the resulting corner Sawdon struck the crossbar after an almighty melee in the box with Ruardean managing to clear just as the full-time whistle went. An entertaining 2-2 draw a fair outcome even if it was spoiled by the breezy conditions.

At Northway, Tewkesbury Town hosted a Quedgeley Wanderers side looking for revenge after a one-side result earlier in the season. Town started brightly and it was somewhat against the run of play that QW took the lead when a home throw-in was turned over well into the QW half and a simple forward ball played into space allowed Stokes to score with a easy finish. To Tewkesbury’s credit they made a steady stream of attacks without really troubling Sparrow in the visitor’s, and the equaliser eventually came  when from a corner Scott Nicholls scored on the swivel. A few half chances were created before the break when Nathan Newland-

Galloway maybe should have done better with a header for Town and QW missing a chance from 6 yards. After the break the wind picked up and both teams struggled to control play and home keeper James Holder made two crucial saves to keep the scores level. With a number of fouls being committed by the home team it inevitably meant more chances for QW and the winning goal was easily avoidable for Town, as a throw in was once more dispossessed and Quedgeley reacted quicker leaving Miles to make a tidy finish into the bottom corner with less than five minutes remaining. A tough defeat for Tewkesbury whose good recent form seems to have temporarily deserted them but it was a good 2-1 win for Quedgeley.

Sharpness knew they would be in for a tough encounter against Bishops Cleeve Development at Hamfields and it was Cleeve who made the better start and were awarded a free kick 30 yards out but Moss’s effort was saved by Dykes. Cleeve then had a corner on 20 minutes but Ellerton couldn’t direct his header on target. Sharpness came more into the game midway through the half; a Palmer free kick was met by the head of Bryant but Sunter made a great save. The Sharks broke the deadlock on 32 minutes Devon Morgan doing well on the left and crossing into the box, but Cleeve only half cleared and Hemmings was able to poke the loose ball home. Cleeve created another chance when Debonis robbed Thomas and sent Ellerton through who in turn found Cuzner who blazed over. Cleeve scored just before the break when a free kick wide out was only cleared to the edge of the box and Gardiner hit an effort which struck the post with Long on hand to knock the ball into an empty net. The Sharks however responded brilliantly 

and retook the lead right on the stroke of half time when Priday’s long throw in was flicked on by Bryant and Bennett reacted quickest to flick the ball in off the post. Sharpness grabbed a third early in the second half when a free kick from deep was met by a melee of players from both teams including Sunter with the ball looping back towards goal and Brad Gibbs was able to nod into an unguarded goal. The game became rather scrappy as the half went on and Cleeve created a couple of opportunities with long range efforts but Smith and Dante-Welch were both denied by Dykes. Sharpness had to dig deep late on with the dismissal of Palmer but they held on for a hard fought 3-1 victory.

At a windy Bellfield Frampton United hosted an in-form Filton Athletic in what could be described as a good game for the neutrals as it was end to end right from the start, but neither side finding a clear-cut chance to win the game. Frampton’s first effort came after good interplay, with Harry Churchley’s cross met by Will Hawes but his volley went wide. Trey Merrett had a couple of chances but was thwarted by Tom Kaye who made a good save blocking a shot and just after half time Merrett turned a defender and tried to lob Kaye but he just managed to get a hand to it. Filton’s Freddie Fraser was unlucky after a bit of a goalmouth scramble, his shot coming back off Kaye and over the bar. Finally, a Henry Driver-Dickerson shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Tom Bradley to finish the game 0-0 in an even contest.

At Pomphrey Hill Bromley Heath United played Totterdown United in a contest that both teams started well, but it was Bromley who created an early chance to take the lead when imposing centre half Ben O’Brien hit the Totterdown crossbar from a set-piece routine. Totterdown started to take control of the midfield with Frank Tobin and Aaron Price looking particularly good in possession and they started to create chances and the lively Ollie Lovell was unlucky not to score when his well hit shot went just wide. A few minutes later Jack Waldron did the same for Bromley after a brilliant turn. The half finished with another good Lovell chance saved by Ferguson. Straight from the second half kick-off Ollie Hanham crossed the ball from the left-hand touchline and saw it loop over Tom Hand and into the net for 1-0. Bromley’s lead did not last long and on the hour, it was the dangerous Ollie Lovell who cut inside Bromley’s full back to equalise with a shot from a tight angle. This seemed to spur Totterdown to look for a winner with George Saunders going close on a couple of occasions and it was a defensive mistake that gifted them a goal in the end, with Tobin putting them ahead. Bromley tried to respond but couldn’t wrestle back control and Totterdown went further ahead a minute from time again, Bromley gifting them a chance by losing the ball on the edge of the area allowing Saunders to rifle home and complete a very good 3-1 win.

At Hardwicke, Tytherington Rocks were looking to build on their midweek win and were up against Wick, who hadn’t won in their last three outings and were hoping for a change in fortune. The strong wind blowing across

the pitch made for an untidy game where pragmatism and the playing conditions were the order of the day. The first half saw chances for both teams but neither keeper was troubled and it remained goalless. The game opened up slightly in the second half and it was The Rocks who created the majority of the pressure, eventually breaking the deadlock on 75 minutes when Matt Hughes pounced on a loose ball to drive into the net past Mason Hawkins’. Wick pushed for an equaliser for the remainder of the match and hit a post from a header after a counter attack with 10 minutes left but The Rocks held out for a 1-0 win and secured their second win and second clean sheet on the bounce.

A bright, sunny afternoon at Highfield Way set the stage for a crucial clash between Chalford and Broadwell Amateurs, with the visitors sitting just one place above in the league table. Chalford knew the importance of the occasion and started with real intent. Chalford’s early pressure paid off in the 18th minute when Andrew Maryon found the breakthrough, finishing confidently to give the hosts a deserved 1–0 lead. The remainder of the half was a scrappy affair. Both sides carved out chances, but neither managed to take control of the game. It wasn’t the prettiest football, yet Chalford held their advantage heading into the break. Broadwell came out firing after the restart, putting Chalford under sustained pressure. Eventually, that pressure told when Creed levelled the score, making it 1–1 and setting up a tense final half-hour. Chances became scarce as both teams battled hard in midfield, but Chalford gradually regained momentum. Their persistence was rewarded when Cam Kerr struck to restore the lead, sparking celebrations around Highfield Way. With Broadwell pushing bodies forward in search of another equaliser, space opened up for Chalford on the counter. In the final five minutes, Cross broke away after a sweeping move and found himself clean through, only to drag his effort narrowly past the post. Despite that missed opportunity, Chalford saw out the remaining moments with composure. The whistle blew on a hard earned and fully deserved 2–1 victory,

Referee Charlie Hince

Assistants: Stuart Evans  Greg Wentland

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