Designed with

spectators attending

the match in mind.

View on smartphones

with no need to zoom

in or out or to scroll

to read

TROUBLE

SHOOT

Should pages not

fit within your

screen,it is likely

that your font size

in settings, need

to be reduced.

Also if your

mobile has a

screen display

cutout this needs

to be disabled

Andy Capon

Paul Westwood

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

The last two Saturday's have seen contrasting emotions at the final whistle. Two weeks ago the lads at a superb 2-1 away win At Bishops Cleeve Development with Kane Mannings popping up with an injury time winner, only to see us lose 2-1 away at Filton Athletic last weekend with the home side scoring two late goals. I am sure that the management and players will be looking to put that right this afternoon.

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 in whatever area interests you. We are always looking for more help with match days, pitch works, fundraising or just being part of an active committee.

Finally remember ‘We win together, lose together but more importantly we stick together’.

#UTHR

Good afternoon,

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the players, management, and supporters of Stoke Gifford SGS United to Arnall Drive for today's County League fixture.

It’s good to be home! 

We have had three successive challenging away games, where the ups and downs of football were on full show, proving this is a rollercoaster of a season, where we have learnt a lot about ourselves and where we need to improve.   

One thing that has been consistent is the team spirit and the togetherness of a group of players who really want to be here, play for each other and put the team first.

In terms of team news, we’re without Bleran Thaqi who damaged ankle ligaments last week and Harry Trett is unavailable, so Jordan Dunning comes in for his first appearance of the season between the sticks.

Thank you for your continued support.

HARRY TRETT - GOALKEEPER

Former Newport County stopper, Trett brings a commanding presence to the side, blending pin-point distribution with excellent shot-stopping. Following an injury to long standing ‘keeper Jordan Dunning midway through the 2024/25, Trett stepped up and put in a number of outstanding performances to cement his place in the side.

AIDEN HALL – FULL BACK

Calm composed player, solid defender with ability to play out and then join in attacks. Popular member of the squad and all round nice bloke.

ABDUL BANGOURA – FULL BACK

Rejoins the clubs following a season with Cribbs Reserves, lots of ability with pace and athleticism. Loves to get forward and affect the play with good delivery

NICK JONES – FULL BACK

Former Cribbs winger, Nick brings pace, experience and a winning mentality to the side. Nick loves to get forwards with his mazy runs, but is equally adept defensively, making him a real asset on the left

BLERAN THAQI – CENTRE BACK

After a breakthrough season, former Henbury U18s player Bleran continues to put in mature performances at centre back. Strong both defensively and in possession. Bleran was awarded the 2024/25 Young Player of the Season before moving to Cribbs only to return at the start of this season.

JORDAN BUCKETT (C) – CENTRE BACK

A natural leader on and off the pitch, Jordan has matured well into the captaincy, leading by example through consistently putting in strong performances.

GEORGE JAMES – CENTRE BACK

George alternates between centre back and centre forward, both positions he has become adept at. Despite a questionable decision to don white boots this season, George has good feet, excellent vision and passing range, making him a real asset to the side.

CAMERON TARR – CENTRE BACK

A strong, physical presence at back, Cam is excellent in the air and a handful for opposition forwards. Cam has developed a good partnership with Buckett at the back which contributed to our second half of the season revival last season.

MARCUS WILLIAMS (VC)– MIDFIELD

Club stalwart, after starting at Under 6’s with Rockleaze Marcus is equally adept at fullback or midfield. A tenacious player, Marcus is a nightmare to play against, winning a lot of ball, and whose low centre of gravity makes him very hard to dispossess. Known to shoot (and occasionally score) from corners.

DREW SAWDON – MIDFIELD

Hard hitting midfielder hailing from the North, 2025-26 Player’s Player of the Season, Drew enjoyed another outstanding season in the 1sts, ending up as top goal scorer (12) as well as being a dominating presence in the midfiel

SAM BAILEY – MIDFIELD

Silent assassin, bandit-Bailey is a classy midfielder who both links up play and scores goals through his late runs into the box.

MATT HARRISON – MIDFIELD

Matt is a classy player (like a fine wine) who brings both calmness and an engine to the midfield. Great positional awareness means that Matt rarely needs to sprint, which is just as well…

JACK HOSKINS – MIDFIELD

Hoskins is a versatile midfielder who stepped up from the Reserves last season, putting in a number of key performances, who has continued to impress over preseason.

TOMMY COLLINS – MIDFIELD

Last year’s Managers Player of the Year, outstanding technician, Tommy rarely misplaces a pass and has now added physicality to his game to make an all round box to box midfielder.

.SEAN HEAL – MIDFIELD

Henbury legend Sean rejoined the club at the start of last season after two seasons away at Sharpness. Sean brings both experience and grit to the midfield and has impressed over preseason.

JAMES CAPON - MIDFIELD

Joins from Cribbs Reserves. Technically gifted and can play anywhere in the midfield, scored 10 goals in the County League season and will add experience and quality in the final third

KAI ELLIOTT – WINGER

Kai is a tenacious and hard-working winger who steps up from the Reserves after a strong 2024/25 season and impressing over preseason.

JOE HODSON – FORWARD

Joe’s fitness levels have long been a club joke and have undoubtedly held him back. But no longer. Joe has put in some serious work over preseason to get fit. If he can maintain these levels across the season, he will be an exciting proposition.

KANE MANNINGS – FORWARD

The experienced forward joins the attack this season providing some know how and a focal point for the attack. Great touch and link up play, hoping to bring the goals

KINGSLEY MILLER – FORWARD

New signing from Easton Cowboys Kinglsey joins the attack and impressed during pre-season with his work rate and goals. Never stops running and a real handful for defenders.

DANNY BURD – FORWARD

Young forward learning the game and can use his height and strength to good effect

JORDAN DUNNING – GOALKEEPER

Great keeper, brings knowledge and experience to the squad and as back up keeper will provide excellent cover when required

ANDY SLEDGE – Manager

“Sledgy” was appointed the new First Team Manager in the summer, having spent five seasons managing at Cribbs. His playing career saw 200+ games in the County League scoring over 100 goals across his time with Roman Glass, (where he won the GCL title and Golden Boot), Cribbs and Highridge Utd. Andy brings his management team with him and is looking to build on the solid foundations to take the club forward

ANDY CAPON – Assistant Manager

“Capes” still technically gifted and made County League appearances for Cribbs last season alongside his coaching role. A playing career which was predominantly at Cribbs also included spells at Clevedon Utd and Bishop Sutton. His tactical knowledge of the game is invaluable to the coaching set up.

PAUL WESTWOOD – Assistant Manager

“Westy” has played for several local clubs as a striker in his younger years with electric pace and keen eye for a goal or three. Played most of his time in Bristol for Cribbs FC 1st team but also had spells at Mangotsfield United, Almondsbury Town and Winterbourne. Westy was part of the management team at Cribbs and his highlight of the week is now warming up the keeper pre match.

SID BASS – PHYSIO

Sid rejoins the club as Team Physio after graduating from university.

PhoenixNextGen

Address

Marcliff

Unit A1-A2

The Badminton Centre

Station Road

Yate, Bristol

BS37 5HT

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday

8.30am - 5.00pm

Saturday

8.30am - 12.30pm

Sunday - Closed

Quedgeley Wanderers have lost top spot after losing to new leaders University of Bristol. Although behind on games Tewkesbury Town remain the only unbeaten side. Chalford and Totterdown United occupy the bottom two spaces, neither having won a game.

At Waterwells the current top two, Quedgeley Wanderers and University of Bristol, met in a game which Quedgeley started brightly with Harry Reynolds coming close after ten minutes with a 30-yard effort narrowly missing the target. The University responded in the 22nd minute when Seb Tolosa unleashed a rocket that left the crossbar bouncing! The students struck first from a corner in the 27th minute, the ball falling to Toby Swift who worked himself some space before firing past Steve Sparrow. UoB continued to threaten and got their second through Tolosa. QW felt they should have been given a chance to get back into the game when Tom de Quincy Adams was brought down in the box but their penalty appeals were waved away. The second half got off to a difficult start for Wanderers with the students scoring quickly through Jacob Wintour to extend their lead. QW took a quick 78th minute free kick which struck a Bristol player and fell kindly for them to breakaway and score their fourth goal through Ethan Earnshaw. QW continued to push forward and were rewarded with a consolation when Alfie Pledger found the net, and they also had noticeable chances for Jenner, de Quincy Adams and Stokes but were unable to take them, and the students took top spot with a 4-1 win.

At Saw Mills End Longlevens Reserves played with more confidence against Stoke Gifford SGS United than they had the previous week. The first 15 minutes were all Longlevens, keeping the ball well and moving it with conviction.

This resulted in their first goal with great build up down the wing and the ball delivered in to Leo Marsden-Green to neatly finish. The game continued in the same vein with the second coming to Jack Beardsell who drilled the ball in through a crowded area. Gifford never gave up and created a few breakaways but with nothing to show. Levens third came from Finlay Rankin whose shot swerved left and right and sailed into the top corner. Gifford started the second half showing more about themselves but the home side weathered the brief storm and scored a fourth when Jack Cornell was fed through and Theo Bevan supporting, knocked the ball in for Marsden-Green to get his second. With 8 minutes to go Rankin got a well deserved second after rounding the keeper and a minute later Rankin got his hat-trick, then from a free kick headed in his fourth. With the game effectively finished within the first 20 minutes of the second half Levens kept the play moving around to see out a 7-0 victory.

Towards the bottom few where Wick were the visitors to the Ruardean Rec. to take on Ruardean Hill Rangers and within five minutes a snap shot came in which Underwood clawed off the line only for Bayley Rudge to tap in at the far post to give Wick the lead. Hill almost found an equaliser when Max Telling got the ball through to Jordan Barrett whose shot was narrowly over. On 18 minutes the equaliser came when a through ball from Telling found Ollie Mason who squared to Luke Brown, whose first shot was charged down but he scored on the rebound.On 28 minutes a Mason corner found Telling’s head which found Wick’s net for 2-1. Around 40 minutes Brown made a great run from his own half and found Telling, but Hayden Williams made a great save and then a cross by Wick’s 

Tyler Lane found Rudge whose header clipped the top of the crossbar. Seven minutes into the second half a great ball by Charlie Mason found Brown at the front post to make it 3-1, and on 68 a flick on landed in Alex Stephens path, and he buried it into the bottom corner for 4-1. With five minutes to go Underwood made a great penalty save to his right from Rudge who hit the rebound over.

At Highfield Road Chalford took on AFC Mangotsfield Rocks and before kick off a poignant moment when all players, officials and supporters joined for a minutes’ silence for Rich. Davis a Chalford supporter who recently passed away. Both sides started the match strongly looking to get on the front foot early on, but it was the visitor’s who took the lead from a corner. Chalford enjoyed the majority of possession playing some good football, but found themselves two down on 32 minutes with a bobble on the pitch that caused problems for keeper Henry Owen allowing Mangotsfield to get a second. Despite the setback, Chalford continued to push forward and came agonisingly close when Harry’s header from a corner crashed against the crossbar. Chalford’s pressure was rewarded just before the break when a superb cross by Evanson found Craig Mills whose header was pushed away by Baker only for Harry to tap home. The second half started fairly evenly with the home side pushing for the equaliser and the visitors remaining a threat on the counter. Chalford were almost caught out when Rocks found a way through but Mills produced a superb recovery run to clear off the line.  Chalford refused to give up and were rewarded in time added on when Ben Pring scored at the back post from a free kick, and Chalford almost scored a winner when Rocks somehow cleared Harry’s goal bound effort. So, 2-2 it ended, a decent point for both teams.

Bishops Cleeve Development were the visitors to The Bellfield to play Frampton United and it was Cleeve who dominated the first half and got to the half time break with a 1-0 lead after Harry Davis tapped in a cross. The second half was a more balanced affair and Cleeve should have increased their lead when Sam Smith put in a good cross but Cuzner blasted the ball high. Frampton’s Ubaid Salehbhaid created himself a good chance after beating a couple of defenders, but his shot was well saved by Cheal. After a period of pressure Frampton equalised from an Espada corner which Matt Halsey headed on for Joe Rowsell to head home and the game ended a 1-1 draw.

At the Hawthorns Broadwell Amateurs took on Tewkesbury Town who took an early lead following a long ball in behind which Roder latched onto following a slip by Aidan Creighton to finish low into the corner. Broadwell equalised shortly after when a decent cross by Dan Brain allowed Jamie Creed to head over Seddon for 1-1, but right-on half-time Tewkesbury took the lead with a good low cross which Llewelyn got in front of his man to flick past Phil Chovenac for 2-1. There were chances for both sides early into the second half but then Tewkesbury were reduced to ten for the last 20 minutes for two needless yellows, and with Broadwell pushing for the equaliser, Tewkesbury sat back compact and then hit Broadwell quick on the break with a good combination to set Cronin off to finish low into the corner for a 3-1 win.

At Elm Park, Filton Athletic played Henbury & Rockleaze in a match which Filton started the game in dominant form for the first 25 minutes and should have been 2-0 up in that time but for narrow misses from Fraser Venables. 

Henbury took the lead against the run of play in the way of James Capon flick on from a corner on the half hour mark, with some debate about it being an own goal. This seemed to unsettle Filton and they couldn’t get back to playing well and were forced into an early change with Ash Thomas being replaced by Said Hussain through an injury. Henbury had two chances to extend their lead but for outstanding saves by Filton’s Tom Bradley in goal. to keep it 0-1 at th break. The half time talk resulted in Filton coming out and getting back to dominating possession. Kieran Daniels replaced Tom Fry at Left Back on 55 minutes. Filton were creating chances but weren’t clinical enough to capitalise. A change in formation to 4-4-2 with Freddie Fraser and Taylor Anderson being replaced by Raphael Waugh and Dylan Quick with 30 minutes to go proved to be a master stroke as Henbury couldn’t cope with the strong pairing of Waugh and Kieran Cooper up front. Filton were knocking on the door and equalised through Raphael Waugh taking the ball around the keeper to level the scores around 70 minutes with the trademark backflip celebration from Waugh. Filton were pushing for the win and in turn allowed Henbury to break quickly on a couple of occasions but were denied the lead again through strong defending and a save from the towering Bradley. Filton, still dominating possession, continued to have chances and on 85 minutes took the lead when Kieran Cooper was slotted through and took the chance under pressure. Liam Dorman replaced Cooper to bolster up the midfield and hold on to a very well deserved 3 points.

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.

The club currently have three team representing ‘The Village’, with the Reserves and A team competing in the Bristol Suburban League – Senior and Division 4 respectively.

 ROLL OF HONOUR

First Team

1987/88 – Runners up – Suburban league Prem 1

1988/89 – Champions – Suburban League Prem 1

1994 – GFA Senior Amateur Cup Finalists

2000 – Runners up -Bristol Suburban League Prem 1

2005/6 Champions – Bristol Suburban League Prem 2

2006 – GFA Senior Amateur Cup Finalists

2011/12 Champions – Bristol Suburban League Prem 2

2012 Champions – Alf Bosley Cup

2014/15 – Champions – Bristol Suburban League Prem 1

2016 Champions – Alf Bosley Cup

2018/19 - Champions – Bristol Suburban League Prem 2

2021/22 – Champions – Bristol Suburban League Prem 1

Reserve Team

1993/94 –Champions Suburban League Div 3

1994/95 – Runners Up – Suburban League Div 2

2015/16 – Runners Up – Suburban League Div 1

2019/20 – Champions - Junior GFA Cup

2021/22 – Champions - Les Philips Cup

2021/22 – Champions – Bristol Suburban Div 1

· 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. Skipper

· 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 interesting.

· 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 2nd season 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.

HOW many Non-League clubs will beat EFL clubs in the FA Cup this weekend?

Whether it will rival the ten we had back in 2020-21 – in that empty stadium era post covid – remains to be seen but one thing is almost certain, there will be somebody.

It’s the first round proper this weekend with so many stories to be written – starting with Oxford City hosting Leicester City on Friday night.

From Step 4 duo AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Stafford Rangers taking on Burton Albion and Grimsby Town, respectively, to Marine taking seven coach loads of fans to Bradford City, there can’t be a more special weekend in the whole of the football calendar.

It’s one of the most frantic Saturday shifts we have each season at NLP HQ. But it’s always one of the most satisfying when the paper is put to bed and sent to the printers.

We love covering all the glory moments of the day – and the build-up.

But, of course, the financial side can’t be overlooked. This is a time for clubs to cash in wherever they can. Those selected for TV will proudly bank £50,000 as a live fee on top of everything else.

It’s why the live picks come with so much emotion for those who miss out.

But there is also the long-term legacy a good cup run can bring.

As Marine know only so well following their incredible run to the third round to take on Tottenham Hotspur back in that 2020-21 season

“We generated £650,000 and we used that money to put in a new 3G pitch and to completely renovate all of our bars in the front of the stadium,” CEO James Leary told The NLP. “The investment increased, the support grew and as a result of that we had a really successful period on the pitch where we got promoted twice and made the FA Trophy semi-final last year and three times out of the last six years, we’ve made the FA Cup first round. 

“After the Tottenham game, we hit a perfect storm where a lot of people would turn away from Premier League football with how much they were paying at Everton and Liverpool, it opened up a lot of people’s eyes to what they had on their doorstep.

“As a result of that, our support went up from around 300 average attendance to now, which is around 1,400 average.”

For Step 4 Diamonds, their fourth round qualifying victory over Morecambe has already made a tangible difference even before they take on the League One Brewers.

“It was our best day since forming, bar none,” chairman Rob Usher told us. “We had 12 days to get the ground ready – it's the hardest thing I've ever done as chairman, so it was an unbelievable feeling when the final whistle went.

“We had probably 1,000 people at the Morecambe game who don’t usually come to Hayden Road. If 10 per cent of those fans come more regularly, that is game-changing

“Every pound that comes through our club has been earned by volunteers or spent at the club by supporters – we don’t spend what we like.” The players and results will rightly take the headlines this weekend.

But beyond that the financial benefits will continue. Who knows how many shocks we will get – not to mention the all-Non-League ties – but let’s hope there’s plenty

HENBURY & ROCKLEAZE

REFEREE -

EDWARD  ROBERTS