Chairman’s Chat

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

During last Saturday’s home match against a very good Stoke Gifford SGS side, the lads got back to the levels they are capable of and also what is expected of them it’s now time to turn these occasional good performances into the norm and get the season going.

There is a lot going on off the field currently with various committee members working extremely hard, much of which we hope we can share with you in the coming weeks and months.

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 please speak to myself or to another committee member who will be pleased to speak to you about any potential involvement.

Finally, please remember ‘we win together, we lose together but most importantly we stick together’.

Andrew

Manager's Match Preview

"When we were going through our 'new normal' and attending chemo and hospital appointments, we sat and talked about how you don't realise how many people are affected by cancer, we especially found it hard to know that children were going through this. So the charity has a long term goal of purchasing a caravan- "Nelmer's place" to be able to bring smiles to small faces and their families"

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	ADAM PARKES – CENTRE BACK Adam is another strong centre back who has proven during preseason to be equally strong in the air and with the ball at his feet. Adam likes to drive with the ball and maraud forwards. He can also bring a Delap style throw as his party trick.
	CAMERON TARR – CENTRE BACK Back after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with injury, Cam is a great addition to the side, bringing a wealth of experience. A strong, physical presence at back, Cam is excellent in the air and a handful for opposition forwards.
	MARCUS WILLIAMS (VICE CAPT) – 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.
	DREW SAWDON – MIDFIELD Hard hitting midfielder hailing from the North, 2023-24 Player’s Player of the Season, Drew enjoyed an outstanding first season in the 1sts, ending up as joint top goal scorer (16) as well as being a dominating presence in the midfield.

GFA cup ties not included

AUGUST - DECEMBER 2024

GLOS. COUNTY LEAGUE

Gala Wilton was formed in 1952 when agroup of friends from the Wilton Road areaof Gloucester City created a side knownas ‘Wilton Rover’. Initially they playedtheir football in the North Gloucestershire League gaining limited success winningthe FJ Pope Cup in 1956/57 and Division1 in 1959/60. In 1970 the club moved to their present home at The Gala Club and then, in 1971 at the third time of asking,they were elected to the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League.
They made an immediate impact in the League, winning Division 2 and beating local rivals Longlevens Star to the title. The following season they finished a creditable 5th in Division 1 and made an application to the County League. Initially they failed to gain membership losing out by one vote to Division 1 Champions Bishops Cleeve.
However, it was consequently discovered that the Cheltenham side had misled the County League with regards to the distance from their changing rooms to the pitch and, on a second vote, Wilton Rovers gained membership. Although voted into the County League, the club still retained its membership of the GNSL courtesy of their reserves and, in 1978/79, they won Division 2 by a point from Walls United..

During their 12 seasons in the County League they achieved their best position of 3rd in 1980/81 behind Almondsbury Greenway & Shortwood United, but in
1984/85 they finished 18th and were relegated back to the GNSL. The following season they made an immediate return to the County League having achieved runners-up position to ICI Fibres in Division 1 of Gloucestershire Northern Senior League that same season they also won the Diamond Jubilee Cup, a League Cup played for every four years at the time. Having gained a return to the County League they remained in the League for just three seasons before they were relegated again. In 1989/90 they finished runners-up to St. Marks CA and... continued

in the same season, they again won the Diamond Jubilee Cup but had changed the club name to Gale Wilton. After this second successive Diamond Jubilee victory, the club went on a downward spiral and, for one season, only fielded a single side.
The club reached a new low when they were relegated to the second Division of the North Gloucestershire League. The club met with limited success back in the North Gloucester League with the Reserve team winning Divisions 2 & 3 while the 1st XI reached the JO Roberts final only to lose to Westbury United. In 2002 the club transferred allegiances to the Cheltenham League and its fortunes started to change for the better.

Several GFA cups and promotions later, the club regained promotion to the GNSL and in 2007-8 they won Division 2 by a clear 10 points from Dursley Town to enable them to return to Division 1 of Gloucestershire Northern Senior League.
Since that time the club has had tremendous success within its youth set up, with the Under 18s doing the League and Cup double in two consecutive seasons.
2017/18 season was another challenging season, although a definite improvement on recent seasons. Finishing in 13th place, there was a definite feeling of turning a corner and getting stronger from here on.
Recruitment within the Club, from our successful U16s squad, should be a real boost this season.

We are looking forward to further improvement and are very excited to develop our youth players. The 2021/22 season has seen the introduction of a 4th Team made up of long serving players and players from last season’s Under 16s

Harry O’Connor (24) - CB
Harry has joined Gala for the start of the 2022/3 season having taken some time out of football. Before that ‘H’ flirted with Tuffley Rovers and Newent Town. Harry enjoys his Saturday ‘cheat day’ but normal duties are strict - ‘Fish and a ricecake’.. It’s a shame we haven't seen the body benefits yet :-)
Connor Harmer (28) ‘Tin-man’ - CDM
Connor has re-joined this season from local Cheltenham side Lakeside. He brings calmness & composure to the midfield to add another dynamic. ‘Tin-man’ is a reserved, chilled character who is
booking to cement a place in the squad.
Callum Thomas (27) ‘Lefty’ - LB / LW
Callum broke into the first team last season after impressing for the reserves. Callum has a sweet left foot and an excellent set piece delivery. Definitely not one to stand next too in the shower.
Jordan Molyneux (24) - CM
Jordan is tipped to chip in with some goals this season! He had an impressive season last year, picking up the Player’s Player award.Jordan is an engine in the midfield who covers every blade of grasson a matchday. Rumoured to be on Love Island next season too.‘What a man’.
Kieron Mace (29) - CB / LB
Kieron is a tough tackling, no nonsense defender with an abundance of footballing technique. ‘Macer’ usually pitches in with a worldie goal from time to time. One of the most senior players within the team. A true gent to have around the dressing room

Alex Gayner (28) ‘Maggie’ - LWF / CAM
Magnet can usually be found after games trawling the Glos Vegas nightlife, shirt off, bits out, impressing the ladies. Alex is a class act on his day! A great dribbler of the ball who is arguably quicker with the ball than without. Alex is an animal lover, paying special attention to Sharks. ‘Maggie’ is set to be a threat this season… lock up your daughters! 

Jon Antonio (22) - CB / CDM
Jon is a man mountain at the back offering great composure and distribution in passing range. He often enjoys a run out of defence and has an eye for goal from set piece situations. Jon is hoping to build on
his 2nd season since re-joining Gala as a 17 year old.
Brad Loveridge (22) ‘National league’ - RB
Brad is Mr consistent! Cool & calm on the ball who loves a trick or three. The opposition should be weary as a nutmeg is Brad’s speciality, ‘National leagues’ skills are a joke! Brad has been with the club a few
seasons now and is looking to build on assists and goals this coming season.
Craig Howell (29) - CM (Vice Captain)
Mr Gala Wilton himself. Craig is the longest serving 1st team player. Craig wears his heart on his sleeve! Bags of energy, amongst other things! The schemer of the team. Craig loves a feisty game and is known by most ref’s on a first name basis. A true ‘Midder’ .

Mike Baron (20) - CF
Probably the nicest man in football. He definitely has a Duracell battery as Mikey B does not stop running! Mike has an eye for goal. His workrate & tenacity are a defenders nightmare. Just a shame he is at uni some weeks and got rid of his mullet

Martin Smith (28) ‘Smithy’ - CM
Smithy has had a great pre-season getting double figures. His third man running and timing is exceptional and he rarely misses a header - in attack or defence. Smithy was hindered by injury and holiday / stag do addictions. Gala are expecting a big season ahead for this young man.
Connor Walters (18) - RW / CM
Connor has raw pace! He is direct and doesn't mind putting his body on the line. Connor’s twinkle toes are mainly down to his choice of boots / flippers. Connor is hoping to stamp down (excuse the pun) a place in the side now his school dance competitions have finished.

Dan McNally (33) ‘Dmac’ - CB & Club Captain
Dmac is a perfect role model to young players and embraces taking most ‘under his wing’. His leadership skills are 2nd to none & Dmac loves to buy the sweeties for the game and a round after. Solid organisational skills, great in the air, a proper centre half who would take a black eye for the team literally!
Ben Sluman (21) ‘Sluey’ - RW
Sluman is looking to build on last season's successes. Well until his love life ended the footballing campaign. Sluey is quick & dynamic, he enjoys dribbling at the opposition and delivery is usually on point. Big season ahead for the new look Sluman (can of monster, bottle of fake tan and fresh trim at the ready).
Dan Gayner (28) - CF
Dan was voted Managers player of the year last season bagging 19 goals in the league. His ‘Clinical’ finishing was top notch, inspired by HT team talks. Like a camel, Dan works tirelessly for the team and
often needs refreshments to get him through. 20 goals plus this season is the target for the better looking ‘Gayner brother’

Sam Webb (26) ‘Webby’ - CDM / Full back
Webby is a long serving player of Gala, the utility man who can rat out a performance wherever he plays on the pitch. Technically gifted… at football! Sam is a great lad to have around the dressing room. Webby will give his all for the club.. as long as his Mrs lets him!
Jay Dare (20) - RW
Jay is an incredibly talented football player, when he wants to be. Unfortunately Jay will probably be late to his own funeral.. For real! Quick, strong & skilful Jay offers ability all over the pitch. Got booked pre-season for wearing a Johnny dang necklace

Brad Newman (22) - GK
Brad joined Gala this season having previously played at Tuffley Rovers & Gloucester Athletic. Brad's distribution is a joy to watch and matched by great shot stopping ability. We hope Brad settles in welland has a few clean sheets on his journey with Gala.

Lewis Skyers (38) - GK
Lewis is the oldest player within the squad and well respected by all his teammates! Lew has previously played at a higher standard & even represented Great Britain in goal.. Arguably the best penalty saver in
Gloucestershire. You will usually hear Lewis organising the team from the back in a relaxed and pragmatic style….not! Lewis has threatened to hang up the gloves…we have refused his request.
Kyle Gibbs (20) - CAM
Kyle has joined the club for the 20022/3 season after previously playing for Shortwood & Stonehouse Town. Massive Liverfool fan. Kyle is a true menace, his energy and passion is a real threat along with his
technical ability. At 20 years old this lad has a big season ahead of him. Gala are excited to see this lad blossom!

Jacob Eakers (17) - LWB / RWB
Jacob is the youngest member of the squad but you couldn’t tell with his workrate & tempo. Eakers is a naturally gifted footballer who will go a long way! He is currently playing u18’s football for Gloucester City,
so the progression into mens football is only going to make Jacob stronger and better. One to watch out for in the future. Learned everything he knows from his Dad.
Stu Griffith (35) ‘Griffo’ - 1st team Manager
Stu joined Gala for the 2021/22 season and guided them to a 5th place finish. ‘Gaffer Griffo’ spent his playing days mostly at Tuffley Rovers, reminding most about his goals in the FA Cup. His claim to fame was scoring against Joe Hart at the age of 11 for Glos primary schools. Stu is hoping to build on the foundations of last season and push this great bunch of lads to a successful season.j

Jon Clay (35) ‘Coch Clay’ - 1st team coach
Jon is a long serving Gala player (CB) who joined the management team last season as 1st team coach. Jon has a steady head and a wagging finger (usually on nights out) Jon still thinks he has got it so we may see him lace those boots for a cameo appearance at some point this season. Coach Clay enjoys being social and gives the
young lads a run for their money!

Match Reports by Mark Simpson

Back to the League and Almondsbury lose top spot to Sharpness who won 2-0 Friday at The Field thanks to two own goals! and Totterdown United break their duck with a win at Gala Wilton. Also watch out for Frampton United, creeping up the table.

In front of over 200 spectators at The Field, Almondbury, it was Sharpness who came out at a high tempo and press and continued in that vein for the first 45. During the first 30 minutes both teams created half chances without troubling the keepers. Sharpness then started to apply more pressure and right on half-time a long throw into the box created a scramble on the Almonds line and an attempted clearance deflected off a defender for an own-goal. Almonds started the second period at a better tempo and created a great chance from Hill’s free kick with Meacham heading just wide. Five minutes later Sharks keeper James Holder made a poor clearance but Meacham failed to hit the target from just outside the box. With 25 minutes to go a mix-up between Sam Burgess and Jack Burgess in the Almonds area ended with the ball in the net for another own goal. Almonds made two changes with Nicholls and Morgan having a positive impact from the wings but only a few half chances were created and nothing to trouble Holder. Sharpness saw out a deserved 2-0 win.

Next to Waterwells where Quedgeley Wanderers fell apart against Wick. After a fairly lively start the first chance fell to Quedgeley’s Rory Hunt whose attempt from distance was just over and soon after Wick broke down the left, the cross off the post and Ollie Barnett cleared off the line. Further chances went to Wick with blocked shots and then Nathan Charnock pulling off a good save. 

From the eventual Quedgeley goal kick Connor Webb fed Harry Furniss who put Rory Hunt through and he forced a good save from Kai Wilson. Plenty of chances created and on 15 Wick’s Harrison Kyte forced another good save from Charnock. A few more for chances fell to Wick before a through ball to Cory Langdon who shot, Charnock got something on it but not enough to prevent the opener for the visitors. At the other end Wilson made a good save before Wick’s second on 32, Langdon reacting fastest to a long ball rounding Charnock for a tap in. His hat trick came two minutes later after a looped ball left him through again to lift over a stranded Charnock for 3-0. On 39 minutes a long ball from Wilson was met by Barnett but Langdon hit on the down for it to bobble into the far corner for his and Wick’s fourth. A few minutes on and Langdon was at it again breaking through forcing Charnock into a save, the rebound coming off the post. The second half was quieter with chances for both teams before Freddie Mogg won the ball in the Quedgeley half and ran straight through to knock the ball past Charnock for 5-0. Sustained pressure from the hosts near the end had no final product and Wick went away with an impressive victory.

Up to the Forest for Ruardean Hill Rangers home match with Hanham Athletic and the visitors made a strong start with their first effort blocked by Troy Morgan and soon after a free kick saved by Aaron Underwood. A mistake at the back By Hill let in Mikey Golding to open Hanham’s account, but five minutes later Steve Clark brought the scores level from a direct free kick. Twenty-two minutes saw Hanham back in front after some good football leading to Liam Jenkins scoring. Five minutes on Clark had a goal knocked off for an offside. Unfortunately for Hill another mistake at the back gave Brandon Barnes a goal for 3-1. Just after the break a free kick from Hill’s Ollie Mason was nearly poked home by Luke Johnson

A somewhat disputed penalty saw Brandon Barnes make it 4-1 to Hanham and on the hour Mark Chapman got on the scoresheet for their fifth. Ten minutes from the end Hill pulled one back, Taylor Blaby sweeping home from close range and then a great chance for Tyler Adams was saved by Ashton Trott, leaving Hanham with a very good 5-2 win.

At Fairmile Gardens Gala Wilton took on Totterdown United with both sides looking for three points after a poor recent run of league results from both sides. Gala were largely on top for the first half but a resolute defensive set up by the visitors meant they couldn’t make their dominance pay. The second half was a lot different with Totterdown coming much more into things and they made this count on seventy minutes with the best move of the match down the right leading to Ollie Lovell finishing off for 1-0. Gala were unable to make any inroads into this lead and Totterdown held on to take home their first three points of the season.

Broadwell Amateurs welcomed Chalford to the Hawthorns on a cool but bright day setting the stage for an intense contest. Both sides started cautiously testing each other out with Chalford’s physical presence evident, their two towering fullbacks dominating the aerial battles. Broadwell coped with Chalford’s ground play and looking to strike on the break. The breakthrough came in the 22^nd> minute with a swift move down the right that saw Harry Williams deliver a low and pacy ball across the box for Ethan Wilkins to slot past the on-rushing Portlock. Chalford responded by increasing the tempo but were unable to break Broadwell down. In the second half Chalford came out looking to put the hosts under pressure with long balls and aerial attacks, but, again, Broadwell held firm. And on the hour Broadwell doubled their lead, Williams, in space, whipped a dangerous cross in, Jamie Belfitt met it with a clever 

flick, parried by Portlock and rebounding off Belfitt’s chest for two-nil. Broadwell were forced into a couple of changes, which rather unsettled their rhythm and Chalford took advantage and were rewarded in the 85th minute when a chaotic scramble in Broadwell’s box saw Ben Minnican force the ball in for 2-1. However, Broadwell’s resilience and ability to handle pressure kept a frustrated Chalford out for an excellent victory over a previously unbeaten side in the league. 

At Pen Park Filton Athletic were looking to get back to winning ways against struggling Cheltenham Civil Service. The first effort on goal was with the visitor’s with Micolaj Rewczuk shooting just wide of Barry Phillips goal. Trey Merrett was then put through by Kyle Thomas but the on-rushing Service keeper Jon Dix was first to the ball. In the 13tj minute Merrett skipped past his marker sliding the ball across to Kieran Cooper whose shot is saved by Dix with Jack Coles firing the rebound over. The game carried on in this fashion but Filton never quite having the answers, a Fraser Venables free kick evading everyone and also the goal. The deadlock was finally broken on 35 Cooper finishing from close range, 1-0 to Filton. It was two almost straight away, Merrett sliding the ball across for Cooper to finish well. Service pushed to get something back before the break Ameer Khan shooting narrowly wide and then had another shot blocked by Chris Hillyer. Service looked to get back into the game after half time replacing Sam Powell with Ilie Silviu, but it was Filton who got the next goal Fry scoring after a head back across the goal from Hillyer. It was nearly four but Liam Dorman’s shot was well saved by Dix, but, it soon after became four when Thomas finished neatly past Dix from a Venables cross. A dominant 4-0 Filton win against a side who have it all to do.

As I said above keep an eye out for Frampton United, who welcomed Bromley Heath United to The Bell Field. The first real chance was to Frampton from a Fin Blythe corner Jacob Geddes headed onto the bar. Geddes made amends in the 40th minute heading in from a free kick for 1-0.

Archie Myatt went on a mazy run and his ball into the box was flicked just wide by Henry Driver-Dickerson. It took a great save by keeper Tom Kaye to deny Bromley’s Aiden Noble’s close-range header. From the second half kick-off Frampton had a free kick on the edge of the box and Olly Amos in the Bromley goal got down well to push Espada’s shot around the post. In the 65th minute Bromley equalised Noble headed in Fletcher Cripps cross. Frampton scored the winning goal when the ball was cleared off the Bromley goal-line but Max Harper-Emerson was on hand to fire in. It was Kaye who saved the day for Frampton, pulling off a great save tipping a long-range effort on to the underside of the bar to keep the score at 2-1 to Frampton.

At Arnall Drive Henbury & Rockleaze took on Stoke Gifford SGS United and for a change H&R were on the right end of a dramatic finish! SGS started brightly with lots of energy and crisp passing and after looking the better side deservedly took the lead on 21 minutes when good work by Even Maidment crafted a chance for Jake Abraham whose effort was well saved by Jordan Dunning only to see the ball squirm to Rudy Hill who made no mistake from a yard out. It was almost two a minute later, Abraham’s shot from the edge just wide. This was a wake-up call for H&R who became the better side for much of the remainder of the match. On half time Jordan Dent rose highest from a left wing cross to head narrowly wide and then Nick Jones forced a good full-length diving save by Oli Gargett. The second half was a good spectacle for County League football both sides getting the ball down and playing football on a decent surface. Dent should have scored on 55 but his back post header was badly mis-directed and then on 70 Jake Abraham could have sealed the points for SGS one-on-one with Dunning, but his lob was well over. There were long periods of H&R pressure but Gargett was rarely called on to make any saves, however, these long periods of H&R pressure took it out of SGS and on 90 minutes a Brandon Boontan through ball found Drew Sawdon who took the ball in his stride and from 8 yards blasted past a bewildered Gargett. Both sides forced corners in the 9 minutes added time but couldn’t find a winner and 1-1 it ended.

By Matt Badcock

Editor, The Non-League Paper

WHAT’S THAT noise you hear rumbling in the distance? Ah yes, it’s the national media getting ready to start covering the FA Cup from the first round proper.

No Non-League footballer’s day job is safe from being shoehorned into any report in a bid to save the romance of the FA Cup.

Of course, if you’re reading this you know the FA Cup kicked off back in August and the magic has been well and truly alive ever since.

And while, yes, the first round proper is drawing ever nearer, the fourth round qualifying round as thrown up some mouth-watering ties.

We’ve said for quite a few years now how this stage of the competition – and even those before it considering the size of some Step 2 clubs – almost has a first round feel in itself.

Biggleswade v York City jumps off the page in a northern section of the draw packed with big names with the likes of Scarborough Athletic hosting Chester and Oldham Athletic taking on FC Halifax Town.

Will it be a Bigg weekend in Bedfordshire? Biggleswade Town are still in the hat with their postponed replay against Alfreton Town due now scheduled for Tuesday after a midweek washout. The winners host Spennymoor Town.

Hednesford Town are a big Non-League name now under the charge of another big Non-League name in Steve King. The Step 4 side entered right at the very start in the extra preliminary round and, thanks to a 1-0 win over Shifnal Town on Tuesday, will now host Step 1 Gateshead.

And how about Step 5 Bury fresh from their win at National League North Radcliffe at the weekend? They travel to Harborough Town who are looking to create their own history by reaching the first round for the first time.

In the southern section of the draw we’re waiting to see whether Bishops Cleeve can add Chesham United to their scalps in the rearranged replay on Tuesday with Yeovil Town awaiting the winners.

Suffolk side Leiston beat Hornchurch in extra time on Tuesday to set-up a home date with National League Dagenham & Redbridge, while Chertsey Town host Sutton United

Horsham enjoyed a fairytale run last season, drawing 3-3 with Barnsley before losing the replay and then being reinstated after the Tykes were found to have played an ineligible player.

They welcome Step 4 Gorleston, who have just dumped out St Albans City. The last time they reached the first round was in the 1957-58 season! IF they get there, surely that’s worth a piece in the papers…

FA Cup fourth round qualifying draw

NORTHERN SECTION

Rushall Olympic v Peterborough Sports

Tamworth v Macclesfield

Oldham Athletic v FC Halifax Town

Hartlepool United v Brackley Town

Farsley Celtic v Kettering Town

Altrincham v Solihull Moors

AFC Fylde v Rochdale

Scarborough Athletic v Chester

Biggleswade v York City

Harborough Town v Bury

Curzon Ashton v Kings Lynn Town

Gainsborough Trinity v Boston United

Hednesford Town v Gateshead

Biggleswade Town/Alfreton Town v Spennymoor Town Kidderminster Harriers v Guiseley

SOUTHERN SECTION

Taunton Town v Maidenhead United

Horsham v Gorleston

Aldershot Town v Bath City

Eastleigh v Southend United

Chertsey Town v Sutton United

Boreham Wood v Carshalton Athletic

Haringey Borough/Lowestoft Town v Weston-super-Mare

Wealdstone v Gosport Borough

Leiston v Dagenham & Redbridge

Barnet v Chelmsford City

Bishops Cleeve/Chesham United v Yeovil Town

Cray Wanderers v Tonbridge Angels

Woking v Slough Town

Forest Green Rovers v Weymouth

Maidstone United v Ebbsfleet United

Plymouth Parkway v Worthing

Braintree Town v Bishop’s Stortford

Gloucester County League

Saturday 5th October 2024 Kick Off 3pm