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

Following 5 consecutive win last Saturday saw the 1sr team make the long journey to Bishops Cleeve Reserves the other side of Cheltenham Unfortunately the holiday traffic meant preparations were delayed with one player arriving after kick-off and 2-3 others very late. Understandably the 1^st half was a write off with us being 3-1 down after forgetting how to play on 3G, the 2nd half was completely different and we should have got a result, however, ended up losing 3-2. Here’s hoping we can go on another unbeaten run in the not-too-distant future.

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’

Regards

.

Kick Off 3pm (2pm Nov to Feb)

Kick Off 3pm (2pm Nov to Feb)

TODAY'S MATCHES

Bromley Heath Utd v Tewkesbury Town

Chalford v Bishops Cleeve Dev

Cribbs Res v Stoke Gifford SGS Utd

Hanham Athletic v Tytherington Rocks

Henbury & Rockleaze v Filton Athletic

Quedgeley Wanderers v Broadwell Amateurs

Ruardean Hill Rangers v Totterdown United

saw the zenith of the clubs success with the lifting of the GNSL Championship. The title race went down to the wire with Championship rivals Lydney Town the visitors to Highfield on the last game of the season. In front of a large crowd Lydney had a goal disallowed and then a penalty saved before goals from Paul Tester and Nick Rock (penalty) secured a 2-0 win and that first Championship win. Sadly the club were relegated back to Division 2 in 1981-82 and even worse followed with their relegation from the league in 1987.

After 15 seasons in the doldrums the club finally regained their GNSL membership in 2002 immediately gaining promotion after finishing third behind Warden Hull United and Whitecroft. Relegation in 2006 saw them flounder in Division 2 for 11 seasons before winning the Division in 2016-17. After finishing Runners Up to Sharpness in 2018-19 the club is now hoping to emulate the 1977-78 season and lift the title again.

Last season saw the club once again finish runners-up in Division One but this time finishing 7 points behind Cheltenham Civil Service. They did however lift the Reg Davis Trophy for the 2nd time running by beating the eventual league champions 4-3 in an exhilarating final at Lydney that went right to the wire. The club are therefore keen to make league history by being the first club to achieve a hat-trick of wins.

Duane Portlock - GK

New signing this season, vastly experienced keeper having played for Brimscombe, Shortwood & Taveners. Great presence with big voice & great distribution.

Sam Neale - GK

‘Keith’ comes back in to the 1st fold after sitting out 1st half of last season. A strong performer for the reserves and with penalty saves in the reserves cup final win he’ll provide strong competition for the number 1 shirt.

Luke Benneyworth - CB

Lord Benneyworth, veteran of the back line who’s played majority of his senior football at Shortwood! A mountain of man who is vital in both penalty areas. Fines master & longest in the shower!

Johnny Davis - CB

‘JD’ is the Skipper of the side, a vocal presence & fantastic leader who’s held the arm band for 7 seasons. Sets the standard that the lads look up to. Gets his fair share of goals as well. One of the OG’s from when the group came together 8 years ago.

Luke Barstow - CB

Commonly known as ‘Pike’. Signed back on after being a bit part player last season. Defender who’s good in the air with great distribution & loves a tackle. Had his fair share of clubs.

Charlie Bond - CB/ST

‘Bondy’, a shy lad but a club stalwart and scorer of the one the best ever Chalford goals. Challenges Harris for strongest hairline in the group. Another one of the OG’s.

Jamie Lock - CB/LB

Lockdog, signed 3 years ago and has been a vital part of the back line. Superb left foot & another who chips in with a few goals & assists. Another who loves a tackle, had a DD set up with GFA last season

Ben Minnican - RB/RWB

A lad who came through the Chalford youth system. Chipped in with 16 goals last season. Delighted to secure his signature again after some strong interest. Loves an Hyrox. Ask him about his celebrity lookalike.

Ryan Outram - LB/LWB

‘Ferret’ joined the club last season from Brimscombe & went from strength to strength playing regular football. Loves a social and makes his Mum proud. Ask him to show you his tattoo.

Simon Loftus - LB

Clubs longest serving player, Mr Social Media & another OG. Moved away for the area now but will be back to wear the shirt throughout the season. Quality left foot. Travels the world for work, nobody knows his jobs!

Brad Moore - RB/CM

‘Trent’ comfortable at RB or in CM, good on the ball & been a huge part of the clubs recent success. Scored the goal in the playoff final to secure our promotion. Conversations can take a while.

Danny Harris - CM

‘DK’ it’s been said in recent years if Danny plays well Chalf play well. A vital cog in our midfield who does the dirty work & has a strong voice. Powello’s favourite and has a strong hairline.

Andrew Roberts - CM

‘Rew’ joined the club at 16 after coming through the youth system. Another OG & even at 32 he still runs around CM like a youngster. Chips in with vital goals & loves 1 worldie a season. Lives on coffee, coco pops & 20 a day.

James Keylock - CM

‘Keys’ joined as a striker 7 years ago but now finds himself in a deeper role. Superb on the ball & last seasons joint player of the year. BDK is another member of the hairline club!

Sid Fawcett - CM

Spike’ great technician & quality with both feet another one to come through the youth set up . Missed large parts of last season but we are hoping to see more of him this campaign. Loudest in the group

.

Freddie Wilson - CM

‘Golden Boy’ a dressing room favourite. Electric over 15 yards & always a threat going forward. Also another one through the youth set up Injuries interrupted his last year but we are hoping to see him fully fit this year. Most intelligent in the group.

Luke Brunsdon - LWB/Forward

‘Bruno’ missed 2nd half of last season through injury but returned with a 10 minute cameo to win us the title in the last game of the season. Quick direct player who scores vital goals.

George Parker - Forward

‘The Doctor’, a lad with an abundance of talent. Quick, strong & a defenders nightmare. Another one through the youth system If we can get him firing on all cylinders we’ll have a one hell of a player.

Andy Maryon - Forward

‘Dzeko’, immense last season in attack & defence after returning from ankle surgery. Scored some very important goals last year and will be crucial to success this year. Last seasons joint player of the year. Fastest player at the club.

Ryan Harry – Forward

‘Deano’, another one to come through the youth set up at Chalford. Had one of this best seasons last year in terms of goals and will look to kick on again. Needs a +3 for presentation night.

Nat Buckland - Gaffer/ST/GK

‘Bookland’, joined the coaching staff in January & steps up to work alongside Powello this year after injuries got the better of him. Still got a headed goal in him.

Ben Powell – Gaffer

‘Powello’. 9th season in charge & the clubs most successful manager with 3 league titles & 3 cup wins in his reign.

Watch out If he’s walking to the changing rooms before half-time.

Thankfully agreed to stay this year after nearly getting lost near Junction 13.

In this week’s NLP, in the shops, and online, as usual this Sunday, Tony looks back on a myriad of amazing adventures watching 70 Non-League matches throughout 2025.

Having travelled from Dublin, down to Cornwall and all the way up to Northumberland, Tony reveals his top 10 highlights for the second half of 2025 in date order to follow on from his NLP column from May.

Tony tells of his visit to his native Ireland to watch the FA of Ireland Cup, the last Cornish ground off his checklist and a trip to the Fylde Coast in the Isuzu FA Vase with a vociferous welcome.

He also took in the UK’s first private football academy and a Midland Football League match abandoned in the first half due to high winds.

And find out also how Steven Gerrard managed a name check on his travels.

In 2026, The NLP will be there every step of the way as Tony looks to chalk off his last remaining six grounds, while the ever-popular Diary of a Groundhopper and our Hopping Poet, Chris Towers, will continue to give their own individual takes on the life of a Non-League football fan.

Like Tony and the rest, we’re Hopping Mad for the Non-League and remain  committed to bringing you unrivalled coverage again in 2026.

Happy New Year to you all.

AS NO ARTICLE PRODUCED THIS WEEK, THE ABOVE ARTICLE, WAS ONE PROVIDED ON 22/12/25

Saturday 21 February 2026

Sharpness maintained their push for the title with a good win at Broadwell whilst Tewkesbury fell off the pace a little with their first defeat since mid-September. At the bottom Hanham fell to Filton, who helped their position in the top three and Totterdown gave themselves a boost at the bottom with a win over Henbury and Rockleaze. In the first Les James League Cup semi-final Frampton United eased into the final against Ruardean Hill.

Tricky pitch conditions at the Hawthorns where Broadwell Amateurs took on League leaders Sharpness with Broadwell finding their feet first with a bright opening ten minutes and the first goal following a low whipped free kick from Dan Brain and Kristian Burnard getting the slightest of touches to flick home for 1-0. Sharpness grew into the game and had a goal disallowed for a foul on keeper Jack Watkins, but they equalised shortly after a low diagonal cross, a flick through bodies and tucked away by Bryant for 1-1. Sharpness finished the half the stronger of the two and should have took the lead when Watkins was rounded and with the goal open Creighton got back and cleared to safety. The Sharks took the lead early in the second half after along throw headed home by Bennett. Broadwell’s equaliser came twenty minutes from time when Kian Skidmore’s low driven shot was fumbled in by keeper Dykes. Sharpness found their third and the winner when low driven shot from Bennett took a wicked bobble off the pitch and lifted over the diving Watkins for a valuable three points for the visitors.

With title chasing Tewkesbury Town arriving at Highfield Way in a confident mood Chalford delivered a composed and clinical performance to secure a superb 2-0 victory. From the first whistle Chalford showed their intent forcing the first corner of the afternoon and setting the tone early on. In the 6th minute that pressure told, with Keylock scoring directly from a corner. Tewkesbury looked to respond earning corners in quick succession but Chalford were well organised at the back and indeed broke from one of the corners and Cooke was unlucky not to double their advantage. Chalford continued to press with Fletcher just wide on 25 minutes and Tewkesbury also going close on two occasions. The second half almost began perfectly for Chalford, with Cooke finding space but firing just wide. Tewkesbury started to press more earning a succession of corners but were not able to truly trouble the Chalford back line. Williams delivered a delightful free kick only for Maryon to lose his footing at the crucial moment and minutes later he was involved again narrowly heading wide from a corner. Tewkesbury also had their moments with a shot crashing off the crossbar and shortly after Jordan’s free header was saved by the Chalford keeper. Chalford continued to threaten on the break with Cooke just wide on the hour and a tremendous strike By Newell forced an excellent save. Tewkesbury pushed harder but Chalford remained resolute and the decisive moment came in the 76th minute when a mistake in the Tewkesbury defence was ruthlessly punished by Cam Kerr whose calm finish made it 2-0. Two minutes later Kerr was through again but was brought down, with Newell’s free kick striking the wall, and Maryon almost added a third on 84 minutes firing just over. So, a clinical performance from the hosts and a well-earned 2-0 victory. 

At Vicarage Road Hanham Athletic took on title chasing Filton Athletic and both teams started well and had chances in the first few minutes. Liam Jenkins shot for Hanham was well saved by Tom Evans before Taylor Anderson shot wide for Filton when clean through. It was Hanham who took the lead on 13 minutes when, after good work by Abraham and Plummer, Mickey Golding nipped in to score. It was almost two on twenty minutes but Nathan Hall’s brilliant shot across the keeper cannoned off the post and out of danger. It didn’t take long for Filton to equalise in the second half when a minute in David Quick beat Taylor from the edge of the area. But, Hanham regained the lead on the hour when a corner was knocked down and Lewis Williams smashed the ball home. Filton equalised again on 75 minutes when Trey Merrett struck a fine free kick past Taylor and Keiron Cooper made it 3-2 to Filton on 80 minutes when a mistake by Harley Boyce allowed him to shoot past Taylor. A good win for Filton against a struggling Hanham, but they all count.

At Waterwells Quedgeley Wanderers hosted Bromley Heath United and the opening exchanges were evenly contested, although Quedgeley enjoyed early territory. Luke Horrocks saw plenty of the ball down the line and efforts from wide areas showed early intent. Bromley’s first shot of the game forced Tony Hawkins into a good save. QW’s breakthrough came midway through the half when Ollie Barnett delivered a free kick that Fin Jenner met with a header, and with Ferguson misjudging the flight the ball ended up in the back of the net. Chances continued to fall for QW, a header drifted wide, Billy Osabuohien was narrowly off target when played through and Jenner tested the away defence with a

shot just wide. Quedgeley doubled their lead on 40 minutes, a free kick from distance by Riley Stokes was struck with precision by Luca Horrocks for 2-0 at the interval. Bromley Heath responded after the break and an early free kick was headed wide before a shot from distance tested Hawkins. Bromley came back into the mix when Jack Waldron capitalised on a mistake by Hawkins to make it 2-1. The game opened up and Bromley had one disallowed for offside and both sides traded chances. Free kicks from wide areas caused problems and Osabuohien’s clever flick went untouched as it flashed across goal. Substitutions followed as the intensity increased and QW forced Ferguson into action from another set piece, and sustained pressure led to a scramble in which Seb Keith’s effort was dramatically cleared off the line. Despite Quedgeley’s pressure Bromley Heath carried a threat on the break with one effort rattling the bar after a quick counter and with just minutes remaining the decisive moment arrived, a failure to clear allowed Ollie Hanham to pounce and fire home turning the game on its head at 2-2.

A welcome gap in the weather saw football back at Oldbury Lane where Wick and Stoke Gifford SGS United met looking to elevate their mid table positions. Stoke Gifford started brightly creating three opportunities within the first few minutes, which Mason Hawkins in the Wick goal had to deal with to prevent an early goal. Wick came into things in the 6th minute when Gifford’s defence failed to effectively clear a Wick attack but the chance went begging. Two minutes later Wick did open their account when Jaye Rudge put George Lloyd through and he made no mistake giving Taylor Smith between the sticks no chance. On 15 minutes Gifford drew level with Wick falling asleep at a corner, allowing a short corner, and a pin-point cross for Daniel Twomey 

to head past Hawkins. In a fast-paced game Wick should have retaken the lead after Rudge’s shot cannoned off the bar and the in-rushing Lloyd ballooned his shot over. With their tails up Wick thought they had scored on 22 minutes when Lloyd’s goal-bound effort was brilliantly cleared off the line. Wick started the second half on the front foot but without troubling SGS keeper Smith. That changed however, on the hour, when Cory Langdon crashed his shot into the roof of the net after Smith could only parry a fierce shot. With the game now end-to-end both sides were looking to create scoring opportunities and on 75 minutes a great run by Wick’s Louis Short down the right cutting inside to shoot and bringing a great save by Smith. Ten minutes later the game was effectively put to bed when Langdon notched the third finding the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the area. An entertaining game with Wick taking the three points after a 3-1 win.

Les James League Cup holders Frampton United took on Ruardean Hill Rangers in this years semi-final at the Bellfield and came out comfortable winners. Frampton’s Dom Brown had a good chance to open the scoring after twelve minutes but Underwood did well to get down and palm his header away. Five minutes later Frampton scored when a Billy Curtis cross was missed by a defender and Manolo Marquez headed in for 1-0. Five minutes into the second half Marquez scored again when he squeezed the ball past Underwood. Ruardean’s Oli Mason had a good chance to pull a goal back when he ran clear but Tom Kaye was on hand to save his effort. Theo Browne made it 3-0 when he headed in a Joe Rowsell cross and Ruardean pulled one back when a cross by Mason was deflected in by a Frampton defender. Theo Browne scored his second when he cut inside a defender and slotted home and Frampton’s fifth came from a Ruardean own-goal. 

The conditions were nice at Norton Lane at kick off, the pitch in good condition with the grass having a bit of zip in it for Totterdown United against Henbury & Rockleaze. Totterdown began up the slight slope and came bustling forward straight from kick-off putting H&R under early pressure. The first chance fell to Lovell who shot just wide after a good passage of play and Saunders was proving to be a real handful for the H&R defence, holding off defenders, running channels and bringing Totterdown’s other attackers into play. On 20 minutes a Sylvester pass was pounced on by Lovell who got between a defender and keeper, and rounding Dunning to slot home. Totterdown continued to dominate but H&R saw a ball over the top latched onto but went wide. More pressure from Totts with plenty of crosses and Tobin and Makers making driving runs from midfield. Finally, a second goal for Totterdown came when a smart turn and cross was nodded home by Saunders. Both teams came out to the rain in the second half with H&R making a change in personnel and shape. The game was much more even now with H&R stringing some passes together, but other than a few corners Ashley Martin wasn’t really tested. However, it was Totts who came closest after Maker’s surging run beating three defenders and cutting back for Lovell only for the ball to be taken off his toes. In the 75th minute H&R pulled one back, a free kick out wide came in and Webb got up well and with Martin caught out his header looped into the middle of the goal. More pressure came from H&R with a dangerous ball flashed across Totts box and another cross dropped for H&R to score but Martin made a great point-blank save. The last ten minutes were fairly comfortable for Totterdown with a few changes being made and with Sulyman settling them down they saw the game out with a deserved 2-1 victory.