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

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

Today sees us play our friends from Wick FC, Wick like

us have a new manager this season along with quite a few new players so we are expecting another tough test.

Last Saturday saw us humbled away too a very good Quedgeley Wanderers side who will be up and around the top sides all season. After our excellent start to the season the test now is how we react to that first defeat.

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

Andrew

Good afternoon, everyone,

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

The past two weeks have highlighted just how competitive and demanding this division can be, providing a timely reminder that success must be earned every week. After an encouraging start to the season, we have experienced both the highs and challenges that come with competing at this level.

We managed to secure a scruffy 1-0 victory over Ruardean in the cup, but last week's defeat at Quedgeley brought us back down to earth. It was our first real setback of the campaign and an important learning experience for everyone involved. The key challenge for us today is how we respond and demonstrate our character.

In terms of team news, full-back Aidan Hall and striker Kingsley Miller are both unavailable

for selection. However, Drew Sawdon

and Kane Mannings return to

contention after missing the

trip to Quedgeley.

Thank you, as always,

for your continued support.

2027

As old photographs will show Wick had a village football team long before a group of young local lads formed Wick CA in 1971. Unable to play at Oldbury Lane at that time, they played their first couple of seasons on a patch of land off Naishcombe Hill, as Oldbury Lane was home to Wick Athletic (whose history we can trace back to the 1930's), and Partridge & Love. The young Wick side quickly saw success, winning ther Regional division without losing a game. A feat almost repeated the following season when they finished as runners up. Then came a switch to the Bristol & District league, where success continued taking the division 4 title in 1974, and winning the GFA Minor cup the season after. When Partridge & Love disbanded, it gave Wick CA the opportunity to relocate to Oldbury Lane, where they later amalgamated with Wick Athletic to form a single club in the mid 70's. This sparked a lengthy period of progress for the club with the introduction of a Reserve side. The 1st team’s triumph in the 1978 Junior Cup was followed by double celebrations in 1982 when both club sides were promoted - the 1st team winning the B&D Senior Div and the Reserves as runners up in B&D Div 4. Success continued and two seasons later Wick had another double celebration with the 1st team taking the Bristol Prem Combination div 1 title and the Reserves the B&D div 3 crown. The following years were a lean period for the club which included relegation. Then with a name change to RMC Wick (through its sponsorship from the local quarry) fortunes turned in 1998 with a second success in the GFA Junior Cup. This was the catalyst to another successful period at the club, and in the 1999/2000 season the First team returned to the Bristol Prem Comb after taking the B&D Senior Div title. Another promotion the following season saw the First team in the Premier Div of the Bristol Prem where they won the Bristol Prem Cup in both 2003 & 2005.

With an influx of new players, Wick were able to introduce a third side with this A team starting in B&D div 6. 2004 saw the First team finish fourth in the Bristol Prem, and promotion for both the Reserves and A teams, although the Reserves tasted relegation to B&D div 2 the following season. Wick's dreams of promotion to the County League were dashed in the 2004/5 season when a poor end to the season saw them lose their leading position at the half-way stage. In the 2007/8 season the reserves were promoted to the B&D Senior div, but there was little further success for the clubs three Saturday sides until the 2016/17 season, which saw the first team narrowly pipped for the Bristol Prem Comb title but gain promotion to the Marcliffe County League under the reins of Mike Strawford.

The 2017/18 season saw the A team fold through a lack of younger players, but the formation of a second veterans side playing on a Sunday, where both vet sides enjoyed league and Cup success. The 2019/20 season looked set to be a fantastic year for both the first team and reserves, but with league and Cup honours in sight, the season fell foul to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the upside the reserves were promoted to the Prem Comb Div 1. Progress on the field continued the following season with the first team taking the County League title after an epic battle with Shirehampton. Unfortunately our planning application for step 6 development took too long to get and so Shirehampton was given the promotion slot.Failing to gain promotion resulted in an exodus of players and management all eager to play at step 6, which meant a complete rebuild of the squad in the 2021/2022 season managed by Kev Pollard and Jamie Johnson assisted by Nathan Broe (Coach) and Tom Darby (goalkeeper coach).

Last season was a mixed bag for Wick FC, which saw it's reserve team and management leave part way through the season to join a local step 6 side, which caused Wick to pull the reserves from the Prem Comb. The first team continued to rebuild, the A team won promotion, Vets won a league and cup double, while Wick Sunday enjoyed a successful season, winning the league cup.

The new 2024/25 season will see a new young first team management team in place, with Callum Fudgell and Josh Brown bringing a fresh group of players to the club, to continue our ambition for step 6 football at Wick. In addition to the first team, Dominic Summers and Ash Jenkins established a new Reserve side, led by captain Callum Whooley. That season the first team finished a credible fourth, and with the same group a creditable 7th last season after a strong finish. The new 2026/7 season, sees a first team management change, after Callum Fudgell steps away, with George Boon taking charge, assisted by Josh Brown, Grant Evans and Frank Taylor-Fox, with a new look squad hungry for success. Our over 45’s & over 50’s vets teams will continue after last seasons honours and the Youth section guided by Josh Pollard has introduced a lads youth team alongside the well established Wick girls team

GEORGE BOON - Manager

"Played for Bristol City as a youngster from 8-18. Has spent the last 15 years at Cadbury Heath, 10 as a player winning the Western League Div 1 and GFA Cup and 5 as player/manager. Has had brief spells with Bitton, Bristol Manor Farm and Welton Rovers. Looking forward to the first season with Wick and working with a great squad.

JOSH BROWN - Assistant Manager

"Led the club to a very respectable 4th in first season & 7th place finish last year in what was a season of no real expectation. Hopefully can sort his crippled shoulder this year as he’s too good a player to not be playing.  Previous Clubs: Hanham Athletic, AEK Boco & Oldland"

DAN POPLE - Coaching Staff

"Popes is a key member of the staff.He brings a wealth of experience following his time with AEK Boco. Does lots of hard work that is hugely appreciated by the rest of the squad & management. Previous Clubs: AEK Boco"

ED GRIFFITHS - Coaching Staff

Ed Griffith has continued in his role with Wick for the 2026/27 season.Ed joined the club around January time and quickly made a huge impact, bringing fresh ideas, different perspectives, and a real understanding of how to change games and get results. His knowledge and input have been a valuable addition to the coaching staff, and we’re excited to see the influence he can continue to have this season

GORAZD GIGOV - Keeper

"We’re delighted to welcome Gorazd to the club as Wick’s new number 1. Gorazd arrives with plenty of Western League experience & brings a wealth of quality to the squad. Standing tall, excellent with his feet, & a fantastic shot stopper, he adds confidence & reliability between the sticks. We’re excited to see him lead from the back & play a huge part this season. Previous Clubs: Calne Town"

ELLIS RICHARDS - Defender

"Joining us this season from Longwell Green Reserves, where he captained the side, we’re delighted to welcome Ellis to the club. Strong, quick, & blessed with a fantastic left foot, he brings quality and versatility to the squad. Comfortable at both left-back and in central midfield, Ellis will be a valuable addition as we look ahead to the new season.  Previous Clubs: Longwell Green"

JOEL ATHEY - Defender

"Another exciting addition at left-back, Joel has impressed us throughout pre-season with his understanding of the game and defensive ability. He knows exactly where to position himself, is extremely comfortable on the ball, and excels in 1v1 defending. We’re looking forward to seeing him continue to develop and make a big impact this season. Previous Clubs: Nich Wands"

DANNY MILES - Defender

"Another great signing for the 2026/27 season.Danny Miles brings versatility and a fantastic attitude to the squad, able to play at left back, right back, or on the left wing. A player with a never-say-die mentality, Danny gives 100% every time he steps onto the pitch and will always put the team first.A brilliant addition to the group, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he brings this season Previous Clubs: "

FIN SPARKS - Defender

"A centre-back who was fantastic for us last season whenever called upon, Fin brings pace, strength, and a real presence at the heart of the defence. Excellent in the air and always ready for the battle, we’re excited to see him continue to play his part this season.Nickname - Sparkles Previous Clubs: AEK Boco"

DEKE LANGDON - Defender

"Deke is an underrated, versatile defender and the club’s new vice-captain. He is excellent in 1v1 battles, comfortable on the ball, and always gives 100%, though his throw-ins still need work. Previous Clubs: Hanham Athletic"

LIAM ROBSON - Defender

"We’re delighted that Norm has committed for the 2026/27 season.A proper centre-back who loves a crunching slide tackle and never pulls out of a challenge. Tough, committed, and always ready for a battle, Norm also loves winding up the opposition and getting under their skin Previous Clubs:Hanham Athletic, AEK Boco & Keynsham Town"

TIM O'LOUGHLIN - Defender

"We are delighted to welcome Tim from Almondsbury, where he won two league titles. He brings invaluable experience, leadership, and elite fitness to the squad, setting a high standard of professionalism. His winning mentality will be a massive asset to the team both on and off the pitch this season Previous Clubs: Almondsbury"

HARRY MADGE - Defender

"Harry has committed for the 2026/27 season. A huge player for the team when fit, Madge is a quick, intelligent defender who can slot in anywhere across the back four. Calm on the ball, reliable in defence, and always willing to put a shift in, he’s a real asset to the squad. The only downside? His hamstrings seem to be made of chocolate! Hopefully this is the season they finally hold up. Previous Clubs: Hanham Athletic, AEK Boco & Wick"

FRANK TAYLOR FOX - Midfield

"Frank jojns as part of the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season. Last season’s club captain and Supporters’ Player of the Season, Frank unfortunately picked up a serious injury towards the end of the campaign. While that keeps him off the pitch for now, it certainly won’t stop him having a huge influence on the team. He’ll be in the dugout helping the lads every step of the way, bringing his leadership, experience, and passion to the group. He’s a massive figure around the club, and every one of the boys has huge respect for him. Previous Clubs: Hanham Athletic, AEK Boco & Oldland"

JAYE RUDGE - Midfielder
Loves a moan but still one of the most gifted players in the squad. Quality feet, makes things tick and a great
finisher as well. Best trainer Previous Clubs: Hanham Athletic & AEK Boco

TYRONE FUDGELL - Midfield
Another player who joins us with big western league and county league experience. Ty is calm on the ball and
loves a tackle. Even at the age of 37 is one of the fittest players in the squad.
Previous Clubs: Avonmouth, Hanham Athletic & Bitton

KAI SHELLARD - Midfield
Kai joins us for this season from Bitton Reserves but did play a handful of games for their first team in the western
league last season. He is comfortable on the ball, has great feet and always looks to play forward.
Previous Clubs: Bitton

FRED TAYLOR FOX - Forward
Younger brother to Frank. Technically gifted footballer, an absolute nightmare to get the ball off will turn you inside
and out with his slick dribbling and skill. Huge miss for us at the back end of last season when he got injured, if
we can keep him fit and available we’ve always got a chance in any game as long as he’s available & not seeing
his missus in London.
Previous Clubs: Hanham Athletic & AEK Boco

BAYLEY RUDGE - Forward
One of the most two footed players you’ll ever see I still don’t know what foots his strongest now. Runs at defenders all day long and loves an assist. Still yet to win a MOTM award which he moans about every week. Fine master this season.
Previous Clubs: Hanham Athletic & AEK Boc

Quedgeley Wanderers have certainly set a pace at the top, not only winning games but winning by some big margins as unbeaten Henbury & Rockleaze found out yesterday. I’m sure they will not have it easy all season because there are a number of ambitious Clubs in the chasing pack.

Quedgeley Wanderers produced an impressive victory over unbeaten Henbury & Rockleaze at Waterwells with a strong all-round performance creating plenty of chances. QW started brightly and their first chance on 9 minutes forced keeper Harry Trett in to a good save. Just two minutes on Alfie Pledger delivered a dangerous ball into the box which was only half cleared and the resultant effort was over the top. QW pressure soon paid off with some good interplay down the right and the low cross found Tom de Quincy Adams who netted for a thirteenth minute lead. H&R tried responding with long balls which the QW defence dealt with comfortably. At the other end QW continued to look dangerous and Riley Stokes had a good run but shot just over. H&R had their best spell around 25 minutes but keeper Steve Sparrow made an important save to keep QW ahead and they went two up in the 38ih minute when a through ball wasn’t dealt with by the defence and Henry Miles picked up the loose ball, rounded his man and finished brilliantly and just five minutes later he scored again from a corner. H&R tried to get into the game early in the second half but found the QW defence too well organised. The fourth goal eventually arrived in the 72nd minute with a fine individual goal from de Quincy Adams who cut in from the left before finding the net to put QW firmly in control. H&R continued to battle and had a number of set piece opportunities which were stifled by Sparrow and his defence. QW were able to see the match out for a 4-0 victory.

Ruardean Hill Rangers played only their second game of the season against Bishops Cleeve Development at the Ruardean Rec. but it wasn’t until the 11th minute when the first chance came along as a free kick from Underwood found its way straight to Telling who headed straight at Parry in the Cleeve goal. Ten minutes later a good spin from Stephens saw him create some room for himself but his shot was straight at Parry. Hill took the leads on 25 minutes as a Cleeve mis header in midfield saw Clark take the gamble and he watched his lob drop into the back of the net. On 30 minutes a lovely diagonal ball from Brown found Clark whose first time lay-off found Barrett whose deflected shot was handled by Parry at the second attempt. Cleeve went close three minutes later as Monty New found some room but dragged his shot wide. On 38 minutes another long free kick saw Josh Long’s header back to his own goal and forced Parry to tip over and from the resulting corner Alex Stephens headed just wide. On 43 minutes a Cleeve free kick on the edge of the box saw Kian Gardener curl just wide, and right-on half-time Cleeve equalised as the ball ricocheted to Ross Langworthy who slotted into the far corner. On 49 minutes Hill were back in front as a bad back pass was intercepted by Stephens who made no mistake at Parry’s near post. On 55 minutes it was 3-1 after an overhead volley by Telling hit the bar and Harrison Creed reacted quickest to the rebound. On 70 minutes it maybe should have been four after a good run by Parfitt he slipped Clark in but his shot was into the side netting. On 80 minutes a long throw from Cleeve’s Sam Smith was flicked towards goal by Langworthy but the ball was well gathered by Underwood, and just after, a great run by Alex Stephens saw a half tackle fall back to him and his strike cannoned off the bar with Parry gathering the rebound. 

On 80 minutes a long throw from Cleeve’s Sam Smith was flicked towards goal by Langworthy but the ball was well gathered by Underwood, and just after, a great run by Alex Stephens saw a half tackle fall back to him and his strike cannoned off the bar with Parry gathering the rebound. On 88 minutes Cleeve got their second goal with a ball floated into the box and Henry Danter-Welch on hand to net. Overall, a deserved 3-2 win for Hill

.

At Coombe Dingle the University of Bristol faced Bristol Totterdown United on another sunny afternoon. The hosts had the majority of possession in the opening exchanges, with Totterdown looking dangerous on the counter. The first real chance fell to University winger Khoa Dao arriving late at the back post but his attempt to tap in went wide. It was the students however, who took the lead ten minutes before half-time with Jai Bhatti finishing calmly after a great through ball from Arthur Baldwin. Moments after the opener Totterdown almost equalised with a fantastic long-range strike that was tipped wide by keeper James Harwood at full stretch. After half time the hosts continued to dominate and began to create more chances playing at a higher tempo. Sebastien Tolosa scored his sixth goal in the last three games with another cool finish before Nemo Al-Qaq capitalised on a mistake at the back by Totterdown. On another day for the University it could have been a bigger scoreline with Tolosa and Zach Twaddle having further goals ruled out but the three points were secured in a straight forward 3-0 win.

A hard-fought encounter at Highfield Way ended goalless as Chalford and Frampton United shared the points in extremely difficult, windy conditions. The opening stages were evenly contested, with both sides looking comfortable in possession. Chalford created the first opportunity from a free kick which Silas delivered into the penalty area but nobody could apply the finishing touch. Soon after, another dangerous Chalford ball forced keeper Moroney to rush from his area to head clear. Frampton threatened on the counter early on and a final pass was overhit and ran safely through to the keeper. Chalford continued to look dangerous from set-pieces with Keylock putting several balls into the box. As the half progressed the wind became increasingly more significant and Chalford’s best opening came on 28 minutes when Maryon found space in the box and was unlucky not to score. The hosts kept pressing with Dzecko heading over from a corner before winning a penalty after being brought down, but Ryan Vincent’s spot kick was excellently saved by Moroney. The second half followed a similar pattern with both teams battling against the wind and the game became increasingly physical. Chalford started brightly winning an early corner, and Silas Sinclair forced another good save by Moroney from Keylock’s free kick. The contest became scrappy as the yellow cards mounted up and Adam Day saw red for his second yellow. Despite being down to ten Chalford defended stoutly restricting Frampton to few clear chances. Frampton were also reduced to ten when having no one to replace an injured player. Kieran Miller continued an excellent afternoon at the heart of the Chalford defence clearing Frampton’s dangerous late corner. The drama wasn’t over when Frampton’s Ali Aayaan received a straight red for a foul and both defences stood firm to see out a 0-0 draw

At the SGS stadium Tewkesbury Town were Stoke Gifford SGS United’s visitors and a bright start to the game saw both teams playing attacking football. Gifford had the first opportunity with Tom Manley being denied by keeper Xavier Welch when through one-on-one. At the other end Jamie Goodwin broke clear but the post came to Gifford’s rescue. On 17 minutes Luke Money’s pin point cross found Manley who headed home from inside the box. Gifford then took control of the game but failed to press home their advantage. On the stroke of half-time a well struck free kick from Nathan Newland-Gallaway almost drew Town level but his shot was deflected for a corner. The start of the second half was fairly even until the 60th minute when the ever-dangerous Goodwin capitalised on a mix up in the Gifford defence to calmly finish for 1-1. Tewkesbury were now in the ascendancy but Gifford were defending strongly and looking good for a hard-earned point but, after four minutes of time added on a ball into the Gifford six-yard box saw Alex Roder deliver the killer blow to secure a Tewkesbury Town win by 2-1.

Wick started brightly against AFC Mangotsfield Rocks at the Nest, looking to get on the front foot from the first whistle. Within in minutes the hosts won the ball high Lewis Densley breaking into the final third before squaring to Sam Archer who was unable to connect cleanly. Mangotsfield responded with a series of crosses into the Wick box but were not able to cause any problems. On four minutes Wick came even closer, Louis Short broke down the right gliding past his man before fizzing a dangerous ball across the 18-yard box, evading Kai Shellard before Archer’s effort was cleared off the line. Both sides looked to get in behind during an open start with Wick looking particularly dangerous. 

The tempo dropped slightly as the half progressed but Wick were creating the better opportunities. Densley again won possession high and lifted the ball over the top for Archer who was unable to bring it under control. However, minutes later the breakthrough finally came when a Wick corner caused problems and the loose ball dropped to Short whose effort somehow looped over keeper Luke Baker for 1-0. Mangotsfield responded with direct balls over the top but the Wick defence was well marshalled and Rocks threatened from a free kick on the edge but Gigov preserved Wick’s advantage. The tempo slowed further after a break for an injury to a Rocks player, but Wick found another gear before half time and on 37 minutes a well worked move released Archer who beat his man one-on-one before Densley nipped in ahead of Baker for 2-0. Archer continued to cause problems and almost created another goal while a wicked Bayley Rudge delivery found Sparks whose header was wide. Wick started the second half rather slowly with some careless possession which allowed Rocks to break on the left and with a dangerous ball into the box Gigov came to Wick’s rescue. The hosts soon settled back into their rhythm and a quick Callum Winters throw allowed Densley to release Rudge down the right who cut in but could not connect cleanly with his effort. On 59 minutes Wick got their third, Shellard intercepted a pass in midfield and released Short who raced through and slotted his second. Wick continued to push forward and came close to a fourth, Baker fumbled and Rudge reacted and his effort came back off the bar. Wick were now firmly in control and their persistence paid off on 81 minutes when Barker won possession and found Rudge who finished for 4-0. Rocks continued to battle and forced an excellent save from Gigov, but their task became harder when Stuart Nelson saw red for a second yellow, however, they did grab a consolation in time added on Anthony Batt scoring. Overall, a comfortable 4-1 Wick win.

I am still having sleepless nights over the football, which is crazy.”

It will be some day in Redcar. With Town taking on Darlington at lunchtime for the BBC cameras, the afternoon will see Athletic host last year’s giantkillers Macclesfield.

Town were competing in the North Riding Senior League as recently as 2022, so to be going head-to-head with a former EFL that are managed by a former Premier League star Steve Watson is a truly historic moment.

“This is only our fifth season in the Northern League and now we are in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup and facing Darlington,” explained joint-manager Mitchell Morris to Mark Carruthers.

“We didn’t really expect to beat Bridlington or Blyth Spartans and now we want to try and knock Darlington out if we can. 

“Steve Watson had an unbelievable career with the likes of Newcastle and Everton and it’s just surreal that we will be going up against their side.  It will be a tough day for us but one we will enjoy.”

As for Athletic boss Carl Jarrett, whose side were promoted to NPL Premier in style last season, said: “They are second in their division, favourites to go up, they beat Palace last year, a massive club, before getting knocked out by Brentford.

“To get them is a massive draw for the club, we are hoping we get a big crowd and I am sure the fans are on cloud nine at the moment.”