Andrew Myland

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

After two consecutive ‘clean sweeps’ the previous weekends, last Saturday saw the 1st team lose away in a very controversial game of football, the Reserves win on penalties in the Suburban Alf Bosley League Cup and a depleted ‘A’ team get thumped at home to AC Moose again in the league cup.

Player availability is a real concern currently and one I will be talking to the managers about in an attempt to arrest what I see as unacceptable behaviours by an increasing number of players, maybe this is a national problem but we won’t be resting on our laurels in an effort to ensure this doesn’t become a long-term club issue.

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’

#UTHR

GLOUCESTER COUNTY LEAGUE

The club was established in 1964 by a group of school friends and began life playing at the old Whitchurch Aerodrome in the Church of England League. Among them was Jeff Bryant—affectionately known as “Fred”—who dedicated his life to the club. Fred played a vital role in keeping the club alive during its formative years, serving as Club Secretary and sitting on the league management committee for many years, helping to shape the local football scene.

A significant milestone came in 1974 when the club moved to Victoria Park in Bedminster and joined the Bristol and District League. This move also saw the creation of a reserve team, which initially played in the Bristol and Avon League before eventually joining the Bristol and District League, where they now compete in the Senior Division.

Over the years, the club relocated several times—first to Netham playing fields in Barton Hill, then to the Bristol Imperial Ground (now known as South Bristol Sports Centre), where they remained for many years. In 2016, the club moved once more, playing home games at Brislington Cricket Club for a couple of seasons before settling at their current ground at Bristol Barbarians Rugby Club.

Steve Thomas, known to many as “Tom,” serves as Chairman. A former Centre Forward, he played for the club from the age of 17 until retiring at 42 due to persistent knee issues.

The club entered a new era of success under Manager Jack Thorley, who joined in 2021. His tenure marked the most successful period in the club’s history, including winning the GFA Senior Amateur Cup in his debut season and clinching the Bristol Premier Combination League title in 2023-24. Following a successful first season in the Gloucestershire County League, Jack decided to step down from his role. In his place, assistant manager Josh Hemmings has stepped up to lead the team forward for the coming season.

Chaz Hemmings:

Been our best player ever since he came to the Totts. Huge in stature with the technical ability of a diminutive Spanish midfielder! Scores big goals and plenty of them, has a lot more to his game and a positional change this year will showcase more of his talents.

Jack Millard:

Millardinho is an excellent full back/wing back. Chips in with goals, defends 1v1’s and eats up ground on that right hand side. Technically brilliant, never seems to make a mistake in his game. Another one we believe will have a huge season in a slightly different role!

Billy Wiltshire:

First season at the Totts for Billy, he’s a super fit flying full back/wing back. He has a great left foot and has already shown how dangerous his crossing can be! Bright future for this lad who we’re excited to see develop.

Frazer Clarke:

Frazer is another all action full back/wing back, at his peak he’s super fit and a nightmare to play against. Has shown in preseason that he has a great understanding of his new role. Looks to be a real threat and set for a great season!

Jack Moon:

Mooner is another one of the “old guard” who has great experience and attitude. Super talented footballer that is positive in everything he does, great feet, strong and aggressive! Scored plenty of goals over the years through his knack of finding space in the box!

Isaac Sullyman:

Isaac is the life of the dressing room, 100MPH all day everyday! Brilliant footballer that sets our teams tempo, at his best when he drives forward with powerful runs. Watch out for his “Whoop”!

Ollie Lovell:

Super talent that loves a sun bed! Ollie has been with us since he was 16, he’s going to go on and have a great career at a much higher level! He’s really sharp and powerful for an 18 year old, and doesn't lack confidence either. Playing a role that really suits his game should see plenty more goals and assists this season!

Kieron Bull:

Kieron is one of our younger players who had a strong finish to last season. Has immaculate technique that sees him move the ball around the midfield with ease. Looks to have bulked up in preseason and is getting around the pitch well. Break out season for Bully loading…

George Saunders:

George has been at the club on and off for nearly a decade. He’s been one of our best players during that time and was unbelievable in the second half of last season. Has electric pace, great dribbling and the heart of a lion! New role for him this year which should see him continue to terrorise defenders.

Aaron Thorne:

Aarz probably has the best left foot the club has seen! Brilliant footballer who’s won the clubs golden boot countless times. Has shown he can adapt and play new roles simply because he’s that good!

Jamie Godfrey:

Jamie is our new vice captain, he’s a fantastic footballer with great vision. Capable of the spectacular be it through goals or pin point passes, he’s always a threat whilst on the pitch. Strong as an ox and not afraid to use it!

Jack Hearsey:

Another young player that has come through our reserves. Jack has great ability, his feet are magic on his day and we’ve seen him make plenty of defenders look silly. His confidence is growing and he’s another one we’re hopeful for big things from.

Jamie Marr:

Young goalkeeper with his first season at the club! Impressed so much that he shared game time with Mad Dog in pre season. Calm with his feet and agile in the box! No doubt a future Totts number one who we’re delighted to have on board.

Tom Morgan:

Energetic Midfielder who leaves no blade of grass uncovered. Positive in his passing and snappy in the tackle, great character who does well with the ladies! Should probably take it easier on a Friday night though…

Caius Gillies:

Caius is the son of Totts legend Mike Gillies, so he has great genes! Caius is 16 years old and we have high hopes for his future. Lighting fast, fearless and has an absolute rocket for a shot! We’re looking forward to working with him and helping develop him into what we feel will be a superstar.

Saturday 4th October

By Nigel Meaney

Quedgeley Wanderers maintained their unbeaten start inflicting Filton Athletics first defeat of the season. Leaders Sharpness remain unbeaten after a good win at Tytherington Rocks. At the other end of the table Chalford are still waiting for their first points after coming up short at home to Stoke Gifford SGS United. Ollie Mason completed a hat-trick as Ruardean Hill Rangers thumped Bromley Heath United whilst neighbours Broadwell Amateurs beat Frampton United to leapfrog them and move third.

At Waterwells Quedgeley Wanderers and Filton Athletic saw both sides put unbeaten records on the line. The game began evenly, with both sides sharing possession in the opening minutes. Quedgeley’s Sam Jackson looked lively down the right flank, testing the Filton defence early on with a strong attacking run in the 12th minute that ended in a goal kick. Filton were physical from the outset, committing several fouls and frustrating the home side, who felt the referee should have been issuing cards. Quedgeley’s early persistence paid off in the 30th minute when Sam Jackson broke the deadlock, putting the Wanderers 1–0 up with a tidy finish. Filton thought they had equalised five minutes later, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Quedgeley went into half-time leading 1–0 after a solid, disciplined first 45 minutes.

The second half started brightly for Quedgeley. Within minutes, Fin Jenner went close with a fine touch and shot just wide of the target. A tactical change in the 51st minute saw Ben Langworthy make way for Billy Osabuohien who doubled the lead two minutes later. 

Dylan Quick pulled one back on the hour for Filton but Quedgeley remained composed with Kieran Derbyshire in their goal making two good saves to preserve the lead. Quedgeley struck again in the 84th minute to seal the win — Billy Osabuohien grabbed his second of the game after a clever assist from Jenner, making it 3–1. The forward’s pressing late on kept Filton pinned back, as the visitors’ discipline continued to crumble with three late yellow cards for reckless play and dissent. The final whistle confirmed a deserved 3–1 victory for Quedgeley Wanderers, marked by strong defensive work, sharp finishing, and resilience in the face of some robust play.

Top of the table Sharpness made the trip to Hardwicke Playing fields to take on Tytherington Rocks who were undefeated in their last 4 games. An even start with both teams working each other out. Sharpness started to show their form with a few half chances but both teams went in at half time level at 0-0. Second half carried on from first with Sharpness taking control and it took 4 minutes for the deadlock to be broken when a ball through fell to Kier Bennett who slotted home. The lead was doubled 8 minutes later when Tytherington keeper Billy Pullin tripped a Sharpness attacker in the box. James Tainton stepped up to slot the penalty home. Tytherington started to press forward but couldn't get through the Sharpness back line. Sharpness scored a third through Marley Thomas, although Tytherington felt their defender was impeded by the official. In the final few minutes Tytherington scored a consolation goal with a quality lob over Sharpness goalkeeper Peter Dykes by Ollie Briggs.

Broadwell Amateurs welcomed Frampton United to the Hawthorns on a blustery day. The first opportunity of the game falling to Broadwell with Jamie Belfitt picking up a loose ball in the centre, driving forward with the ball, a one two with Ethan Dunscombe on the edge of the box which took Belfitt into the box but he shot into the side net. A chance then for Frampton with Broadwell keeper Jack Watkins committed out wide the cross came into an empty box and was cleared to safety. Broadwell took the lead from a Kian Skidmore low driven corner, a step over by Ethan Dunscombe which went through into the centre of six yard box with Harry Malcolm on hand to smash it in. Broadwell had a chance to extend their lead with Burnard pouncing on an under hit pass across the back line and slipped in Jamie Belfitt on the overlap but the shot was well blocked. Frampton had a chance to level up after a penalty given for a tackle from behind, bit of needless afters with Broadwell’s Harry Knight getting a red card and Frampton’s Marquez getting a yellow, the resulting penalty saved low to the corner by Watkins and away to safety. 1-0 at HT

Second half, a lot of possession for Frampton against the 10 men of Broadwell, who sat back and defended well, with a couple of decent saves by Watkins, then it became 10 v 10 with Frampton’s Marquez picking up a second yellow for an over the top challenge, the game opened up for both sides, 5 mins to go another red for Frampton when Stuart Maule lunged at Watkins. Broadwell seeing the game through and well deserved their 1-0 win, with Jack Watkins and his defenders keeping a fifth successive clean sheet in the league.

Ruardean Hill Rangers made a slow start against visitors Bromley Heath United with Ollie Hanham and Jack Waldron hitting long range shots narrowly wide of the target early on for the visitors. On 20 minute Ruardean Hill take the lead after a floated ball through finds Ollie Mason running in at the back post before slotting past Ferguson in the Bromley goal. Mason get his second on 30 minutes after a goal kick from Aaron Underwood goes through allowing Mason to collect and finish past Ferguson. On 36 minutes Underwood makes a good save from Ollie Hanham. 2-0 at Half Time. After a tight opening to the second half Bromley’s Ollie Hanham has a volley from just outside the area which Underwood tips wide. On the hour Bromley get caught trying to play out from the back and Fin Jones plays Steve Clark in who lifts it just over the bar. On 61 Hill make it 3 after they intercept the ball in midfield and Fin Jones is played in and scores. Ollie Mason grabs his hat-trick after he heads home a ball that whipped in from wide. On 80 mins, a great break from Luke Brown who skins the Bromley defence and lays it on the plate for Steve Clark arriving at the back post to make it 5. Still time for Ollie Hanham to try and get one back from range but Underwood is equal and tips over the bar and Ruardean see out a 5-0 win.

Tewkesbury Town secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over visitors Henbury & Rockleaze, but made heavy work for the win, struggling to break down a resolute defence for much of the afternoon. The game started slowly, with both teams cancelling each other out. Tewkesbury struggled to find any attacking rhythm, finding a well-drilled Henbury & Rockleaze defence difficult to penetrate.The opening 45 minutes were a cagey affair, with the visitors' disciplined shape limiting 

the hosts to half-chances, meaning neither goalkeeper was seriously tested before the half-time whistle. The breakthrough finally came in the second half. A long ball over the top of the Henbury & Rockleaze back line caused a moment of defensive confusion. Harry Trett in the visitor’s goal rushed out but failed to clear, leaving the net exposed for Jamie Goodwin to react quickest. Goodwin showed excellent composure, coolly slotting the ball home to put Tewkesbury ahead. Tewkesbury's task was significantly eased shortly after taking the lead when the visitors lost their composure. A reckless tackle on Alex Roder resulted in a straight red card for a Henbury & Rockleaze player. Tensions then flared further, and the opposition were reduced to nine players temporarily when another man was sent to the sin bin. With the numerical advantage, Tewkesbury expertly managed the remainder of the game. They controlled possession, utilised the extra space, and professionally saw out a narrow but ultimately deserved victory against a frustrated and short-handed Henbury & Rockleaze side

Hanham Athletic went down 2-4 at home to Bishops Cleeve Development. Hanham went ahead with a Noah Woodland strike, but Cleeve equalised with a headed goal before half time. The second half saw Cleeve score twice in quick succession before Liam Maggs pulled one back for the hosts. Only for Bishops Cleeve to make it 4-2 from the restart. Cleeve goals from George Cuzner, a brace for George Ellerton and one for Ubaid Salehbhai.

Totterdown United hosted Cribbs Reserves and came away with a valuable 2-1 win with goals from Jack Millard and Billy Wiltshire. Cribbs Reserves goal scored by Harvey Jasper

Chalford remain pointless after a 2-0 defeat at home to Stoke Gifford SGS United. The game began quietly, with little action in the opening stages. Chalford were forced into an early change, with Boulton replacing Zac Marshfield on 20 minutes. On 37 minutes, Stoke Gifford’s Froilan Stella Lopez, put the home side ahead with a well-taken finish and just three minutes later, Stoke doubled their lead when Oscar Sealey’s effort deflected cruelly past the Chalford keeper. Chalford thought they had pulled one back shortly after, with Cam Kerr finding the net in the 42nd minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside. That decision ensured Stoke went into the break with a 2-0 lead. The second half saw fewer chances of note, with both sides battling but failing to create clear opportunities. Stoke Gifford managed the game well and held firm, securing a 2-0 victory at full-time..

IS there any better weekend in the English football calendar than the FA Cup first round proper?

We’ve long felt this is where we see the true heartbeat of English football – even through the qualifying rounds there are clubs living out their FA Cup dreams.

But the anticipation certainly builds as the proper stage of the competition approaches.

This weekend, 64 clubs take to the pitch hoping they can be one of the 32 Non-League names in the big draw televised on Monday night. Dreaming they can get the plum tie that catapults them into the spotlight and, potentially, changes the course of their future.

We know there will be at least one Step 4 side in the famous velvet bag with Isthmian North title hopefuls Maldon & Tiptree welcoming Flackwell Heath, of Southern League Division One Central.

The hosts have a manager in Kevin Horlock who knows all about the big moments in football. He, of course, scored for Manchester City in that famous comeback play-off final win over Gillingham at Wembley in 1999.

And in their squad they boast former Premier League players like Freddie Sears and Gary Hooper, who even scored for Celtic against Barcelona.

Horlock freely admits the pressure is on when it comes to delivering promotion this season for their ambitious owners, but a big FA Cup run would be an added bonus.

Not that he’s getting carried away with Flackwell Heath showing what they’re all about in their 3-0 win at Step 3 Bracknell Town to get to this stage.

Two of their goalscorers that night – Jamie and Matthew Ayres – are the sons of manager Chris! How’s that for an FA Cup fairytale if they could make it through to the first round proper? Chris will be tuning in from holiday this week, however, with a long-booked trip of a lifetime to South Africa!

Runcorn Linnets are the other Step 4 side dreaming of glory. They upset Ashton United in the FA Cup third round qualifying and will need to overturn the odds again when they host National League North Buxton.

But the lowest-ranked side left in the competition are from Step 5 – and a team already familiar with the national stage following last season’s FA Vase triumph.

Whitstable Town have knocked out three Step 3 sides – Dulwich Hamlet, Chichester City and Hungerford Town – to set up their away trip to Wealdstone.

It’s already the club’s best FA Cup run and manager Jamie Coyle has been putting in the hours with his management staff to do their homework on the National League Stones.

A quirk of how the fourth round qualifying regions had to be split ahead of the third round qualifying replays means Billericay Town are making the long trip to Spennymoor Town on Saturday, while Gateshead are heading in the other direction to Aveley!

And how about up-and-coming Farnham Town hosting one of the biggest games in their club’s history when Sutton United are in town.

Sutton know all about causing an upset to create FA Cup history. Their motivation, as for many of the National League clubs this time out, is not to be on the other end this year!

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