Bransay Make Winning Start Against Swarland
Bransay Athletic kicked off their North Northumberland League campaign in style, securing a 3-0 victory over Swarland at Vyner Park on Saturday.
A crowd of 37, including 19 traveling fans from Bransay, watched the Irons dominate the Owls with a clinical second-half performance, placing them in 2nd in the league table behind Berwick Town.
Bransay XI: C Peel (GK, C), C Uddgrenn (M Haliva 76’), J Dodd-Thompson, J McGettrick, T Weaver (J Roberts 81’), S Patton (P Kelly 87’), L Lightfoot, A Ameen, J Wilson, J Silva, M Byrne
The first half saw both teams struggle on Vyner Park’s uneven surface, with Swarland pressing hard but failing to create clear chances. Bransay controlled possession through Lightfoot and Ameen, but the game turned heated early. Shane Patton was booked in the 15th minute for a late challenge, followed by Swarland’s first booking in the 22nd minute. James Dodd-Thompson received a caution in the 38th minute after a strong tackle and the score remained 0-0 at half-time.
Bransay found their rhythm after the break, taking the lead in the 48th minute. Left-back Tom Weaver delivering a deep cross from the edge of the penalty area to the far post, where Marcel Byrne rose inside the six-yard box to head the ball inside the near post, making it 1-0.
The Irons doubled their lead in the 57th minute through Joe Wilson. After a foul on Byrne, the striker played a short free-kick to Dodd-Thompson, who found Wilson unmarked on the edge of the box. Wilson dribbled forward, cut onto his stronger left foot and curled a fine shot into the far side of the net, beyond the reach of Swarland goalkeeper Priestley Thomson to make it 2-0.
Wilson sealed the win in the 64th minute with his second goal. Right-back Charlie Uddgren swung a floating cross to the far post, where Wilson headed the ball down and into the net for a 3-0 lead. Swarland, managed by Peter Shanley, struggled to respond, their defence unable to cope with Bransay’s aerial threat.
The match was marred by disciplinary issues, with seven bookings in total. Swarland picked up three cautions, while Bransay’s Ardelan Ameen and Liam Lightfoot were booked in the 60th and 72nd minutes, respectively, as the game grew physical. Baird made late changes to manage the lead: Moshe Haliva replaced Uddgren in the 76th minute, John Roberts came on for Weaver in the 81st minute and Preston Kelly substituted for Patton in the 87th minute.
The 3-0 win places Bransay 2nd in the North Northumberland League after the opening round of games, behind Berwick Town, who thrashed Longhoughton Rangers 4-1 with a hat-trick from Jordan Shotton. Lowick United and North Sunderland Reserves also secured victories, setting up a competitive early race for the single promotion spot.
Despite the absence of Woodgate, Bransay’s defence stood firm, with Dodd-Thompson and McGettrick handling Swarland’s limited attacks. Lightfoot and Ameen impressed in midfield, though their bookings signal a need for caution in future matches. Wilson’s brace and Byrne’s opener highlighted Bransay’s attacking depth, offering hope as the club continues to search for a new centre-back to bolster their squad for the 21-game season.
Bransay return to Forge Road next, where they face Alnmouth United who faced a 2-0 home loss to Lowick United in their opening game at Hotspur Park.
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