Bransay Athletic: Land of the Giants

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Bransay Athletic have secured their place in the Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup Final after a heart-stopping 1-0 victory over Ossett United in the semi-final at Ingfield Stadium.

The Irons, battling for the Northern League Division One title, left it until the very last moment to clinch the win, with Conner Burrows scoring a dramatic 94th-minute winner. This triumph sets up a final against Newcastle Benfield on 14th May at Sam Smith’s Park, as Bransay aim to cap a remarkable season with silverware.

The path to the semi-final has been a testament to Bransay’s resilience. The Irons navigated a tricky penalty shootout win over Sunderland West End in the Second Round, followed by a commanding 5-0 thrashing of Glasshoughton Welfare in the Third Round. In the Quarter Final, they overcame North Sunderland 4-2 in a thrilling encounter at Forge Road.

Ossett United, meanwhile, earned their semi-final spot with victories over Kendal Town, Pickering Town, Ryton & Crawcrook Albion and Horden Community Welfare. Currently languishing 17th in Northern League Division Two, just three points above the relegation zone after last season’s drop, Ossett were no pushovers, making Bransay’s victory all the more impressive.

The semi-final at Ingfield was a tense affair, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock in a game of few clear chances. Ossett’s defence, marshalled by their experienced backline, frustrated Bransay’s attacking trio of Zoltán Németh, Ryan Tioffo and Dion Halabi for much of the match.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, it seemed the tie might head to penalties. But in the 94th minute, Rhys Evans played a precise pass to Tioffo, who spun past his marker with a deft turn before cutting the ball back to the penalty spot. Conner Burrows, unmarked and surging forward, arrived at the perfect moment to sidefoot the ball past Ossett’s goalkeeper, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling Bransay faithful. The final whistle confirmed the Irons’ place in the final, with Burrows’ late heroics etching another chapter in their storied campaign.

Manager Callum Baird was ecstatic post-match, praising his squad’s determination. “To win it in the 94th minute, away at Ossett, shows the character of this group,” Baird said. “Conner’s been immense for us and that finish was pure class. Tioffo’s turn, Rhys’ vision - it was a proper team goal. Ossett made it tough, but we kept believing. Now we’ve got Newcastle Benfield in the final and it’s going to be a massive occasion for the island.”

The victory keeps Bransay’s hopes of a league-and-cup double alive. Currently 2nd in the Northern League Division One, the Irons are locked in a fierce title race with Marske United, Newcastle Benfield and Crook Town, with just a handful of games remaining.

The Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup Final against Newcastle Benfield, who advanced past Tow Law Town on penalties in their semi-final, promises to be a blockbuster. Benfield, one of Bransay’s closest rivals in the league, will provide a stern test at Sam Smith’s Park, but Baird’s side will draw confidence from their FA Cup heroics and their ability to deliver in clutch moments.

For a club that has risen from the North Northumberland League to the cusp of non-league glory in nine years, reaching the Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup Final is another milestone.

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“Welcome to Bransay FM, your voice of the Irons, broadcasting live from Forge Road on this heart-pounding final day of the Northern League Division One season! I’m Tom Harris, joined by former Bransay player Alan Pritchard and we’re set for a title-deciding clash as Bransay Athletic, 2nd with 72 points and a 39 goal difference, take on already-relegated Ashington.

“Marske United, top with 74 points and a 25 goal difference, face 7th-placed Tow Law Town away at Ironworks Road. Bransay need a win and a Marske slip-up to snatch the title. The atmosphere here is electric, with Forge Road attracting a big, big crowd today. Let’s go to our pre-match interview with manager Callum Baird.”

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Tom Harris: Callum, it’s the final day, two points behind Marske United, but with a superior goal difference. What’s the mindset going into this match against Ashington?

Callum Baird: Tom, look, we’re not expecting miracles today. Marske have a two-point lead and with only three points on offer, it’s a tough ask. Our job is to focus on Ashington, play our game and try to win. What Marske do at Tow Law is out of our hands. We’ve had a cracking season and I’m proud of the lads no matter what. We’ll give it everything for the fans here at Forge Road.

Alan Pritchard: Callum, you’ve been in these title races before. How do you keep the lads calm with so much at stake?

Callum Baird: It’s about keeping it simple, Alan. We’ve been in tight spots all season - look at our FA Cup run. I’ve told them to enjoy it, play for the island and let the rest sort itself out. Ashington won’t roll over, so we need to be sharp. Thanks, lads, let’s get to it.

Tom Harris: Cheers, Callum and best of luck. Right, we’re moments away from kick-off. The Bransay roar is deafening. Here we go!

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1’: And we’re off at Forge Road! Bransay Athletic kick off against Ashington and over at Ironworks Road, Marske United are underway against Tow Law Town. Both sides probing early, but it’s all to play for. Bransay in their red and black stripes, Ashington in white and black. Come on, Irons!

5’: GOAL! BRANSAY ATHLETIC 1-0 ASHINGTON! What a start! Rhys Evans with a throw-in out right to Jack Smith, who plays it first time into the box for Zoltán Németh. Németh slides it across the penalty area and Jordan Elsdon arrives to fire into the left corner! Forge Road erupts! As it stands, Bransay leapfrog Marske on goal difference, but it’s early days. No news from Ironworks Road yet.

10’: Oh no, bad news for Bransay - Jack Smith is down and clutching his hamstring. He’s shaking his head and the physio’s on. Looks like he’s coming off. Smith limps off to a standing ovation. A blow, but Bransay still lead 1-0.

18’: Bransay pushing for a second! Ashington’s keeper Nick Stojanovski takes a short goal kick to Ibrahim Nortey, who’s already on a yellow from the 2nd minute. Nortey hoofs it long, but Cian Byrne heads it down to Ashington’s right-back Davies. Conner Burrows tackles him, plays back to Byrne, who finds Matt Gordon in the middle. Back to Byrne, then to Dion Halabi, who turns and pings a long ball down the left. Davies collects in his own corner, plays out to Danny Whiting, who feeds Jarrett Wing on the left wing. Wing cuts inside but is tackled by Halabi. Hayden Lindley bombs down the right, hooks a high cross and Gordon meets it at the far post, heading down to score! 2-0! Forge Road is rocking!

29’: Bransay are relentless! Gordon lines up a free kick in Ashington’s half with men in the box. Nortey heads it away, but it hits the linesman’s flag and bounces back to Ashington’s Bonner in the left corner. Moore clears it straight to Rhys Evans in Bransay’s half, who finds Joe Prendergast. Halabi fires long to the left, Elsdon takes it down, back to Burrows, who crosses first time. Moore heads it away to Halabi, who volleys a pass to Lindley out right. Lindley unleashes a rocket that smashes the crossbar and goes over! So close to 3-0!

39’: Ashington try to respond. Davies gets the ball on the right wing, crosses but Craig Daly catches it comfortably. Daly kicks it out of his hands and it lands perfectly for Németh, who’s through on goal! Route one perfection! Németh shoots, but Stojanovski tips it wide for a corner. Huge chance!

45+2': Half-time at Forge Road, Bransay Athletic 2-0 Ashington! Elsdon and Gordon with the goals and the Irons are in control. Over at Ironworks Road, it’s still Tow Law Town 0-0 Marske United. As it stands, Bransay are top on goal difference, but Marske need only a win to clinch the title. Back soon!

47’: Second half underway! Bransay pushing for more. Evans with a throw-in in Ashington’s half, Halabi plays to Lindley, who beats Moore in a duel and finds Németh. Prendergast tries a long ball, but Nortey heads it away. Ashington’s Smith collects in Bransay’s half, but Halabi tackles and it breaks to Ryan Tioffo. Tioffo turns, clips a ball down the left for Németh to chase. Németh takes it into the box, shoots, but it’s deflected and parried by Stojanovski for a throw.

54’: GOAL! BRANSAY ATHLETIC 3-0 ASHINGTON! Evans with a throw deep in Ashington territory, Gordon finds Halabi deeper, who swings a first-time cross to the far post. Elsdon rises and heads it in! 3-0! Forge Road is a cauldron! Bransay are doing their part, but still no breakthrough at Ironworks Road.

55’: HOLD THE PHONE! GOAL AT IRONWORKS ROAD! TOW LAW TOWN 1-0 MARSKE UNITED! McNicholas takes a goal kick out right to Dylan Mottley-Henry, Zak Emmerson fires a high ball out left to Levi Lewis, who controls with his right foot and blasts it past Sweeting at the near post! Bransay are on track for the title! Marske are still in control of their destiny, but this is massive!

76’: Ashington try to hit back. Morris swings in a corner, but Prendergast heads it away. Evans chases it upfield, sparking a lightning counter. It’s played to Elsdon, whose shot is caught by Stojanovski. Bransay still 3-0 up and we’re hearing Tow Law are holding firm at 1-0.

78’: ANOTHER GOAL AT IRONWORKS ROAD! TOW LAW TOWN 2-0 MARSKE UNITED! Levi Lewis takes it past Wright, runs into the box and is bundled over by Williams - penalty! Dylan Mottley-Henry steps up, slots it into the bottom left corner! Bransay are on the brink of the title! Marske need three goals to reclaim top spot and time’s running out!

90+1’: GOAL! BRANSAY ATHLETIC 4-0 ASHINGTON! Gordon takes an outswinging corner, Bouzoubaa heads it away, but it drops to Prendergast, who tees up Gordon for another cross. Gordon plays it to the edge of the box to Tioffo, who shifts it right to Rhys Evans. Evans turns, fires a low drive into the bottom right! 4-0! Bransay are putting on a show!

90+5’: FULL-TIME! BRANSAY ATHLETIC 4-0 ASHINGTON! AND IT’S CONFIRMED - TOW LAW TOWN 2-0 MARSKE UNITED! BRANSAY ATHLETIC ARE CHAMPIONS! The fans are pouring onto the pitch, hugging their heroes! Elsdon, Gordon, Elsdon again and Evans with the goals! Bransay finish on 75 points, Marske on 74, Newcastle Benfield 3rd on 73! The Irons have done it! Ten titles in a row for Callum Baird, a season where we spent just 13 days - 4% of the campaign - at the top, including today! Marske led for over half the season, but Bransay have snatched it!

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Tom Harris: We’re trying to get to Callum Baird amidst the chaos - fans, players and chairman Josh Lloyd mobbing him on the pitch! Callum, can you hear me? You’re champions! How does it feel?

Callum Baird: Tom, I’m - hang on, lads! I’m lost for words! We didn’t expect this, you know? Two points behind, it was Marske’s to lose, but Tow Law came through and our lads were immense! Elsdon, Gordon, Evans - what a performance! Ten titles in a row, but this one’s special. The fans, Josh, the island - this is for them!

Tom Harris: Callum, you’re likely off to the Northern Premier League Division One East - Whitby, Gainsborough, Bishop Auckland, Newcastle Blue Star, Wakefield await. What’s next?

Callum Baird: We’ll celebrate tonight, Tom! Northern Premier League’s a step up, but we’re ready. These lads, these fans - they’ll take on anyone! Thanks to Tow Law, thanks to our fans at Forge Road today! We’re champions!

Tom Harris: There you have it, folks! Bransay Athletic are Northern League Division One champions! Marske head to the play-offs with Newcastle Benfield, Easington Colliery and Darlington Town, but today belongs to the Irons! Stay tuned for the Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup Final coverage on 14th May. From Forge Road, this is Bransay FM, signing off with the champions’ roar in our ears!

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Bransay Athletic’s dream of capping their title-winning season with a double was dashed in heartbreaking fashion, as they lost 5-3 on penalties to Newcastle Benfield in the Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup Final at Sam Smith’s Park.

The match ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, but a missed penalty from Dion Halabi in the shootout handed Benfield the trophy, leaving the Irons to reflect on a valiant but ultimately disappointing end to a historic campaign.

Coming off their dramatic Northern League Division One title triumph, secured on the final day with a 4-0 win over Ashington to pip Marske United by a point, Bransay were riding high.

Newcastle Benfield, meanwhile, were licking their wounds after a 2-1 defeat to Marske United in the Division One Play-Off Final at Mount Pleasant two weeks prior, missing out on promotion to the Northern Premier League.

The stage was set for a fiercely contested final between two sides who had pushed each other to the limit all season, with Bransay finishing champions on 75 points and Benfield 3rd on 73.

The match at Sam Smith’s Park was a tense affair, with both teams showcasing the quality that defined their league campaigns. Bransay struck first in the 51st minute when Andrew Brownhill’s low cross from the right was inadvertently turned into his own net by Benfield’s Kevin Bradley at the near post, giving the Irons a 1-0 lead. The advantage was doubled in the 67th minute when Matt Gordon coolly converted a penalty, tucking it away after a foul in the box, putting Bransay in firm control at 2-0.

However, Benfield fought back late. In the 82nd minute, Jaydon Fuller pulled one back, latching onto Carl Henry’s cutback to fire past Craig Daly. With just a minute of normal time remaining, Gary Levein stunned Forge Road’s travelling faithful with a breathtaking 30-yard free kick that soared into the top corner, levelling the score at 2-2 and forcing the match to penalties.

In the shootout, Bransay’s hopes rested on their key men, but it was not to be. Zoltán Németh, Ryan Tioffo and Andrew Brownhill scored their penalties, but Dion Halabi’s effort was saved by Benfield’s goalkeeper and Newcastle Benfield converted all five of theirs to clinch a 5-3 victory. The result was a bitter pill for Bransay, who had navigated a gruelling path to the final, defeating Sunderland West End on penalties, Glasshoughton Welfare 5-0, North Sunderland 4-2 and Ossett United 1-0 in the semi-final.

Manager Callum Baird was gracious in defeat, though the disappointment was clear. “It’s gutting to lose on penalties, especially after leading 2-0,” Baird said. “The lads gave everything and I’m proud of how we fought. Brownhill’s cross for the opener, Gordon’s penalty - class moments. Benfield showed their quality with that late free kick and fair play to them in the shootout. Dion’s gutted, but he’s been immense for us. This doesn’t define our season.”

Despite the loss, Bransay’s 2032/33 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their Northern League Division One title, secured after spending just 13 days - 4% of the season - at the top, was a testament to their resilience, overtaking Marske United, who led for over half the campaign.

Their FA Cup run, reaching the Fifth Round and falling 4-0 to Liverpool at Anfield, captured national attention and secured the club’s financial future for years to come. The Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup was a chance to add silverware, but the penalty shootout defeat does little to diminish a campaign that saw Bransay promoted to the Northern Premier League Division One East.

Looking ahead, Bransay have secured the futures of six key first-team players, with Zoltán Németh, Conner Burrows, Cian Byrne, Dean Culbert, Matt Gordon and Hayden Lindley all signing new contracts until June 2034.

Culbert, sidelined since January with a broken leg, is expected to return early next season, while the others have been pivotal in the Irons’ success. The retention of these players signals Bransay’s ambition to compete at the higher level, with Baird already planning for the challenges of the Regional First Division.

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I’m sitting across from Josh Lloyd in his office at Forge Road, the late afternoon sun sneaking through the window, casting a warm light on the trophies lining the shelves. It’s a few weeks before the chairman’s election in June and the air’s thick - not just with the usual post-season buzz, but with something bigger.

Josh has got this glint in his eye, like he’s holding onto the best kind of secret. My notepad’s out, expecting a standard debrief on the season - our Northern League Division One title, the FA Cup run, the Brooks Mileson Cup heartbreak - but I can tell he’s up to something.

I’m knackered from the season, still processing our 4-0 loss to Liverpool and the penalty shootout against Newcastle Benfield, but I’m ready to hear him out.

“Callum, mate, you’ve outdone yourself this year,” Josh starts, leaning back in his chair, hands clasped behind his head. “Tenth title in a row, Anfield, the lot. But I’ve got some news that’ll blow your socks off. You ready for this?”

I nod, half-grinning, half-wary. “Go on, Josh, what’ve you got? Don’t tell me we’re signing Bellingham, I don’t think we’d get on.”

He laughs, then gets serious, sliding a financial report across the desk. “Our FA Cup run, Callum - it’s changed everything. Nearly £1.1 million in gate receipts, mostly from those cup ties. Liverpool’s 59,000 crowd alone was massive. Add in £365,000 in prize money - 99% from the FA Cup - and we’re talking serious cash.

“Then there’s £100,000 from matchday income and £60,000 from the BBC for televising our Reading game at home. After tax, wages, stadium maintenance, travel, bonuses, matchday costs and the youth setup, we’ve cleared over £1.2 million in profit this year. For the first time since 2024, we’re out of debt. We’ve got over £1.1 million in the bank.”

I’m stunned, mouth half-open. “£1.2 million? Josh, you’re having me on. That’s... that’s life-changing for us.”

He’s beaming now, like a kid on Christmas. “It’s real, mate. And here’s the kicker: for next season in the Northern Premier League Division One East, we’re setting a transfer budget of £150,000. You want to splash out on a new striker, a proper centre-back, go for it. Plus, we’re boosting the wage budget to £10,700 a week - up from £1,200 this season. You’ve got leeway to build a squad that can compete.”

I lean back, trying to process it. ‘£150,000 for transfers? £10,700 a week for wages?’ This is a different world from scraping by in the Northern League, counting pennies for bus trips. “Josh, this is incredible. We can go after proper talent, strengthen the spine of the team. Maybe even lure a couple of National League North lads. This could put us on the map.”

“Exactly,” he says, pointing at me. “You’ve taken us from the North Northumberland League to this in nine years. That FA Cup run - Newark, Grimsby, Trafford, Wroxham, West Didsbury, Altrincham, Dorking, Reading, Leyton Orient, Herne Bay, Liverpool - it’s not just pride, it’s secured our future. We’re debt-free, Callum. The island’s buzzing and this money gives us a shot to dominate leagues.”

I’m grinning now, visions of new signings dancing in my head. “Josh, I can’t thank you enough for backing us. We’ve kept seven key players on new deals and with this budget, we can build something special. I just hope the election goes your way. You’ve been the heart of this club.”

He waves it off, but I can see he’s chuffed. “Let’s not jinx it, eh? Whatever happens, you’ve got the tools to take Bransay to the next level. Go make us proud.”

We shake hands, and I’m practically floating as I leave. ‘£1.2 million profit, £150,000 to spend, £10,700 a week for wages.’ I’m thinking about Ella and Lucy, how this secures their future too. I’m thinking about the 10,500 fans at Anfield, the 250 at Forge Road on title day. The Land of the Giants is ready to roar, and with Josh - hopefully still chairman - behind us, we’re aiming higher than ever.

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The summer’s been a whirlwind - new signings, big goodbyes and the weight of stepping up to the Northern Premier League Division One East for the 2033/34 season. As I jot down my thoughts for this season preview, I’m buzzing but realistic.

We’re 7th favourites at 18/1, and this league’s a beast - Emley, Consett, Washington, Bishop Auckland, Redcar Athletic, Shildon all ahead of us in the bookies’ eyes.

But after our FA Cup run to Anfield and pipping Marske United to the title, I know my lads can punch above their weight. The Land of the Giants is ready to make some noise.*

The favourites are Emley, managed by Ben Barclay, who finished 4th last season with 69 points. Since South Korean tycoon Dong-Soo Lee’s takeover in 2031, they’ve been splashing cash - £77,000 on transfers last season and a near £1 million annual wage bill. They’re primed to go up and we’ll need to be at our best to match them.

Consett, at 4/1 under Nimesh Chinna, are 2nd favourites after a 6th-place finish in the West league with 65 points. They’ve been shifted to the East and Chinna’s nine-year tenure makes them a well-oiled machine.

Washington, at 6/1 under Sam Wort, are 3rd favourites, coming off 8th in the West with 58 points. Bishop Auckland (15/2, Alan Warne) and Redcar Athletic (17/2, Guy Tuttle) are next, with Redcar’s near-miss at 2nd last season on 74 points making them a real threat.

Shildon, at 13/1 under Jason Sharples, finished 7th with 56 points, and then there’s us, level with the likes of Barton Town, Cleethorpes Town, Billingham Synthonia and Marske United at 20/1.

Marske, who we edged out last season, beat Newcastle Benfield in the play-off final and will be out for revenge under Darron Wormull. The rest of the pack - Gainsborough Trinity, Whickham, Wakefield, Newcastle Blue Star, Whitby Town, West Auckland Town, Billingham Town, Stocksbridge Park Steels, and Hessle Sporting Club - range from 20/1 to 150/1, with Whitby’s 3rd-place finish last season at 73 points making their 50/1 odds a head-scratcher.

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This transfer window was brutal but necessary. We said goodbye to some fan favourites to build a squad that can compete at this level. Losing centre-backs Markell Edmondson (61 apps) and Musa Jimoh (8 apps), right-back Rhys Evans (73 apps) and left-back Charlie Fraher (56 apps) hurt, but the toughest was letting go of academy graduate Jordan Elsdon - 149 apps, 30 goals, 34 assists since 2026.

Matt Edwards (68 apps, 9 goals), young winger Andrew Brownhill (46 apps, 6 goals, 14 assists), and forward/midfielder Dion Halabi (118 apps, 27 goals, 15 assists) also moved on. These lads bled for Bransay, but we needed fresh blood to survive the NPL East.

In goal, I’ve got faith in Craig Daly, our 23-year-old stalwart who made 53 appearances last season, conceding 77 but keeping 10 clean sheets. He’s got 111 apps for us since joining from Woodkirk Valley in 2031 and he’s ready for his 4th season as our No. 1. Aled Griffiths, our 18-year-old academy lad, stays as back-up with 17 apps and 4 clean sheets to his name.

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At right-back, Hayden Lindley and Dean Culbert will battle it out. Lindley, who joined midseason last year, proved his worth, and Culbert, back from his leg break, brings 171 apps of experience. On the left, we’ve signed Billy Warwick from Hemsworth Miners Welfare - 34 apps in the NPL East last season, 2 man-of-the-match awards. He’ll start, with Romuald Ouattara (68 apps, 18 assists) as a quality back-up. At centre-back, we’ve added 31-year-old Harrison Beeden from Carlisle City, who made 35 apps and scored 5 goals for Hebburn Town at this level in 2029. Young Espen Jenssen, 19, joins from Lancaster City after 21 apps and a loan at Farsley Celtic. Cian Byrne and academy graduate Joe Prendergast, in his 7th season, complete a solid backline.

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In midfield, we’ve gone big. At right midfield, 29-year-old Wayne Easton arrives from a 10-season stint at Bunillidh in the Scottish Highland League, with 315 league apps. He’ll compete with Jack Smith, our 26-year-old veteran with 203 apps, 88 goals, and 85 assists. On the left, 19-year-old Jakub Adamczyk, a Burnley lad with a Premier League cameo against Brentford last season, replaces Elsdon. Conner Burrows stays as back-up. In the centre, 20-year-old Ren Yamada joins from Redcar Athletic with 57 apps, 4 goals, and 12 assists at this level. Matt Gordon, Dean McCartney, Dieudonné Belinga, and Oliver Walters are all retained, giving us depth and experience.

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Up top, I’m thrilled to keep Ryan Tioffo (141 apps, 80 goals, 33 assists) and Zoltán Németh (117 apps, 80 goals, 29 assists) - our lethal strike partnership. We’ve added 18-year-old Ryan Hassan from Larne, who scored 4 goals in 18 games in the Northern Irish Premiership and won 3 titles. Richie Barron, our 21-year-old Northern Irish striker, stays after 10 goals in 48 apps last season, mostly off the bench.

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It’s been a whirlwind of a start to our 2033/34 season and as I sit down to reflect on July and August, I’m feeling a mix of frustration and cautious optimism. Our first taste of the Northern Premier League Division One East has been tougher than I expected, but we’ve shown flashes of what we’re capable of.

We’ve played eight matches across all competitions - three wins, three draws, and two losses - sitting 14th in the league with six points from five games and still alive in the FA Cup after three rounds. The Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup final loss still stings, and now the J.R. Cleator Cup defeat has added to the early-season disappointments, but I know this squad has the grit to turn things around. Here’s how our first two months unfolded.

We kicked off on 23rd July with a 3-2 loss to Newcastle Benfield in the J.R. Cleator Cup Final at Sam Smith’s Park. Jaydon Fuller put Benfield ahead in the 30th minute, finding the bottom right corner from Gary Levein’s chip over the top. Zoltán Németh equalised in the 47th, racing through from Jakub Adamczyk’s pass to finish in the right corner, but Carl Henry restored Benfield’s lead in the 49th with a driven shot into the bottom right. Ryan Tioffo levelled it in the 59th, tapping in Matt Gordon’s square ball, but Henry’s short-range effort in the 64th, deflected over Craig Daly by Espen Jenssen, sealed the win for Benfield. It was a gut-punch to start the season, especially against a familiar rival.

On 30th July, we bounced back with a 2-1 win over Retford United at Forge Road in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round. Billy Warwick opened the scoring in the 19th minute, his shot from the edge of the box deflecting off Retford’s Carpenter into the near left corner. Chris Jones equalised in the 49th, tapping in Michael Afuye’s header across goal, but Gordon clinched it in the 70th, intercepting the ball and charging through to fire into the far right corner with his left foot. A scrappy win, but it kept our cup dreams alive.

Our NPL East campaign began on 6th August with a 1-1 draw against Cleethorpes Town at Forge Road. Austin Fitzpatrick headed in Ethan Eccleston’s cross in the 73rd minute, but Adamczyk rescued a point in the 90th, heading in Dean Culbert’s cross. It was a late show, but we deserved a share of the spoils.

On 10th August, we drew 3-3 with Newcastle Blue Star at Scotswood Sports Ground in a game that summed up our early-season inconsistency. Warwick fired into the top right in the 12th minute, Németh volleyed in Wayne Easton’s lobbed cross in the 31st, and Németh made it 3-0 in the 33rd from Tioffo’s low cross. Then we collapsed. Rio Joisce headed in Ike Orji’s cross in the 41st, Alex Barkley scored in the far right corner in the 61st, and Joisce’s bending effort in the 73rd levelled it. We threw away two points there, and I let the lads know it.

On 13th August, we smashed Droylsden 6-1 at The Butchers Arms Ground in the FA Cup Preliminary Round. Easton scored a penalty in the 20th minute, Gordon tapped in Németh’s square ball in the 31st, and Gordon added another in the 36th from Easton’s pass across the edge of the area. Gordon completed his hat-trick in the 54th from Easton’s cutback, Easton scored in the 55th from Adamczyk’s low cutback and Gordon grabbed his fourth in the 68th from Warwick’s ball across the area. Luke Plange’s 87th-minute goal through Daly’s legs was a minor blemish on a rampant performance.

Our first league win came on 17th August, a 2-1 victory over Whickham at Forge Road. Németh struck in the 2nd minute from the edge of the area into the bottom right and headed in Easton’s cross in the 12th. Tavonga Kuleya’s header from Ryan Galvin’s cross in the 27th made it nervy, but we held firm for three vital points.

On 20th August, we suffered our first league defeat, 1-0 to Barton Town at Robin AFC Stadium. Sam Marshall headed in Deegan Mangham’s cross in the 6th minute and we couldn’t find a response. It was a wake-up call - we were too flat, too sloppy.

We closed August in the league with a 2-2 draw against Marske United at Forge Road on 24th August. Sampson Jacobs tapped in Dougie Crawford’s ball from two yards in the 20th minute and scored again in the 26th from another Crawford square ball. Adamczyk’s low, short free kick in the 72nd found Németh, who fed Gordon to finish inside the area, and Joe Prendergast headed in Adamczyk’s corner in the 87th to snatch a point. It was a gritty comeback, but we’re leaving too many points on the table.

Finally, on 27th August, we edged Brookside Athletic 2-1 at Forge Road in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round. Adamczyk headed in Culbert’s cross off the post in the 26th minute, but his own goal in the 61st, deflecting an Evans shot, levelled it. Easton headed in Adamczyk’s powerful cross in the 64th to secure the win and keep our cup run alive.

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The league table after five games is sobering. We’re 14th with six points - one win, three draws, one loss. Billingham Synthonia lead with 15 points, followed by Billingham Town and Barton Town on 13 each.

Wakefield and Washington occupy the play-off spots with 11 points apiece. Hessle (10), Consett (9), Redcar Athletic (9), Shildon (8), and Whitby Town (8) make up the top half. Newcastle Blue Star, Cleethorpes Town, and Marske United sit just above us on 7 points each, with Whickham level with us on 6.

West Auckland Town (5) are just above the relegation zone, followed by Gainsborough Trinity (4), Stocksbridge Park Steels (3), and Bishop Auckland (3). Shockingly, tycoon-backed Emley AFC are rock bottom with zero points and Ben Barclay is under pressure already.

We’ve been too sloppy - conceding late goals, switching off at key moments. The step-up to the NPL East is no joke, with 17th to 20th facing relegation. Gordon’s been a revelation with five goals in August, Németh and Tioffo are finding their rhythm and Adamczyk’s starting to shine, but we need more from the backline. Cian Byrne and Espen Jenssen are settling, but we’re missing the solidity we had last season.

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Bransay Athletic have etched another glorious chapter in their fairy-tale FA Cup journey, securing a dramatic 4-3 victory over National League side Shrewsbury Town at the Croud Meadow in the Fourth Qualifying Round today.

The Irons, competing in their debut season in the Northern Premier League Division One East, defied the odds against a Shrewsbury side three divisions above them, reaching the First Round Proper for the second consecutive year.

A brace from Dieudonné Belinga, alongside goals from Zoltán Németh and Jack Smith, sent the travelling Bransay faithful into ecstasy and set up a tantalising First Round clash away to League Two outfit FC United of Manchester at Broadhurst Park.

Bransay’s path to this historic win was paved with grit, having already dispatched Retford United, Droylsden, Brookside Athletic, Washington and Maltby Main in earlier rounds.

For Shrewsbury, a National League outfit, this was their first FA Cup tie of the season and they were expected to brush aside the semi-professional Irons. But Bransay, buoyed by their 2032/33 run to the FA Cup Fifth Round and their Northern League Division One title, proved they are no strangers to giant-killing.

The match at the Croud Meadow was a seven-goal thriller that kept both sets of fans on edge. Shrewsbury struck first in the 14th minute when Peter Usman raced to the back post to head in Marley Pamment’s free-kick from the left.

Bransay responded swiftly in the 17th minute with one of the finest goals I’ve seen them score. Ryan Tioffo hung a ball to the edge of the area, where Belinga met it with a majestic volley, striking it off the bar into the far top left corner for 1-1 - a goal that had Forge Road’s spirit coursing through it. In the 46th minute, Németh gave them the lead, finding the near left corner with a clinical finish to make it 2-1.

Shrewsbury levelled early in the second half, in the 51st minute, when Cairns’ free-kick was headed down by Terence Miles for Morgan Clayton to score. But Bransay’s resolve held firm, and in the 69th minute, Belinga struck again, latching onto Németh’s cutback to the penalty spot and firing into the bottom right corner for 3-2. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Jack Smith sealed what seemed like the win in the 90th minute, heading in Jakub Adamczyk’s pinpoint cross. Yet Shrewsbury refused to go quietly, with Tom Dyer heading in Aapo Laukkanen’s chipped cross in the 95th minute to make it 4-3. The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Bransay players and fans, who knew they had pulled off another monumental upset.

Manager Callum Baird was visibly emotional post-match, hailing his squad’s character. “To come to Shrewsbury, three divisions above us and win 4-3 is amazing,” Baird said. “Belinga’s volley was world-class, Németh and Smith delivered when it mattered and I thought Adamczyk’s crosses were lethal. We’ve got a tough draw against FC United next, but these lads fear no one. Our fans were immense today as well - they’re the heartbeat of this club.”

The victory marks Bransay’s second consecutive appearance in the FA Cup First Round Proper, following last season’s run that saw them defeat Leyton Orient and Reading before falling to Liverpool at Anfield.

The upcoming tie against FC United of Manchester, a fellow non-league side with a passionate fanbase, promises to be a thrilling encounter at Broadhurst Park. Bransay’s FA Cup exploits continue to bolster the club’s finances, with last season’s run yielding a £1.2 million profit that cleared their debts and put them well in the black.

Beyond the FA Cup, Bransay remain in contention across all competitions. Earlier this week, they secured a win over Pex Hill in the Integro Cup First Round on 4th October, with goals from Tioffo, Prendergast and Eastonn.

They also triumphed against Washington in the FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round on 1st October, with Németh and Tioffo on the scoresheet. In the league, Bransay sit 13th with thirteen points after a mixed start, but their cup form suggests they are finding their rhythm.

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Bransay Athletic continued their remarkable FA Cup odyssey with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over FC United of Manchester at Broadhurst Park in the First Round Proper this afternoon.

The Irons, fresh from their Northern League Division One title and a debut season in the Northern Premier League Division One East, showcased their resilience against a spirited FC United side, securing their place in the Second Round with goals from Zoltán Németh and Wayne Easton. This latest scalp sets up a clash against Championship side Cardiff City at the Cardiff City Stadium on 26th November.

Bransay’s journey to this stage has been nothing short of heroic, having already dispatched Retford United, Droylsden, Brookside Athletic, Washington, Maltby Main and National League outfit Shrewsbury Town in the Fourth Qualifying Round. FC United posed a formidable challenge, but Bransay’s clinical finishing and defensive grit proved decisive in a match that kept the 3,500-strong crowd on edge.

The scoring opened in the 23rd minute when Wayne Easton surged down the right wing, delivering a low cross into the box. Ryan Tioffo stumbled over the ball, but it rolled through to Németh at the back post, who tapped in to give Bransay a 1-0 lead.

The Irons doubled their advantage in the 35th minute, with Easton again at the heart of the action. The 29-year-old Scot, signed from Bunillidh in the summer, latched onto a loose ball and fired a precise shot into the bottom right corner, sending the travelling Bransay fans into raptures.

FC United fought back in the 63rd minute when Tom Anderson headed up a loose ball and volleyed it in at the near post, halving the deficit and setting up a tense finale. Despite late pressure, Bransay held firm, with goalkeeper Craig Daly and centre-back Cian Byrne standing tall to see out the 2-1 win.

Manager Callum Baird was elated post-match, praising his squad’s composure. “FC United are a proper side with incredible fans and Broadhurst Park is no easy place to come,” Baird said. “Németh’s tap-in and Easton’s finish gave us the edge, but we had to dig deep after their goal. The lads showed real character. Cardiff City away is a massive challenge, but we’re dreaming big. Our supporters were unbelievable today - they’re carrying us through this run.”

The victory marks Bransay’s second consecutive appearance in the FA Cup Second Round, following last season’s historic run to the Fifth Round, which included wins over Leyton Orient and Herne Bay before a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

Facing Cardiff City, a League One side, represents a five-division gap, but Bransay’s giant-killing credentials - bolstered by their recent 4-3 win over Shrewsbury Town - suggest they are capable of another upset. The financial rewards from this cup run continue to transform the club, building on last season’s profit that cleared the club’s debts.

Bransay remain in contention across all competitions, with recent wins over Pex Hill in the Integro Cup First Round and Emley in the FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round. In the league, they sit 7th with 25 points after a challenging start, but their September and October form indicates a team finding its stride. The Second Round tie against Cardiff City offers a chance to emulate last season’s heroics and further cement Bransay’s status as a non-league powerhouse.

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As I sit down to take stock of September and October 2033, I’m feeling a surge of pride mixed with cautious optimism. These two months have been a turning point for us in our debut Northern Premier League Division One East season. We’ve played 17 matches across all competitions, racking up 15 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, propelling us to 7th in the league with 25 points and two games in hand that could see us top the table.

Our FA Cup run has taken us to the Second Round, the FA Trophy and Integro Cup campaigns are alive, and we’re starting to look like a team that belongs at this level.

We started September with a 4-1 thrashing of Pex Hill at Forge Road in the FA Trophy First Qualifying Round on 3rd September. Wayne Easton opened the scoring in the 27th minute, firing into the near bottom right corner from the edge of the box. He doubled his tally in the 30th from Ryan Hassan’s low cross, and though Piotr Siwinski pulled one back in the 45+1st minute with a top-right corner strike, Matt Gordon’s 25-yard effort into the left corner in the 47th and Easton’s hat-trick goal in the 50th, finding the far left bottom corner, sealed a dominant win.

On 7th September, we edged Redcar Athletic 3-2 at Forge Road. Zoltán Németh struck twice, first in the 32nd minute, hitting in off the far post from Jakub Adamczyk’s low ball, then in the 36th from Adamczyk’s square ball. Gordon’s penalty in the 45+3rd minute made it 3-0, but Danny Ritchie’s headers from Joe Starbuck’s crosses in the 69th and 72nd minutes made it tense. We held on for three crucial points.

On 10th September, we beat Washington 3-1 at Forge Road in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round. Easton headed in Billy Warwick’s cross in the 4th minute, but Charlie Whittaker’s top-right strike in the 6th levelled it. Adamczyk restored our lead in the 21st, heading in Németh’s ball at the near post, and Richie Barron capitalised on a dreadful goal kick from Dixson in the 27th, with Gordon and Németh combining to set him up.

Our first setback came on 14th September, a 2-1 loss to Bishop Auckland at Heritage Park. Farrend Grimes scored from the edge in the 16th minute, and Regan Griffiths’ 30-yard effort into the bottom left in the 33rd put them 2-0 up. Adamczyk’s header from Easton’s cross in the 61st wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.

We bounced back on 17th September with a 2-1 win over Stocksbridge Park Steels at Bracken Moor Lane. Diamond Edwards scored from Tim Brown’s cutback in the 19th minute, but Tioffo levelled in the 21st, pouncing on a goal kick error to fire into the right corner from 25 yards. Easton’s penalty in the 35th secured the points.

On 21st September, we drew 2-2 with Hessle Sporting Club at Forge Road. Tioffo scored from eight yards in the 16th minute, but Reece Nicholas-Davies found the far right corner from Michael Curry’s ball in the 32nd. Hassan’s free kick from the D in the 62nd put us ahead, but Matt Taylor’s header from Nathan Jenkinson’s cross in the 81st snatched a point for Hessle.

On 24th September, we beat Maltby Main 2-0 at Muglet Lane in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round. Easton scored in the 30th minute from Tioffo’s through ball, finding the bottom left, and Németh curled a wonderful edge-of-box effort into the far right corner in the 83rd.

We closed September with a 2-0 win over Whitby Town at Forge Road on 28th September. Conner Burrows scored in the 23rd minute in the near left corner, and Németh found the bottom left from the edge in the 29th minute after an Easton breakaway.

October started with a 2-1 win over Washington at Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground in the FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round on 1st October. Németh scored in the 2nd minute, striking the underside of the bar from Dieudonné Belinga’s ball over the top. Aidan Rutledge levelled in the 66th minute from Murray Dalziel’s ball, but Tioffo tapped in Ren Yamada’s shot rebound off the post in the 87th to win it.

On 4th October, we beat Pex Hill 3-2 at Forge Road in the Integro League Cup First Round. Samir Sebbar headed in Chris Fielding’s cross in the 10th minute, and Ellis Hudson’s top-right strike in the 32nd put Pex Hill 2-0 up. Tioffo’s header from Romuald Ouattara’s cross in the 35th, Joe Prendergast’s near-post finish from Easton’s low cross in the 36th, and Easton’s header from Burrows’ cross in the 41st turned it around for us.

On 8th October, we stunned Shrewsbury Town 4-3 at The Croud Meadow in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round. Peter Usman headed in Marley Pamment’s free-kick in the 14th minute, but Belinga’s majestic volley from Tioffo’s ball in the 17th, off the bar into the far top left corner, levelled it. Németh gave us the lead in the 46th, finding the near left corner. Morgan Clayton scored from Terence Miles’ header in the 51st, but Belinga’s penalty-spot strike from Németh’s cutback in the 69th made it 3-2. Jack Smith’s header from Adamczyk’s cross in the 90th seemed to seal it, but Tom Dyer’s header from Aapo Laukkanen’s chip in the 95th made it nervy. We held on for a historic win.

On 12th October, we thrashed Gainsborough Trinity 5-1 at Forge Road. Tioffo headed in Adamczyk’s chipped cross in the 16th, Easton scored a penalty in the 20th, and Németh tapped in Gordon’s square ball in the 21st. Ollie Barton pulled one back in the 47th from Steven Hurst’s ball, but Adamczyk’s free-kick from the edge in the 68th and Easton’s penalty down the middle in the 95th completed the rout.

On 15th October, we beat West Auckland Town 3-1 at Forge Road. Hayden Lindley scored inside the box in the 27th minute, Easton added a penalty in the 42nd and found the left corner in the 55th. Sam Gillies’ left-corner strike in the 70th was consolation for West Auckland.

On 19th October, we won 2-1 at Stocksbridge Park Steels in the league. Prendergast headed in a failed corner clearance by Hennessy in the 22nd minute, but Rodger Midgley’s header from Cian Flannery’s corner in the 65th levelled it. Adamczyk’s free-kick into the bottom left in the 75th clinched the points.

On 22nd October, we beat Emley AFC 3-2 in the FA Trophy First Round at Forge Road. Tioffo scored in the bottom left in the 25th minute, and Easton’s first-time 25-yard effort in the 26th made it 2-0. A calamitous mix-up between Daly and Prendergast in the 35th allowed former Bransay player Lee Cook’s cross to go straight in. Adamczyk restored our two-goal lead in the 71st, firing into the right corner, but Josh Koroma’s near-bottom-right strike in the 75th kept it close.

On 26th October, we won 2-1 at Billingham Synthonia’s new stadium. Hassan’s 33rd-minute free-kick deflected off Kellan Gordon for an own goal, but Jacob Holland-Wilkinson levelled in the 39th from Razak Ofori’s flick-on. Yamada’s near-post finish in the 83rd after a right-wing run secured the win.

We capped October with a 2-1 win over FC United of Manchester in the FA Cup First Round at Broadhurst Park on 29th October. Németh tapped in Easton’s low cross in the 23rd minute after Tioffo’s stumble, and Easton fired into the bottom right in the 35th. Tom Anderson’s near-post volley in the 63rd made it tense, but we held firm.

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The league table looks far healthier now. We’re 7th with 25 points, two games in hand on the top six, which could take us top if we win both.

Consett and Whickham lead with 30 points each, Washington have 29, Barton Town and Bishop Auckland 28 each in the play-off spots.

Marske United are 6th with 26, just ahead of us. Wakefield and Billingham Synthonia have 24, Shildon 23, and Billingham Town 22.

Emley, now under caretaker Dermot Morrissey after sacking Ben Barclay, are 12th with 18 points. Stocksbridge and Hessle have 17, Whitby Town, Newcastle Blue Star, Redcar Athletic, and West Auckland Town 15 each. Cleethorpes Town (9) and Gainsborough Trinity (7) prop up the table.

October’s flawless record - nine wins from nine - shows we’re clicking. Easton’s been a revelation with nine goals, Németh and Tioffo are lethal and Adamczyk’s growing into a star. Defensively, we’re still leaky, and that mix-up against Emley can’t happen again. With Cardiff City looming in the FA Cup Second Round, the FA Trophy, Integro Cup, and a play-off push in sight, we’re in the thick of it.

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Bransay Athletic’s FA Cup dream came to an end with a 3-0 defeat to League One side Cardiff City at the Cardiff City Stadium in the Second Round today, in front of 9,817 fans.

The Irons, competing in their debut Northern Premier League East season, put up a valiant fight against a Cardiff side five divisions above them but were undone by early goals from Jerry Burch and Mohamed Ben Hassine, with Eddie Fowkes sealing the result just before half-time.

Despite the loss, Bransay’s cup run, which included a stunning 2-1 win over FC United of Manchester in the First Round, has further cemented their reputation as non-league giant-killers.

Cardiff, who had only needed to overcome Blackpool in the First Round to reach this stage, started with the confidence of a Championship outfit pushing for promotion. In the 6th minute, they took the lead when Fowkes’ shot was blocked, deflecting left to Yosuke Furukawa, who squared it into the six-yard box for Burch to tap in.

Bransay battled to stay in the game, but Cardiff’s quality shone through in the 32nd minute when Ben Hassine curled a 25-yard free-kick into the top right corner, beyond Craig Daly’s diving attempt.

The killer blow came in the 45th minute, as Fowkes sprinted past Joe Prendergast into the box and fired into the far right corner with his left foot, sending Cardiff into the break 3-0 up. Despite a spirited second half, Bransay couldn’t find a way back and Cardiff held firm to book a Third Round clash with Watford at Vicarage Road on New Year’s Eve.

Manager Callum Baird remained defiant post-match, expressing pride in his squad’s performance. “Going toe-to-toe with a League One side like Cardiff is no small feat,” Baird said. “They’re five divisions above us, and their quality showed in those clinical moments. Burch, Ben Hassine, Fowkes - they punished us early. But our lads never stopped fighting, and our fans were incredible. This run’s been massive for the club, financially and for our spirit. We’re 10th in the league and this knockout means we can focus on climbing the table and staying fresh for the second half of the season.”

Bransay’s FA Cup journey this season saw them overcome Retford United, Droylsden, Brookside Athletic, Washington, Maltby Main, Shrewsbury Town and FC United of Manchester, adding to last season’s historic run to the Fifth Round against Liverpool.

The financial rewards from these cup exploits continue to bolster the club, building on last season’s profit that cleared their debt. With gate receipts and prize money from earlier rounds, Bransay’s finances remain robust, providing stability as they navigate the NPL East.

The FA Cup exit wasn’t the only cup disappointment this month. On 12th November, Bransay were knocked out of the FA Trophy by Barrow after a 1-1 draw, losing 5-3 on penalties. Jonal Anderson put Barrow ahead in the 37th minute, but Jakub Adamczyk equalised for Bransay in the 74th. In the shootout, Adamczyk’s miss on Bransay’s fourth attempt allowed Sean Smith to score the decisive penalty for Barrow. Despite the setback, Baird praised his team’s effort against a National League side.

However, Bransay remain alive in the Integro League Cup, reaching the Fourth Round with a commanding 6-0 win over Alfreton at Forge Road on 15th November. Ryan Tioffo opened the scoring, followed by Matt Gordon, Ryan Hassan, Conner Burrows and Jack Smith. They now face Clipstone in the next round, offering a chance to keep their cup hopes alive.

Sitting 10th in the NPL East with 26 points, Bransay are well-positioned to push for a play-off spot. The FA Cup and FA Trophy exits allow them to channel their energy into the league, where they’ve shown promise with wins over Gainsborough Trinity, West Auckland Town and Billingham Synthonia in October.

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As I reflect on November and December 2033, it’s been a mixed bag for us at Bransay Athletic. These two months tested our mettle in our debut Northern Premier League Division One East season, with 13 matches across all competitions yielding 5 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses.

We’re 8th in the league with 36 points after 22 of 38 games, four points shy of the play-off spots, and while our FA Cup and FA Trophy runs ended, we’re still alive in the Integro League Cup, reaching the Fourth Round. Our performances have been patchy, but the lads are showing the fight needed to stay competitive in this tough league. Here’s how we fared over the past two months.

We kicked off November with a 4-1 win over Hebburn Town at the Green Energy Sports Ground in the Integro League Cup Second Round on 1st November. Richie Barron headed in Jakub Adamczyk’s cross in the 16th minute, Ryan Hassan nodded in Dean Culbert’s cross in the 40th, and Adamczyk made it 3-0 in the 45+2nd, heading in another Culbert delivery. Adam Fairclough’s bottom-right strike from the edge in the 80th was a consolation, but Espen Jenssen sealed it in the 84th, heading in Adamczyk’s corner.

On 5th November, we drew 1-1 with Emley at the Emley Welfare Sports Ground. Wayne Easton scored in the 58th minute from Jenssen’s layup after a cleared corner, but Linton Wozny equalised in the 75th from Conner Edmonds’ low cross. A point on the road against a resurgent Emley wasn’t the worst result.

Our first league loss came on 9th November, a 1-0 defeat to Shildon at Forge Road. Ronald Kisekka scored in the 25th minute from Roman Crellin’s square ball across the face of goal, and we couldn’t find a response despite dominating possession.

On 12th November, we drew 1-1 with Barrow at The SO Legal Stadium in the FA Trophy Second Round but lost 5-3 on penalties. Jonal Anderson tapped in Brandon Njoku’s square ball in the 37th minute after Njoku’s shot was saved, but Adamczyk levelled in the 74th, firing into the bottom left corner. In the shootout, Adamczyk’s miss on our fourth penalty handed Barrow the win after Sean Smith scored theirs. It was a bitter exit against a National League side.

Our form dipped further on 16th November with a 5-1 thrashing by Wakefield AFC at the Be Well Support Stadium. Jamie Miley scored in the bottom right from the edge in the 5th minute, Ryan Middlemiss found the near right corner in the 43rd and Miley added two more in the 54th and 59th. Middlemiss’ deflected effort in the 56th completed the rout, with Zoltán Németh’s header from Culbert’s deep cross in the 72nd a mere consolation.

The pain continued on 19th November with another 5-1 loss, this time to Billingham Town at Bedford Terrace. Goalkeeper Ben Coley’s hoof over the top set up Brahim Banzé for the near bottom left in the 16th minute. Jack Leahy scored from Banzé’s layoff in the 40th, Peter Maxwell chipped Craig Daly in the 51st, Banzé curled in a 25-yard free-kick in the 56th, and Shane Curran flicked in Banzé’s corner in the 74th. Ryan Tioffo’s goal from Hassan’s square ball in the 73rd was our only bright spot.

We rebounded on 22nd November with a 6-0 demolition of Alfreton Town at Impact Arena in the Integro League Cup Third Round. Tioffo scored in the bottom left in the 20th minute, Matt Gordon tapped in Joe Prendergast’s nod-down from Hassan’s free-kick in the 25th, and Hassan found the right corner from Romuald Ouattara’s deflected cross in the 39th. Conner Burrows headed in Harrison Beeden’s cross in the 51st, Jack Smith volleyed in Hassan’s cross in the 60th, and Hassan headed in Burrows’ cross in the 85th.

On 26th November, we fell 3-0 to Cardiff City in the FA Cup Second Round at Cardiff City Stadium. Jerry Burch tapped in Yosuke Furukawa’s square ball in the 6th minute after Eddie Fowkes’ blocked shot. Mohamed Ben Hassine curled a 25-yard free-kick into the top right corner in the 32nd, despite Daly’s effort, and Fowkes sprinted past Prendergast to fire into the far right corner in the 45th. The 9,817 fans saw a brave performance, but Cardiff’s Championship quality was too much.

We ended November with a 3-0 win over Consett at Forge Road on 30th November. Ren Yamada scored in the 17th minute from Burrows’ shot rebound, Németh headed in Yamada’s cross in the 64th, and Hayden Lindley nodded in Cian Byrne’s cross in the 68th. It was a statement win against the league leaders.

December started with a 2-0 win over Newcastle Blue Star at Forge Road on 3rd December. Prendergast headed in Adamczyk’s corner in the 22nd minute, and Adamczyk found the near left corner just before half-time in the 45th. A solid performance to keep us ticking.

On 7th December, we drew 4-4 with Washington at Forge Road in a thrilling encounter. Dieudonné Belinga scored a penalty in the 34th minute, Németh curled in a bottom-left strike in the 41st after Belinga nodded down Adamczyk’s cross, and Németh struck the top right corner in the 45th. Callum Guy’s penalty in the 55th, Nathaniel Nkunku’s goal from Aidan Rutledge’s cross in the 61st, and Bradley Hoskins’ header from Alex Walpole’s corner in the 76th levelled it. Németh restored our lead in the 82nd, heading in Beeden’s cross, but Jordan Allard’s flicked header from Kavan Stainsby’s cross in the 86th snatched a point for Washington.

On 10th December, we lost 3-2 to Cleethorpes Town at Clee Road. Gordon scored from Burrows’ cutback in the 24th minute, but Mohammed Kayal’s penalty in the 30th and Austin Fitzpatrick’s rebound from Kayal’s shot in the 45+4th put Cleethorpes ahead. Hassan levelled from the edge in the 51st, but Jared Paling’s edge-of-box rocket in the 90+3rd stole the win.

We closed the period with a 1-0 win over Whickham at the Glebe Sports Ground on 17th December. Belinga scored in the 55th minute, pouncing on a deflected cross from Easton to secure three points.

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The league table shows us in 8th with 36 points after 22 games, four points off the play-off spots. Whickham lead with 45 points, followed by Wakefield and Consett. Shildon and Marske United occupy the play-off places.

Washington and Bishop Auckland sit just above us with 38 points each. Billingham Town and Barton Town are 9th and 10th with 34 points and Billingham Synthonia have 33 in 11th.

Emley, under new manager Regan Booty, are 12th with 28 points, followed by Redcar Athletic, West Auckland Town, Cleethorpes Town and Hessle. Stocksbridge and Newcastle Blue Star are in the relegation zone with 21 points each, Whitby Town have 16, and Gainsborough Trinity prop up the table with 14.

November’s dip hurt us, with heavy losses to Wakefield and Billingham Town exposing defensive frailties. But December showed signs of recovery, with Németh’s goals against Washington and Belinga’s clutch moments keeping us in the hunt. Our Integro Cup run, with a Fourth Round tie against Clipstone upcoming, offers a shot at silverware. The FA Cup and FA Trophy exits sting, but they’ve freed us to focus on the league.

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Bransay Athletic’s 19-year-old star left winger Jakub Adamczyk is set to depart the club on 1st July, joining Polish top-flight side Korona Kielce on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract.

The Polish prodigy, who arrived at Forge Road from Burnley in the summer of 2033, has been a revelation in Bransay’s debut Northern Premier League Division One East season, contributing to 22 goals through goals and assists in 33 appearances across all competitions.

His move to Korona Kielce, currently rock bottom of the Ekstraklasa, marks a significant step in his career, though he appears destined for the Polish second tier next season.

Adamczyk’s impact at Bransay has been undeniable. Signed to replace fan favourite Jordan Elsdon, the teenager quickly adapted to the physicality of the NPL East, showcasing his flair, vision and knack for decisive moments.

His standout performances include a last-gasp header in a 1-1 draw against Cleethorpes Town, a brace against Brookside Athletic in the FA Cup, and crucial assists in wins over Shrewsbury Town and FC United of Manchester during Bransay’s FA Cup run to the Second Round.

His free-kick wizardry and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses have made him a fan favourite at Forge Road, where he helped Bransay climb to 7th in the league with 40 points after 24 games.

Korona Kielce, however, presents a different challenge. The club is in dire straits, languishing at the bottom of the Ekstraklasa with just one win in 19 league games as of mid-January 2034. Eleven points adrift of safety, relegation to the Fortuna I liga seems almost certain.

Adamczyk’s decision to join a struggling side may raise eyebrows, but at 19, he is likely eyeing regular first-team football in his homeland, with the potential to be a key figure in Korona’s rebuild in the second tier. His versatility as a left winger or attacking midfielder, combined with his proven goal-scoring and creative instincts, could make him a standout in Polish football.

Adamczyk’s journey to this point has been meteoric. Starting in Banbury United’s academy, he moved to King’s Lynn Town in 2030, where his youth performances earned him a move to Premier League side Burnley. In April 2033, he made his professional debut as a substitute in Burnley’s match against Brentford, a moment that signalled his potential. His transfer to Bransay last summer was a bold move to secure regular minutes and he has repaid the faith of manager Callum Baird with a stellar campaign.

Baird expressed mixed emotions about Adamczyk’s departure. “Jakub’s been phenomenal for us,” Baird said. “At 19, to come into this league and contribute 22 goals and assists in 33 games is special. His work rate, his quality on the ball, his set-pieces - he’s got it all. It’s gutting to lose him, but moving to Korona Kielce is a huge opportunity to play in his home country. We wish him all the best and he’ll always be welcome back at Forge Road.”

For Bransay, losing Adamczyk is a blow, but the club’s financial stability - bolstered by last season’s FA Cup profit and this season’s cup runs - provides room to recruit a replacement. Baird will likely target a new winger for next season.

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As I look back on January and February 2034, it’s been a challenging but character-building period for us at Bransay Athletic. We’ve played nine matches across all competitions, with three wins, four draws, and two losses, keeping us in the hunt for a play-off spot in our debut Northern Premier League Division One East season.

We’re 7th with 49 points after 30 games, three points off the play-offs, but our Integro League Cup run ended with a humbling defeat. The news of Jakub Adamczyk’s departure to Korona Kielce in July has added a bittersweet note, but the lads are focused on finishing strong. Here’s how we navigated these two months.

We started January with a commanding 3-0 win over Barton Town at Forge Road on 7th January. Wayne Easton opened the scoring in the 27th minute, heading in Billy Warwick’s cross. Ryan Tioffo made it 2-0 in the 51st, nodding in Conner Burrows’ cross, and Zoltán Németh sealed it in the 83rd, lashing a close-range shot into the top left corner. It was the perfect way to kick off the new year.

On 14th January, we drew 3-3 with Marske United at Mount Pleasant in a thrilling clash. Trent Chapman put Marske ahead in the 2nd minute from Dougie Crawford’s square ball, but Tioffo equalised in the 9th, heading in Dean Culbert’s low cross. Easton’s header from Burrows’ cross in the 45+1st gave us the lead, but Crawford scored at the near post in the 64th from a long ball by goalkeeper Andre Peters. Dieudonné Belinga’s penalty in the 66th put us back in front, only for Chapman’s header from Crawford’s cross in the 85th to snatch a point for Marske.

Our Integro League Cup campaign ended on 17th January with a 4-0 loss to Clipstone at Forge Road in the Fourth Round. Kieran Rawlings scored a penalty in the 9th minute, Joe Brady headed in James Daly’s cross in the 14th, and Brady added two more in the 44th and 48th minutes, both from Dan Smith’s square balls, completing his hat-trick. It was a night to forget, and I didn’t hold back in the dressing room about our lack of fight.

On 21st January, we drew 1-1 with Bishop Auckland at Forge Road. Adamczyk scored a stunner in the 62nd minute, curling a 25-yard shot into the top left after Tioffo pounced on a poor Bishop Auckland throw-in. Aaron Atkinson equalised in the 70th, finding the bottom right corner, leaving us frustrated with another two points dropped.

We bounced back on 28th January with a 4-0 rout of Redcar Athletic at Green Lane. Matt Gordon opened the scoring in the 47th minute from Németh’s cutback, Jack Smith found the far left corner in the 58th after Tioffo’s pass, Gordon scored again in the 68th from Adamczyk’s low cross, and Belinga’s penalty in the 78th wrapped up a dominant performance.

February began with a 3-3 draw against Wakefield at Forge Road on 4th February. Belinga scored in the 8th minute, teed up by Espen Jenssen on the edge of the box after a cleared corner. Kain Armer headed in Martin Kelly’s cross in the 20th and added another in the bottom left corner in the 33rd. Easton levelled it in the 79th, running through from Ren Yamada’s pass to find the left corner, and Tioffo put us ahead in the 81st from Joe Prendergast’s volleyed cutback. But Wakefield snatched a point in the 97th minute when Ryan Middlemiss’ near-left-corner shot was tipped onto the bar by Craig Daly and went in, leaving us gutted.

On 11th February, we won 3-1 at Whitby Town’s Turnbull Ground. Belinga scored a penalty in the 24th minute, Kabiru Samson’s own goal in the 78th deflected Easton’s shot, and Warwick scored in the 86th after Adamczyk’s shot bounced out to him. Charlie Bree’s header from Gareth Parry’s cross in the 93rd was a late consolation for Whitby.

On 18th February, we played out a 0-0 draw with Hessle Sporting Club at Forge Road. It was a scrappy game with few chances, but a point kept us ticking over.

We ended February with a 2-1 loss to Gainsborough Trinity at The Northolme on 25th February. Morten Scheide scored in the 50th minute from Warne’s header rebound, and Ollie Barton capitalised on a route-one ball in the 52nd. Tioffo pulled one back in the 71st from Németh’s square ball, but we couldn’t find an equaliser against a side fighting relegation.

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The league table shows us in 7th with 49 points, three points behind 5th-placed Whickham.

Consett lead with 62 points from 19 wins in 30 games, followed by Wakefield and Shildon, Bishop Auckland and Whickham.

Marske United are 6th with 51, just ahead of us and Washington, who are tied with us on 49. Barton Town and Billingham Town are 9th and 10th, with West Auckland Town and Billingham Synthonia in 11th and 12th.

Emley and Redcar Athletic are tied on 36 in 13th and 14th, Cleethorpes Town have 35 in 15th, and Stocksbridge Park Steels are 16th with 31, two points above the drop.

Hessle and Whitby Town share 29 points in the relegation spots, with Newcastle Blue Star on 28 and Gainsborough Trinity bottom with 18, 13 points from safety.

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Bransay Athletic reignited their Northern Premier League Division One East play-off hopes with a thrilling 3-1 comeback victory over Billingham Town at Forge Road today, propelling them into the play-off spots for the first time since October.

Trailing at half-time, the Irons roared back with second-half goals from Joe Prendergast, Ryan Tioffo and Matt Gordon, capitalising on Bishop Auckland’s 3-1 home defeat to West Auckland Town to leapfrog them into 5th place on 67 points alongside Marske United. With one game remaining, Bransay are now masters of their own destiny in a nail-biting race for the final play-off berth.

The match started cautiously, with both sides probing but struggling to create clear chances. Bransay, starting the day one point behind 5th-placed Bishop Auckland, knew a win was vital, but it was Billingham Town who struck first in the 53rd minute. Jack Leahy scored at the near post, exploiting a rare error from goalkeeper Craig Daly, whose poor positioning allowed the ball to slip through. The goal stunned the Bransay faithful, but it sparked a response that would define their season.

In the 60th minute, Bransay equalised with a moment of brilliance. Wayne Easton’s pinpoint corner found Joe Prendergast, who unleashed a thunderous near-post header that nestled into the back of the net, igniting the home fans.

The momentum shifted and in the 71st minute Bransay took the lead. Billy Warwick sent Zoltán Németh racing down the left side of the box, where he drove a low cross to Tioffo, who calmly slotted home to make it 2-1.

The Irons sealed the win in the 84th minute with a sublime team move. Jakub Adamczyk was tackled in the box but the ball fell to Conner Burrows, who laid it off to Ren Yamada on the edge of the area. Yamada teed up Gordon, who curled a stunning shot into the top right corner, sending the Bransay fans into delirium.

Manager Callum Baird was ecstatic post-match, praising his team’s resilience. “To go behind against a tough Billingham side and come back like that shows the character in this squad,” Baird said. “Prendergast’s header was a rocket, Tioffo’s finish was clinical and Gordon’s goal was pure quality. We’re in the play-off spots now and it’s in our hands going into the final day.”

The result, coupled with Bishop Auckland’s 3-1 defeat at home to West Auckland Town, saw Bransay and Marske United - 4-0 winners over Whitby Town - overtake them into 5th and 6th on 67 points each. Bransay hold a crucial edge over Marske with a 25 goal difference compared to Marske’s 22, while Bishop Auckland, now 7th with 65 points and a 7 goal difference, are two points adrift. Both Bransay and Marske have won four of their last five games, setting up a dramatic final day showdown next Saturday.

Consett, despite a 2-1 loss to Cleethorpes Town today, confirmed their title win, while 2nd-placed Shildon fell 3-2 at Barton Town. Shildon, Whickham and Wakefield have secured their play-off places, leaving one spot up for grabs. On the final day, Bransay face champions Consett at Belle Vue Stadium, hoping a title-winning side might ease off. Marske United travel to 2nd-placed Shildon at Dean Street, while Bishop Auckland visit 19th-placed, already-relegated Stocksbridge Park Steels. A win for Bransay will likely guarantee a play-off berth, but a draw or loss could open the door for Marske or Bishop Auckland, depending on results and goal difference.

Baird remains focused. “Consett are champions for a reason, but we’re going there to win,” he said. “The lads are buzzing - Tioffo, Németh, Gordon, Adamczyk - they’re all stepping up. Our fans will be our 12th man again. We’ve come too far to let this slip.”

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