Bransay Athletic: Land of the Giants

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Bransay Athletic, under the stewardship of manager Callum Baird and with guidance from football consultant and recruiter J’cee Wheale, have undertaken a sweeping overhaul of their backroom staff to bolster the club’s infrastructure as they navigate their first season in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

The Irons, currently 7th with 49 points, are aiming to professionalise their operations to compete with the division’s heavyweights and build a foundation for future success. The changes span coaching, youth development, analysis, scouting and medical departments, reflecting an ambitious drive to elevate the club’s standards both on and off the pitch.

The overhaul began with the departure of assistant manager Darron Scudder, whose exit left a void in the dugout. Baird, after consultations with Wheale, appointed Charlie Davidson, previously Radstock Town’s Under-21 manager, as the new assistant manager.

Davidson, known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent, will work closely with Baird to shape match strategies, oversee training sessions and provide in-game decision-making support. His experience with youth players will also bridge the gap between the first team and the academy, ensuring a clear pathway for emerging stars.

On the coaching front, Bransay have strengthened their attacking and defensive units with targeted appointments. Pearce Probets, formerly Under-21 manager at Ilkley Town and Danny Jones, previously at BRS United’s Under-21s, join as attacking coaches. Their roles focus on refining the finishing and movement of forwards like Ryan Tioffo and Phil Grace, as well as enhancing the creativity of wingers such as Conner Burrows and Tim Campbell. Probets and Jones will design drills to improve link-up play and chance creation, addressing the team’s struggle to convert dominance into goals, as seen in recent draws.

Defensively, Chris Thompson from Stroud United and Danny Hurley from Wisbech Town have been brought in to tighten a backline that’s leaked goals too often this season. They’ll work with centre-backs Espen Jenssen and Danny Hennessy and new signing Kareem Hassan-Smith, to improve positioning, tackling, and set-piece defending, aiming to reduce the defensive lapses that cost us points against Barrow and Keighley United.

In goalkeeping, Sam Younger arrives from Haverigg United to take on the role of goalkeeping coach. With Omar Daley’s recurring injuries and Jaydan Howcroft’s inconsistent performances, Younger’s task is to sharpen the reflexes and decision-making of Daley and new signing Nathan Redman, who joined from Workington. Younger will also mentor Howcroft, focusing on distribution and command of the box, critical areas where they have been exposed.

Alieu Ceesay, a Gambian coach from Kinsley Boys, joins as a fitness coach, bringing a fresh perspective with his experience in fitness regimes. Ceesay will assist in implementing dynamic training regimens to boost fitness and tactical flexibility, helping the squad adapt to the Premier Division’s intensity and beyond.

The youth setup has seen a significant change with Wade Staunton-Turner appointed as Head of Youth Development, replacing Chris Munn, who had been in place since Baird’s arrival in 2023. Staunton-Turner, with managerial experience at Leeds University and as Ibis’ Reserves Manager, will oversee the academy, focusing on nurturing talents to feed into the first team. His role involves developing a cohesive playing philosophy from the Under-18s to the senior squad, ensuring prospects like 18-year-old striker Joshua Batchelor are ready for senior football. Staunton-Turner will also liaise with Davidson to identify players ready for first-team integration, a crucial step as Bransay aim to build a sustainable model.

Ross Ellis joins as Head Performance Analyst, bringing 13 years of experience from Burradon & New Fordley. Ellis will lead the analysis team, using data and video to dissect opponents’ weaknesses and refine Bransay’s tactics. His work will be pivotal in preparing for matches against top sides, providing detailed breakdowns of set-piece patterns and player tendencies. Ellis will also monitor the players’ performances, identifying areas for improvement, such as the wingers’ crossing accuracy, which has been inconsistent despite Campbell’s recent form.

The recruitment department, led by Director of Football Moshe Haliva - a former Bransay right-back from 2023 to 2025 - has been significantly bolstered. Marcus Tucker, previously with Wigginton Grasshoppers, takes over as Chief Scout, tasked with overseeing a new-look scouting network. Joining him are five scouts: Brad Jones, Jack English, Sam Edwards (from Colne United), Paul Wilks (Coventry Phoenix) and Ted Regan (Marshalls).

This team will scour the non-league and lower-tier scenes for hidden gems, focusing on players who fit Baird’s high-energy, attacking style. Haliva’s vision is to unearth talents like Tim Campbell, signed from Addingham, while ensuring signings align with the club’s budget and long-term goals.

The expanded scouting network will also monitor international markets, with Edwards and Wilks bringing experience in identifying versatile players capable of stepping up to the Premier Division.

In the medical department, Alfie Light joins as Head Physio from Bampton United, with Carl Terry as his physio from Hempnall. Light’s primary role is to manage player recovery and prevent injuries, a critical task given Omar Daley’s three injuries this season, including a fractured finger in December.

Light and Terry will implement tailored rehabilitation programs, particularly for key players like Paul Love, who suffered a groin strain against Worthing. They’ll also work on preventative measures, such as strength and conditioning routines, to keep the squad fit during a congested fixture list.

This overhaul reflects Bransay’s ambition to professionalise every facet of the club as they fight to cement their place in the Premier Division. Baird, backed by Wheale’s expertise, has assembled a staff with a blend of youth development experience, tactical nous, and data-driven insight. The challenge now is for this revamped backroom team to gel quickly and deliver results, starting with their upcoming clashes against Sheffield and Barrow.

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Bransay Athletic, currently 7th in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, have announced a £160,000 investment to overhaul their training facilities at Forge Road, marking a significant step in the club’s push to professionalise and compete at the seventh tier of English football.

The upgrades, funded largely by the record gate receipts and prize money from their FA Cup runs over the years, alongside additional club funds, aim to enhance player development, injury prevention and overall performance. For a club of Bransay’s stature, this investment is a bold statement of intent, designed to bridge the gap to the division’s rivals.

The centrepiece of the upgrade is a £90,000 revamp of the training pitches at Forge Road. The club has replaced the uneven, waterlogged grass surface with a state-of-the-art hybrid pitch, combining natural grass with synthetic fibres to ensure durability and consistent playability, even during the Isle of Bransay’s harsh winters.

This upgrade, tailored to a tier 7 club’s needs, will allow manager Callum Baird and his new-look coaching staff, including attacking coaches Pearce Probets and Danny Jones, to conduct high-intensity sessions without worrying about pitch degradation.

The hybrid surface, similar to those used by some National League clubs, will support precise passing drills and tactical work, critical for improving Bransay’s attacking output, which has faltered in draws against Spennymoor Town and Buxton this season.

A further £40,000 has been allocated to a new strength and conditioning suite within the Forge Road complex. The facility includes modern gym equipment such as resistance machines, free weights, and cardio stations, designed to boost players’ physicality in a division where physical demands are relentless.

Head physio Alfie Light and assistant Carl Terry will oversee tailored fitness programmes, focusing on injury prevention for players like Omar Daley, who has missed nearly half the season with injuries, including a recent fractured finger. The suite also features recovery tools like cryotherapy pods and massage tables, aimed at reducing downtime for key players like Ryan Tioffo and Phil Grace, who have shouldered the scoring burden.

An additional £20,000 has been invested in a video analysis and meeting room, a first for Bransay. Equipped with high-definition screens and data software, this space will allow head performance analyst Ross Ellis to deliver detailed breakdowns of opponents and player performances.

The room will support tactical sessions led by assistant manager Charlie Davidson, enabling the squad to dissect set-piece weaknesses, like those exposed in the 6-4 loss to Barrow, and refine strategies against top sides. For a tier 7 club, this is a significant upgrade, bringing Bransay closer to the professional standards of higher-tier outfits.

The remaining £10,000 has been spent on upgrading the training ground’s drainage and irrigation systems, ensuring the new pitch remains in top condition year-round. This practical investment addresses the muddy, unplayable conditions that have disrupted training in previous winters, allowing consistent sessions for the academy under new Head of Youth Development Wade Staunton-Turner.

Manager Callum Baird hailed the upgrades as a game-changer. “This is about giving our lads the tools to compete,” Baird said. “The new pitch, gym and analysis room will help us train smarter and recover better. We’re not just surviving in the Premier Division - we’re building for the future.”

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February and March 2036 have been a wild ride - five wins, one draw, three losses in nine league games, dragging us to 7th in the Northern Premier League Premier Division with 58 points from 38 games. We’re eight points off the play-offs with four games left.

The lads have shown flashes of brilliance, smashing teams like Barrow and Warrington Town, but then we go and cock it up against Consett and Sheffield. It’s driving me up the wall, and we’ve got to sort it out if we want a sniff at the play-offs.

We kicked off February with a gutless 3-1 loss to Consett at Forge Road on the 2nd. Phil Grace gave us hope in the 25th minute, heading in Liam Smith’s cross, but Ethan Eccleston levelled three minutes later, slotting in George Broadbent’s low pass. Harry Wallis put them ahead in the 60th, tapping in Georgie Gent’s cutback, and João Conceição’s 87th-minute penalty after a handball sealed our misery.

On the 9th, we scraped a 2-1 win over Hanley Town at Potteries Park. Arkell Jude-Boyd scored in the 37th, rifling in Jeffrey Whales’ through ball. Grace equalised in the 58th, tapping in David O’Sullivan’s pass, and Tim Campbell won it in the 84th, heading in Joe Martin’s cross.

On the 16th, we obliterated Prescot Cables 6-2 at Forge Road. Petar Šestan opened with a 15th-minute penalty after a foul on Ryan Tioffo. Lloyd Price equalised in the 16th, heading in Ben Beechey’s cross. Grace made it 2-1 in the 27th, slotting in Rubin Balsom’s pass. Šestan scored again in the 68th, curling in a 20-yard free kick. William Byrne pulled one back in the 69th, tapping in Price’s pass, but Grace’s 70th-minute header from Haydn Winson’s cross and 72nd-minute tap-in from Nathan Redman’s long ball completed his hat-trick. Campbell capped it in the 83rd, volleying Šestan’s pass.

On the 23rd, we drew 2-2 with Sir Tom Finney at UCLan Sports Arena. Šestan scored in the 26th, tapping in Conner Burrows’ low cross. Ashley Lake equalised a minute later, slotting in Kieran Graham’s pass. Espen Jenssen put us ahead in the 34th, heading in Šestan’s free kick, but Ian Green levelled in the 37th, nodding in Graham’s cross.

March was a mess at times. On the 1st, we lost 3-2 to Hoole United at Forge Road. Les Capel scored in the 20th, tapping in Harvey Griffiths’ cross. Harry McHugh’s 23rd-minute penalty made it 2-0. Šestan pulled one back with a 65th-minute penalty, and Danny Hennessy equalised in the 88th, heading in Winson’s cross, but Frankie Baker’s 71st-minute tap-in from Ziggy Kozluk’s pass stole it.

On the 8th, Sheffield hammered us 6-3 at Coach & Horses Ground. Mahmoud Genders scored in the 4th, slotting in McKlane Pashley’s pass. Rubin Balsom’s 8th-minute red card for a second yellow fucked us. Stuart Campbell scored in the 11th, tapping in Aaron Friend’s cross. Burrows pulled one back in the 26th, heading a loose ball. Šestan equalised in the 28th, slotting in Liam Smith’s pass. Campbell restored Sheffield’s lead in the 31st, heading in Friend’s cross, and Pashley made it 4-2 in the 32nd, rifling in Genders’ pass. Tioffo scored in the 36th, tapping in a loose ball, but Campbell’s 79th-minute header and 91st-minute tap-in, both from Friend and Pashley assists, buried us.

On the 15th, we bounced back, smashing Barrow 6-3 at Forge Road. Anthony Tierney scored in the 6th, heading in Myles Agius’ cross. Grace equalised in the 16th, nodding in Burrows’ cross. Charlie Ward put Barrow ahead in the 48th, tapping in Tierney’s pass, but Šestan levelled with a 51st-minute penalty. Tierney scored again in the 54th, slotting in Tom Bradley’s pass. Tioffo equalised in the 58th, heading in Campbell’s cross, and Campbell put us ahead in the 72nd, nodding in Liam Smith’s cross. Tioffo made it 5-3 in the 73rd, tapping in Grace’s pass, and Burrows sealed it in the 91st, heading in Winson’s cross.

On the 22nd, we thrashed Bradford Park Avenue 6-1 at Horsfall Stadium. Grace scored in the 40th, heading in Campbell’s cross. Campbell made it 2-0 in stoppage time, slotting in Dieudonné Belinga’s pass. Hennessy scored in the 59th, tapping in Liam Smith’s pass. Grace scored again in the 64th, nodding in Campbell’s cross. Tioffo made it 5-0 in the 80th, heading in Burrows’ cross, and Burrows scored in the 83rd, nodding in Campbell’s delivery. Andy Knight’s 87th-minute tap-in from Connor Evans’ pass was a consolation.

On the 29th, we crushed Warrington Town 6-1 at Forge Road. Matthew Higgins scored for them in the 20th, slotting in Darragh Wilson’s pass. Šestan equalised with a 49th-minute penalty and scored another in the 60th after a foul. Campbell made it 3-1 in the 62nd, tapping in Tioffo’s pass. Hennessy scored in the 77th, heading in Burrows’ cross. Grace made it 5-1 in the 79th, tapping in Tioffo’s pass, and Tioffo sealed it in the 86th, slotting in Grace’s assist.

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The league table’s tight. Barrow lead with 86 points, just ahead of Abacus Media’s 84. Spennymoor Town (79) and Irlam Steel Rangers (75) are in the play-offs, with Keighley United (66) holding the final spot.

Sir Tom Finney have 60, we’re 7th with 58, Darlington 56, Consett 55, North Shields 53, Prescot Cables 51, Washington 50, Whickham and Buxton 49, Sheffield 48, Runcorn Linnets 42, Hoole United 39, Hyde United 38, Guiseley 36, Hanley Town 35, Bradford Park Avenue 33 and Warrington Town on 19 are relegated.

We’ve got an outside shot at the play-offs, but Keighley need to implode, and we’ve got to beat Irlam, Hyde, Washington, and Darlington. I’m annoyed at the Consett and Sheffield losses - Balsom’s red card was a disgrace, and we can’t keep throwing away leads.

Grace and Tioffo are on fire, but our defending’s been shambolic at times. Nathan Redman’s been solid in goal, but we need consistency. We’re not out of it yet, but we’ve got to deliver.

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April and May brought a bittersweet end to Bransay Athletic’s first season in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. Four league games, one win, three losses, and a final-day slip to 8th place with 61 points from 42 games.

We showed real fight in the second half of the season, climbing from the relegation zone to a respectable mid-table finish, but I’m gutted we couldn’t sustain our late push for the play-offs. The lads gave everything and our new signings started to gel, but defensive frailties and a brutal schedule cost us.

We started April with a 2-1 loss to Irlam Steel Rangers at their Recreation Ground on the 5th. Darren Stewart put them ahead in the 59th minute, slotting in Joe Vincent’s low cross after a swift counter. David O’Sullivan pulled us level in the 79th, heading in Tim Campbell’s pinpoint cross, but Stewart broke our hearts in the 88th, tapping in Harvey Vincent’s through ball to nick the win.

On the 12th, we bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Hyde United at Forge Road. Campbell opened the scoring in the 7th minute, volleying Joe Martin’s deep cross into the top corner. Sammy Bodkin equalised in the 34th, tapping in Paul Osew’s pass, but Campbell restored our lead in the 49th, heading in another Martin cross. Danny Hennessy sealed it in the 63rd, nodding in Petar Šestan’s chipped pass.

On the 19th, we fell 3-2 to Washington at Eppleton Colliery Ground. Jonjoe Cattermole struck early in the 3rd minute, rifling in Nathaniel Nkunku’s cutback. O’Sullivan equalised in the 26th, slotting in Šestan’s through ball. Jordan Allard put Washington ahead in the 29th, heading in Jayden Fevrier’s cross. Hennessy levelled in the 55th, tapping in Campbell’s low pass, but Lewis Gordon’s 81st-minute penalty after a foul by Espen Jenssen snatched the points.

Our final game on the 26th was a 2-1 loss to Darlington at Forge Road. Jonathyn Lovegreen, our former centre-back, haunted us in the 46th minute, heading in Brendan Powell’s corner. Jay Cooper made it 2-0 in the 68th, slotting in Powell’s low pass. Hennessy pulled one back in the 71st, heading in Campbell’s cross, but Rubin Balsom’s 83rd-minute straight red for a reckless challenge killed any comeback hopes.

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The final league table saw Barrow crowned champions with 95 points, while Abacus Media (91 points) clinched promotion via the play-off final, beating Spennymoor Town (88 points) on penalties. Irlam Steel Rangers (85 points) and Keighley United (73) took the other play-off spots.

Sir Tom Finney finished 6th with 69 points, Consett pipped us to 7th with 62 points, and we tied with Darlington at 61 points in 8th. Prescot Cables (60), North Shields and Washington (57), Sheffield and Buxton (53), Whickham (52), Runcorn Linnets (46), Hyde United and Guiseley (41) followed.

Hanley Town (41, -25 GD) were relegated alongside Hoole United (39), Bradford Park Avenue (37), and Warrington Town (23).

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Player-wise, our goalkeeping was a nightmare. Omar Daley’s 23 appearances (46 goals conceded), Nathan Redman’s 18 (32 conceded), and Jaydan Howcroft’s 16 starts (22 conceded) showed how injuries disrupted us early on. Redman’s arrival steadied things, but our start cost us play-off contention.

In defence, right-back was a weak link - Dean Culbert, Kareem Hassan-Smith and Beineon Creamer managed just one assist combined. Left-backs Liam Smith and Joe Martin were superb, with a goal and 20 assists, driving our attack. Centre-backs Jenssen and Balsom played 48 games each, but Balsom’s red cards hurt us, and we need better depth.

Tim Campbell was a revelation on the right wing, scoring 17 and assisting 16 in his debut season, despite poor right-back support. Wayne Easton added 3 goals and 5 assists in limited minutes. Conner Burrows grew into the division on the left, with 10 goals and 10 assists in 42 starts, though Jacob Lloyd (3 goals, 1 assist) struggled as back-up. In midfield, Šestan was a star, scoring 19 and assisting 8 in 43 starts. Hennessy added 11 goals in 36 starts, while Paul Love and Scott Smith were solid but limited by fitness. Belinga’s 3 goals and 3 assists off the bench were vital.

Up top, Phil Grace and Ryan Tioffo’s 36 goals and 17 assists filled Zoltán Németh’s void, with O’Sullivan’s 10 goals and 3 assists from 19 starts proving crucial. Joshua Batchelor showed promise but needs time.

We finished okay, and the second half of the season showed we can compete. Campbell, Šestan, and Grace stepped up, and our new facilities helped. But our defence needs an overhaul - right-back’s a shambles and we can’t rely on Jenssen and Balsom alone. I’m proud of the lads for digging us out of trouble, but we’ve got work to do to challenge for anything next season.

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It’s been a whirlwind of a season, and now, with the dust settling on our 8th-place finish in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, I’m sitting down with our newly elected chairman, Kieran Hopkins, who took over on 1 June 2036. At 46, he’s young for a chairman, but his quiet confidence and sharp focus have me intrigued.

He didn’t make any grand promises when he was elected, unlike some chairmen who love the sound of their own voice. Instead, he’s been observing, listening, and now he’s called me into his office at Forge Road for what he’s billed as a “proper chat about the future.”

I’m knackered from the season - 61 points, some cracking wins like the 6-1 thrashings of Bradford Park Avenue and Warrington Town, but also gutting losses like that 6-3 shambles against Sheffield - but I’m ready to hear him out.

The club’s got £750,000 in the bank, boosted by that £120,000 from the FA Cup ties, and I’m hoping Hopkins is ready to invest in pushing us forward.

Walking into his office, I’m struck by how different it feels from Alex Lee’s days. Lee, our former chairman, was a decent bloke but cautious, agreeing to my push for better training facilities - £160,000 for a hybrid pitch, gym, and analysis room, set to be finished next month - but baulking at my pleas to upgrade the youth setup. “One step at a time, Callum,” he’d say, and I’d bite my tongue.

Hopkins, though, has a different vibe. His desk is cluttered with spreadsheets and a dog-eared notebook, and he’s got a glint in his eye that suggests he’s not here to mess about. “Callum, sit down,” he says, gesturing to a chair. “I’ve been looking at the club, top to bottom, and I want to talk youth facilities. I know you’ve been banging on about this for years.”

He’s not wrong. Back when I took over in 2023, our youth system was the lifeblood of Bransay Athletic. At one point, academy lads made up over 80% of the first-team squad. Dean Culbert, who came through in 2027, is still with us, racking up 290 appearances in 10 years. He’s a legend, even if he is struggling at this level now.

Those early years, we thrived on homegrown talent - gritty, local players who bled for the badge. But as we’ve climbed the divisions, the quality gap’s widened. The NPL Premier Division’s a different beast to the NCFL and NFA and most of our youth products just can’t cut it anymore.

We’ve had to lean on signings like Petar Šestan, Phil Grace and Tim Campbell to stay competitive, but it’s not sustainable long-term. I’ve been desperate for a proper youth setup to produce players who can handle this level and push us toward promotion.

Hopkins leans forward, sliding a folder across the desk. “I’ve got a quote for £140,000 to upgrade the youth facilities,” he says. “I know Alex only gave you the training ground upgrades, but I think we need to go further. The club’s got the cash - three quarters of a million in the bank - and I want to invest in a system that’ll pay off. What do you reckon?”

I’m floored. After years of begging, here’s a chairman ready to back my vision. “Kieran, I’m all in,” I say. “The youth system’s what built us. If we get this right, it’ll save us money in transfers and give us players who get what Bransay’s about.”

He nods, opening the folder to outline the plan. “For £140,000, we’re building a dedicated youth academy complex next to the training ground,” he says. “First, £80,000 goes to a new 4G pitch for the Under-18s and Under-16s, with floodlights and a small stand for scouting matches. It’ll be top-quality, like what you see at some National League clubs, so the lads can train in conditions that mirror the first team’s new hybrid pitch.” I’m already picturing our youngsters - future Dean Culberts - honing their skills on a proper surface, not the patchy fields we’ve been stuck with.

“Next,” Hopkins continues, “£40,000 for a youth-specific gym and rehab centre. It’ll have strength equipment tailored for developing players, plus recovery tools like hydrotherapy pools to prevent injuries. We’re also hiring two dedicated youth physios to work under Alfie Light.” This is music to my ears. Injuries have crippled us this season - Omar Daley missing half the campaign with three separate knocks - and ensuring our youngsters stay fit will mean more of them are ready for first-team action. “Finally,” he says, “£20,000 for a scouting and analysis hub within the complex. It’ll have video tech for Ross Ellis to break down youth games, plus a database for Marcus Tucker’s scouting team to track local talent across the Isle of Bransay and beyond.”

I’m buzzing, but I know he’s looking for a return on this investment. “Kieran, this is exactly what we need,” I say. “Back in my early days, the youth system kept us afloat. We had lads who cost nothing, knew the club inside out, and fought for every ball. Culbert’s proof of that - 290 appearances, and he’s still here. With this setup, we can produce players who can handle the Premier Division, maybe even higher. Look at Tim Campbell - 17 goals, 16 assists this season. Imagine if we’d developed him ourselves instead of paying him bigger wages than academy grads. Long-term, this saves us transfer fees and builds a squad with heart. The £140,000 will pay for itself when we’re selling academy graduates to League Two clubs or pushing for promotion with homegrown talent.”

Hopkins leans back, a slight smile breaking through. “That’s what I wanted to hear, Callum. We’re not just throwing money at this - it’s about sustainability. I’ve seen what you did with limited resources early on, and with Wade Staunton-Turner running the youth setup now, I trust we’ll see results.”

He’s right about Wade. Our new Head of Youth Development has the experience to shape prospects, and with Charlie Davidson bridging the academy and first team, we can fast-track players like Joshua Batchelor, who’s shown flashes but needs more seasoning.

As we wrap up, Hopkins adds, “The training facilities will be done next month, and I want the youth complex finished by December. We’ll start seeing better players in a couple of years and that’s when we push for the play-offs or even the title.”

I nod, already thinking about how this could transform us. Our 8th-place finish - 61 points, level with Darlington - was solid, but we were 24 points off the play-offs. With Šestan’s 19 goals, Grace and Tioffo’s 36 combined and Campbell’s flair, we’ve got a foundation. But our defence needs work - right-back was woeful, and Balsom’s red cards didn’t help. This youth investment, alongside our new training setup, gives us a shot at building a squad that can compete with Barrow and Abacus Media.

Leaving the office, I’m optimistic for the first time in a while. Hopkins gets it - he’s not flash, but he’s ambitious. The £140,000 is a gamble, but with £750,000 in the bank, it’s one we can afford. My early years here proved a strong academy can work miracles. Now, with proper facilities, we can do it again.

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As we gear up for the 2036/37 Northern Premier League Premier Division season, I’m feeling cautiously optimistic. Last season’s 8th-place finish with 61 points was solid for our first crack at this level, but it left me hungry for more.

We showed we could compete, smashing sides like Barrow and Warrington Town 6-3 and 6-1, but costly losses to Sheffield and Consett kept us out of the play-offs. With a busy summer of transfers and our new training facilities ready, plus a £140,000 youth complex on the way, we are ready to push on.

The bookies have us as 9th favourites at 9/1, tied with Nostell Miners Welfare, but I reckon we can outperform that.

The title race looks fierce. Emley AFC, at 10/11, are the ones to beat after storming the NPL East with 101 points and 33 wins from 38 games under Regan Booty, backed by tycoon Dong-Soo Lee’s millions.

Hattersley, at 9/5, earned promotion via the NPL West play-offs and will be a handful. Prescot Cables (5/1, 10th last season) and Spennymoor Town (5/1, 3rd) are strong contenders, while Irlam Steel Rangers (7/1, 4th) and Sir Tom Finney (15/2, 6th) have momentum. Darlington (8/1, 9th), Hellifield Sports (17/2, NPL West champions) and Nostell Miners Welfare (9/1, relegated from National League North) will challenge.

Keighley United (10/1, 5th) are dangerous, while Sheffield (16/1), North Shields (25/1), Consett (33/1), and promoted Southwell City (33/1) are mid-table bets.

Guiseley and Washington (50/1), Hyde United (100/1), Buxton, Barton Town, and Runcorn Linnets (200/1), and Whickham (400/1) are tipped to struggle.

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Last season’s goalkeeping nightmare - Omar Daley, Nathan Redman, and Jaydan Howcroft splitting 57 appearances and conceding 100 goals between them - forced a rethink. Daley’s move to Barlick Wanderers gave us a chance to rebuild.

Ahmed Fathi, 24, joins from North Shields, where he made 120 league appearances over three seasons, conceding 175 goals. His experience makes him our likely starter, and I’m banking on his consistency to avoid the chaos of last year’s injury crisis.

Redman and Howcroft have signed one-year deals as cover, with Redman’s 18 appearances and 32 goals conceded last season showing he’s reliable enough. Howcroft, with 22 conceded in 16 starts, needs to step up if called upon. Our new goalkeeping coach, Sam Younger, will drill them on distribution and commanding the box, areas where we were exposed last season.

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Right-back was our Achilles’ heel last year, with Dean Culbert, Kareem Hassan-Smith and Beineon Creamer managing just one assist combined. Hassan-Smith and Creamer are gone, and Culbert, in his 10th season with 290 appearances, will back up new signing Brayden Tulloch. The 22-year-old from Carlisle United, with 73 appearances during loan spells at Hoole United, scored 4 goals despite their back-to-back relegations. I’m hoping his attacking flair fixes our right-flank woes.

At left-back, Liam Smith and Joe Martin’s departures to Bala Town and Keighley United hurt, but 20-year-old John O’Donoghue, fresh from Barlick Wanderers and Lincoln City’s academy, steps in as starter. Paul Holden, also 20, joins from Barrow after loans at Truro (40 apps), Kidderminster Harriers (41 apps), and West Auckland Town (42 apps). His versatility to play both flanks adds depth.

In central defence, Karnell Sarahs from Gateshead, with experience at Washington and loan spells at Bamber Bridge and Broadbridge Heath, likely starts alongside either Espen Jenssen or Rubin Balsom, who both played 48 games last season. Olly Evans, signed from relegated Bradford Park Avenue, replaces Haydn Winson as cover, with Danny Hennessy able to slot in from midfield. Our defensive coaches, Chris Thompson and Danny Hurley, will focus on cutting out the lapses that cost us against Barrow and Sheffield.

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Tim Campbell was a revelation on the right wing last season, with 12 goals and 14 assists in 41 league games. He’ll keep his spot, backed by Sean Ryan from Queen’s University Belfast, who notched 5 assists and a goal in 30 games despite their relegation.

On the left, Conner Burrows (10 goals, 10 assists in 42 starts) faces competition from 19-year-old Gethin Dawson from Sunderland, whose pace could shake things up.

In central midfield, Petar Šestan’s 15 goals and 7 assists in 32 league games make him untouchable. Lee Cook’s return from Emley AFC, where he scored 12 and assisted 8 in 79 games over three seasons, is a coup. His experience from their NPL East title win will add steel. Neil Hughes, a 19-year-old from Burnley, brings energy, while Paul Love stays as a reliable option. Our attacking coaches, Pearce Probets and Danny Jones, will work to maintain our midfield’s goal threat while improving our pressing.

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Up top, Gary McCann’s arrival from Leeds United is massive. The 20-year-old Irish striker, capped at Under-20 level, brings raw potential despite a red card in his professional debut against Middlesbrough. Phil Grace (14 goals, 5 assists in 38 games) and Ryan Tioffo (14 goals, 6 assists in 35 games) will lead the line, their 28 combined league goals last season filling the void left by Zoltán Németh. Mohammed Kayal, signed from Blyth Spartans, adds depth with 10 goals in 37 National League North games and a prolific 45 in 91 for Cleethorpes in the NPL East. His experience will be key off the bench. With our new training facilities, including the hybrid pitch and analysis room, I’m expecting sharper finishing and better movement.

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The first two months of the 2036/37 Northern Premier League Premier Division season have been a cracking start for us. After finishing 8th last season with 61 points, we’ve hit the ground running, sitting 3rd with 24 points from 11 games, boasting the league’s best defensive record with just 9 goals conceded and 6 clean sheets, largely thanks to Ahmed Fathi’s brilliance in goal.

Seven wins, three draws, one loss, and a strong FA Cup run have me buzzing, though I’m keeping my feet on the ground. We’ve beaten heavyweights like Emley AFC twice and shown we can compete with anyone, but a couple of draws and a late slip against Keighley United remind me we’ve got work to do. With our new training facilities in use and the youth complex on track for November/December, we’re in a good spot.

We kicked off on 9 August with a 0-0 draw against Hyde United at Ewen Fields. It was a cagey opener, with Fathi pulling off a sharp save to deny Sammy Bodkin’s 20-yard strike.

On 13 August, we smashed North Shields 5-0 at Forge Road. Conner Burrows opened in the 5th minute, rifling in a low shot after a solo run. Tim Campbell made it 2-0 in the 12th, heading in John O’Donoghue’s cross. Lee Cook scored in the 17th, tapping in Burrows’ low pass. Gary McCann added a brace, slotting in Burrows’ through ball in the 38th and nodding in another Burrows assist in the 48th.

On 16 August, we stunned title favourites Emley AFC 2-0 at their Welfare Sports Ground. Cook scored in the first minute, volleying in McCann’s chipped pass, and Burrows converted a 34th-minute penalty after a foul on Phil Grace.

On 20 August, we drew 1-1 with Sir Tom Finney at Forge Road. Rubin Balsom’s 32nd-minute own goal, deflecting a Kieran Graham cross, put them ahead, but Neil Hughes equalised in the 34th, slotting in Burrows’ cutback.

On 23 August, we thrashed Buxton 5-0 at The Silverlands. Burrows scored a 17th-minute penalty after a handball. Ryan Tioffo made it 2-0 in the 31st, heading in O’Donoghue’s cross. Burrows struck again in the 48th, tapping in Cook’s pass, and Tioffo scored in the 90th, nodding in McCann’s cross. Burrows sealed his hat-trick in the 94th, heading in Brayden Tulloch’s delivery.

On 27 August, we lost 2-1 to Keighley United at home. Burrows put us ahead in the 15th, heading in Campbell’s cross, but Daryl Croft equalised in the 70th, slotting in Rudjan Shehaj’s pass, and Aston Monkhouse won it in the 80th, tapping in Martin Savage’s low cross.

On 30 August, we edged Emley 2-1 in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round at their ground. McCann scored in the 11th, nodding in Gethin Dawson’s cross, and Dawson made it 2-0 in the 47th, tapping in Campbell’s pass. Julien Graff pulled one back in the 79th, heading in Joey Stevens’ cross.

September started with a 4-2 win over Runcorn Linnets at Forge Road on the 3rd. Aaron Kay scored in the 7th, tapping in Jon Davis’ pass. Tioffo equalised in the 24th, heading in Espen Jenssen’s long ball. McCann scored in the 38th, slotting in Karnell Sarahs’ lofted pass, and added another in stoppage time, tapping in Cook’s cross. Cook made it 4-1 in the 47th, volleying in McCann’s pass, before Kelvin Waywell pulled one back in the 63rd, heading in Kay’s cross.

On 6 September, we beat Darlington 2-0 at home. O’Donoghue scored in the 14th, rifling in Campbell’s cross, and Jenssen headed in McCann’s pass in the 19th.

On 10 September, we drew 2-2 with Hattersley at Chadderton Cott Stadium. Axel Gower scored in the 22nd, slotting in James Gordon’s pass. O’Donoghue equalised in the 80th, tapping in a loose ball. Julio Esono put Hattersley ahead in the 84th, heading in Alex Navarro’s cross, but Grace levelled in the 94th, nodding in Burrows’ cross.

In the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round on 13 September, we drew 2-2 with Prescot Cables at Valerie Park. Tioffo scored in the 5th, tapping in Campbell’s pass. Isaac Gordon equalised in the 16th, rifling a 20-yard shot. Layton McAleny put Cables ahead in the 49th, heading in Kostas Pantazis’ cross, but Cook levelled in the 70th, slotting in Dawson’s pass.

The replay on 16 September saw us win 2-1 at home. Burrows scored a 39th-minute penalty after a foul on Tioffo. Ben Beechey equalised in the 73rd, tapping in Will Byrne’s pass, but McCann won it in the 80th, heading in a loose ball.

On 20 September, we beat Washington 3-2 at Forge Road. Joshua Duffus scored in the 13th, slotting in Henry Hearn’s pass. McCann equalised in the 15th, heading in Burrows’ cross. Sarahs put us ahead in the 22nd, heading in Dawson’s corner. Hearn levelled in the 72nd, nodding in Jayden Fevrier’s cross, but McCann won it in the 92nd, heading in Sarahs’ cross.

On 24 September, we won 2-0 at Hellifield Sports Stadium. Burrows scored in the 26th, nodding in Sarahs’ cross, and Tioffo equalled Zoltán Németh’s 110-league-goal club record in the 38th, tapping in Burrows’ low cross.

On 27 September, we beat Guiseley 2-1 in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round at home. Hughes scored in the 34th, slotting in Tulloch’s pass. Former Bransay midfielder Ren Yamada equalised in the 42nd, heading in Myles La Bastide’s cross, but Grace won it in the 94th, nodding in Dawson’s cross.

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The league table has Spennymoor Town leading with 29 points from 12 games, followed by Emley AFC (26 points, 12 games). We’re 3rd with 24 points from 11 games, ahead of Sheffield and Hellifield Sports (23 points each, 13 games).

Irlam Steel Rangers (22 points, 12 games), Prescot Cables and Hattersley (21 points each, 13 games), and Keighley United (20 points, 12 games) follow.

Hyde United (18 points), Guiseley (17 points), Washington (16 points), Darlington and Sir Tom Finney (15 points each), Consett, North Shields, and Buxton (14 points each) and Whickham (13 points) are mid-table.

Southwell City (9 points), Nostell Miners Welfare (8 points), Barton Town (6 points), and Runcorn Linnets (5 points) are in the relegation zone.

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Ryan Tioffo has cemented his legacy at Bransay Athletic, becoming the club’s all-time top league goalscorer with 111 goals, surpassing the legendary Zoltán Németh’s record of 110.

The milestone, achieved in a 5-2 victory over Whickham at the Glebe Sports Ground tonight marks a crowning moment for the 30-year-old striker, who has been a cornerstone of Bransay’s rise through the non-league pyramid since joining in January 2030.

With Bransay sitting 2nd in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, just two points behind leaders Spennymoor Town after 13 games, Tioffo’s achievement is a beacon of pride for the club as they chase promotion.

Tioffo’s journey to this record began at Burnley’s academy, where he honed his craft before moving to Gainsborough Trinity in 2024. There, he scored 33 goals in 176 appearances over four seasons in the NPL Premier Division, showing flashes of his predatory instincts.

In 2028, he joined Salford Victoria in the Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur Premier Division, netting 16 goals in 29 games in a year and a half.

His move to Bransay in January 2030 came at a pivotal moment, with the club reeling from the departures of strikers Flynn McNaughton, Matt Barlow and Marcel Byrne to Westerhope United, Ponteland United and Wetheriggs United, respectively. Despite the signings of Emmanuel Bradley and Kyle Patton, it was Tioffo who stepped up, forming an instant connection with the Forge Road faithful.

His Bransay debut in February 2030 saw him score against Newcastle University Reserves, slotting a low shot past the keeper after a through ball from young academy prospect Jami Salo. That half-season in the NFA First Division, Tioffo bagged 3 goals in 7 games, helping Bransay clinch the title.

In 2030/31, in the NFA Premier Division, he hit 16 goals in 30 games alongside new signing Zoltán Németh, who scored 15 in 14. The duo powered Bransay to another title, earning promotion to the Northern Division Two.

The 2031/32 season was Tioffo’s finest, smashing 32 goals and adding 10 assists in 42 league games as Bransay won yet another title.In the Northern Division One in 2032/33, he scored 17 in 37 games, securing a fourth consecutive promotion. The NPL East proved tougher, with Tioffo managing 10 goals in 36 games in 2033/34 and 14 in 28 in 2034/35, overshadowed at the time by Németh’s 21 and 24 goals in those seasons.

Németh’s departure to Hungary in 2035 after breaking the club’s goalscoring record left Tioffo as the focal point and he delivered 14 goals in 35 games in the 2035/36 NPL Premier Division season. This season, paired with new signing Gary McCann, Tioffo has added 5 goals in 13 games, bringing his league tally to 111, plus 27 in cup competitions.

The record-breaking moment came in the 71st minute against Whickham. Tim Campbell rose to meet a high ball, heading it across goal and Tioffo darted in to tap it past the keeper, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling fans. The 5-2 win, with further goals from McCann, Campbell, Conner Burrows, and Petar Šestan, underscored Bransay’s attacking prowess, but it was Tioffo’s moment that stole the spotlight.

“It’s hard to put into words what this means,” Tioffo said after the match, his voice thick with emotion. “When I joined Bransay 6 years ago, I just wanted to play and help the team. To be the club’s all-time top goalscorer now, ahead of someone like Zoltán, is unreal. The fans, my teammates, the staff - they’ve all pushed me to this. I’m not done yet; I want to keep scoring and get us promoted.” Tioffo’s humility belies his impact, with his 111 goals coming in 228 league appearances, a remarkable strike rate for a club that’s climbed five divisions in his tenure.

Manager Callum Baird, who’s overseen Tioffo’s entire Bransay career, was equally effusive. “Ryan’s a phenomenon,” Baird said. “He came in when we were scrambling after losing three strikers and he’s been our rock ever since. His work rate, his finishing, his knack for being in the right place - it’s why we’re 2nd in the league right now. Breaking Németh’s record is massive, but knowing Ryan, he’s already eyeing 150. He’s the heart of this team.”

Tioffo’s milestone comes at a crucial time, with Bransay in the thick of a promotion race. Their league-leading defensive record, with Ahmed Fathi’s 7 clean sheets and just 11 goals conceded, complements an attack where Tioffo, McCann, Cook and Burrows are firing.

With upcoming league matches against Barton Town and Irlam Steel Rangers, plus an FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round tie against Telford, Tioffo’s goals will be vital. As he stands on the cusp of history, his 111 league goals - and counting - are a testament to his enduring class and Bransay’s ambition to rise further.

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Bransay Athletic secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over National League North side Telford United in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round replay at Forge Road, earning a First Round Proper clash against Morecambe.

After a 1-1 draw in the first leg at New Bucks Head, the replay showcased Bransay’s resilience, with a late equaliser and a composed shootout performance sending the Forge Road faithful into raptures. Currently 2nd in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, just two points behind leaders Spennymoor Town, Bransay are proving they can mix it with higher-tier opposition as they chase promotion to the National League North.

The first leg at New Bucks Head on 11 October saw Bransay take the lead through Gary McCann, who latched onto a pinpoint through ball from Ryan Tioffo in the 25th minute, slotting a low shot past Telford’s keeper into the bottom right corner. Telford responded in the 62nd minute, with Martin Noble heading in a cross from Miles Obodo to secure a 1-1 draw. The result set up a tense replay at Forge Road, where Bransay faced a step up in quality against a Telford side sitting mid-table in the National League North.

The replay started disastrously for Bransay. Just two minutes in, Telford’s Miles Obodo capitalised on a misplaced pass from Brayden Tulloch, driving forward and unleashing a powerful low shot that crashed in off the post to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The early setback rattled Bransay, but Ahmed Fathi’s sharp saves, including a stunning stop to deny Noble’s 20-yard strike, kept them in the game.

As half-time approached, Bransay found their rhythm. In the 45th minute, Neil Hughes surged through midfield and slipped a precise pass to Tim Campbell, who struck a curling effort from 15 yards into the top left corner, levelling the score at 1-1 and sending the Forge Road crowd wild.

The second half was a gritty affair, with Telford dominating possession but failing to breach Fathi’s goal again, thanks to his league-leading six clean sheets this season. Bransay’s chances were limited, with Ryan Tioffo’s header from a Conner Burrows cross narrowly missing the target. The match ended 1-1, forcing a penalty shootout to decide who would advance to the First Round Proper.

In the shootout, Telford’s Martin Noble stepped up first but blazed his penalty over the bar, handing Bransay an early advantage. Conner Burrows calmly slotted Bransay’s first into the bottom right corner. Telford’s second taker, Greg Kennedy, scored, but Phil Grace matched him, rifling into the top left. Telford’s third and fourth penalties were converted by Mitchell King and Malakai Kennedy, with Ryan Tioffo and Sean Ryan responding in kind, both finding the bottom left. With the shootout tied at 4-4, Brayden Tulloch, redeeming his early error, stepped up for Bransay’s fifth penalty and coolly dispatched it past Telford’s keeper into the bottom right corner.

Manager Callum Baird was elated post-match. “To go toe-to-toe with a National League North side and come out on top shows what we’re about,” Baird said. “Ahmed was immense, Tim’s goal was class, and Brayden’s penalty was pure guts. We’re ready for Morecambe.”

Tioffo, fresh off becoming Bransay’s all-time top league goalscorer with 111 goals, added, “This is why I love this club. Nights like this, with the fans behind us, make it special. We’re going for promotion, and the FA Cup’s a bonus.”

The victory sets up a First Round Proper tie against National League North side Morecambe at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium on 1 November. Morecambe, 16th in their league, edged out Southern League Premier Central side Stamford 3-2 in their Fourth Qualifying Round tie. The match is a tantalising test for Bransay, who are in the thick of a promotion race and have already beaten title favourites Emley AFC twice this season.

The FA Cup run adds to a packed schedule, with Bransay facing Emley again in the FA Trophy First Round at home on 25 October, followed by an Integro League Cup Second Round clash against Coalville at Forge Road on 4 November.

For Bransay, these ties are a proving ground. With a squad bolstered by new signings like McCann, O’Donoghue and Sarahs, and a defence anchored by Fathi’s heroics, they’re showing they can compete with higher-tier sides.

The Morecambe clash will gauge their readiness for the National League North, a division they’re determined to reach by May. For now, the Forge Road faithful can savour another memorable FA Cup night, with Tulloch’s decisive penalty etching itself into club folklore.

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October and November 2036 have been a rollercoaster for us, with 18 games across league, FA Cup, FA Trophy, and Integro League Cup - 9 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses keeping us 3rd in the Northern Premier League Premier Division with 39 points from 20 games, tied with Prescot Cables but with a game in hand.

Our FA Cup run, reaching the Second Round, and a strong Integro League Cup campaign have shown our depth, but a couple of league losses and the FA Trophy exit to Emley AFC stung. Ryan Tioffo’s record-breaking 111 league goals and our league-leading defensive record, with Ahmed Fathi’s 8 clean sheets, keep us in the promotion hunt.

October began with a 1-0 league win over Consett at Forge Road on the 1st. Espen Jenssen headed in a Gary McCann corner in the 29th minute to secure the points.

On 4 October, we thrashed Morpeth Town 5-0 in the FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round at home. Conner Burrows opened in the 13th, nodding in Tim Campbell’s cross. Jenssen scored in the 25th, heading in Burrows’ corner. Campbell struck in the 39th, volleying John O’Donoghue’s cross. McCann scored in the 49th, slotting in Petar Šestan’s through ball, and Campbell sealed it in the 62nd, tapping in Neil Hughes’ pass.

On 8 October, we hammered Whickham 5-2 at Glebe Sports Ground. O’Donoghue scored in the 3rd, tapping in Burrows’ pass. Šestan rifled a 20-yard shot in the 30th, and McCann slotted in Campbell’s pass in the 33rd. Tioffo broke Zoltán Németh’s 110-goal club record in the 71st, tapping in Campbell’s header across goal. Ronnie King pulled one back in the 78th, heading in John Challinor’s cross, but Lee Cook responded instantly, slotting in McCann’s pass. Jaud Ndongala scored in the 86th for Whickham.

On 11 October, we drew 1-1 with Telford United in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round at New Bucks Head. McCann scored in the 29th, tapping in Tioffo’s pass, but Martin Noble equalised in the 38th, heading in Miles Obodo’s cross. The replay on 14 October saw us win 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Obodo scored in the 2nd, seizing on a Brayden Tulloch error to fire in off the post. Campbell equalised in the 45th, curling in Hughes’ pass. In the shootout, Noble missed, and Tulloch’s fifth penalty clinched it.

On 18 October, we drew 1-1 with Irlam Steel Rangers away. Phil Grace scored in the 55th, heading in Tulloch’s cross, but Gerry Millar equalised in the 62nd, slotting in Tom Davies’ pass.

On 22 October, we edged Southwell City 1-0 at home, with Tioffo heading in Campbell’s cross in the 4th.

The FA Trophy First Round on 25 October ended in a 2-0 loss to Emley AFC at home. Peter Hurley scored in the 65th, tapping in a loose ball, and Joey Stevens headed in Mike Molloy’s cross in the 67th.

On 29 October, we smashed Barton Town 5-0 at home. Gethin Dawson scored in the 5th, slotting in O’Donoghue’s pass. Šestan converted a 32nd-minute penalty, Sean Ryan headed in Tulloch’s cross in the 45th, and Cook scored twice, in the 52nd (O’Donoghue assist) and 83rd (Grace assist).

November started with a 1-1 draw against Morecambe in the FA Cup First Round at Mazuma Mobile Stadium on the 1st. Jack Holmes scored in the 16th, heading in Dean Jackson’s cross, but Grace equalised in the 92nd, slotting in Šestan’s through ball. The replay on 5 November saw us win 3-0 at home. Grace scored in the 50th, tapping in Cook’s pass. Dawson headed in Karnell Sarahs’ cross in the 58th, and Cook slotted in Šestan’s pass in the 78th.

On 8 November, we drew 0-0 with Sheffield at home, Fathi denying a late chance.

On 12 November, we crushed Coalville Town 6-0 in the Integro League Cup Second Round at home. McCann scored in the 27th, heading in Cook’s cross, and again in the 41st, tapping in Grace’s pass. Tioffo scored in the 44th, slotting in McCann’s pass. Mohammed Kayal scored in the 83rd, heading in Grace’s cross, and McCann completed his hat-trick in the 86th (Grace assist) and added a fourth in the 88th.

On 15 November, we slumped to a 3-0 loss at Nostell Miners Welfare. Mick Bishop scored a 19th-minute penalty, added a second in the 65th from Gordon Owen’s pass, and assisted Steve Neale’s 79th-minute tap-in.

On 18 November, we lost 2-1 to Prescot Cables away. Ben Beechey scored an 11th-minute penalty, Danny Hennessy equalised in stoppage time, heading in Šestan’s cross, but Beechey struck again in the 69th, slotting in Ben Drake’s pass.

On 22 November, we drew 3-3 with leaders Spennymoor Town at Brewery Field. Sam Brown scored in the 17th, tapping in Jorge Liversedge’s pass. Campbell equalised in the 20th, heading in O’Donoghue’s cross. John Millar put Spennymoor ahead in the 30th, slotting in Corey Frame’s pass, and Marvin Marcelle made it 3-1 in the 39th, heading in Brown’s cross. Grace pulled one back in the 64th, nodding in O’Donoghue’s cross, and Rubin Balsom levelled in the 81st, rifling a 25-yard shot.

On 25 November, we thrashed Uttoxeter Town 6-1 in the Integro League Cup Third Round at home. Tioffo scored in the 34th, tapping in Dawson’s pass, and added two more in the 44th and 57th, both from Ryan’s assists. Ryan scored in the 66th, slotting in Tioffo’s pass. Ashanti Sauntson pulled one back in the 70th, heading in Vaughan Loizou’s cross. Grace converted a 74th-minute penalty, and Kayal scored in the 85th, tapping in Grace’s pass.

On 29 November, we drew 1-1 with Barnsley in the FA Cup Second Round at Oakwell. Eseosa Sule scored in the 34th, slotting in Ciaran Tierney’s pass, but Grace equalised in the 73rd, heading in a loose ball.

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The league table has Spennymoor Town leading with 47 points from 20 games, Emley AFC in 2nd with 43 and us tied with Prescot Cables on 39.

Sheffield and Keighley United have 37, Hellifield Sports and Irlam Steel Rangers 35, Hattersley 33, Washington 30, Darlington 28, Guiseley and Sir Tom Finney 27, Nostell and Consett 24, Hyde and North Shields 23, Whickham 21, Southwell City 20, Runcorn Linnets 16, Buxton 15, and Barton Town 13.

I’m chuffed with our position, but the Nostell and Prescot losses hurt. Fathi and Redman have been rocks, Tioffo’s record-breaking form is immense and Grace’s clutch goals in the FA Cup keep us dreaming. With a replay against Barnsley and the Integro Cup progressing, we’re in good shape for December.

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Bransay Athletic delivered a night of pure magic at Forge Road, overcoming League Two side Barnsley 3-2 in a pulsating FA Cup Second Round replay tonight.

Nearly 3,000 fans packed the stands, creating an electric atmosphere as the Northern Premier League Premier Division side, currently 3rd in the league, toppled a Barnsley team languishing 18th in League Two.

The victory, sealed by goals from Lee Cook, Sean Ryan and Phil Grace, sets up a blockbuster Third Round tie against recently relegated Premier League side Southampton, who sit 2nd in the Championship under manager Maximilian Senft.

The first leg at Oakwell on 29 November ended 1-1, with Barnsley’s Eseosa Sule scoring in the 34th minute, slotting in a pass from Ciaran Tierney, only for Phil Grace to equalise in the 73rd, heading in a loose ball after a Conner Burrows cross.

The draw gave Bransay confidence heading into the replay, but facing a professional side two tiers above them was a daunting task. Manager Callum Baird, backed by new chairman Kieran Hopkins, rallied the squad, and the Forge Road faithful turned out in force to witness history.

The replay exploded into life early. In the 17th minute, a Bransay free-kick was poorly cleared, landing at the feet of Lee Cook on the edge of the box. The returning Bransay midfielder, who played a key role in Emley AFC’s NPL East title win before rejoining the club this summer, struck a venomous shot into the far right corner, sending the home crowd into delirium.

Bransay dominated the first half, with Ahmed Fathi’s sharp save denying Joe Wheatley’s 25-yard effort. In the third minute of first-half stoppage time, Bransay doubled their lead. Paul Holden, the versatile 20-year-old full-back, whipped in a deep cross from the right, and Sean Ryan rose above his marker to head powerfully into the top left corner, making it 2-0 at the break.

Barnsley, stung by their first-half display, came out fighting in the second half. In the 60th minute, Monty Vaughan’s corner was met by Joe Wheatley, whose header crashed in off the crossbar, halving the deficit and silencing the Forge Road crowd momentarily. Bransay wobbled, with Fathi pulling off a stunning save to tip Ade Tijani’s curling shot over the bar.

But the Irons regained their composure, and in the 80th minute, they restored their two-goal lead. Sean Ryan, proving his worth on the right wing, delivered a pinpoint cross to the near post, where Phil Grace flicked a clever header past Barnsley’s keeper, sparking wild celebrations.

Barnsley refused to go quietly, pulling one back in the 86th minute. Ade Tijani raced down the right and fired a low cross that Alex Leadbeater met at the back post, sliding in to make it 3-2. The final minutes were tense, with Fathi diving to his right to deny Sule’s header, preserving Bransay’s lead. When the final whistle blew, Forge Road erupted, with players and fans celebrating a famous victory that etched another chapter in the club’s growing FA Cup legacy.

Manager Callum Baird was beaming post-match. “This is what Bransay’s about - heart, fight and belief,” Baird said. “Lee’s strike set the tone, Sean was immense and Phil’s got that knack for big moments. To beat a League Two side is huge, and now we’re dreaming of Southampton. The lads deserve this.”

Phil Grace, whose goal proved decisive, added, “The fans were unreal tonight. Scoring in front of them and getting us to the Third Round is something I’ll never forget. Southampton’s a massive challenge, but we’re ready.”

The win propels Bransay into the FA Cup Third Round for the second year, a remarkable feat for a seventh-tier side. Their opponents, Southampton, managed by Maximilian Senft, are a formidable challenge, sitting 2nd in the Championship after relegation from the Premier League last season.

The tie, set for 3rd January 2037, will test Bransay’s mettle as they aim to replicate last season’s heroics against Championship side Millwall, which generated a club-record in gate receipts. With upcoming matches in the Integro League Cup against Basford United and league clashes against Sir Tom Finney and Buxton, Bransay’s packed schedule reflects their growing stature.

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Bransay Athletic’s remarkable FA Cup run came to a crushing end today as Championship heavyweights Southampton delivered a clinical 3-0 victory at Forge Road in front of a record crowd of over 7,500, including 1,700 travelling Southampton fans.

The third-tier side, led by manager Maximilian Senft and sitting 2nd in the Championship, proved too strong for the Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit, currently 3rd in their league, with goals from Jafar Merencia and Artur sealing Bransay’s exit.

Despite the defeat, the Irons’ journey to the Third Round, which included victories over Emley AFC, Prescot Cables, Guiseley, Telford United, Morecambe, and Barnsley, has been a source of immense pride, generating an estimated £565,000 in revenue through TV deals, prize money and gate receipts.

The atmosphere at Forge Road was electric, with the stands packed for Bransay’s second consecutive Third Round appearance. After last season’s spirited 2-1 loss to Millwall, expectations were high.

Manager Callum Baird fielded a strong side, with Ahmed Fathi in goal, bolstered by his league-leading eight clean sheets, and Ryan Tioffo, the club’s all-time top league goalscorer with 111 goals, leading the line alongside Phil Grace. However, Southampton’s quality shone through from the outset.

The visitors took the lead in the 29th minute. Artur, Southampton’s dynamic winger, floated a precise cross to the far post, where Jafar Merencia met it with a stunning volley that rocketed past Fathi into the top left corner. Bransay battled to respond, with Phil Grace’s header from a Conner Burrows cross narrowly cleared off the line, but Southampton’s defence, marshalled by their experienced backline, held firm. Fathi kept Bransay in the game with a diving save to deny a long-range effort from midfielder Ciaran Tierney.

The second half saw Southampton assert their dominance. In the 69th minute, a clumsy challenge by Espen Jenssen in the box gifted Merencia a penalty, which he calmly slotted into the bottom right corner, leaving Fathi with no chance.

Six minutes later, in the 75th minute, Artur sealed the win, cutting in from the right and unleashing a curling shot into the far left corner that Fathi could only watch sail past. Bransay pushed for a consolation, with Tioffo’s close-range effort blocked and Grace’s shot tipped over, but Southampton’s class prevailed, ending Bransay’s cup dreams.

Manager Callum Baird remained defiant post-match. “We gave it everything against a side gunning for Premier League promotion,” Baird said. “Southampton were clinical, but I’m proud of the lads. This run - beating Emley, Telford, Morecambe, Barnsley - shows we’re a club on the up.”

Tioffo, whose eight league goals this season have him on the cusp of further club records, echoed Baird’s sentiment. “It’s gutting to go out, but the fans were unreal, and this run’s given us belief. We’re focused on the league and Integro Cup now.”

The FA Cup journey has been a financial boon for Bransay, with the revenue dwarfing last season’s £120,000 from the Millwall tie. Victories over Emley AFC, Prescot Cables, Guiseley, Telford United, Morecambe and Barnsley showcased Bransay’s grit and attacking flair, with Grace, McCann, and Lee Cook delivering in key moments.

The funds will support the ongoing £140,000 youth complex development and bolster manager Baird’s transfer budget as they aim for National League North promotion.

With the FA Cup run over, Bransay turn their attention to the Integro League Cup, where they face Basford United in the Fourth Round after 6-0 and 6-1 thrashings of Coalville Town and Uttoxeter Town. In the league, Bransay’s 39 points from 20 games keep them in the promotion race, two points behind Spennymoor Town and level with Prescot Cables.

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December and January have been a thrilling ride for us, with 13 matches across the league, FA Cup and Integro League Cup yielding 9 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses. We’re sitting 2nd in the Northern Premier League Premier Division with 61 points from 30 games, 8 points behind leaders Spennymoor Town but firmly in the promotion hunt.

Our FA Cup run ended with a 3-0 loss to Southampton, but the in revenue from that journey is a massive boost. The Integro League Cup keeps us dreaming of silverware and with Ryan Tioffo, Phil Grace and Lee Cook in top form, we’re looking strong.

We kicked off December with a 3-2 FA Cup Second Round replay win over Barnsley at Forge Road on the 2nd. Lee Cook opened the scoring in the 17th minute, pouncing on a poorly cleared free-kick to fire into the far right corner. Sean Ryan made it 2-0 in stoppage time, heading in Paul Holden’s cross. Barnsley’s Joe Wheatley pulled one back in the 60th, nodding in Monty Vaughan’s corner. Phil Grace restored our two-goal cushion in the 80th, flicking in Ryan’s cross, but Alex Leadbeater’s 86th-minute tap-in from Ade Tijani’s low cross made it nervy.

On 10 December, we drew 5-5 in a bonkers league game at North Shields’ Ralph Gardner Park. Jimmy Duff scored in the 5th, slotting in Josh Ashe’s pass. Grace equalised in the 10th, heading in Tim Campbell’s cross. Enock Liddicott put North Shields ahead in the 42nd, tapping in Ollie O’Neill’s pass, but Grace levelled in the 43rd, nodding in another Campbell cross. Niklas Kramer scored in stoppage time, heading in Alan Craven’s cross, and again in the 50th, tapping in Craven’s low pass. Duff made it 4-3 in the 58th, rifling in Craven’s through ball. Tioffo pulled us level in the 61st, heading in Campbell’s cross, and scored again in the 62nd, tapping in Grace’s pass. Espen Jenssen rescued a point in the 95th, heading in Conner Burrows’ corner.

On 13 December, we beat North Shields 3-1 at home. Mohammed Kayal scored in the 63rd, slotting in Campbell’s pass. Peter Smith pulled one back in the 84th, heading in Wayne Duckworth’s cross, but Petar Šestan’s 88th-minute penalty and Neil Hughes’ 95th-minute tap-in from Kayal’s pass sealed it.

On 17 December, we edged Guiseley 2-1 at Forge Road. Andreas Moores scored in the 15th, tapping in Alex Hurst’s pass. Burrows equalised in the 30th, heading in Holden’s cross, and Cook won it in stoppage time, slotting in Burrows’ low pass.

On 20 December, we beat Emley AFC 2-0 at home. Hughes scored in the 40th, tapping in Grace’s pass, and Grace curled a 20-yard shot into the top corner in the 65th.

On 27 December, we thrashed Sir Tom Finney 4-1 at UCLan Sports Arena. Burrows scored in the 1st minute, slotting in Grace’s pass. Campbell made it 2-0 in the 4th, heading in Grace’s cross. Cook scored in the 14th, tapping in Burrows’ pass. Jack Agnew pulled one back in stoppage time, heading in Kieran Graham’s cross, but Burrows sealed it in the 69th, nodding in Grace’s assist.

On 31 December, we lost 1-0 to Buxton at home, with David Lewis heading in Tyreece Fowler’s cross in the 37th minute.

January started with a 3-0 FA Cup Third Round loss to Southampton at Forge Road on the 3rd. Jafar Merencia volleyed in Artur’s cross in the 29th, converted a 69th-minute penalty, and Artur curled a shot into the far left corner in the 75th.

On 10 January, we beat Keighley United 2-1 at Marley Stadium. Cook scored in the 32nd, slotting in Grace’s pass. Bay Price-Jordan equalised in the 87th, tapping in Leighton Robles’ pass, but Burrows won it in the 88th, heading in Grace’s cross.

On 17 January, we smashed Hellifield Sports 5-0 at home. Burrows scored in the 22nd, nodding in Campbell’s cross. Tioffo scored in the 51st, tapping in Hughes’ pass. Gary McCann scored in the 54th, slotting in Hughes’ through ball. Former Bransay defender Haydn Winson scored an own goal in the 59th, deflecting a Šestan shot, and Burrows sealed it in the 88th, heading in Hughes’ cross.

On 20 January, we won 4-0 against Basford United in the Integro League Cup Fourth Round at home. Tioffo scored in the 10th, heading in Campbell’s cross. Campbell scored in the 12th, tapping in Hughes’ pass, and again in the 71st, nodding in John O’Donoghue’s cross. Kayal scored in the 84th, slotting in Šestan’s pass.

On 24 January, we beat Runcorn Linnets 3-0 away. Cook curled a 20-yard free kick in the 26th and tapped in Hughes’ pass in the 48th. Campbell scored in the 87th, slotting in Šestan’s through ball.

On 31 January, we lost 2-1 to Darlington at Blackwell Meadows. Cook scored in the 41st, tapping in O’Donoghue’s pass, but Jay Cooper equalised in stoppage time, heading in Kitt Nelson’s cross, and Adam Clarke won it in the 55th, slotting in António Oliveira’s pass.

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The league table shows Spennymoor Town leading with 69 points from 30 games, followed by us with 61, Emley AFC with 59, Keighley United with 55, and Prescot Cables with 53 in the play-offs.

Sheffield (52), Hattersley (50), Hellifield Sports (48), Darlington (47), and Irlam Steel Rangers (46) are chasing. Guiseley (41), Hyde (38), Whickham (36), Nostell Miners Welfare (35), Washington (34), Sir Tom Finney and North Shields (32 each), and Southwell City (31) are mid-table.

Consett (29), Buxton (27), Runcorn Linnets (21), and Barton Town (18) are in the relegation zone.

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Bransay Athletic secured their place in the Integro League Cup Final with a dramatic 4-3 comeback win against Sheffield at the Coach & Horses Ground tonight, setting up a blockbuster showdown with Keighley United at Marley Stadium.

The Northern Premier League Premier Division side, currently 2nd with 75 points, showcased their attacking flair and resilience, overturning a 3-1 deficit with goals from Tim Campbell, Conner Burrows and Ryan Tioffo.

The victory caps a remarkable cup run for Bransay, who have bulldozed their way through the competition, and offers a shot at silverware in manager Callum Baird’s quest to elevate the club to the National League North.

The semi-final clash was a rollercoaster. Sheffield, sitting 6th in the league with 63 points, struck first in the 44th minute when Paterne Ndongala latched onto a precise through ball from Jordan Millward, slotting a low shot past Ahmed Fathi into the bottom left corner.

Just before the half-time whistle, in the first minute of added time, Millward doubled Sheffield’s lead, heading in a lofted cross from David Kamara at the back post. Bransay went into the break trailing 2-0, with the home crowd in full voice and the Irons’ defence, usually rock-solid with Fathi’s 12 clean sheets, looking rattled.

The second half saw Bransay roar back. In the 61st minute, John O’Donoghue whipped in a pinpoint cross from the left, and Tim Campbell rose highest to head powerfully into the top right corner, halving the deficit.

But Sheffield responded instantly, with Marcel Dixon scoring in the 62nd minute, tapping in a low pass from Les Capel after a swift counter-attack to make it 3-1. Hope seemed to fade, but Bransay’s fighting spirit shone through.

In the 65th minute, a foul on Ryan Tioff in the box earned a penalty, which Conner Burrows calmly converted, drilling the ball into the bottom left corner to make it 3-2.

The momentum swung further in the 73rd minute when Burrows stepped up for another penalty after a handball by Sheffield’s defender. Keeper Chimezie Yusuf saved the initial effort, diving to his right, but Burrows pounced on the rebound, smashing it into the roof of the net to level the score at 3-3.

With the Forge Road faithful urging them on, Bransay pushed for the winner. In the 86th minute, Burrows turned provider, delivering a curling cross from the left that Ryan Tioffo met with a glancing header at the near post, nestling it into the far corner to spark wild celebrations.

Manager Callum Baird was elated post-match. “That was a proper cup tie - heart, guts, and quality,” Baird said. “To come back from 3-1 down against a side like Sheffield shows what this team’s made of. We’re buzzing for the final.”

Burrows, who earned player of the match, added, “The lads never gave up. Scoring twice and setting up Ryan for the winner in front of our fans was unreal. Keighley’s next, and we’re ready.”


The final pits Bransay against Keighley United, who secured a 3-0 semi-final win over Hellifield Sports under manager Quba Sansom. Keighley, 3rd in the league with 70 points, are a formidable opponent, having beaten Bransay 2-1 in August.

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