Bransay Athletic: Land of the Giants

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February and March have been a whirlwind for us, with ten matches yielding seven wins, two draws and one loss, keeping us 2nd in the Northern Premier League Premier Division with 78 points from 38 games. Despite Spennymoor Town’s unassailable 89 points, our play-off spot is secured and a thrilling 4-3 Integro League Cup semi-final win over Sheffield has us dreaming of silverware in the final against Keighley United.

We kicked off February with a 3-1 league win over Hattersley at Forge Road on the 7th. Conner Burrows struck after just 25 seconds, rifling a 20-yard shot into the top left corner after a quick one-two with Petar Šestan. Burrows doubled the lead in the 55th minute, heading in Lee Cook’s pinpoint cross. John O’Donoghue sealed it in the 90th, slotting in Neil Hughes’ through ball, before John Love pulled one back in the 94th, tapping in James Duffy’s low pass.

On 10 February, we crushed Runcorn Linnets 5-2 in the Integro League Cup Quarter Final at home. Jamie Grayson’s own goal in the 24th minute, deflecting a Šestan shot, gave us the lead. Keil Bowes equalised in the 57th, heading in Aaron Lee O’Connell’s cross, but Tim Campbell restored our lead in the 59th, curling a 25-yard free kick into the top corner. Gary McCann made it 3-1 in the 67th, tapping in Hughes’ pass. Aeon Coveney pulled one back in the 72nd, slotting in Bowes’ through ball, but Burrows’ 83rd-minute penalty after a foul on Tioffo and Tioffo’s 93rd-minute tap-in from Šestan’s pass sealed it.

On 14 February, we thrashed Consett 4-0 at Belle Vue Stadium. Campbell scored in the 13th, heading in O’Donoghue’s cross. McCann struck twice, first in the 19th, slotting in Ryan Tioffo’s low pass, then in the 21st, nodding in O’Donoghue’s delivery. O’Donoghue capped it in the 35th, rifling in Hughes’ chipped pass.

On 21 February, we slumped to a 1-0 home loss to Nostell Miners Welfare, with Mick Bishop heading in a Gordon Owen cross in the 18th minute.

On 28 February, we edged Washington 2-1 at Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground. Paul Evans scored in the 28th, tapping in Henry Hearn’s pass. Cook equalised in the 40th, slotting in McCann’s through ball, and Campbell won it in the 67th, heading in Hughes’ cross.

March started with a 6-4 league thriller against Whickham at Forge Road on the 7th. Hughes opened in the 7th minute, tapping in Espen Jenssen’s long ball. Former Bransay player Joe Starbuck equalised in the 12th, heading in Kellen Fisher’s cross. Tioffo put us ahead in the 26th, slotting in Hughes’ pass. Ronnie King levelled in the 28th, tapping in Sam Johnson’s low pass. McCann then took over, scoring in the 29th, the 31st and the 31st again for a two-minute hat-trick. Stefan Parkes pulled one back in the 44th, heading in Johnson’s cross. Burrows made it 5-3 in the 71st, nodding in O’Donoghue’s delivery, but John Challinor scored in the 73rd, slotting in Johnson’s pass.

On 14 March, we drew 1-1 with Barton Town at Marsh Lane. Campbell scored in the 12th, heading in O’Donoghue’s cross, but Ben Elliott’s 49th-minute penalty levelled it.

On 21 March, we drew 0-0 with Irlam Steel Rangers at home, with Ahmed Fathi’s late save denying Gerry Millar.

On 24 March, we won 4-3 against Sheffield in the Integro League Cup Semi-Final at Coach & Horses Ground. Paterne Ndongala scored in the 44th, slotting in Jordan Millward’s pass. Millward headed in David Kamara’s cross in first-half stoppage time. Campbell pulled one back in the 61st, heading in O’Donoghue’s cross. Marcel Dixon made it 3-1 in the 62nd, tapping in Les Capel’s pass. Burrows scored a 65th-minute penalty, then equalised in the 73rd after his penalty was saved by Chimezie Yusuf, smashing in the rebound. Tioffo won it in the 86th, heading in Burrows’ cross.

On 28 March, we beat Southwell City 2-1 away. Burrows scored in the 1st minute, tapping in O’Donoghue’s pass. Campbell made it 2-0 in the 49th, slotting in Hughes’ through ball. Emmerson Pettinger-Merris pulled one back in the 95th, heading in David Anderson’s cross.

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The league table shows Spennymoor Town on 89 points from 38 games, needing one point to clinch the title. We’re 2nd with 78 points, followed by Emley AFC (72), Prescot Cables (71), and Keighley United (70) in the play-offs.

Sheffield (64), Hattersley (62), Hellifield Sports (61), Darlington (60), Guiseley (53), Irlam Steel Rangers (51), Sir Tom Finney (48), Nostell and Whickham (45), North Shields (44), Hyde (43), and Southwell City (42) follow.

Washington (38), Buxton (35), Consett (33), Runcorn Linnets (31), and relegated Barton Town (22) round it out. I’m gutted we can’t realistically catch Spennymoor, but the play-offs are ours, and the Integro Cup final against Keighley looms large.

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Bransay Athletic etched their name into the history books tonight, clinching the Integro League Cup with a thrilling 5-3 penalty shootout win over Keighley United at Marley Stadium after a pulsating 3-3 draw in normal time.

Over 800 fans, including 300 passionate Bransay supporters who made the trip to Keighley, witnessed a match that showcased the Irons’ resilience and attacking flair. The victory, Bransay’s first silverware since their Northern League Division One title in 2033, caps a remarkable cup run and comes just three days after an 8-1 demolition of league champions Spennymoor Town, a club-record win.

Currently 2nd in the Northern Premier League Premier Division with 84 points, Bransay are now eyeing promotion via the play-offs while savouring their latest triumph.

The final at Marley Stadium exploded into life immediately. In the first minute, Keighley United struck first, with Kasey Wooster latching onto a precise through ball from Cauley Wardley, rifling a low shot past Ahmed Fathi into the bottom right corner.

Bransay responded in the 12th minute, as Espen Jenssen launched a long ball over the top to Gary McCann, who controlled it brilliantly and slotted a composed finish past Keighley’s keeper to make it 1-1.

The Irons took the lead in the 21st minute through a stroke of fortune. A John O’Donoghue cross deflected off Keighley’s Aston Monkhouse, wrong-footing the keeper for an own goal.

Bransay extended their advantage in the 35th minute when Petar Šestan stepped up to convert a penalty, drilling it into the bottom left corner after a foul on Ryan Tioffo in the box, making it 3-1.

Keighley fought back in the 38th minute, with Ashton Missin heading in a pinpoint cross from Bay Price-Jordan to cut the deficit to 3-2.

As the clock ticked down, Keighley levelled the score in the 84th minute. Ragnar Gunnarsson’s lofted pass found Price-Jordan, who curled a stunning 20-yard shot into the top right corner, sending the game to penalties.

In the shootout, Bransay took the first kick, with Conner Burrows calmly slotting into the bottom right corner. Ragnar Gunnarsson equalised for Keighley, rifling his penalty into the top left. Phil Grace restored Bransay’s lead, drilling his shot into the bottom left, but Alfie Davidson responded, finding the top right. Lee Cook kept Bransay ahead, smashing his penalty into the roof of the net, and Ashton Missin matched him, slotting low to Fathi’s right. Ryan Tioffo stepped up and fired into the top left corner. When Martin Savage’s effort for Keighley was saved by Fathi, diving to his left, Tim Campbell had the chance to seal it. The winger coolly dispatched his penalty into the bottom right, sparking wild celebrations among the 300 Bransay fans.

Manager Callum Baird was overjoyed post-match. “This is massive for the club,” Baird said. “To come to Keighley’s ground, go 3-3 in a cracking game, and win on penalties shows the character in this squad. Tim’s penalty, Ahmed’s save, Conner, Phil, Lee, Ryan - they all stepped up.”

Tioffo, whose penalty kept Bransay in control, added, “The fans were unreal, and winning this for them feels special. It’s been a few years since our last trophy, and now we want promotion.”

Bransay’s Integro League Cup journey has been a masterclass in attacking football. They entered in the Second Round, demolishing Coalville Town 6-0, followed by a 6-1 rout of Uttoxeter Town in the Third Round. The Fourth Round saw a 4-0 win over Basford United, and the Quarter Final brought a 5-2 thrashing of Runcorn Linnets. The semi-final against Sheffield, a 4-3 comeback victory, set the stage for the final, where Burrows, Tioffo and McCann delivered again.

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Bransay Athletic secured their place in the Northern Premier League Premier Division playoff final with a heart-stopping 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Prescot Cables at Forge Road tonight, following a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Over 1,100 fans, including more than 500 Prescot supporters, packed the stands for a match that showcased Bransay’s resilience and attacking prowess. The win sets up a blockbuster final against Emley AFC, who defeated Keighley United 4-1 at Emley Welfare Ground, with Bransay hosting at Forge Road this Saturday for a shot at promotion to the National League North.

Bransay finished the regular season in 2nd place with 87 points, trailing champions Spennymoor Town’s 94 points but comfortably ahead of 3rd-placed Emley AFC (77 points), 4th-placed Keighley United (77 points), and 5th-placed Prescot Cables (75 points), who edged out Hattersley (72 points) for the final playoff spot.

Facing Prescot, who beat Bransay 2-1 in November, was no easy task, but the Irons, buoyed by their recent Integro League Cup triumph over Keighley United, were ready for the challenge.

The semi-final exploded into life within the first minute. Neil Hughes, a standout this season with his tireless midfield work, launched a long-range pass to Lee Cook, who took one touch and rifled a stunning 25-yard shot into the top left corner, sending the Forge Road faithful into raptures.

Bransay doubled their lead in the 15th minute when Cook turned provider, threading a precise through ball to Tim Campbell, who slotted a low shot past Prescot’s keeper James Hutchinson into the bottom right corner.

The Irons dominated the first half, with Ahmed Fathi’s sharp save denying Ben Beechey’s header, but Prescot clawed their way back in the 41st minute. Andrew Porter’s low pass found Beechey, who spun past Karnell Sarahs and fired a crisp shot into the bottom left corner, making it 2-1 at the break.

The second half was a tense affair, with Prescot pushing hard. Fathi, with his league-leading 12 clean sheets, stood tall, tipping a long-range effort from Simon Selby over the bar. Bransay had chances to seal it, with Ryan Tioffo’s header from a Conner Burrows cross narrowly wide.

But in the 87th minute, Prescot equalised. Simon Selby whipped in a curling cross from the left, and Andrew Porter rose above Espen Jenssen to head powerfully into the top right corner, silencing the home crowd and forcing the game to penalties.

Bransay won the toss and elected to shoot first. Lee Cook stepped up, calmly drilling his penalty into the bottom left corner. Ronnie Pierre Louis responded for Prescot, slotting into the top right to level the score. Gary McCann, Bransay’s summer signing from Leeds United, fired his penalty past Hutchinson into the top left corner, and Prescot’s James Fallaize faltered, blasting his effort over the bar. Ryan Tioffo, the club’s all-time top league goalscorer with 111 goals, saw his penalty saved by Hutchinson diving to his right, but Jacob Boyle kept Prescot alive, slotting into the bottom right. Gethin Dawson restored Bransay’s advantage, curling his penalty into the top right corner, and Tom Makinson’s miss, scuffing his shot wide, handed Bransay the edge. Tim Campbell, who sealed the Integro League Cup final with the winning penalty against Keighley United, stepped up again. The winger smashed his penalty into the bottom right corner, sparking wild celebrations as Bransay clinched another shootout win.

Manager Callum Baird was ecstatic post-match. “What a night at Forge Road,” Baird said. “Lee’s screamer set the tone, Tim’s been a hero all season and the lads showed guts in the shootout. Prescot pushed us hard, but we’re ready for Emley in the final.”

Campbell, the match-winner, added, “Scoring in front of our fans and then hitting the winning penalty - it’s what you dream of. Emley’s tough, but we’ve beaten them three times already this season.”

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The air at Forge Road was crackling with anticipation as we prepared to face Emley AFC in the Northern Premier League Premier Division playoff final. Over 750 fans packed the stands, their roars echoing through Bransay Harbour and I could feel the weight of the moment. This was our shot at promotion to the National League North.

We’d finished the season with 87 points, securing 2nd place behind Spennymoor Town’s 94, and our 4-2 penalty shootout win over Prescot Cables in the semi-final had us buzzing. Emley, 3rd with 77 points, were no pushovers, but we’d faced them four times this season - twice in the league (2-0 wins), once in the FA Cup (2-1 win) and once in the FA Trophy (2-0 loss - and our record against them since 2033 was strong: seven wins and two draws in ten matches. That history gave me confidence, but I knew this final would be a battle.

I named a bold starting XI, trusting in our core while taking a gamble up top. Ahmed Fathi, with his 12 clean sheets, was in goal. Brayden Tulloch started at right-back, his composure key after his penalty heroics against Prescot. John O’Donoghue, a revelation at left-back, brought energy and crossing ability. Karnell Sarahs and Rubin Balsom anchored central defence, their physicality crucial against Emley’s attackers. Tim Campbell took right midfield, while Conner Burrows lined up on the left. Neil Hughes and Lee Cook, the heartbeat of our midfield, started in the centre. Up front, Gary McCann, with 5 goals, partnered 16-year-old academy graduate Harry Morrison, a Bransay Harbour native who’d scored 3 and assisted 2 in 9 appearances since his first-team promotion. On the bench, I had Nathan Redman, Gethin Dawson, Petar Šestan, Ryan Tioffo and Danny Hennessy ready to make an impact.

The match exploded into life just 46 seconds in. O’Donoghue took a quick throw-in on the left to Burrows, who cut inside and found Cook in the middle. Cook, with that knack for big moments, threaded a perfect ball into the box, where Morrison, showing composure beyond his years, slotted a low shot into the far right corner. Forge Road erupted - fans, players, and I went wild. A 16-year-old local lad scoring the opener in a playoff final? It wasn’t just season-defining; it was history-defining.

Emley hit back in the 3rd minute when Vinnie Tate’s free kick smashed off the crossbar, a warning shot that kept us on our toes. In the 18th minute, a sloppy free kick from us fell to Chris Stephens on Emley’s left wing. He played a sharp pass to Mike Molloy, who broke through, only for O’Donoghue to sprint back and deflect his shot just wide for a corner. Tate’s corner was headed over by Mark Hoban, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

We kept pushing. In the 21st minute, Peter Hurley’s wayward pass to centre-back Dru Halford was intercepted by McCann on the right. His low cross was cleared by Hurley, but Hughes nodded the loose ball to Campbell on the edge of the box. Campbell found Cook, who took a first-time shot that curled just wide of the left post.

In the 36th minute, Tulloch’s cross found Morrison out left. He cut inside to O’Donoghue, who drove into the box but blazed his shot high over the bar. A minute later, Emley’s goal kick was nodded by Burrows to McCann. Molloy dispossessed Hughes, but Balsom won it back, passing to Cook, who fed McCann. McCann’s through ball found Burrows in the box, but his low shot zipped wide. In the 3rd minute of first-half stoppage time, McCann’s free kick crashed off the bar, and the rebound fizzled out as the referee blew for half-time.

At 1-0 up, I gathered the lads in the dressing room, rubbing Morrison’s head as we walked in. “You’re doing us proud,” I told them. “Harry, that’s what legends are made of. Keep it tight, keep pressing, and we’ll get another.” Their focus was razor-sharp, and I could see the belief in their eyes.

The second half was tense. In the 58th minute, Morrison’s corner was headed out by Tate, but Hughes recycled it, giving Morrison another chance to swing it to the far post. Burrows arrived, heading it down to clip the right post, but Emley cleared the rebound.

Emley equalised in the 66th minute. John Ashton’s clearance was headed away by Balsom, but Molloy nodded it to Andy Bottomley, who returned it to Molloy. He played Stephens down the left, and Stephens’ high cross was met by Molloy, who leapt above O’Donoghue to head home like a salmon, making it 1-1. The Emley fans roared, and I felt the pressure mounting.

We regrouped, staying calm. In the 77th minute, Tulloch’s throw-in went to Balsom, who launched a long ball that Ashton caught. His clearance found Joey Stevens on the left, whose flicked cross was headed out by Hennessy, on as a substitute. Balsom cleared the second ball, but Stephens picked it up, drove down the left, and his deflected cross forced Fathi into a sharp near-post save for a corner. Tate’s corner was headed over by Bottomley, and we survived again. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, I urged the lads to find one more moment.

In the 92nd minute, McCann won a free kick near Emley’s left corner flag. Campbell’s header went straight to Ashton, who hoofed it to Tulloch in our half. With no pressure, Tulloch played a calm pass to McCann, who turned and found Burrows in acres of space on the left. Burrows beat Declan Murdoch, entered the box, and stroked a low cross to Morrison, who buried it in the bottom right corner with a clinical finish. Forge Road exploded - players, fans, and coaching staff mobbed Morrison. I sprinted from the dugout, my heart pounding, as our 16-year-old hero had just sent us to the National League North.

I brought Tioffo on for Morrison to see out the game, hugging the lad tightly as the clock wound down. Emley’s desperate long balls were repelled by Sarahs and Balsom, and when the final whistle blew, the pitch was a sea of celebration.

Fans stormed the turf, chanting Morrison’s name and mine. I grabbed Harry, lifting him up as the crowd swarmed us, their joy infectious. “This is your moment, lad,” I shouted over the noise. “You’ve made us proud!” The feeling was electric - years of climbing divisions, from the North Northumberland League to this moment, flashed through my mind.

As the fans sang into the night, I looked at Morrison, mobbed by teammates, and knew this was just the start. National League North awaits, and Bransay Athletic are ready to make waves.

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The final two months of the 2036/37 season have been nothing short of extraordinary for us. Seven matches across the league, Integro League Cup and playoffs delivered six wins and one loss and, most importantly, promotion to the National League North after a 2-1 playoff final victory over Emley AFC at Forge Road.

We finished the Northern Premier League Premier Division in 2nd place with 87 points, 7 behind champions Spennymoor Town, but our playoff heroics, capped by 16-year-old Harry Morrison’s brace, secured our biggest achievement since the Northern League Division One title in 2033. Add to that our Integro League Cup triumph and this has been a season to cherish.

April began with a 3-1 league win over Prescot Cables at Forge Road on the 4th. Conner Burrows opened the scoring in the 12th minute, slotting a penalty into the bottom right corner after a foul on Gary McCann. Harry Morrison, our academy star, made it 2-0 in the 26th, heading in Burrows’ curling cross from the left. Morrison struck again in the 31st, nodding in Sean Ryan’s pinpoint cross from the right. Jacob Boyle pulled one back for Prescot in the 37th, tapping in Simon Selby’s low pass, but we held firm.

On 11 April, we fell 3-2 to Sheffield at Coach & Horses Ground. James Lynch scored in the 14th, slotting in Ryan Woodward’s through ball. Burrows equalised in the 22nd, curling a 20-yard free kick into the top left corner. Stuart Campbell restored Sheffield’s lead in the 23rd, heading in Craig Heath’s cross, and Les Capel made it 3-1 in the 46th, tapping in Paterne Ndongala’s pass. McCann pulled one back in the 64th, slotting in Neil Hughes’ chipped pass, but we couldn’t find an equaliser.

On 18 April, we smashed Spennymoor Town 8-1 at Forge Road, a club-record win. Tim Campbell opened in the 7th, heading in Gethin Dawson’s cross. Morrison scored in the 12th, tapping in Campbell’s low cross. Lee Cook curled a 25-yard shot into the top right corner in the 24th. Rubin Balsom headed in Espen Jenssen’s flick-on from Morrison’s corner in the 40th. McCann scored in the 44th, slotting in Dawson’s through ball. Balsom headed in Dawson’s corner in the 55th, Petar Šestan converted a penalty in the 61st after a foul on Tioffo, and Campbell sealed it in the 90th, nodding in Dawson’s cross. Sam Brown scored a consolation in the 74th, tapping in Robin Rietentiet’s pass.

On 21 April, we won 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 draw with Keighley United in the Integro League Cup Final at Marley Stadium. Kasey Wooster scored for Keighley in the 1st minute, rifling in Cauley Wardley’s pass. McCann equalised in the 12th, slotting in Jenssen’s long ball. An Aston Monkhouse own goal from O’Donoghue’s cross made it 2-1 in the 21st, and Šestan’s 35th-minute penalty after a foul on Tioffo put us 3-1 up. Ashton Missin headed in Bay Price-Jordan’s cross in the 38th, and Price-Jordan curled a 20-yard shot in the 84th to make it 3-3. In the shootout, Burrows, Grace, Cook, and Tioffo scored, with Fathi saving Martin Savage’s attempt, and Campbell’s penalty clinched our first silverware in four years.

On 25 April, we beat Guiseley 4-2 at Nethermoor on the final day. McCann scored in the 19th, tapping in Morrison’s pass. Ceiran Ellison equalised in the 21st, heading in Josh Phillips’ cross. Campbell made it 2-1 in the 31st, slotting in Morrison’s through ball. Phillips levelled in the 46th, tapping in a loose ball. A Peter Preston own goal from a Burrows cross put us ahead in the 73rd, and Cook sealed it in the 74th, heading in O’Donoghue’s cross.

The playoffs began on 28 April with a 5-3 penalty win after a 2-2 draw against Prescot Cables at Forge Road. Cook scored in the 1st minute, rifling in Hughes’ long-range pass, and Campbell made it 2-0 in the 15th, slotting in Cook’s through ball. Ben Beechey pulled one back in the 41st, tapping in Andrew Porter’s pass, and Porter equalised in the 87th, heading in Simon Selby’s cross. In the shootout, Cook, McCann, Dawson, and Campbell scored, with Prescot’s James Fallaize and Tom Makinson missing.

The final on 4 May saw us beat Emley AFC 2-1 at Forge Road. Morrison scored after 46 seconds, slotting in Cook’s pass from Burrows’ throw-in. Mike Molloy equalised for Emley in the 66th, heading in Chris Stephens’ cross. Morrison won it in the 92nd, tapping in Burrows’ low cross, sending us to the National League North amid wild celebrations.

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The final league table had Spennymoor Town at 94 points, us at 87, Emley AFC and Keighley United at 77, and Prescot Cables at 75 in the playoffs.

Hattersley (72), Darlington (69), Sheffield and Hellifield Sports (68), Irlam Steel Rangers (59), Sir Tom Finney (57), Guiseley (53), Hyde (50), Whickham (49), Nostell (48), Washington and Southwell City (46), and North Shields (44) followed.

Buxton (42), Consett (39), Runcorn Linnets (36), and Barton Town (22) were relegated. Our promotion, earned through Morrison’s heroics and our consistent campaign, felt deserved.

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Ahmed Fathi was a rock in goal, conceding 46 goals in 39 league games with 12 clean sheets. Nathan Redman’s 3 clean sheets in 5 starts were vital cover.

Brayden Tulloch’s 56 appearances and 4 assists at right-back, alongside John O’Donoghue’s 5 goals and 16 assists in 55 games at left-back, were game-changers. Paul Holden (22 apps) and Dean Culbert (7 apps) provided depth.

Centre-backs Espen Jenssen and Rubin Balsom, with over 50 appearances each, were colossal, with Karnell Sarahs (39 apps) and Danny Hennessy (45 apps, 29 as sub) offering versatility. Olly Evans saw limited action.

On the wings, Tim Campbell (12 goals, 12 assists, 39 apps) and Conner Burrows (18 goals, 14 assists, 42 apps) were sensational, backed by Sean Ryan (3 goals, 4 assists, 13 apps) and Gethin Dawson (4 goals, 9 assists, 41 apps).

In midfield, Lee Cook (16 goals, 5 assists, 42 apps) and Neil Hughes (4 goals, 11 assists, 38 apps) drove us forward, with Petar Šestan (4 goals, 2 assists, 28 apps) and Paul Love (7 apps) as reliable options.

Up top, Gary McCann (26 goals, 8 assists, 51 apps) and Ryan Tioffo (18 goals, 3 assists, 57 apps, 150 career Bransay goals) were lethal. Phil Grace (12 goals, 12 assists, 40 apps) and Mohammed Kayal (4 goals, 1 assist, 19 apps) added depth, while Harry Morrison’s 5 goals in 8 league games, including the playoff final brace, marked him as a star.

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As we gear up for our first season in the National League North, the excitement around Forge Road is palpable. After a sensational 2036/37 campaign that saw us clinch promotion with a 2-1 playoff final win over Emley AFC, powered by 16-year-old Harry Morrison’s brace and lift the Integro League Cup, we are ready to make waves in the sixth tier.

Finishing 2nd in the Northern Premier League Premier Division with 87 points, we proved our mettle, plus our new youth complex, we’re in a strong position. However, this summer has been a seismic shift, with 15 new signings and the departure of club legends like Ryan Tioffo and Conner Burrows.

At 25/1 odds to win the title, alongside Altrincham and Hitchin Town, we’re underdogs, our revamped squad is hungry to compete.

The National League North is a step up, with relegated Doncaster Rovers leading the title odds at 11/10 under new manager Jordan Schwarz. Harrogate Town, 3rd last season with 84 points, are 11/5 favourites, while Bugbrooke St. Michaels (5th, 77 points) at 5/2 and Oakham United (4th, 80 points) at 4/1 are strong contenders. Brookside Athletic, promoted from the Southern League Premier Central, sit at 6/1, and York City, after a mid-table 12th-place finish, are 15/2. Boldmere St. Michaels round out the playoff favourites at 8/1.

Mid-tier sides include AFC Fylde (16/1, 8th last season), AFC Sudbury and Morecambe (18/1), and Gateshead (20/1, 17th). We’re pegged at 25/1, alongside Altrincham and Hitchin Town, despite their top-half finishes last season.

Longer shots include Marine, Grantham Town, Scarborough Athletic, Spennymoor Town, and Barrow at 33/1, with Barrow’s 7th-place finish last season making them a dark horse.

Newly promoted King’s Lynn Town, Matlock Town, and Radcliffe are 50/1, while Witton Albion (6th last season) at 100/1 and Sleaford Town (20th) at 200/1 are outsiders.

Last season, Boston United won the title with 101 points and a +55 goal difference, edging out Rochdalians, who matched their points but had a +41 goal difference. Rochdalians earned promotion via the playoffs, defeating Harrogate Town under manager Peter Beadle, marking their 13th promotion since Level 18.

Blyth Spartans, Bury, Corby Town, and Abacus Media were relegated, opening the door for us, Brookside, King’s Lynn Town, Matlock Town, and Radcliffe.

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This summer was our busiest transfer window yet, with 15 new signings to raise our squad’s ceiling for the National League North.

Losing club icons was tough but necessary. Conner Burrows, with 58 goals and 78 assists in 259 appearances, joined Alloa Athletic in the Scottish League One. Dean Culbert, a local hero with 290 appearances, 4 goals, and 46 assists since 2026, retired from Bransay after just 7 appearances last season. Ryan Tioffo, our all-time top scorer with 150 goals and 62 assists in 328 games since January 2030, also departed, leaving an indelible legacy.

Others leaving include Olly Evans (Washington), Petar Šestan (GOSK-Dubrovnik), Gethin Dawson (Spennymoor Town), and free agents John O’Donoghue and Paul Holden. Later exits included Phil Grace, Rubin Balsom, Sean Ryan, Jaydan Howcroft, Danny Hennessy, Brayden Tulloch, Tim Campbell, Paul Love and Mohammed Kayal, as new arrivals reshaped the squad.
Ahmed Fathi, our rock last season with 12 clean sheets and just 46 goals conceded in 39 league games, remains our undisputed number one. Nathan Redman, who kept 3 clean sheets in 5 starts, re-signed as backup, joined by 18-year-old TJ Oxbrow from Burnley’s academy, a promising third-choice keeper.

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At right-back, Dean Culbert’s exit prompted a rebuild. Daniel Wallace, a 24-time Indian international from Nostell Miners Welfare, steps in as our starter after a solid mid-table season in the Northern Premier League. 21-year-old Carter McClean, with 79 appearances for Carrick Rangers in the Northern Irish Premiership, provides dynamic backup.

At left-back, 19-year-old Welsh U20 international Robbie Joseph, signed from Newcastle United’s academy, takes the starting role, with 32-year-old Joe Keeping, a seasoned campaigner from Llanelli Town with spells at Brackley Town and Aberystwyth Town, as competition.

In central defence, Karnell Sarahs pairs with 30-year-old Alyas Debono, signed from Morecambe after stints at Matlock Town and Hartlepool United. Espen Jenssen, entering his 5th season, remains a stalwart, backed by 30-year-old Stephen Magill from Glentoran, who brings experience from Northern Irish clubs and Hayes & Yeading United.

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On the right wing, 21-year-old Barry Corcoran, from Huddersfield Town’s academy, steps into Tim Campbell’s boots, following the path of former Bransay star Jack Smith. Josh Ashe, 30, joins from North Shields with 5 goals and 11 assists last season, adding nous from spells at Barrow and Chesterfield.

At left midfield, 23-year-old Jason Bennett, versatile from his time at York City and Appley Bridge, replaces Burrows, with 23-year-old Tarik Jarrett, from Morecambe, as a versatile backup who can also play up top.

In central midfield, Neil Hughes (5 goals, 15 assists in 54 games) and Lee Cook (15 goals, 3 assists in 40 league games) stay on, forming a formidable duo. 18-year-old Turkish U20 international Onat Başkaya, a coup from Fenerbahçe with a 2034 Süper Lig title, adds flair, while 20-year-old Andy Green, from Spennymoor Town’s title-winning side, provides depth.

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Gary McCann, with 16 goals and 7 assists in 34 games last season, leads the line. Harry Morrison, 16, takes the number 8 shirt after his playoff final heroics, with 5 goals in 8 league games. Joe Hatch, 30, joins from Llanelli Town after 45 goals in 82 games for The New Saints, while Dan Organ, also 30, arrives from relegated Blyth Spartans with 9 goals last season.

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The opening two months of our debut season in the National League North have been a thrilling ride, with 14 matches across the league and FA Cup yielding 9 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses. Sitting 5th with 22 points from 12 games, tied with Harrogate Town, we’ve shown we can compete with the division’s heavyweights, including a stunning 5-4 league win over title favourites Doncaster Rovers and a 6-4 FA Cup Third Qualifying Round triumph over Harrogate.

Despite some setbacks, our revamped squad, bolstered by 15 summer signings, is gelling, with youngsters like Harry Morrison and Onat Başkaya stepping up alongside players like Gary McCann and Neil Hughes.

August kicked off with a 1-0 league win over Hitchin Town at Forge Road on the 1st. Onat Başkaya, our 18-year-old Turkish U20 international, set the tone, converting a penalty in the 2nd minute after a foul on Joe Hatch, drilling it into the bottom right corner.

On 4 August, we fell 2-1 to Boldmere St. Michaels at Trevor Brown Memorial Ground. Kevin Leslie struck twice, first in the 16th minute with a low shot from 15 yards, then in the 22nd, heading in Raheim Holligan’s cross. Gary McCann pulled one back in the 73rd, nodding in Robbie Joseph’s pinpoint cross, but we couldn’t equalise.

On 8 August, we bounced back with a 2-0 win over AFC Sudbury at home. Neil Hughes scored in the 37th, slotting in Tarik Jarrett’s through ball, and Joe Hatch sealed it in the 93rd, tapping in Jarrett’s low cross.

On 15 August, we lost 2-1 to Oakham United away. Tarik Jarrett opened in the 7th, rifling in Hughes’ chipped pass, but Julian Smith equalised in the 49th, heading in Thierry Rohart-Brown’s cross, and Will Andiyapan won it in the 50th, slotting in Rian Lluka’s pass.

On 18 August, we thrashed Barrow 3-0 at home. Josh Ashe scored in the 36th, curling in Başkaya’s through ball. Hughes made it 2-0 in the 42nd, heading in Joseph’s cross, and Harry Morrison capped it in the 57th, smashing a 20-yard shot into the top left corner.

On 22 August, we edged Sleaford Town 2-1 at Eslaforde Park. Chris Watkins scored in the 4th, tapping in James Baldacchino’s pass, but Morrison equalised in the 18th, heading in a loose ball. Başkaya won it in the 82nd, converting a penalty after a foul on McCann.

The month ended with a 5-4 thriller against Doncaster Rovers at Forge Road on the 29th. Başkaya opened in the 21st, slotting in Joseph’s low pass, and added a second in the 23rd, tapping in Barry Corcoran’s cross. Stefan Adler pulled one back in stoppage time, heading in Leighton Earl’s cross. Alex Smith equalised in the 52nd, slotting in Earl’s pass. Hughes restored our lead in the 60th, rifling a 25-yard shot into the top right corner. Başkaya completed his hat-trick in the 65th, converting a penalty after a foul on Morrison. Morrison made it 5-2 in the 72nd, tapping in Hughes’ pass, but Doncaster rallied with Adler’s 96th-minute header from Smith’s cross and Dan Taylor’s 97th-minute tap-in from Mitch Hicks’ pass.

On 31 August, we lost 2-1 to York City away. Morrison scored in the 19th, curling a 15-yard shot after a solo run, but Beckham Collin equalised in the 22nd, heading in Sean Greene’s cross, and scored again in the 36th, slotting in Matthew Muirhead’s through ball.

September started with a 1-1 draw against Scarborough Athletic at Flamingo Land Stadium on the 5th. Alyas Debono scored in the 2nd minute, heading in Joseph’s corner, but Başkaya missed a penalty in the 16th after a foul on Hatch. Dion McGuffie equalised in the 53rd, tapping in Benito Gumbs’ low pass.

On 12 September, we won 3-2 against Polonia Yorkshire in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round at Polonia Yorkshire Stadium. Jarrett opened in the 10th, slotting in Corcoran’s through ball. Salisu Okoro equalised in the 51st, heading in Charlie McCann’s cross, and scored again in the 61st, tapping in Michael Donkor’s pass. Lee Cook levelled in the 89th, rifling in Gary McCann’s pass, and won it in the 93rd, heading in Corcoran’s cross.

On 19 September, we were thrashed 6-2 by Morecambe at home. Brice Kabamba scored a 2nd-minute penalty, and Jarrett equalised in the 6th, tapping in Hughes’ pass. Ally Marrison put Morecambe ahead in the 53rd, slotting in Karl Hoareau’s pass. Hoareau scored in the 66th, tapping in Kabamba’s cross. Joseph’s own goal in the 73rd made it 4-1, and McCann pulled one back in the 74th, heading in Cook’s cross. Kieran Jones scored twice, in the 80th (Hoareau assist) and 82nd (Kabamba assist), both tap-ins.

On 22 September, we edged Gateshead 1-0 at home, with McCann scoring in the 81st, nodding in Carter McClean’s cross.

On 26 September, we won 6-4 against Harrogate Town in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round at Wetherby Road. Morrison opened in the 10th, tapping in McCann’s pass. Corcoran scored in the 17th, heading in Jarrett’s cross. Morrison struck again in the 24th, slotting in Corcoran’s through ball. Geoff Price pulled one back in the 42nd, heading in Jaime Montelibano’s cross. Sean Whymark made it 3-2 in stoppage time, tapping in Ben Miley’s pass. Debono restored our two-goal lead in the 82nd, heading in Joseph’s corner. Jeff Heard scored in the 88th, slotting in Connor Lucas’ pass, and Giorgio Mowthorpe equalised in the 89th, heading in Heard’s cross. Morrison completed his hat-trick in the 93rd, curling a 15-yard shot, and Espen Jenssen sealed it in the 95th, heading in Joseph’s corner.

On 29 September, we won 3-2 at Grantham Town. Josh Ashe scored a 14th-minute penalty after a foul on Hatch. Matt Hallahan equalised with a 26th-minute penalty. Dan Organ put us ahead in the 34th, tapping in Ashe’s pass. Debono made it 3-1 in the 43rd, heading in Başkaya’s cross, and Marek Gallo pulled one back in the 86th, slotting in a loose ball.

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Doncaster Rovers lead with 33 points from 13 games, followed by Boldmere St. Michaels (26, 12 games), AFC Fylde (24, 12 games), and Morecambe (23, 12 games). We’re 5th with 22 points, tied with Harrogate Town (12 games each). King’s Lynn Town (21, 12 games) hold the final playoff spot.

Bugbrooke St. Michaels (20, 12 games), York City (19, 13 games), AFC Sudbury (18, 12 games), and Scarborough Athletic (18, 11 games) follow. Barrow and Oakham United (17 each), Witton Albion (16), Hitchin Town (15), Gateshead and Altrincham (14), Grantham Town (13), Spennymoor Town (12), and Radcliffe (11) are mid-table.

Marine and Brookside Athletic (8 each), Matlock Town (6), and Sleaford Town (4) are in the relegation zone.

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Bransay Athletic delivered a seismic upset on 7 November 2037, defeating League One side Fleetwood Town 3-1 at Highbury Stadium in the FA Cup First Round.

Currently 9th in the National League North, Bransay outclassed a Fleetwood side sitting 11th in League One, three divisions above, with a performance full of grit, flair, and clinical finishing.

Harry Morrison’s brace and Andy Green’s equaliser, backed by a rock-solid defensive display, sent the travelling Bransay fans into raptures and secured a Second Round clash against Scunthorpe United, also 9th in League One, at Attis Arena on 28 November.

This victory, marking Bransay’s second consecutive year reaching the FA Cup Second Round, underscores their growing stature under manager Callum Baird and fuels dreams of another deep cup run.

The atmosphere at Highbury Stadium was electric, with Bransay’s vocal supporters among the 3,000-strong crowd urging their side on against a Fleetwood team boasting League One pedigree.

Baird’s revamped squad, bolstered by 15 summer signings, stuck to their attacking principles, with 16-year-old starlet Harry Morrison and Gary McCann leading the line, supported by the dynamic midfield duo of Neil Hughes and Lee Cook. Fleetwood, managed by Curtis Moore, started brightly, looking to exploit their higher-division quality.

The hosts took the lead in the 14th minute. Josh Clegg, Fleetwood’s energetic right-back, surged forward and cut a low pass to Robert Cooper, who rifled a crisp 15-yard shot into the bottom left corner past Ahmed Fathi, Bransay’s goalkeeper with 12 clean sheets last season. The goal stung, but Bransay responded with composure.

In the 24th minute, Robbie Joseph, the 19-year-old Welsh U20 international left-back, whipped in a pinpoint cross from the left. Andy Green, the 20-year-old midfielder signed from Spennymoor Town, met it with a powerful header at the far post, levelling the score at 1-1 and sending the away fans wild. Bransay grew in confidence, with Fathi denying a long-range effort from Fleetwood’s midfielder Tom Barkhuizen.

In the 45th minute, Bransay took the lead. Joseph, again proving his worth, delivered a curling through ball into the box, where Morrison, the teenage sensation who scored twice in last season’s playoff final, latched onto it and slotted a low shot into the bottom right corner, giving Bransay a 2-1 lead at the break.

The second half saw Fleetwood push for an equaliser, but Bransay’s defence, marshalled by Karnell Sarahs and Espen Jenssen, held firm. Onat Başkaya, the 18-year-old Turkish U20 international, dictated play in midfield, while Barry Corcoran and Tarik Jarrett stretched Fleetwood on the flanks.

In the 83rd minute, Bransay sealed the victory. Stephen Magill, the 30-year-old Northern Irish centre-back signed from Glentoran, launched a long ball forward. Morrison, showing his predatory instincts, outpaced Fleetwood’s defence, controlled the ball, and smashed a 12-yard shot into the top left corner, sparking delirium among the travelling supporters. Fleetwood’s late efforts were thwarted by Fathi’s diving save to deny Cooper’s header, and Bransay held on for a famous 3-1 win.

Baird was jubilant post-match. “To come to a League One ground and beat Fleetwood 3-1 is massive for us,” he said. “Harry’s finishing was top-class, Andy’s header was crucial, and Robbie’s assists set the tone. The lads showed we can compete with anyone. Scunthorpe’s next, and we’re ready to give it another go.”

Morrison, who at 16 continues to defy expectations, added, “Scoring twice in a cup upset like this is unreal. The fans were incredible and we’re buzzing for Scunthorpe.”

Bransay’s 2037/38 campaign has started strongly, with a 5-4 league win over Doncaster Rovers and a 6-4 FA Cup Third Qualifying Round triumph over Harrogate Town highlighting their attacking prowess.

The Second Round clash against Scunthorpe United at Attis Arena on 28 November will be another stern test. Scunthorpe, like Fleetwood, are 9th in League One, boasting a balanced squad under manager Evan Burns.

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October and November have been a turbulent period for us in our debut National League North season, with 14 matches yielding 3 wins, 5 draws and a club-record 7 consecutive losses in November, dropping us to 14th with 29 points from 22 games.

Despite a promising start with a 3-1 FA Cup First Round upset over League One side Fleetwood Town and solid league performances, our November collapse has been a stark reality check.

October began with a 0-0 league draw against Brookside Athletic at Forge Road on the 6th. Both sides struggled to create, with Ahmed Fathi’s late save denying a long-range shot from Brookside’s Tom Carter.

On 10 October, we drew 3-3 with Telford United in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round at New Bucks Head. Gary McCann opened in the 9th minute, heading in Carter McClean’s cross from the right. Barry Corcoran doubled our lead in the 12th, slotting in McCann’s through ball. Steve Davies pulled one back for Telford in the 29th, tapping in Mark Maley’s low pass. Maley equalised in the 39th, heading in Kevin Hawkins’ cross, and scored again in stoppage time, nodding in Ryan Pye’s delivery. Harry Morrison levelled in the 53rd, curling a 15-yard shot after Neil Hughes’ pass.

In the replay on 13 October at Forge Road, we won 2-1. Ryan Pye scored for Telford in the 19th, rifling a 20-yard shot. Hughes equalised in the 55th, tapping in Corcoran’s cross, and Onat Başkaya won it in the 71st, converting a penalty after a foul on Morrison.

On 17 October, we drew 2-2 with Matlock Town at Causeway Lane. Dan Organ scored in the 19th, slotting in Başkaya’s chipped pass. McCann made it 2-0 in the 55th, heading in Corcoran’s cross. Gareth Aldridge pulled one back in the 78th, tapping in Ashley Jones’ pass, and Daniel Björklund equalised in the 93rd, heading in Mark Poole’s cross.

On 20 October, we drew 0-0 with Radcliffe at home, with Fathi’s diving save stopping a late effort from Jack Evans.

On 24 October, we beat Witton Albion 3-1 at Forge Road. McCann scored in the 3rd minute, tapping in Corcoran’s low pass. Alyas Debono made it 2-0 in the 37th, heading in Robbie Joseph’s corner. McCann struck again in the 53rd, slotting in Morrison’s through ball. Ronald Kisekka pulled one back in the 74th, heading in Hayden Bullas’ cross.

On 27 October, we drew 2-2 with Harrogate Town away. Josh Ashe opened in the 20th, curling a 25-yard free kick into the top left corner. Ben Miley equalised in the 55th, tapping in Kevin Mansell’s pass. Başkaya put us ahead in the 69th, slotting in Daniel Wallace’s low pass, but Sam Poate levelled in the 75th, heading in a loose ball.

On 31 October, we stunned Fleetwood Town 3-1 in the FA Cup First Round at Highbury Stadium. Robert Cooper scored for Fleetwood in the 14th, rifling in Josh Clegg’s pass. Andy Green equalised in the 24th, heading in Joseph’s cross. Morrison gave us the lead in the 45th, slotting in Joseph’s through ball, and sealed it in the 83rd, smashing a 12-yard shot from Stephen Magill’s long ball.

November marked our darkest hour, with a club-record 7 straight league and cup losses. On 7 November, King’s Lynn Town thrashed us 3-0 at Forge Road. Conley Darling scored in first-half stoppage time, heading in James Harris’ cross. Harris struck twice, in the 52nd and 55th.

On 10 November, we lost 3-2 to Marine at Rossett Park. Jordan Day scored in the 3rd, tapping in Zak Jones’ pass. Morrison equalised with a 73rd-minute penalty after a foul on McCann. Burhan Öztürk put Marine ahead in the 77th, heading in Jonjoe Levey’s cross, and Day won it in the 80th, slotting in Jones’ pass. Green pulled one back in the 86th, tapping in Ashe’s pass.

On 14 November, Scarborough Athletic beat us 3-1 in the FA Trophy Second Round at Forge Road. Jonny Dunphy scored in the 17th, rifling in Jake Clark’s pass. Dion McGuffie struck twice, in the 34th (heading in Huw Bell’s cross) and 40th (tapping in Kane King’s pass). Ashe scored in the 60th, heading in Joseph’s cross.

On 17 November, AFC Fylde won 4-2 at Forge Road. Ashleigh Ralls scored in the 35th, slotting in Tom van Barneveld’s pass. Brandon Farmer made it 2-0 in the 37th, heading in Rubin Stearn’s cross. Organ pulled one back in the 41st, tapping in McCann’s pass. Ralls scored in stoppage time, slotting in van Barneveld’s pass. Organ scored in the 70th, curling a 20-yard shot, but Farmer’s 74th-minute penalty sealed it.

On 21 November, Altrincham won 5-2 at Moss Lane. Emmaisa Nzondo scored in the 20th, tapping in Nick Lawrence’s pass. Don Love made it 2-0 in the 47th, heading in Pharrell Leader-Williams’ cross. Leader-Williams scored in the 53rd, slotting in Love’s pass. Hugh Williams made it 4-0 in the 55th, heading in Deegan Rzonca’s cross. Joe Hatch pulled one back in the 68th, tapping in Organ’s pass, and Corcoran scored in the 72nd, heading in Ashe’s cross, but Debono’s own goal in the 73rd sealed our fate.

On 24 November, Spennymoor Town won 3-2 at Forge Road. Tom Anderson scored a 16th-minute penalty. Theo Durrant made it 2-0 in the 48th, slotting in Alex Wollerton’s pass. Organ pulled one back in the 57th, tapping in Green’s pass. Anderson’s 65th-minute penalty restored Spennymoor’s lead, and McCann’s 85th-minute header from McClean’s cross wasn’t enough.

On 28 November, Scunthorpe United beat us 4-2 in the FA Cup Second Round at Glanford Park. Fitzroy Williams scored in the 13th, heading in Cai Owen’s cross. Joseph equalised in the 30th, slotting in Jarrett’s pass. Organ gave us the lead in the 63rd, heading in Wallace’s cross. Alex Thornhill levelled in the 65th, tapping in Zaccheus Joseph’s pass. Carl Coleman put Scunthorpe ahead in the 75th, slotting in Leônidas’ pass, and Jordon Emmett’s 89th-minute penalty sealed it.

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AFC Fylde lead with 47 points from 19 games, followed by Doncaster Rovers (46), Boldmere St. Michaels (43), Bugbrooke St. Michaels and Morecambe (42), Scarborough Athletic (40), and Oakham United (38).

King’s Lynn Town (37), Harrogate Town (34), AFC Sudbury and York City (33), Gateshead (29), Grantham Town (29), and us (29) follow. Altrincham (28), Witton Albion (27), Hitchin Town and Barrow (26), Spennymoor Town (25), and Matlock Town (19) are next.

Marine (18), Brookside Athletic and Radcliffe (16), and Sleaford Town (12) are in the relegation zone.

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I’m still reeling from the phone call I had yesterday with Joe Fraser, the administrator at Swansea City. Sitting in my office at Forge Road, overlooking the pitch where we’ve built something special over nearly 15 years, I couldn’t believe the audacity of the offer he made me.

Swansea City, a club I’ve admired from afar for its Premier League days, is a mess - a laughing stock, as many call it - and Fraser thought I’d jump at the chance to manage them for a measly £675 per week. I almost laughed down the phone, but my amusement quickly turned to frustration, even anger, at the state of that once-proud club.

The call came out of the blue. I was reviewing our tactics for the upcoming National League North match against Hitchin, still stinging from our club-record seven-game losing streak in November.

Fraser introduced himself politely enough, explaining he’s the administrator tasked with steering Swansea out of the financial abyss they’ve sunk into under Jordan Blickley’s ownership, following Chen Jun’s disastrous reign.

He laid out the situation: Swansea, relegated to League One in 2034 and then to League Two in 2036, clawed their way back to League One last season with a 2nd-place finish under Fikayo Tomori. But Blickley’s mismanagement led to administration, a 12-point deduction, and the gutting of their youth setup - sold off despite £14 million in player sales last season.

Now, they’re 22nd in League One with 19 points, in the relegation zone, when they’d be 13th without the penalty. Fraser then dropped the bombshell: they sacked Tomori, a manager who’d just won four straight league games, after a penalty shootout loss to Tottenham Hotspur’s Under-21s in the EFL Trophy Second Round.

Caretaker Oliver Jefferies has since lost three of four games. Fraser offered me the managerial role, citing my success in taking Bransay from the Northern League Division Two to the National League North, including our 2033 Northern League title, last season’s Integro League Cup, and our playoff promotion.

I let Fraser finish, but my blood was boiling. “Joe,” I started, trying to keep my tone measured, “do you realise what you’re doing to Swansea City? This is a club with a storied history - Premier League seasons, European nights - and you’re running it into the ground. Sacking Fikayo Tomori, who had you winning games despite a 12-point deduction, over an EFL Trophy loss to kids? That’s madness. You sold the youth facilities, scrapped the academy, and now you’re offering me £675 a week to clean up this mess? I’ve been at Bransay for nearly 15 years, building something real, and you think I’d walk away for a club in disarray, three divisions up or not?”

I didn’t hold back. “Chen Jun’s reign was a disaster, sure, but Blickley’s taken it to another level. Selling £14 million in players and still going into administration? That’s not just poor management; it’s negligence. You’re destroying a prestigious club, Joe. Swansea deserves better than this - fans, players, staff, all let down by decisions that make no sense. Tomori was your lifeline, and you cut him loose. I was shocked when I heard, sickened even. You’re asking me to leave a club I’ve poured my heart into, where we’ve got a new youth complex producing talents like Harry Morrison and a fanbase that lives and breathes for us, to join a sinking ship with no clear plan?”

Fraser tried to interject, talking about Swansea’s “potential” and their League One status, but I wasn’t having it. “Potential?” I said. “Swansea’s potential is being squandered. At Bransay, we’re in the National League North, sure, and November was rough for us - seven losses in a row, our worst ever - but we’re building for the long term. We beat Fleetwood Town 3-1 in the FA Cup, a League One side. Our squad is gelling, and we’ve got stability. Swansea’s 22nd, staring at relegation to League Two again, with no youth setup and a caretaker who’s struggling. Why would I trade what we’ve got here for that?”

I leaned into my loyalty to Bransay, my voice firm. “I’ve been here since we were in Level 18, Sunday League level, grinding through the divisions. We’ve won titles, cups, and earned promotion to the sixth tier because we’ve built a culture, not torn it apart. I’m not throwing that away for a club that sacks a winning manager and offers me pocket change to fix a mess I didn’t create. My heart’s at Forge Road and that’s not changing.”

Fraser sounded deflated, mumbling about understanding my position and wishing me well. I ended the call politely but firmly: “Joe, sort out Swansea before you call anyone else. That club deserves better, and I’m staying where I belong.”

Hanging up, I felt a mix of pride and frustration - pride in what we’ve built at Bransay, frustration at Swansea’s decline. Our November slump - losses to King’s Lynn, Marine, Scarborough, AFC Fylde, Altrincham, Spennymoor, and Scunthorpe in the FA Cup - has been brutal, but I believe in this squad.

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The past two months have been a rollercoaster for us in our debut National League North season. From December to January, we played 11 matches, securing 6 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses, lifting us to 10th place with 49 points from 33 games.

After the gut-wrenching seven-game losing streak in November - the worst in our history - we’ve shown resilience, with standout performances from Harry Morrison, Gary McCann and Barry Corcoran.

December started with a 1-1 draw against Boldmere St. Michaels at home on the 8th. Harry Morrison, our 16-year-old star, put us ahead in the 63rd minute, calmly slotting a penalty into the bottom right corner after a foul on Gary McCann. Javanne Everington equalised in the 75th, heading in Joel Powell’s curling cross, but Ahmed Fathi’s late save ensured a point.

On 19 December, we edged Hitchin Town 1-0 at Top Field. Barry Corcoran struck in the 3rd minute, rifling a 20-yard shot into the top left corner after a clever pass from McCann.

On 22 December, we won 2-1 against Bugbrooke St. Michaels at Browns Road. Mikey Dempsey gave Bugbrooke the lead with a 65th-minute penalty, but Alyas Debono levelled in the 83rd, heading in Onat Başkaya’s corner. Morrison sealed it in the 87th, converting another penalty after a handball by Bugbrooke’s defender.

Boxing Day brought a 1-1 draw with AFC Sudbury at King’s Marsh Stadium. Neil Hughes scored in the 14th, tapping in Başkaya’s through ball, but Eoin Chapman equalised in the 96th, slotting in Jaydon Jones’ low pass.

On 28 December, we thrashed Oakham United 4-1 at home. Morrison opened with a 15th-minute penalty after a foul on Corcoran. Aaron McCarthy equalised in the 25th, heading in Brook Myers’ cross, but McCann restored our lead in the 26th, nodding in Josh Ashe’s pinpoint cross. Ashe made it 3-1 in the 59th, curling a 15-yard shot into the bottom left corner, and Joe Keeping capped it in the 85th, heading in a loose ball.

January tested our resolve. On the 2nd, we lost 2-0 to Barrow at Holker Street. Dayne Owen scored in the 49th, tapping in Carrick Fogarty’s pass, and Fynn Hasani sealed it in the 87th, slotting in Fogarty’s through ball.

On 9 January, we bounced back with a 3-0 win over Sleaford Town at home. Corcoran opened in the 36th, heading in Robbie Joseph’s cross, and added a second in the 45th, tapping in Hughes’ low pass. McCann completed the rout in the 52nd, slotting in Tarik Jarrett’s chipped pass.

On 16 January, title-chasing Doncaster Rovers beat us 3-1 at the Keepmoat Stadium. Aliyu Ibrahim scored in the 28th, rifling in Leighton Earl’s pass. Stefan Adler made it 2-0 in the 46th, heading in Baden Tuckey’s cross. Debono pulled one back in the 54th, heading in Başkaya’s corner, but Ibrahim’s 65th-minute tap-in from Seanan Mehmet’s pass sealed it.

On 23 January, we edged York City 3-2 at home. Guy Leary put York ahead in the 32nd, slotting in Callum McFarlane’s pass. Hughes equalised in the 39th, heading in Jarrett’s cross, and Jarrett gave us the lead in the 45th, tapping in Hughes’ through ball. Sean Murphy levelled in the 70th, heading in Matthew Muirhead’s cross, but McCann won it in the 74th, rifling in Jarrett’s low pass.

On 26 January, Gateshead beat us 2-1 at Gateshead International Stadium. McCann scored in the 39th, tapping in Jarrett’s pass, but Anthony McCabe equalised in the 63rd, heading in Jordan Dixon’s cross, and won it in the 72nd, slotting in Isaac Clottey’s pass.

On 30 January, we closed the period with a 1-0 win over Scarborough Athletic at home, Corcoran scoring in the 30th, heading in Carter McClean’s cross.

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AFC Fylde lead with 70 points from 30 games, followed by Scarborough Athletic (65), Morecambe and Doncaster Rovers (63), Bugbrooke St. Michaels (61), Boldmere St. Michaels (60), and Harrogate Town (53).

King’s Lynn Town (51), AFC Sudbury (50), and us (49) complete the top 10. Gateshead and Oakham United (47), York City (46), Grantham Town (45), Witton Albion (43), and Altrincham (40) follow.

Matlock Town (35), Marine (33), Hitchin Town and Spennymoor Town (31), and Barrow (30) are lower mid-table. Brookside Athletic (25), Radcliffe (18), and Sleaford Town (16) occupy the relegation zone.

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7th is very attainable, with some good form put together.

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Bransay Athletic have bid farewell to Turkish U20 international Onat Başkaya, who has joined Ankaraspor in Turkey’s 2. Lig Kırmızı Grup for a club-record £20,000 transfer fee, surpassing the £15,000 received for left-back Billy Warwick’s move to Bedford Town in 2035.

The 19-year-old midfielder, a standout in our debut National League North season, signed a pre-contract agreement with Ankaraspor after learning he would likely struggle to secure a UK work permit for a contract extension with Bransay, even on appeal.

To facilitate an immediate move, Bransay and Ankaraspor agreed on the £20,000 fee, allowing Başkaya to return to his homeland in January 2038. With 27 league appearances, 6 goals, and 6 assists, Başkaya leaves a significant legacy at Forge Road, and his departure marks a bittersweet moment for the club and its fans.

Başkaya, who joined Bransay from Fenerbahçe last summer after winning a Süper Lig title in 2034, quickly became a fan favourite. His flair, vision, and composure belied his age, with a memorable hat-trick in the 5-4 league win over Doncaster Rovers in August 2037 and a penalty in our 2-1 FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round replay victory against Telford United. His 6 goals, including three penalties, and 6 assists in 27 league games showcased his ability to dictate play alongside Neil Hughes and Lee Cook.

However, with his contract nearing its end, the club faced a stark reality: UK immigration rules made it unlikely for Başkaya to qualify for a work permit extension due to his limited senior international experience, despite his Turkish U20 caps. Rather than risk losing him for free in the summer, Bransay negotiated the £20,000 deal with Ankaraspor, a club in Turkey’s third tier, ensuring a financial return for a player who had been instrumental in our campaign.

Manager Callum Baird, who has led Bransay for nearly 15 years, expressed mixed emotions about the transfer. “Onat’s been a revelation,” Baird said. “At 19, he’s shown maturity beyond his years, scoring crucial goals and running our midfield with class. His hat-trick against Doncaster was one of the highlights of our season, and his penalties were ice-cold.

“However, the work permit situation was a hurdle we couldn’t clear, even on appeal. We could’ve let him run down his contract, but the fee from Ankaraspor is a record for us, and it allows Onat to return home to a good club. It’s gutting to lose him, but we wish him all the best - he’ll always be part of the Bransay family.”

Başkaya’s departure leaves a gap in midfield, but with Hughes and Cook anchoring the centre, and new signings like Andy Green stepping up, Baird is confident in the squad’s depth. “Onat’s unique, but we’ve got players like Andy Green,” Baird added. “We’re also looking at the market to reinforce.”

Ankaraspor, sitting mid-table in the 2. Lig Kırmızı Grup, gain a dynamic midfielder with top-flight experience, and Başkaya’s return to Turkey could fast-track his senior international ambitions.

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Justice: They've got a game in hand on us but you're right, it's close

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The past two months have tested our resolve in our debut National League North season, with 9 matches yielding just 2 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses, leaving us 14th with 57 points from 42 games, tied with Altrincham.

After a club-record seven-game losing streak in November, we’ve struggled to regain momentum, with heavy defeats to Grantham Town, Witton Albion and Harrogate Town exposing defensive frailties, compounded by Espen Jenssen’s red card and own goal. However, victories over Matlock Town and Marine, plus Harry Morrison’s continued brilliance, offer hope as we head into the season’s final stretch.

February began with a crushing 4-0 loss to Grantham Town at Forge Road on the 13th. Matt Hallahan opened the scoring in the 30th minute, converting a penalty after a foul by Karnell Sarahs. Grantham piled on late pressure, with Charlie Beautyman slotting in Fabian Daws’ low pass in the 80th. Two minutes later, Espen Jenssen was sent off for a second yellow, leaving us with ten men. Conor Armstrong made it 3-0 in the 83rd, tapping in Owain Bullock’s cross, and Lewis Walker sealed it in the 88th, heading in Bullock’s delivery.

On 20 February, we fell 1-0 to Morecambe at Mazuma Mobile Stadium. Jason Keane scored in the 19th, rifling in Ally Marrison’s through ball, and our attack, missing Başkaya’s creativity, failed to respond.

On 23 February, we drew 2-2 with Brookside Athletic at home. Danny Kerr gave Brookside the lead with a 42nd-minute penalty after a handball by Alyas Debono. Neil Hughes equalised in the 58th, heading in Carter McClean’s cross. Kypros Konstantinou restored Brookside’s lead in the 62nd, slotting in Jason Tear’s pass, but Harry Morrison levelled in the 87th, tapping in Barry Corcoran’s low cross.

On 27 February, we lost 2-1 to Radcliffe at Stainton Park. Brennan Kearn scored in the 58th, heading in Thomas Davies’ cross, and Davies converted a penalty in the 78th after a foul by Daniel Wallace. Lee Cook pulled one back in the 95th, curling a 20-yard shot after Gary McCann’s lay-off, but it was too late.

March brought a much-needed upturn. On 6 March, we thrashed Matlock Town 4-2 at Forge Road. McCann opened in the 2nd minute, smashing a 15-yard shot after a solo run. Gareth Aldridge equalised in the 15th, tapping in Ethan Hodgson’s pass. Morrison restored our lead in the 45th, heading in Corcoran’s cross. Jenssen’s own goal in the 57th, deflecting a Matlock cross, levelled the score, but Debono put us ahead in the 73rd, heading in Morrison’s corner. Jenssen redeemed himself in the 80th, nodding in another Morrison corner.

On 9 March, we fell 3-1 to Witton Albion at Wincham Park. Jake White scored a 48th-minute penalty after a foul by Stephen Magill. Rob Coleman made it 2-0 in the 51st, slotting in Aidan Leishman’s pass, and White scored again in the 64th, heading in Leishman’s cross. Andy Green pulled one back in the 92nd, tapping in Morrison’s pass.

On 13 March, Harrogate Town hammered us 4-1 at home. Ben Miley opened in the 12th, slotting in Sam Poate’s pass. Sean Whymark made it 2-0 in the 39th, curling a 25-yard free kick. Miley scored again in the 55th, tapping in Giuseppe Collie’s cross, and Geoff Price sealed it in the 79th, heading in Jaime Montelibano’s delivery. Dan Organ scored a consolation in the 83rd, slotting in Cook’s through ball.

On 20 March, we drew 2-2 with King’s Lynn Town at The Walks Stadium. McCann scored in the 33rd, heading in Robbie Joseph’s cross, and Joseph made it 2-0 in the 51st, slotting in Debono’s chipped pass. Tom Draper pulled one back in the 55th, tapping in Jack Howland’s pass, and Cohen Lee equalised in the 93rd, heading in Graeme Hendrickson’s cross.

On 27 March, we beat Marine 2-0 at home. McCann scored in the 50th, tapping in Debono’s long ball, and Corcoran sealed it in the 70th, heading in Joseph’s pinpoint cross.

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Doncaster Rovers lead with 88 points from 39 games, followed by Morecambe (87), AFC Fylde and Bugbrooke St. Michaels (84), Scarborough Athletic (78), Harrogate Town (77), and AFC Sudbury (75).

Boldmere St. Michaels (70), York City, Gateshead, and Witton Albion (62), Oakham United (61), Altrincham and us (57), King’s Lynn Town (56), and Grantham Town (55) follow.

Barrow (47), Brookside Athletic, Marine, and Matlock Town (44), Spennymoor Town (37), Hitchin Town (32), Radcliffe (25), and Sleaford Town (21) complete the table, with Radcliffe and Sleaford relegated.

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