Bransay Athletic: Land of the Giants

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As we close the curtain on our inaugural National League North campaign, April and May delivered a bittersweet finale for us. Four matches yielded 2 wins and 2 losses, leaving us 14th with 63 points from 46 games. While I’m satisfied with a mid-table finish in our first season at this level, the losses to AFC Fylde and Bugbrooke St. Michaels stung, and our inability to sustain early-season points to areas for growth.

Harry Morrison’s emergence as a 17-goal star, Gary McCann’s reliability and Alyas Debono’s set-piece prowess kept us competitive, but the mid-season departure of Onat Başkaya and a thin left midfield exposed our limitations.

On 3 April, we fell 1-0 to AFC Fylde at Mill Farm. Michalis Kyriakou decided the game in the 63rd minute, converting a penalty after Karnell Sarahs fouled Ashleigh Ralls in the box, sending Ahmed Fathi the wrong way. Despite a late push, with Barry Corcoran’s shot tipped over by Fylde’s keeper, we couldn’t break through their defence.

On 9 April, we bounced back with a 3-0 win over Altrincham at Forge Road. Harry Morrison opened in the 61st minute, latching onto Alyas Debono’s long ball and rifling a 15-yard shot into the top right corner. Lee Cook doubled our lead in the 76th, curling a 20-yard free kick into the top left after Corcoran’s lay-off. Gary McCann sealed it in the 83rd, tapping in a loose ball after a scramble in the box.

On 12 April, we secured a 2-1 victory against Spennymoor Town at Brewery Field, confirming their relegation. Debono scored in the 8th, heading in Morrison’s corner at the near post. Josh Ashe made it 2-0 in the 77th, slotting in a low shot after a solo run. Former Bransay man Gethin Dawson pulled one back in the 79th, converting a penalty after a foul by Robbie Joseph, but we held firm.

On 17 April, Bugbrooke St. Michaels edged us 1-0 at Forge Road. Charlie Foulds scored in the 37th, tapping in Stuart Clarke’s low cross, and our attack, despite Morrison’s late header hitting the bar, couldn’t respond.

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Doncaster Rovers clinched the title with 97 points, scoring 113 goals. Bugbrooke St. Michaels finished 2nd with 96 points, while Morecambe, 3rd with 94 points, won the playoff final against AFC Fylde (5th, 87 points). Scarborough Athletic (4th, 88 points), Harrogate Town (6th, 80 points), and Boldmere St. Michaels (7th, 78 points) completed the playoff spots.

AFC Sudbury (8th, 77 points), Gateshead (9th, 74 points), Witton Albion (10th, 71 points), York City and Oakham United (11th and 12th, 69 points), Grantham Town (13th, 64 points), and us (14th, 63 points) followed.

Altrincham (15th, 58 points), King’s Lynn Town (16th, 56 points), Brookside Athletic (17th, 54 points), Barrow (18th, 51 points), Matlock Town (19th, 48 points), and Marine (20th, 45 points) avoided the drop. Spennymoor Town (21st, 40 points), Hitchin Town (22nd, 35 points), Radcliffe (23rd, 28 points), and Sleaford Town (24th, 21 points) were relegated.

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Ahmed Fathi was our backbone in goal, conceding 61 goals in 36 league appearances while keeping 9 clean sheets. TJ Oxbrow, our 18-year-old backup, conceded 23 goals in 14 games across all competitions, securing 3 clean sheets and gaining valuable experience. Nathan Redman didn’t feature.

At right-back, Carter McClean started 35 league games, providing 4 assists, while Daniel Wallace, limited by Indian international duty, made 34 appearances (24 as sub) with 1 assist.

At left-back, Robbie Joseph shone, scoring 1 goal and assisting 8 in 37 league games, cementing his role for next season. Joe Keeping managed 10 appearances, scoring once.

In central defence, Alyas Debono was a towering presence, scoring 7 goals in 44 league games, mostly from set pieces. Espen Jenssen made 43 appearances but was marred by a red card and an own goal. Karnell Sarahs (31 sub appearances) and Stephen Magill (3 starts, 13 sub appearances) provided depth.

On the right wing, Barry Corcoran scored 6 goals and assisted 6 in 35 appearances, while Josh Ashe added 5 goals and 4 assists in 13 starts and 10 sub appearances.

Left midfield struggled post-Conner Burrows, with Tarik Jarrett scoring 3 and assisting 6 in 40 starts, and Jason Bennett disappointing with 3 starts and 1 sub appearance.

In central midfield, Neil Hughes and Lee Cook combined for 80 appearances, 8 goals, and 5 assists, though Başkaya’s mid-season exit (6 goals, 6 assists in 27 games) hurt. Andy Green made 26 appearances (20 as sub).

Up top, Gary McCann delivered 15 goals and 3 assists in 39 league games, while Harry Morrison broke out with 17 goals in 42 starts across all competitions. Dan Organ and Joe Hatch combined for 9 goals in 17 starts and 19 sub appearances.

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Think the end of season form can be put down to the team running out of steam. 6th tier is a particular step up from the 7th and the jump in quality will have had your team on edge throughout. With a big jump in finances from your record sale to Turkey and another cup run, I’m sure you can afford to add a few new faces to the squad which will invariably add points to the league table. The financial stability you have will continue to carry you upwards.

Bravo, sir.

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As we gear up for our second season in the National League North, the buzz around Forge Road is electric. After finishing 14th with 63 points in our debut campaign, highlighted by a 3-1 FA Cup First Round upset over League One side Fleetwood Town and a club-record £20,000 sale of Onat Başkaya to Ankaraspor, we’re ready to take the next step.

This summer’s transfer window was seismic again, with 13 departures, including a record £22,500 (rising to £40,000) sale of Robbie Joseph to Grimsby Town and 15 new first-team signings plus two for the Under-18s.

At 14/1 odds to win the title, we’re mid-table contenders, but with a revamped squad led by 17-year-old star Harry Morrison, we’re eyeing a playoff push.

Harrogate Town, after a 6th-place finish last season, are 4/6 favourites to claim the title, bolstered by their playoff experience. Brookside Athletic, 17th last season, are 2/1 dark horses, while Bugbrooke St. Michaels, runners-up with 96 points, sit at 9/4. Boldmere St. Michaels (7th, 78 points) are 3/1, followed by York City (11th, 69 points) at 17/2. Newly promoted Prescot Cables, fresh from their Northern Premier League playoff triumph, are 10/1, and Kidderminster Harriers, also promoted, round out the playoff favourites at 12/1.

Oakham United (13th, 69 points) are 13/1, we’re at 14/1, and Scarborough Athletic (4th, 88 points) are 15/1. Gateshead (9th, 74 points) and Altrincham (15th, 58 points) are 20/1 and 25/1, respectively.

Relegated sides Halifax Town and Barrow are 33/1, while South Shields, King’s Lynn Town (16th, 56 points), AFC Sudbury (8th, 77 points), and Grantham Town (13th, 64 points) are 50/1.

AFC Fylde (5th, 87 points) at 100/1, Witton Albion (10th, 71 points) at 150/1, Sir Tom Finney at 200/1, and Chester and Matlock Town (19th, 48 points) at 250/1 are long shots, with Chester’s dismal 14-point National League season under three managers a cautionary tale.

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This summer saw another major squad refresh, with 13 departures and 15 new first-team arrivals to raise our ceiling. The £22,500 (potentially £40,000) sale of Robbie Joseph to Grimsby Town set a new club record, surpassing Başkaya’s £20,000 move. Departures included stalwarts Ahmed Fathi, Alyas Debono, Gary McCann, Lee Cook, Karnell Sarahs, Josh Ashe, Joe Hatch, Daniel Wallace, Stephen Magill, Joe Keeping, Jason Bennett and Dan Organ.

Corey Neasham, an 18-year-old from Sunderland with one senior appearance, replaces Fathi as our starting keeper after Fathi’s wage demands proved too high. TJ Oxbrow (14 games, 3 clean sheets last season) and Nathan Redman remain reliable backups.

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At right-back, 20-year-old Cypriot U21 international Wessel van den Brink, signed from Leeds United, takes the starting role, pushing Carter McClean (35 starts, 4 assists) to backup. Daniel Ramos, a 21-year-old Spaniard on loan from Darlington, offers versatility at right-back and centre-back.

At left-back, 28-year-old Luke Morgan, with 7 goals and 1 assist in 32 Cymru Premier games for Llanelli, replaces Joseph, backed by 31-year-old Rhys Davies, also from Llanelli, leveraging their strong partnership.

In central defence, 21-year-old Romanian U20 international Marius Crăciun, with 129 appearances for CFR Cluj, pairs with 26-year-old Ashley Sims-Fleming, on loan from Sir Tom Finney with experience at Emley and Curzon Ashton. Espen Jenssen, re-signed for a sixth season and 31-year-old Jay Smith from Blyth Spartans, who can play across the backline, provide depth.

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Barry Corcoran (6 goals, 6 assists in 35 games) stays on the right wing, with 22-year-old Jacob Daly from Carlisle United as cover.

At left midfield, 18-year-old Michael Higgins, with one Championship appearance for Preston North End, challenges Tarik Jarrett (3 goals, 6 assists in 40 starts).

In central midfield, Neil Hughes (4 goals, 3 assists) and Andy Green (1 goal) sign new deals, joined by Emmanuel Baffour, on loan from Barnsley, who’s expected to start. Alezandro Da Silva, a 31-year-old with seven years’ experience in the division from Barrow and others, adds steel.

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Harry Morrison, now 17, signed a new deal after a breakout season with 17 goals in 42 starts across all competitions. Academy graduate Nicky Collins, 16, joins after scoring 10 goals in 6 youth games. Edwin Foubister, a 25-year-old Scot from Hamilton Academical, and Jonjoe McKinlay, a 30-year-old with 53 goals in 170 games for Tranmere, bring experience, though McKinlay’s injury history is a concern.

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Justice: I do think the loss of Baskaya midseason was an immense loss for the remainder of the campaign. It's a good effort the first season in this division, but we had a chance to kick on but failed to.

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The opening months of the 2038/39 National League North season have been electric for us, with 8 matches yielding 5 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, placing us 6th with 16 points. After a solid 14th-place finish in our debut season last year, we’ve hit the ground running, showcasing the attacking flair of our revamped squad.

Our 7-3 thrashing of South Shields and 6-0 demolition of AFC Fylde highlight our potential, though defensive lapses in losses to Scarborough and Prescot Cables remind us of the work ahead.

We kicked off on 31 July with a 2-0 win over relegated Chester at Deva Stadium. Tarik Jarrett set the tone in the 1st minute, rifling a 15-yard shot into the top right corner after Luke Morgan’s pinpoint cross. Jonjoe McKinlay doubled our lead in the 35th, tapping in a loose ball after a scramble in the box.

On 3 August, we obliterated AFC Fylde 6-0 at home. McKinlay opened in the 9th minute, slotting in Emmanuel Baffour’s through ball. Jarrett made it 2-0 in the 13th, heading in Marius Crăciun’s long diagonal ball. McKinlay scored again in the 14th, tapping in Baffour’s low pass. Edwin Foubister joined the party in the 23rd, curling a 20-yard shot after Ashley Sims-Fleming’s pass. Foubister struck again in the 52nd, heading in Baffour’s cross, and Baffour capped it in the 58th, smashing a 25-yard free kick into the top left corner.

On 7 August, we edged Bugbrooke St. Michaels 2-1 at Browns Road. Baffour scored in the 15th, slotting in Barry Corcoran’s low pass. Scot Mannings equalised in the 18th, tapping in Joby Waller’s cross, but Neil Hughes won it in the 67th, heading in Rhys Davies’ curling delivery.

On 14 August, we drew 1-1 with Altrincham at home. Pharrell Leader-Williams scored a 5th-minute penalty after a foul by Espen Jenssen, but Foubister equalised in the 36th, tapping in Harry Morrison’s chipped pass.

On 17 August, we fell 2-1 to Scarborough Athletic at Flamingo Land Stadium. Dion McGuffie put Scarborough ahead in the 13th, rifling in Alex Henderson’s pass. Corcoran levelled in the 4th minute of stoppage time, heading in Morgan’s cross, but McGuffie struck again in the 46th, slotting in Harry Evers’ through ball.

On 21 August, we bounced back with a 2-1 win over York City at home. Nico Mullan scored a 4th-minute penalty for York after a handball by Crăciun, but Morrison equalised in the 3rd minute of stoppage time, converting a penalty after a foul on Foubister. Foubister won it in the 76th, tapping in Corcoran’s low cross.

On 28 August, we lost 3-1 to Prescot Cables at Valerie Park. Espen Jenssen headed in Morrison’s corner in the 24th to give us the lead, but Dave Williams equalised in the 4th minute of stoppage time, heading in Georges Jeacock’s cross. Ronnie Pierre Louis put Prescot ahead in the 48th, curling a 20-yard shot, and Jack Lewis sealed it with a 92nd-minute penalty after Jenssen’s foul.

We closed August with a 7-3 rout of South Shields at home on the 30th. Foubister opened in the 17th, heading in Corcoran’s cross. Luke Iredale equalised in the 30th, tapping in Kye Friend’s pass. Foubister restored our lead in the 38th, slotting in Corcoran’s through ball, but Iredale levelled again in the 54th, heading in Keith Naylor’s cross. Foubister completed his hat-trick in the 58th, tapping in Andy Green’s pass. Alezandro Da Silva then took over, scoring in the 61st, 69th and 70th. Josh Spender pulled one back for Shields in the 79th, heading in Xaver Majewski’s cross, but Morrison capped the rout in the 97th, slotting in McKinlay’s low pass.

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Harrogate Town lead with 21 points from 8 games, followed by Gateshead (19), Kidderminster Harriers and Bugbrooke St. Michaels (18), Scarborough Athletic (17), us (16), and Altrincham (14).

Halifax Town and Boldmere St. Michaels (14), Prescot Cables (13), Barrow and Marine (12), Brookside Athletic and AFC Fylde (11), King’s Lynn Town (10), York City (9), AFC Sudbury (7), and Sir Tom Finney (6) follow.

Matlock Town and Oakham United (5) sit just above the relegation zone, with South Shields (5), Grantham Town (4), and Witton Albion and Chester (1) in the drop zone.

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On 9 October 2038, Bransay Athletic delivered a statement performance, thrashing National League North playoff winners Morecambe 4-1 at Mazuma Stadium in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round.

This emphatic victory, powered by Barry Corcoran’s brace, Edwin Foubister’s stunning strike, and a late own goal, secured Bransay’s place in the FA Cup First Round for the second consecutive year.

Currently 7th in the National League North with 22 points from 13 games, Bransay showcased their ability to punch above their weight, adding Morecambe to their list of scalps after a 3-1 upset over League One side Fleetwood Town last season.

The Forge Road faithful now eagerly await a First Round clash against League One high-flyers Watford, who sit 2nd in their division on 30 October.

The atmosphere at Mazuma Stadium was charged, with Bransay’s travelling supporters roaring their team on against a Morecambe side fresh from their playoff triumph last season. Manager Callum Baird, who rejected a move to Swansea City last year, stuck with his attacking philosophy, deploying Harry Morrison and Edwin Foubister up top, supported by Andy Green and Neil Hughes in midfield. Morecambe, managed by Aarran Tuckey, aimed to dominate possession, but Bransay struck early and never looked back.

Just 3 minutes in, Bransay took the lead. Rhys Davies, the 31-year-old Welsh left-back signed from Llanelli, whipped a pinpoint cross to the far post, where Barry Corcoran rose highest to head past Morecambe’s keeper George Wilson, sparking wild celebrations among the away fans.

Bransay’s high press and fluid passing kept Morecambe pinned back, with Corey Neasham, the 18-year-old goalkeeper from Sunderland, comfortably handling a long-range effort from Brice Kabamba.

In the 50th minute, Corcoran doubled the lead, again connecting with a Davies cross, this time heading back across goal to wrong-foot Wilson and make it 2-0. The third goal came in the 61st minute, as Bransay capitalised on a counter-attack. Andy Green, breaking from midfield, played a precise through ball to Edwin Foubister, who unleashed a sublime 25-yard curled effort from the centre of the box, arcing into the top left corner beyond Wilson’s reach.

Morecambe pulled one back in the 84th minute when Levi Piggon latched onto an attempted headed clearance from Davies’ attempted block of a free-kick, hammering a thunderous volley past Neasham.

However, Bransay sealed the rout in stoppage time. In the 94th minute, Luke Morgan’s low cross into the box was inadvertently tapped into his own net by Morecambe’s Guy Moore, wrong-footing Wilson. Two minutes later, Morecambe’s hopes were dashed when Kabamba’s penalty, awarded after a foul by Marius Crăciun, was blasted over the bar, ensuring Bransay’s 4-1 triumph.

Baird was ecstatic post-match. “To come here and beat Morecambe 4-1 is massive,” he said. “Watford will be a huge test, but we’re ready to give the Forge Road fans a day to remember.”

The First Round clash against Watford at Forge Road on 30 October will be their biggest test yet. Watford, under manager Vasco Seabra, are 2nd in League One, boasting a potent attack led by striker Joe Smith.

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September and October have been a thrilling ride for us in our second National League North season, with 13 matches yielding 9 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, propelling us to 5th place with 34 points from 17 games, tied with Harrogate Town.

Our standout moment was a 4-1 FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round victory over playoff winners Morecambe, securing a televised First Round clash against League One side Watford, which ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw.

On 4 September, we lost 2-1 to Boldmere St. Michaels at Trevor Brown Memorial Ground. Dominic Duncan opened in the 8th minute, slotting in Todd Swift’s low pass. Edwin Foubister equalised in the 26th, heading in Luke Morgan’s cross, but Emmanuel Baffour missed a penalty in the 48th after a foul on Harry Morrison. James Harris won it for Boldmere in the 65th, tapping in Raheim Holligan’s pass.

On 11 September, we bounced back with a 4-1 win over Chester at Deva Stadium in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round. Foubister scored in the 4th minute, curling a 20-yard shot after a solo run. Sam Williamson equalised in the 9th, heading in Ramon Howell’s cross, but Baffour restored our lead in the 10th, slotting in Barry Corcoran’s through ball. Luke Morgan made it 3-1 in the 40th, rifling a 15-yard shot, and Andy Green sealed it in the 93rd, tapping in Jonjoe McKinlay’s pass.

On 14 September, we fell 2-1 to King’s Lynn Town at home. Graeme Hendrickson scored in the 6th, heading in Farrend Brothwell’s cross. Joshua Newton’s own goal levelled in the 35th after a deflected Morrison shot, but Hendrickson won it in the 40th, slotting in Ryan Stanton’s pass.

On 18 September, Kidderminster beat us 4-2 at Aggborough. Foubister opened in the 22nd, tapping in Neil Hughes’ pass. Andreas Dodgson equalised in the 37th, heading in Tyrese Thomas’ cross. Craig Hill put Kidderminster ahead with a 58th-minute penalty after a foul by Espen Jenssen. Morrison levelled in the 71st, curling a 20-yard shot, but Gérard Fickling scored in the 85th, tapping in Dodgson’s pass, and Dodgson sealed it in the 94th, slotting in Fickling’s through ball.

On 21 September, we thrashed Witton Albion 4-2 at home. Baffour scored in the 12th, heading in Daniel Ramos’ cross. Rob Coleman equalised in the 17th, slotting in Martin Allen’s pass. Foubister made it 2-1 in the 48th, tapping in a loose ball. Espen Jenssen scored in the 56th, heading in Baffour’s corner, but Coleman pulled one back in the 58th, heading in Darious Rosegreen’s cross. Morrison sealed it in the 69th, slotting in Morgan’s low pass.

On 25 September, we crushed Marske United 5-0 at home in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round. Baffour opened with an 11th-minute penalty after a foul on Morrison. Foubister scored in the 3rd minute of stoppage time, heading in Wessel van den Brink’s cross. Morrison struck in the 62nd, tapping in Hughes’ pass, and Foubister added another in the 65th, curling a 15-yard shot. Morrison capped it in the 74th, heading in Morgan’s cross.

On 28 September, we edged Marine 1-0 at home, with Morgan scoring in the 26th, slotting in Baffour’s chipped pass.

October began with a 4-1 FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round win over Morecambe at Mazuma Stadium on the 9th. Corcoran scored in the 3rd minute, heading in Rhys Davies’ cross to the far post. In the 50th, Corcoran headed Davies’ cross back across goal to make it 2-0. Foubister scored in the 61st, curling a 25-yard shot after Green’s pass on a counter-attack. Levi Piggon pulled one back in the 84th with a thunderous volley off Davies’ miscued clearance from a free-kick. In the 94th, Guy Moore’s own goal, tapping in Morgan’s low cross, made it 4-1, and Brice Kabamba missed a penalty for Morecambe in the 96th.

On 16 October, we hammered Barrow 5-0 at home. Baffour scored penalties in the 28th and 39th minutes after fouls on McKinlay and Morrison, respectively, and completed his hat-trick with a 58th-minute penalty after a handball. Corcoran scored in the 33rd, heading in Davies’ cross, and Davies sealed it in the 93rd, rifling a 20-yard shot after Green’s pass.

On 19 October, we won 3-2 at Sir Tom Finney Stadium. Ross Reed scored in the 27th, slotting in a loose ball, and Ashton Boswell made it 2-0 with a 31st-minute penalty. Corcoran pulled one back in the 35th, heading in Green’s cross. Morgan equalised in the 50th, tapping in Ramos’ pass, and Foubister won it in the 61st, slotting in Morrison’s through ball.

On 23 October, we staged a 4-3 comeback at Gateshead International Stadium. Marius Crăciun’s own goal in the 2nd minute, Matt Hallahan’s 10th-minute penalty, and Eseosa Sule’s 23rd-minute tap-in from Alex Wollerton’s pass made it 3-0. Morrison sparked the fightback in the 47th, slotting in Baffour’s pass, and scored again in the 52nd, heading in Davies’ cross. Morgan levelled in the 79th, tapping in Crăciun’s long ball, and Foubister won it in the 89th, heading in Davies’ cross.

On 26 October, we routed Halifax 6-2 at home. Tamarley Williams scored in the 1st minute, heading in Gareth Williams’ cross, but Nicky Collins, our 16-year-old academy graduate, equalised in the 3rd, tapping in McKinlay’s pass for his first Bransay goal. Jake Coombes put Halifax ahead in the 13th, slotting in Cenk Talbott’s pass. Corcoran levelled in the 16th, heading in McKinlay’s cross, and Morgan put us ahead in the 27th, tapping in Davies’ pass. McKinlay scored in the 30th, slotting in Baffour’s pass, and added another in the 53rd, heading in Morgan’s cross. Baffour capped it in the 63rd, curling a 20-yard shot after Hughes’ pass.

On 29 October, we drew 1-1 with Watford at home in the FA Cup First Round on television. Joe Smith scored in the 93rd minute, tapping in Chris Houston’s cross, but Foubister equalised in the 96th, slotting in Alezandro Da Silva’s through ball to force a replay.

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Bugbrooke St. Michaels lead with 39 points from 17 games, followed by Kidderminster Harriers and Scarborough Athletic (37), Gateshead (35), us and Harrogate Town (34), and Marine (30).

Brookside Athletic (30), Altrincham (27), York City (24), Prescot Cables, King’s Lynn Town, and Boldmere St. Michaels (23), Barrow and Halifax Town (21), Oakham United (20), AFC Sudbury (18), AFC Fylde (17), Sir Tom Finney (16), and South Shields (15) follow.

Witton Albion and Chester (14), Matlock Town (12), and Grantham Town (6, no wins) are in the relegation zone.

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Bransay Athletic pulled off a monumental upset tonight, defeating League One high-flyers Watford 2-0 at Vicarage Road in the FA Cup First Round Replay.

Despite being reduced to ten men after Rhys Davies’ second yellow card, Bransay capitalized on their two shots on target, with Edwin Foubister and Neil Hughes scoring stunning goals to silence the home crowd.

Currently 5th in the National League North, Bransay added Watford to their growing list of higher-division scalps, following a 4-1 FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round win over Morecambe and last season’s 3-1 triumph over Fleetwood Town.

This victory sets up a Second Round clash against National League side Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park on 27 November, a challenging but winnable tie for Callum Baird’s side.

The atmosphere at Vicarage Road was electric, with Bransay’s travelling supporters, numbering over 50 among the 10,000-strong crowd, roaring their team on against a Watford side sitting 2nd in League One.

Fresh from a 1-1 draw at Forge Road on 29 October, where Foubister’s 96th-minute equalizer forced the replay, Bransay faced a daunting task against Vasco Seabra’s attack-minded Watford, led by striker Joe Smith. Baird stuck with his 4-4-2 setup, pairing Foubister and Harry Morrison up top, with Emmanuel Baffour and Hughes anchoring midfield, while 18-year-old goalkeeper Corey Neasham faced a stern test.

Bransay struck early, stunning the hosts in the 2nd minute. Jonjoe McKinlay whipped in a corner from the right, and Edwin Foubister, the 25-year-old Scot signed from Hamilton Academical, rose above Watford’s defence to head the ball straight past goalkeeper Jodi Glynn, sparking delirium among the away fans.

Watford responded with relentless pressure, with Smith forcing a diving save from Neasham in the 15th minute and midfielder Tyrique George striking the post from 20 yards. Bransay’s defence, led by Romanian U20 international Marius Crăciun and Espen Jenssen, held firm, though cracks appeared in the 52nd minute when Rhys Davies received a second yellow card for a late challenge on George, leaving Bransay with ten men. Watford dominated possession, racking up 24 shots, but Neasham’s heroics, including a stunning reflex save to deny Smith’s header, kept them at bay.

In the 74th minute, Bransay doubled their lead against the run of play. A cleared corner from Barry Corcoran fell to Neil Hughes just inside the box, and the veteran midfielder unleashed a tremendous half-volley, rocketing into the top right corner past a helpless Glynn.

Watford pushed late, with Smith firing wide in the 88th minute, but Bransay’s resolute defending secured a famous 2-0 victory, converting both of their shots on target.

Baird was jubilant post-match. “To beat Watford 2-0 at Vicarage Road with ten men is unbelievable,” he said. “Edwin’s early header set the tone, and Neil’s half-volley was pure class. Corey Neasham was immense, and the lads showed heart to hold off a team two divisions above us. Oldham’s next, and we’ll go to Boundary Park with confidence.”

The Second Round tie against Oldham Athletic, a mid-table National League side, on 27 November is a step down from Watford but still formidable. Oldham, under manager Sammy Bunker, boast a physical style led by striker Dale Taylor.

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These FA Cup runs every season are invaluable to the club’s finances and growth. Is the intention for rapid expansion or long term investment?

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Bransay Athletic have been handed a dream tie in the FA Cup Third Round, drawn against Premier League heavyweights West Ham United at the 66,000-capacity London Stadium on 11 January 2039.

Currently 5th in the National League North with 44 points from 22 games, Bransay have defied the odds to reach this stage, overcoming National League side Oldham Athletic with a 1-1 draw at Boundary Park on 27 November 2038 and a 2-0 replay victory at Forge Road on 5 December.

This follows their stunning 2-0 upset over League One side Watford in the First Round Replay, a 4-1 rout of Morecambe in the Fourth Qualifying Round as well as victories over Marske United and Chester.

Facing West Ham, who sit 8th in the Premier League with an average attendance of 60,000 this season, promises to be a historic moment for Bransay, with half the gate receipts set to boost their finances significantly.

Bransay’s FA Cup journey has been nothing short of remarkable. In the Second Round, they travelled to Boundary Park to face Oldham Athletic, a mid-table National League side under manager Sammy Bunker. On 27 November, the tie ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Oldham struck first in the 15th minute, with Mike Hughes slotting in a low shot after a precise pass from Des Loughrey. Bransay responded in the 54th minute when 17-year-old star Harry Morrison latched onto a pinpoint through ball from Tarik Jarrett, rifling a 15-yard shot past Oldham’s goalkeeper Kelfala Harnett to level the score. Despite Oldham’s pressure, 18-year-old goalkeeper Corey Neasham made crucial saves, including a diving stop to deny McCarten’s header, ensuring the tie went to a replay.

The replay at Forge Road, played in front of a 2,000-strong crowd under the floodlights, saw Bransay deliver a clinical 2-0 victory. In the 68th minute, debutant Craig Edwards, a recent graduate, whipped in a curling cross from the right, and Alezandro Da Silva, the 31-year-old midfielder signed from Barrow, headed home at the far post to break the deadlock. Four minutes later, in the 72nd minute, Oldham’s Charlie Spargo inadvertently turned a low cross from Edwin Foubister into his own net, wrong-footing his goalkeeper and sealing Bransay’s place in the Third Round. Neasham’s heroics, including a point-blank save from Loughrey’s volley, and a solid defensive display from Marius Crăciun and Ashley Sims-Fleming, ensured a clean sheet against Oldham’s high-flying attack.

This triumph followed Bransay’s 2-0 First Round Replay win over Watford at Vicarage Road on 2 November, where Foubister and Neil Hughes scored despite a red card to Rhys Davies, and a 4-1 demolition of Morecambe in the Fourth Qualifying Round.

Drawing West Ham United, a Premier League side with a rich history and a formidable squad under manager Anthony Barry, is a monumental task. The Hammers, 8th in the top flight, boast stars like Sam Gribben and Sebastián Ventoso and their 60,000 average attendance at the London Stadium will create an intimidating atmosphere.

However, the financial windfall from splitting gate receipts - potentially worth hundreds of thousands - will bolster Bransay’s ambitions. For a club of Bransay’s size, this is a game-changer, offering funds to invest in the squad and youth complex.

Baird, who has led Bransay for 15 years, was thrilled with the draw. “West Ham at the London Stadium is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said. “We’ve beaten League One sides like Watford and Morecambe, so we’ll go there with belief. The fans deserve this moment, and we’ll give it everything.”

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Justice: We've been great ever since we could qualify aside from 2035. The Liverpool tie set us up for years back in 2033 but the rest have simply kept us ticking over. We have invested massively in youth setup but we are usually mid-table in each division we have been in for wage spend really. I don't know where we'd be without that Liverpool game in particular.

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November and December 2038 have been a golden period for Bransay Athletic in our second National League North season, with 16 matches yielding 12 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss, catapulting us to 2nd place with 60 points from 28 games, just 2 points behind leaders Bugbrooke St. Michaels.

Our FA Cup heroics continued with a 2-0 upset over League One side Watford in the First Round Replay and a 2-0 victory over National League high-flyers Oldham Athletic in the Second Round Replay, securing a dream Third Round tie against Premier League giants West Ham United on 11 January 2039. In the league, a 7-1 rout of Grantham Town and a 5-0 thrashing of title rivals Bugbrooke highlight our attacking prowess, led by Edwin Foubister (17 goals), Jonjoe McKinlay (14 goals), and Harry Morrison (14 goals).

On 2 November, we stunned Watford 2-0 at Vicarage Road in the FA Cup First Round Replay. Edwin Foubister struck in the 2nd minute, heading in Jonjoe McKinlay’s corner at the near post. Despite Rhys Davies’ red card in the 52nd minute for a second yellow, Neil Hughes sealed the upset in the 74th, smashing a half-volley from just inside the box after a cleared corner, with Corey Neasham’s saves thwarting Watford’s 18 shots.

On 6 November, we drew 2-2 with Brookside Athletic at Loughborough University. McKinlay opened in the 34th minute, slotting in Foubister’s low pass. Jason Guy equalised in the 36th, heading in Iolo Bryan’s cross. Foubister put us ahead in the 52nd, tapping in Luke Morgan’s cross, but Kaylum Legg levelled in the 79th, slotting in Steven Petrie’s pass.

On 9 November, we beat AFC Sudbury 2-0 at home. Tarik Jarrett scored in the 71st minute, rifling a 15-yard shot after a solo run, and Ashley Jones’ own goal in the 85th, deflecting a Morrison cross, sealed it.

On 13 November, we won 2-1 against Gateshead at home in the FA Trophy Second Round. McKinlay scored in the 46th, heading in Barry Corcoran’s cross. Matt Hallahan equalised with a 52nd-minute penalty, but McKinlay won it in the 77th, tapping in Morgan’s through ball.

On 16 November, we lost 3-2 to Harrogate Town at Wetherby Road. Jeff Heard scored in the 15th, slotting in Jaime Montelibano’s pass. McKinlay equalised in the 16th, tapping in Jacob Daly’s pass, and Morrison put us ahead with an 18th-minute penalty after a foul on Foubister. Geoff Price levelled in the 39th, heading in Heard’s cross, and Jordan Marrable won it in the 74th, tapping in Billy Thorpe’s pass.

On 20 November, we thrashed Matlock Town 5-0 at home. Foubister opened in the 17th, heading in Wessel van den Brink’s cross. Espen Jenssen scored in the 30th, heading in Morrison’s corner. Morrison struck in the 55th, slotting in Corcoran’s pass, and again in the 81st, heading in Carter McClean’s cross. Foubister capped it in the 83rd, curling a 20-yard shot after Hughes’ pass.

On 23 November, we won 2-1 at Oakham United. McKinlay scored in the 37th, tapping in a loose ball, and added a second in the 42nd, slotting in Morgan’s low pass. Jonny Jones pulled one back with a 45th-minute penalty.

On 27 November, we drew 1-1 with Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park in the FA Cup Second Round. Mike Hughes scored in the 15th, slotting in Des Loughrey’s pass, but Morrison equalised in the 54th, rifling a 15-yard shot after Jarrett’s through ball.

On 30 November, we won the replay 2-0 at home. Alezandro Da Silva scored in the 68th, heading in Craig Edwards’ cross, and Charlie Spargo’s own goal in the 72nd, deflecting a Foubister cross, sent us to the Third Round.

On 4 December, we advanced in the FA Trophy Third Round, beating Boldmere St. Michaels 9-8 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at home. McKinlay scored in the 14th minute, slotting in a loose ball, but Raheim Holligan equalised in the 33rd, heading in a cross. Ashley Sims-Fleming scored the winning penalty.

On 7 December, we crushed AFC Fylde 5-0 at Mill Farm. Craig Edwards, our academy graduate, scored his first Bransay goal in the 47th, tapping in McKinlay’s pass. Da Silva scored in the 53rd, slotting in Edwards’ pass, and Morrison made it 3-0 in the 56th, heading in Edwards’ cross. Hughes scored in the 74th, curling a 20-yard shot after Jay Smith’s pass, and Morrison sealed it with an 85th-minute penalty after a foul on Foubister.

On 14 December, we routed Grantham Town 7-1 at home. Foubister opened in the 24th, tapping in a loose ball. Corcoran scored in the 32nd, heading in Morgan’s cross. Morrison made it 3-0 in the 45th, slotting in Corcoran’s pass. Foubister scored again in the 59th, heading in Morrison’s pass. Morgan scored in the 65th, tapping in Hughes’ pass. Trevord Jones pulled one back in the 67th, slotting in Alex Rodrigues’ pass. Morrison scored in the 86th, curling a 15-yard shot, and McKinlay capped it in the 95th, tapping in Corcoran’s pass.

On 18 December, we edged Chester 1-0 at home, with Andy Green scoring in the 1st minute of first-half stoppage time, heading in Jarrett’s cross.

On 21 December, we won 2-1 at York Community Stadium. McKinlay scored in the 15th, slotting in Hughes’ pass, and added a second in the 58th, tapping in a loose ball. Bobby-Joe Watch pulled one back in the 71st, heading in Beckham Collin’s cross.

On Boxing Day, we demolished title rivals Bugbrooke St. Michaels 5-0 at home. Corcoran opened in the 15th minute, rifling a 20-yard shot. Morrison scored in the 47th, tapping in Sims-Fleming’s long ball. Morgan made it 3-0 in the 70th, heading in van den Brink’s cross. McKinlay scored in the 80th, slotting in Corcoran’s pass, and again in the 90th, heading in Davies’ cross.

On 28 December, we drew 1-1 at Altrincham. Craig Edwards scored in the 49th, tapping in Foubister’s pass, but Connor Hollis equalised in the 51st, slotting in Carl Noel’s pass.

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Bugbrooke St. Michaels lead with 62 points from 26 games, followed by us (60), Gateshead (59), Harrogate Town (57), Kidderminster Harriers (53), Marine (50), and Scarborough Athletic (49).

York City (42), Prescot Cables and Brookside Athletic (41), Boldmere St. Michaels (40), Altrincham (39), Barrow (35), King’s Lynn Town and South Shields (34), AFC Sudbury (32), and Oakham United (31) follow. Halifax Town (28), AFC Fylde (24), and Witton Albion (23) are in mid-table.

Matlock Town (21), Sir Tom Finney (20), Grantham Town (18), and Chester (15) are in the relegation zone.

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Bransay Athletic’s remarkable FA Cup run came to a crushing end with a 6-1 defeat to Premier League giants West Ham United at the London Stadium, in front of 52,000 fans, including over 800 travelling supporters from Forge Road.

The National League North side, sitting 2nd in the sixth tier with 60 points from 26 games, faced a formidable West Ham outfit, 5th in the Premier League under manager Anthony Barry.

Despite a spirited effort and a consolation goal from 16-year-old academy graduate Nicky Collins, Bransay were overwhelmed by West Ham’s clinical attack, led by Zak Wilson and Damian Michniewicz.

This loss ends Bransay’s dream of reaching the FA Cup Fourth Round, following stunning upsets over League One side Watford and National League side Oldham Athletic in earlier rounds. However, with a 5-1 FA Trophy Fourth Round win over Oldham three days ago, Bransay remain in the hunt for silverware, facing Maidenhead United in the Fifth Round in February.

The London Stadium buzzed with anticipation as Bransay, five divisions below their hosts, took to the pitch. Manager Callum Baird, who has led Bransay for 15 years, fielded a 4-4-2 with Corey Neasham in goal, Daniel Ramos at right-back, Rhys Davies at left-back, Marius Crăciun and Espen Jenssen at centre-back, Craig Edwards on the right wing, Tarik Jarrett on the left, Emmanuel Baffour and Andy Green in central midfield, and Jonjoe McKinlay and Nicky Collins up top.

West Ham, managed by Barry, lined up with Peter Pavlovic in goal, Belkacem Maouche at right-back, Drey Nichol at left-back, Colin Jeffries and Cerem Boker at centre-back, Ichaka Dembélé on the right wing, Zak Wilson on the left, Ernesto Comas and Damian Michniewicz in central midfield, and Alejandro Mella and Zoran Pilipovic up front.

West Ham started aggressively, earning a penalty in the 10th minute after Jenssen fouled Pilipovic in the box, but Michniewicz’s spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Neasham, diving low to his right to keep Bransay level.

The reprieve was short-lived, as West Ham struck in the 11th minute. Zak Wilson cut in from the left and laid off to Ernesto Comas, who rifled a 20-yard shot into the top right corner, leaving Neasham no chance. In the 25th minute, West Ham doubled their lead. Cerem Boker’s long ball found Michniewicz, who controlled it expertly and slotted a low shot past Neasham from 15 yards. The Hammers made it 3-0 in the 31st minute when Ichaka Dembélé’s curling cross from the right was met by Wilson, who headed powerfully into the bottom left corner. Bransay responded in the 40th minute, with academy graduate Craig Edwards whipping in a pinpoint cross from the right, which 16-year-old Nicky Collins headed past Pavlovic at the near post for his second Bransay goal, igniting the 800 travelling fans. Despite Neasham’s heroics, including a diving save to deny Mella’s long-range effort, Bransay trailed 3-1 at half-time.

The second half saw West Ham assert their dominance. In the 52nd minute, substitute Trevor Williams, brought on for Mella, latched onto Dembélé’s through ball and curled a 15-yard shot into the top left corner. Michniewicz added his second in the 60th minute, tapping in a loose ball after Neasham parried Pilipovic’s header. Bransay battled bravely, with Collins forcing a save from Pavlovic and Baffour’s 25-yard free kick striking the bar, but West Ham sealed the rout in the 93rd minute. Wilson broke free down the left and rifled a 20-yard shot into the bottom right corner, finalising the 6-1 scoreline.

Baird remained proud despite the defeat. “Going to the London Stadium and facing West Ham was a massive experience,” he said. “Nicky’s goal showed our fight and Corey’s penalty save kept us in it early. We’re gutted, but beating Watford and Oldham got us here, and we’re still in the FA Trophy. Maidenhead’s next in the cups and we’re focused on keeping our promotion push alive.”

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Bransay Athletic have bid an emotional farewell to their homegrown star Harry Morrison, who joined League One side Oxford United for a club-record £25,000 on EFL Transfer Deadline Day.

The 17-year-old striker, born in Bransay Harbour just a stone’s throw from Forge Road, leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having risen through the club’s academy to become a first-team talisman.

Morrison’s departure, which includes a sell-on clause, surpasses the £22,500 received for Robbie Joseph’s move to Grimsby Town and £20,000 for Onat Başkaya’s transfer to Ankaraspor.

Currently 2nd in the National League North with 76 points from 34 games, Bransay also confirmed that Romanian U20 international Marius Crăciun will join Farul Constanța in July when his contract expires. As the club prepares for an FA Trophy Fifth Round clash against Maidenhead United and a promotion push, Morrison’s exit marks the end of an era but opens new financial avenues for the sixth-tier side.

Morrison’s journey with Bransay began as a 16-year-old academy graduate in the 2036/37 season, when he made 10 appearances during the club’s promotion from the Northern Premier League Premier Division. Scoring 5 goals and providing 2 assists, he announced himself as a prodigious talent, with a brace in the playoff final against Emley AFC etching his name into club folklore.

In the 2037/38 season, his first full campaign in the National League North, Morrison cemented his place alongside Gary McCann, making 42 appearances across all competitions, scoring 17 goals, and adding 5 assists. Highlights included a brace in a 3-1 FA Cup First Round upset over League One side Fleetwood Town.

This season, Morrison elevated his game further, forming lethal partnerships with Jonjoe McKinlay and Edwin Foubister. In 31 appearances across all competitions, he scored an astonishing 23 goals and provided 9 assists, including a penalty in the FA Cup Second Round draw against Oldham Athletic and a brace in a 7-1 league rout of Grantham Town.

His performances, blending pace, power, and precision, drew interest from higher divisions, with Oxford United, managed by Robert Klauß, making their move on deadline day. Bransay initially rebuffed offers of £8,000 and £12,000, but after discussions with Morrison, who expressed a desire to test himself in League One despite initially planning to stay until the season’s end, the club agreed to Oxford’s £25,000 bid with a sell-on clause.

The fee, a record for Bransay, reflects Morrison’s value and the club’s savvy negotiation, ensuring future financial benefits if he continues to shine.

The news of Morrison’s exit coincides with confirmation that centre-back Marius Crăciun, a 21-year-old Romanian U20 international signed from CFR Cluj, will depart for Farul Constanța in July when his contract expires. Crăciun, who has made 41 appearances this season and anchored the defence alongside Ashley Sims-Fleming, has been a rock.

Manager Callum Baird, who has led Bransay for nearly 15 years, expressed mixed emotions. “Harry’s a Bransay lad through and through, born down the road and raised in our academy,” he said. “His goals this season and across the three years are incredible for a 17-year-old. We wanted him to stay, but League One is a huge opportunity, and £25,000 plus a sell-on clause is massive for us. Marius leaving in July hurts, but we’re focused on promotion and the FA Trophy. The lads are gutted but determined to honour Harry’s legacy.”

Morrison, speaking to Oxford’s media, added, “Bransay gave me everything - my debut, my first goal, and moments like beating Watford. I’ll never forget the fans, and I’m excited for Oxford.”

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Bransay Athletic have moved swiftly to address the departure of star striker Harry Morrison by securing the loan signing of 20-year-old Hartlepool United striker Josh Power until the end of the 2038/39 season.

The Irish forward, known for his physical presence and finishing, joins the National League North side, who sit 2nd with 76 points from 34 games, as a temporary replacement for Morrison, who left for League One side Oxford United for £25,000 on Deadline Day.

Power’s arrival, announced on 18th February, comes as Bransay prepare for an FA Trophy Quarter Final clash against Torquay United and a promotion push, with the club also reeling from the news of Marius Crăciun’s departure to Farul Constanța in July.

Josh Power’s career began at Lifton, a non-league side, before he moved to Real Bedford, where his prowess caught the eye of scouts. In the 2035/36 season, he was loaned to Cray Wanderers in the Isthmian League Premier Division, gaining valuable experience in senior football.

In 2036/37, Power signed permanently with Hartlepool United, a National League side with a rich history, but was immediately loaned to Northern Premier League Premier Division club Hellifield Sports. There, he excelled, scoring 13 goals in 32 appearances, showcasing his ability to lead the line at just 18 years old.

Last season, Power was loaned to National League North side Radcliffe, who suffered relegation, but he still managed 5 goals and 4 assists in 22 appearances, proving his knack for creating and converting chances despite the team’s struggles. His versatility, work rate, and aerial ability have made him a sought-after prospect, and Hartlepool’s decision to loan him to Bransay reflects their belief in his potential to develop further in a competitive environment.

Manager Callum Baird hailed Power’s signing as a coup. “Josh is a proper striker - strong, sharp, and hungry for goals,” Baird said. “Losing Harry Morrison, who scored 23 goals this season, is massive, but Josh’s record at Hellifield and Radcliffe shows he can step up. He’s here to help us push for promotion and go deep in the FA Trophy and the lads are excited to play with him.”

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January and February 2039 have been a rollercoaster for us, with 12 matches yielding 8 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss, propelling us to the top of the National League North with 81 points from 37 games, one point ahead of Gateshead and Boldmere St. Michaels.

The period was marred by the departure of star striker Harry Morrison to League One side Oxford United for a club-record £25,000 on 31 January, but the loan signing of Hartlepool United’s Josh Power has kept our attack going.

A 6-1 FA Cup Third Round loss to West Ham United ended our cup dream, but a 5-1 FA Trophy Fourth Round rout of Oldham Athletic and a 1-0 Fifth Round win over Maidenhead United keep us alive in that competition.

On 2 January, we kicked off with a 3-1 win over Scarborough Athletic at Forge Road. Edwin Foubister opened in the 18th minute, heading in Harry Morrison’s pinpoint cross. Dion McGuffie equalised in the 37th, slotting in Daniel Holcroft’s through ball. Barry Corcoran restored our lead in the 46th, tapping in Rhys Davies’ low cross, and Morrison sealed it with a 49th-minute penalty after a foul on McKinlay.

On 8 January, we crushed Oldham Athletic 5-1 at home in the FA Trophy Fourth Round. Charlie Spargo scored for Oldham in the 15th, heading in Andreas McCarten’s cross. Morrison equalised in the 30th, slotting in Emmanuel Baffour’s pass. Corcoran put us ahead in the 39th, heading in Luke Morgan’s cross. Morrison scored again in the 50th, tapping in Morgan’s pass, and completed his hat-trick with a 61st-minute penalty after a handball. McKinlay capped it in the 85th, slotting in Corcoran’s pass.

On 11 January, we fell 6-1 to West Ham United at London Stadium in the FA Cup Third Round. West Ham’s Ernesto Comas scored in the 11th minute, rifling a 20-yard shot after Zak Wilson’s pass. Damian Michniewicz made it 2-0 in the 25th, slotting in Cerem Boker’s long ball, and Wilson scored in the 31st, heading in Ichaka Dembélé’s cross. Nicky Collins pulled one back in the 40th, heading in Craig Edwards’ cross, but Trevor Williams, Michniewicz and Wilson sealed our fate, despite Neasham’s penalty save.

On 15 January, we edged Prescot Cables 1-0 at home, with Foubister scoring in the 10th minute, heading in Davies’ curling cross.

On 22 January, we drew 3-3 at South Shields Stadium. Marius Crăciun opened in the 14th, heading in Morrison’s corner. Dean Edwards equalised in the 20th, tapping in Luke Iredale’s pass, and Josh Spender put South Shields ahead in the 24th, slotting in Edwards’ pass. Keith Naylor made it 3-1 in the 4th minute of stoppage time, heading in Iredale’s cross. Wessel van den Brink pulled one back in the 57th, tapping in Morrison’s pass, and Andy Green equalised in the 61st, heading in Morgan’s cross.

On 25 January, we won 3-1 at Witton Albion’s Wincham Park. Tarik Jarrett scored in the 10th, heading in Carter McClean’s cross. McKinlay made it 2-0 in the 17th, slotting in Edwards’ pass. Dani Gonzalez-Birchall pulled one back in the 22nd, curling a 20-yard shot. Alezandro Da Silva sealed it in the 92nd, tapping in McKinlay’s pass.

On 29 January, we beat Boldmere St. Michaels 3-1 at home. Jordan Jones scored in the 7th, heading in Dominic Duncan’s cross. Morrison equalised with a 16th-minute penalty after a foul on Foubister and put us ahead in the 30th, slotting in McKinlay’s through ball. Jarrett sealed it in the 88th, tapping in McKinlay’s low pass.

On 5 February, we won 1-0 at Maidenhead United’s York Road in the FA Trophy Fifth Round. Foubister scored in the 64th minute, curling a 15-yard shot after McKinlay’s lay-off, sending us to the Sixth Round.

On 12 February, we won 2-1 at King’s Lynn Town’s The Walks Stadium. McKinlay scored in the 36th, heading in van den Brink’s cross. Conley Darling equalised in the 63rd, slotting in Tom Draper’s pass. Foubister won it in the 93rd, tapping in Corcoran’s cross.

On 19 February, we edged Kidderminster Harriers 4-3 at home. Jordan Miveld scored in the 6th, heading in Tyrese Thomas’ cross. Corcoran equalised in the 8th, slotting in Davies’ pass. McKinlay put us ahead in the 38th, tapping in Morgan’s pass. Dylan Collins levelled in the 40th, curling a 20-yard shot. Baffour scored a 49th-minute penalty after a foul on Josh Power. Corcoran made it 4-2 in the 76th, heading in Baffour’s pass, but Fran Spearing-Westwood pulled one back in the 85th, tapping in a loose ball.

On 22 February, we drew 0-0 at Marine’s Rossett Park, with Neasham’s saves keeping a clean sheet.

On 26 February, we drew 1-1 with Sir Tom Finney at home. Adam Connolly scored in the 34th, slotting in Leonardo Edwards’ pass, but Nicky Collins equalised in the 50th, heading in Corcoran’s cross.

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We lead with 81 points from 33 games, one point ahead of Gateshead (80) and Boldmere St. Michaels (80, with a game in hand). Harrogate Town (79), Marine (65), Scarborough Athletic (63), and York City (61) complete the playoff spots.

Kidderminster Harriers (60), Prescot Cables (57), Brookside Athletic (53), Altrincham and South Shields (52), Boldmere (51), and King’s Lynn Town (49) follow.

AFC Sudbury (44), Barrow (41), Oakham United and Halifax Town (40), AFC Fylde (35), and Witton Albion and Sir Tom Finney (31) are in lower mid-table.

Grantham Town (27), Chester (26), and Matlock Town (26) are in the relegation zone.

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On a jubilant afternoon at Forge Road, Bransay Athletic booked their first-ever trip to Wembley Stadium with a commanding 4-0 victory over National League South side Dunstable Town in the FA Trophy Semi-Final, watched by over 3,000 Bransay fans.

The National League North leaders, sitting top with 97 points from 43 games and needing just one win from their final three matches to clinch the title and promotion to the National League, delivered a masterclass led by Edwin Foubister’s hat-trick and Emmanuel Baffour’s late strike.

Dunstable, 6th in the National League South, were no match for Bransay’s relentless attack, as the sixth-tier side continued their remarkable cup run. Having defeated Gateshead, Boldmere St. Michaels, Oldham Athletic, Maidenhead United and Torquay United to reach the semi-final, Bransay now face National League side Worthing, 10th in the division above, in the FA Trophy Final at Wembley on 8 May. Aiming to become the first sixth-tier winners since AFC Sudbury in 2031, Bransay are on the cusp of history.

The atmosphere at Forge Road was electric, with over 3,000 fans creating a cauldron of noise to spur Bransay on against a Dunstable side riding high in the National League South. Manager Callum Baird, who has transformed Bransay into title contenders, stuck with his trusted 4-4-2 formation, featuring academy graduate Scot Young in goal, Wessel van den Brink at right-back, Rhys Davies at left-back, Espen Jenssen and Marius Craciun at centre-back, Barry Corcoran on the right wing, Luke Morgan on the left, Emmanuel Baffour and Neil Hughes in central midfield, and Edwin Foubister and Nicky Collins up top.

Bransay dominated from the outset, with Young barely tested as Dunstable struggled to breach our defence. In the 40th minute, Foubister broke the deadlock, latching onto a precise through ball from Emmanuel Baffour and rifling a 15-yard shot into the top right corner past Dunstable’s goalkeeper, Solomon Balogun. The Forge Road faithful erupted, sensing a historic day.

Just 35 seconds into the second half, Foubister struck again in the 46th minute, heading in a pinpoint cross from Nicky Collins, who outpaced his marker to deliver from the right.

Foubister completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute, showcasing his lethal finishing by slotting in a low shot from 12 yards after Collins’ clever lay-off following a quick counter-attack.

Dunstable pushed for a response, with striker Ben Ward forcing a diving save from Young, but Bransay sealed the rout in the 86th minute. Craig Edwards, the academy graduate, whipped in a curling cross from the right, and Baffour rose highest to head powerfully into the bottom left corner, sparking wild celebrations as Bransay secured their Wembley ticket.

Baird was ecstatic post-match. “This is a dream come true for everyone at Bransay,” he said. “Edwin’s hat-trick was world-class, Nicky showed his class, and the 3,000 fans were our 12th man. We’ve beaten quality sides like Oldham and Maidenhead to get here, and now we’re going to Wembley to face Worthing. We’re one win from the league title, and we’re not done yet.”

Bransay’s FA Trophy journey has been a tale of grit and brilliance. It began with a 2-1 win over Gateshead in the Second Round, followed by a dramatic 9-8 penalty shootout victory over Boldmere St. Michaels in the Third Round, with Ashley Sims-Fleming scoring the decisive spot-kick. A 5-1 rout of Oldham Athletic in the Fourth Round, powered by Morrison’s hat-trick, and a 1-0 win over National League side Maidenhead United in the Fifth Round, courtesy of Foubister’s strike, kept the dream alive. In the Quarter-Finals, Bransay dispatched Torquay United, another National League side, to reach the semi-finals.

The FA Trophy Final on 8 May at Wembley Stadium pits Bransay against Worthing, who sit 10th in the National League, one division above. Worthing, managed by Kelland Fewster, earned their final spot by defeating Bath City, Hampton & Richmond, Bugbrooke St. Michaels, Herne Bay, and Chorley.

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