Bransay Athletic: Land of the Giants

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Bransay Athletic etched their name into history by clinching the National League North title today with a thrilling 4-2 win over Oakham United at Forge Road in their penultimate game of the season.

The victory, watched by a jubilant crowd of over 300, secured Bransay’s first-ever promotion to the National League, with 103 points, six clear of second-placed Bugbrooke St. Michaels. Goals from Andy Green, Nicky Collins and Tarik Jarrett powered Bransay to the crown, capping a remarkable campaign that also saw them reach the FA Trophy Final after a 4-0 semi-final rout of Dunstable Town.

With manager Callum Baird celebrating his 11th title and 13th promotion in his 16 years at the club, Bransay now turn their attention to the FA Trophy Final against National League side Worthing at Wembley Stadium on 8 May, dreaming of a historic league and cup double.

Needing just one win from their final three games to secure the title, Bransay entered the Oakham United clash with confidence, having gone unbeaten in the league since November. Baird stuck with his trusted 4-4-2, fielding Scot Young in goal, Wessel van den Brink at right-back, Carter McClean at left-back, Espen Jenssen and Marius Craciun at centre-back, Craig Edwards on the right wing, Tarik Jarrett on the left, Alezandro Da Silva and Andy Green in central midfield, and Edwin Foubister and Nicky Collins up top.

Bransay struck early, setting the tone in the 7th minute when Andy Green converted a penalty, rifling a low shot into the bottom right corner after a foul on Josh Power in the box.

Oakham United responded in the 17th minute, with Aaron McCarthy equalising by heading in a precise cross from Nathan Williams at the near post.

The Forge Road faithful roared their side back into the lead in the 23rd minute, as academy graduate Craig Edwards delivered a curling cross from the right, which Nicky Collins volleyed into the top left corner for his third goal of the season.

Collins struck again in the 32nd minute, latching onto Tarik Jarrett’s through ball and slotting a low shot past Oakham’s goalkeeper, Luke Currullo.

Two minutes later, in the 34th minute, Jarrett turned scorer, tapping in Edwards’ low cross to make it 4-1.

Oakham pulled one back in the 74th minute, with McCarthy heading in Ayomide Adeyinka’s looping cross, but Bransay’s defence, led by Jenssen and Craciun, held firm. Young’s diving save to deny Elliott’s long-range effort ensured the 4-2 scoreline, sparking wild celebrations as the final whistle confirmed Bransay’s title triumph.

Baird was emotional post-match. “This is for the fans, the town, and every player who’s fought for Bransay,” he said. “Nicky Collins stepping up at his age, Andy’s penalty and Tarik’s class - it’s a team effort. We’re National League bound, and now we’re going to Wembley to chase the FA Trophy. The journey continues.”

Bransay’s 103-point season, with 32 wins from 45 games, has been a masterclass in consistency. Despite losing Morrison, the squad, bolstered by 15 summer signings and Josh Power’s loan from Hartlepool, delivered.

Standout moments included a 7-1 rout of Grantham Town, a 5-0 thrashing of title rivals Bugbrooke St. Michaels, and a 5-0 demolition of AFC Fylde. Edwin Foubister (21 goals), Jonjoe McKinlay (22 goals), and Barry Corcoran (12 goals) led the attack, with Luke Morgan and Rhys Davies combining for 24 assists combined. Corey Neasham’s emergence in goal and Craig Edwards’ rise from the academy, with 8 assists, were pivotal.

Bugbrooke St. Michaels, second with 97 points, now face a playoff gauntlet against Harrogate Town (3rd, 90 points), Gateshead (4th, 89 points), Marine (5th, 83 points), Kidderminster Harriers (6th, 82 points), or Scarborough Athletic (7th, 79 points) for the second promotion spot to the National League. Bransay’s final game against Grantham Town is a chance to end the league campaign in style before the Wembley showdown.

Callum Baird’s 11th title and 13th promotion in 16 years at Bransay further cement his status as a club legend. From the Northern Premier League to the National League North, his march toward the Football League continues. The youth complex, producing Morrison and Collins, is a testament to his vision.

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At the pinnacle of the grassroots game now. One step away from the EFL. Enjoy your time in the National League while you can - it all changes after that, for better and for worse.

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I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved this season and in March and April, a period that saw us secure the National League North title and the FA Trophy. Over 12 matches, we won 11, drew 1 and lost none, finishing the league season with a record-breaking 106 points and 129 goals, capped by a title-clinching 4-2 victory over Oakham United. Our FA Trophy run culminated in a 1-0 final win over Worthing at Wembley on 8 May, completing a historic league and cup double.

We kicked off March with a 4-1 win over Barrow at Holker Street on 1 March. Luke Morgan opened in the 3rd minute, slotting in a low shot after Craig Edwards’ through ball. Alezandro Da Silva made it 2-0 in the 55th, heading in Morgan’s cross. Luca Barrington pulled one back for Barrow with a 58th-minute penalty after a foul by Espen Jenssen. Barry Corcoran restored our two-goal lead in the 87th, tapping in Edwin Foubister’s pass, and Morgan sealed it in the 95th, rifling a 20-yard shot after Ashley Sims-Fleming’s long ball.

On 5 March, we beat Torquay United 2-0 at Plainmoor in the FA Trophy Quarter-Final. Emmanuel Baffour scored a 52nd-minute penalty after a handball, drilling it into the bottom right corner. Morgan added a second in the 61st, heading in Neil Hughes’ curling cross.

On 8 March, we dispatched Gateshead 3-1 at home. Foubister scored in the 12th, curling a 15-yard shot after Jonjoe McKinlay’s pass. McKinlay made it 2-0 in the 22nd, tapping in Edwards’ cross. Brayden Bowes’ own goal in the 38th, deflecting a Morgan shot, put us 3-0 up, before Eseosa Sule pulled one back in the 55th, slotting in Charlie Lough’s pass.

On 12 March, we edged Halifax Town 2-1 at The Shay. Nicky Collins scored in the 42nd, heading in Corcoran’s cross. Ben Jackson equalised in the 82nd, tapping in Lauri Hämäläinen’s pass, but McKinlay won it in the 89th, slotting in Edwards’ through ball.

On 19 March, we drew 0-0 with Brookside Athletic at home, with Corey Neasham’s saves keeping a clean sheet.

On 22 March, we beat Harrogate Town 2-1 at home. Tarik Jarrett scored in the 1st minute, heading in Morgan’s cross. Laiith Fairnie’s own goal in the 2nd, deflecting a Foubister shot, made it 2-0, but Billy Thorpe pulled one back in the 5th, slotting in Jaime Montelibano’s pass.

On 26 March, we won 3-0 at AFC Sudbury’s King’s Marsh Stadium. Baffour scored in the 12th, tapping in Corcoran’s low pass. McKinlay made it 2-0 in the 14th, heading in Collins’ cross. Corcoran sealed it in the 51st, rifling a 20-yard shot after McKinlay’s pass.

April began with a 4-0 FA Trophy Semi-Final win over Dunstable Town at home on 2 April. Foubister opened in the 40th, slotting in a low shot after Baffour’s through ball. He scored again in the 46th, heading in Collins’ pinpoint cross, and completed his hat-trick in the 61st, tapping in another Collins assist. Baffour capped the rout in the 86th, heading in Edwards’ curling cross, sending 3,000 fans wild.

On 8 April, we thrashed Matlock Town 5-2 at Causeway Lane. Corcoran scored in the 15th, heading in Rhys Davies’ cross. McKinlay made it 2-0 in the 18th, slotting in Hughes’ pass. Ben Harper pulled one back in the 33rd, heading in Ethan Hodgson’s cross. Hodgson equalised in the 46th, tapping in Shane Blaize’s pass. Morgan put us ahead in the 53rd, heading in Corcoran’s cross. McKinlay scored in the 77th, tapping in Josh Power’s pass, and Hughes sealed it in the 95th, curling a 15-yard shot after Corcoran’s pass.

On 11 April, we clinched the title with a 4-2 win over Oakham United at home. Andy Green scored a 7th-minute penalty, rifling it into the top left corner after a foul on Power. Aaron McCarthy equalised in the 17th, heading in Nathan Williams’ cross. Collins put us ahead in the 23rd, volleying in Edwards’ cross, and scored again in the 32nd, slotting in Jarrett’s through ball. Jarrett made it 4-1 in the 34th, tapping in Edwards’ low pass. McCarthy pulled one back in the 74th, heading in Ayomide Adeyinka’s cross.

On 16 April, we won 3-0 at Grantham Town’s South Kesteven Stadium. Edwards scored in the 29th, tapping in Hughes’ pass. Jarrett made it 2-0 in the 66th, curling a 20-yard shot after Edwards’ lay-off. Edwards sealed it in the 92nd, heading in Morgan’s cross.

On 8 May, we won the FA Trophy Final 1-0 against Worthing at Wembley. Baffour scored the decisive 57th-minute penalty, drilling it low into the bottom left corner after a foul on Collins, securing our double in front of 20,000 fans.

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We finished top with 106 points, scoring a record 129 goals. Bugbrooke St. Michaels took 2nd with 100 points, earning promotion via a 3-1 playoff final win over Harrogate Town (3rd, 93 points). Gateshead (4th, 90), Marine (5th, 86), Kidderminster Harriers (6th, 85), and Scarborough Athletic (7th, 80) completed the playoffs.

Prescot Cables (8th, 74), South Shields (9th, 73), York City (10th, 70), Brookside Athletic (11th, 68), Boldmere St. Michaels (12th, 62), Altrincham (13th, 58), and King’s Lynn Town (14th, 56) followed. Barrow, AFC Sudbury, and AFC Fylde (15th-17th, 51), Oakham United and Halifax Town (18th-19th, 45), and Grantham Town (20th, 42) were mid-table.

Sir Tom Finney (21st, 40), Witton Albion (22nd, 39), Chester (23rd, 34), and Matlock Town (24th, 34) were relegated.

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Corey Neasham was outstanding in goal, conceding 47 goals with 9 clean sheets. TJ Oxbrow and academy graduate Scot Young provided solid backup.

Wessel van den Brink (39 apps), Carter McClean, and loanee Daniel Ramos were reliable at right-back. Rhys Davies (45 starts, 12 assists) and Luke Morgan (50 apps, 11 goals, 19 assists) were phenomenal at left-back and left wing. Marius Crăciun and Espen Jenssen (112 apps combined) anchored the defence, with Ashley Sims-Fleming (18 starts, 28 sub apps) and Jay Smith (10 sub apps) adding depth.

Barry Corcoran (15 goals, 17 assists, 47 apps) and Craig Edwards (4 goals, 12 assists, 16 apps) shone on the right, while Tarik Jarrett (8 goals, 3 assists, 27 apps) excelled on the left. Neil Hughes (48 apps, 4 goals, 9 assists), Emmanuel Baffour (14 goals, 10 assists), Andy Green (4 goals, 4 assists), and Alezandro Da Silva (7 goals, 25 apps) dominated midfield.

Up top, Edwin Foubister (31 goals, 53 apps) and Jonjoe McKinlay (26 goals, 51 apps) were unstoppable, with Morrison’s 23 goals in 31 apps and Nicky Collins’ 6 goals in 22 apps crucial. Josh Power (6 sub apps) added depth.

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Justice: We're there! It feels all kinds of wrong given where we started from but I'm delighted.

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As we gear up for our first-ever season in the National League in 2039/40, the excitement at Forge Road is palpable. Fresh off our National League North title and FA Trophy double, where we clinched the league with 106 points and a record 129 goals, and beat Worthing 1-0 at Wembley, we’re ready to take on the fifth tier.

The National League is a step up, with Welling United, fresh off a 5th-place finish, as evens favorites, followed by Worthing (7/2), who we edged at Wembley, and Mersham (11/2), who’ve climbed from the 15th tier in 16 years.

Newport County and Shrewsbury Town (13/2), relegated Walsall (7/1), and Chorley and Gloucester City (17/2) are strong contenders, while Oldham Athletic, Boston United (10/1), and Gillingham (12/1) will challenge.

Doncaster Rovers and Torquay United (13/1), Herne Bay and Port Vale (18/1), and Stevenage (20/1) are in the mix, with Solihull Moors (25/1), Bugbrooke St. Michaels, Rochdale, and Crawley Town (33/1) ahead of us in the betting.

We’re 50/1 outsiders, with Forest Green Rovers (100/1), Bath City (150/1), and Hampton & Richmond (350/1) trailing.

Our opening fixtures against Mersham, Forest Green and Crawley will test our new-look squad, but our 129-goal haul last season shows we can compete. Collins and Edwards are the future, and McGuffie’s experience could be key.

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The transfer window was brutal, with key players like Corey Neasham, Marius Crăciun, Edwin Foubister, Jonjoe McKinlay and others leaving, but we’ve rebuilt with 16 new signings to bolster our squad.

Bookmakers have us as 50/1 outsiders to win the title, behind favorites Welling United (evens), Worthing (7/2), and newly promoted Mersham (11/2), but with our attacking flair, we’re aiming to defy the odds.

Despite losing stars like Foubister (31 goals), McKinlay (26 goals), and Morrison (23 goals), who joined Oxford United for £25,000, we’ve rebuilt smartly.

In goal, academy graduate Scot Young, 18, steps up as our starter after Neasham’s move to Salford City, with TJ Oxbrow as a reliable backup.

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At right-back, 19-year-old Polish U20 international Thomas Wickenden, signed from Leeds United, brings pace and potential, while 32-year-old David Pemberton, with 30 appearances for relegated Rochdalians, adds nous from spells at Hereford and Grantham Town.

On the left, 18-year-old Dutchman Jurjan Bekhuis, from Newcastle United’s academy, offers flair, backed by 30-year-old Filipino Eric Ramos, who brings fifth-tier experience from Halifax Town, Rochdale, and Eastleigh.

Our centre-back core is strong, with Espen Jenssen, re-signed for his seventh season after 42 league appearances, joined by 20-year-old Croatian Filip Vasilj from Hajduk Split (61 apps in four seasons) and 21-year-old Australian Cameron Littlewood from Hull City, fresh off 23 appearances on loan at Altrincham. Danish 30-year-old Carsten Høi, from Greve via Hellifield Sports’ academy, adds depth.

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In midfield, we’ve blended youth and experience. On the right, 31-year-old Jake Clark, signed from Scarborough Athletic (6 goals, 7 assists last season), will compete with 16-year-old academy star Craig Edwards, who dazzled with 4 goals and 12 assists in 16 appearances last season.

On the left, 19-year-old German U21 international André Neitzel, with three Bundesliga appearances for RB Leipzig, is a huge coup, alongside 29-year-old Zimbabwean international Tendai Phiri, signed for £2,500 from Triangle United after spells at Mersham and Aston Villa.

In central midfield, Neil Hughes, with 106 league appearances for us, remains our anchor, scoring 4 and assisting 9 last season. He’s joined by 23-year-old George Parker from Gateshead (7 goals, 7 assists), 19-year-old Welshman Richard Phillips from Airbus UK Broughton (30 apps in Cymru North), and 25-year-old Ethon Carey from Halifax Town, who had 8 goals and 21 assists at Prescot Cables in 2037/38.

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Up front, 18-year-old Rudi Qualter, with a Premier League appearance for Burnley, brings raw talent, while 30-year-old Dion McGuffie, with 86 goals in 184 National League North games for Scarborough, is a proven goal machine. Portuguese 18-year-old Francisco Farias, who scored 14 in 31 games for Kington Town, and our own Nicky Collins, with 5 goals in 14 league games last season, complete a potent attack.

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I’m thrilled with our start to the 2039/40 National League season, our first in the fifth tier after clinching the National League North title and FA Trophy double last season. Across July and August, we played five matches, winning four and losing one, to sit 3rd with 12 points, just three behind leaders Shrewsbury Town.

Despite a transfer window that saw key players like Corey Neasham, Edwin Foubister, Jonjoe McKinlay and others depart, our new signings have hit the ground running, with Dion McGuffie, Rudi Qualter, André Neitzel, and Francisco Farias leading our attack.

We kicked off on 30 July with a 2-1 loss to newly promoted Mersham at Forge Road. Dion McGuffie gave us the lead in the 10th minute, drilling a penalty into the bottom right corner after a foul on Rudi Qualter. Mersham equalised in the 38th minute when Demetri Coverley headed in a pinpoint cross from Liam Chamberlain. Coverley struck again in the 73rd minute, slotting a low shot past Scot Young after Dean Loughlan’s through ball, exposing our early defensive rust.

We bounced back on 6 August with a 4-1 thrashing of Forest Green Rovers at The New Lawn. McGuffie opened in the 14th minute, tapping in a low cross from Craig Edwards. André Neitzel made it 2-0 in the 63rd minute, curling a 20-yard shot into the top left corner after Tendai Phiri’s lay-off. Daniel Cox pulled one back for Forest Green in the 64th minute, heading in Paul Keogh’s cross. Rudi Qualter then took over, scoring in the 80th minute with a powerful header from Edwards’ cross and adding another in the 81st minute, slotting in McGuffie’s through ball.

On 13 August, we edged Crawley Town 2-1 at Broadfield Stadium. Neitzel scored in the 28th minute, rifling a 15-yard shot after George Parker’s pass. Ben Lamptey equalized in the 4th minute of first-half stoppage time, tapping in Josias Weller’s cross, but Qualter won it in the 75th minute, heading in Neitzel’s curling cross.

On 20 August, we beat Worthing 3-1 at Forge Road, avenging our FA Trophy Final opponents. McGuffie scored in the 54th minute, slotting in a low shot after Edwards’ through ball, and added a second in the 66th minute, heading in Neitzel’s cross. Paul Millington pulled one back for Worthing in the 85th minute, tapping in Alexander Ohnesorge’s pass, but Francisco Farias sealed it in the 4th minute of stoppage time, volleying in a high cross from David Pemberton.

On 27 August, we won 2-1 at Herne Bay’s Winch’s Field. Wade Hockin gave Herne Bay a 7th-minute lead, curling a 25-yard free kick past Young. George Parker equalized in the 19th minute, tapping in Edwards’ low pass, and Farias won it in the 33rd minute, slotting a 12-yard shot after Qualter’s lay-off.

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Shrewsbury Town lead with 15 points from five wins, followed by Stevenage (13 points). We’re 3rd with 12 points, ahead of Mersham (4th, 11 points), Gloucester City (5th, 10 points), Doncaster Rovers and Rochdale (6th and 7th, 9 points).

Boston United (8th, 9 points), Chorley (9th, 8 points), Port Vale, Welling United, and Oldham Athletic (10th-12th, 7 points), Walsall, Torquay United, and Worthing (13th-15th, 6 points), Herne Bay and Crawley Town (16th-17th, 5 points), Newport County, Hampton & Richmond, and Solihull Moors (18th-20th, 4 points) follow.

In the relegation zone, Gillingham and Bugbrooke St. Michaels (21st-22nd, 4 points), Forest Green Rovers (23rd, 4 points), and Bath City (24th, 0 points) are struggling.

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I’m buzzing with how we’ve tackled September and October 2039 in our debut National League season. We played 13 matches, winning 10, drawing 1, and losing 2, sitting 4th with 37 points, just three behind leaders Mersham.

After our National League North title and FA Trophy double last season, our rebuilt squad, hit hard by the departures of Corey Neasham, Edwin Foubister, Jonjoe McKinlay and others, has exceeded expectations with our new signings stepping up. Rudi Qualter, Dion McGuffie, Francisco Farias, and André Neitzel have driven our attack, while our 7-2 FA Cup First Round rout of Billericay Town and a 5-1 FA Trophy Fourth Qualifying Round win over Kidderminster Harriers keep our cup dreams alive.

On 3 September, we beat Port Vale 3-2 at Forge Road. Rudi Qualter opened in the 12th minute, heading in Craig Edwards’ cross. Tendai Phiri made it 2-0 with a 25th-minute penalty, rifling it into the top left corner after a foul on McGuffie. Qualter scored again in the 34th, slotting in Francisco Farias’ through ball. Jake Walker pulled one back for Port Vale with a 38th-minute penalty, and Jack Shorrock equalised in the 75th, tapping in Devante Highland’s pass, but we held firm.

On 10 September, we won 2-1 at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium. Joslen Stoute gave Gillingham a 45+1-minute lead, heading in Lewie Kittrick’s cross. George Parker equalised in the 61st, curling a 20-yard shot after Ethon Carey’s pass, and Dion McGuffie won it in the 76th, tapping in Phiri’s low cross.

On 13 September, we beat Walsall 2-0 at home. Phiri scored a 62nd-minute penalty, drilling it low after a handball, and Qualter sealed it in the 81st, heading in Neil Hughes’ cross, though André Neitzel’s 98th-minute second yellow cost us his services for the next game.

On 17 September, we lost 3-1 at Chorley’s Victory Park. Olly Holmes scored in the 11th, slotting in a loose ball, and Ollie Rose made it 2-0 in the 37th, heading in Holmes’ cross. Ross Duff added a third in the 73rd, tapping in Jordan Rowe’s pass. Qualter pulled one back in the 98th, slotting in Farias’ pass.

On 24 September, we suffered a 5-1 home loss to Boston United. Wade Staff scored in the 4th, heading in Tom Murphy’s cross. Phiri equalised in the 16th, heading in David Pemberton’s cross. Loric Kabangu scored in the 47th, slotting in Oliver Kelly’s pass, and added another in the 75th, tapping in Kiyan Coke-Miles-Smith’s cross. Kelly scored twice, in the 76th (Coke-Miles-Smith assist) and 95th (Shane O’Connell assist), exposing our defensive frailties.

October started with a 4-1 win over Bath City at Twerton Park on 1 October. Qualter scored in the 25th, tapping in a loose ball. Adam Golding equalised in the 32nd, slotting in Scott Croft’s pass. Phiri restored our lead in the 38th, curling a 15-yard shot, and Qualter made it 3-1 in the 50th, heading in Farias’ cross. Carey sealed it in the 57th, tapping in Carsten Høi’s pass.

On 4 October, we edged Oldham Athletic 1-0 at home, with Filip Vasilj scoring in the 7th, heading in Qualter’s corner.

On 8 October, we thrashed Kidderminster Harriers 5-1 at home in the FA Trophy Fourth Qualifying Round. Qualter opened in the 6th, slotting in a long ball from Scot Young’s goal kick. Farias scored in the 18th, tapping in Edwards’ cross. Parker made it 3-0 in the 48th, heading in Edwards’ pass. Tom Jones pulled one back in the 49th, slotting in Dylan Collins’ pass. Vasilj scored in the 58th, heading in Neitzel’s corner, and Farias capped it in the 69th, curling a 20-yard shot after Neitzel’s pass.

On 11 October, we won 4-2 at Rochdale’s Deepdale. Neitzel scored in the 9th, heading in Thomas Wickenden’s cross. Evan Hughes equalised in the 11th, tapping in Hugh Ferguson’s pass. Wickenden put us ahead in the 45+2, slotting in Qualter’s pass. Farias scored in the 86th, tapping in McGuffie’s pass, and Carey made it 4-1 in the 90th, curling a 15-yard shot after Farias’ pass. Danny Young scored a 95th-minute penalty for Rochdale.

On 15 October, we beat Gloucester City 3-2 at home. Edwards scored in the 23rd, slotting in Jurjan Bekhuis’ cross. Farias made it 2-0 in the 27th, tapping in Parker’s pass, and scored again in the 53rd, heading in Bekhuis’ cross. Craig Matthews pulled one back in the 56th, heading in Justin Weir’s pass, and Weir scored in the 81st, tapping in Charlie Budd’s pass.

On 22 October, we drew 1-1 at Stevenage’s Broadhall Way. Frazer Jones scored in the 57th, slotting in Dimitris Kapetanakis’ pass, but Qualter equalised in the 76th, heading in Farias’ cross.

On 25 October, we won 3-2 against Newport County at home. Phiri scored a 21st-minute penalty, rifling it into the top right corner after a foul on Collins. Carsten Høi made it 2-0 in the 41st, heading in Qualter’s corner. Trae Briscoe pulled one back in the 47th, tapping in a loose ball. Richard Phillips scored in the 73rd, slotting in Hughes’ pass, but Andrew Benning made it 3-2 in the 79th, heading in Ricky Thorley’s cross.

On 29 October, we demolished Billericay Town 7-2 at home in the FA Cup First Round. Nicky Collins scored in the 11th, heading in Pemberton’s cross. McGuffie made it 2-0 in the 18th, tapping in Neitzel’s pass. Pemberton scored in the 19th, slotting in Neitzel’s cross. Carey scored in the 40th, heading in Eric Ramos’ pass. Collins scored twice more, in the 44th (Vasilj assist) and 50th (Jake Clark cross). Jonathan Nurse pulled one back in the 78th, tapping in Kayle Rivis’ pass, and Rivis scored in the 85th, slotting in Derry John Bexfield’s pass. McGuffie capped it in the 92nd, heading in Edwards’ cross.

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Mersham lead with 40 points, followed by Stevenage and Shrewsbury (38 points). We’re 4th with 37 points, ahead of Chorley (5th, 31 points), Crawley Town (6th, 30 points), and Boston United (7th, 29 points).

Doncaster Rovers (8th, 27 points), Worthing (9th, 25 points), Herne Bay and Torquay United (10th-11th, 24 points), Welling United (12th, 23 points), Bugbrooke St. Michaels (13th, 21 points), Oldham Athletic and Rochdale (14th-15th, 19 points), Walsall, Forest Green Rovers, and Port Vale (16th-18th, 18 points), Gloucester City and Solihull Moors (19th-20th, 16 points).

Newport County (21st, 13 points), Gillingham (22nd, 8 points), and Hampton & Richmond and Bath City (23rd-24th, 7 points) complete the table.

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Monstrous couple of months. In a strong position to push upwards and into the Football League. You’ve got the financial base to add a couple of players if you need to, in order to make it happen. The FA Cup runs continue also, which will also undoubtedly help.

Time to start squad planning for the EFL?

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I’m reflecting on a mixed November and December 2039 in our debut National League season, where we played 14 matches, winning 6, drawing 1, and losing 7, leaving us 5th with 53 points from 28 games, 16 points behind leaders Mersham.

After our National League North title and FA Trophy double last season, our rebuilt squad has shown resilience with 16 new signings stepping up. Dion McGuffie, Rudi Qualter, Francisco Farias and Ethon Carey have been pivotal, though our FA Trophy campaign ended with a penalty shootout loss to Scarborough Athletic.

On 1 November, we kicked off with a 4-2 win over Solihull Moors at Damson Park. Cheik Coulibaly scored for Solihull in the 27th minute, slotting in Kamari Doyle’s pass. Francisco Farias equalized in the 41st minute, heading in Tendai Phiri’s cross. Ethon Carey put us ahead in the 51st minute, tapping in Rudi Qualter’s low pass. Craig Edwards extended our lead in the 64th minute, rifling a 20-yard shot after Neil Hughes’ lay-off. Qualter made it 4-1 in the 79th minute, heading in Edwards’ cross, before Sam Poate pulled one back in the 89th minute, tapping in Connor Griffiths’ pass.

On 5 November, we lost 4-2 to Doncaster Rovers at Forge Road. Daryl Croft opened in the 28th minute, heading in Haydn Hollingworth’s cross. McGuffie equalized in the 45+1 minute, slotting in Hughes’ through ball. Callum Parry scored twice for Doncaster, in the 48th minute tapping in Hollingworth’s pass and in the 59th minute heading in Deri Glass’ cross. Hollingworth made it 4-1 in the 71st minute, slotting in Tom Brittain-Pitts’ pass, before Hughes pulled one back in the 73rd minute, heading in Eric Ramos’ cross.

On 8 November, we lost 2-1 at Shrewsbury Town’s The Croud Meadow. Jordan Binns scored in the 33rd minute, tapping in Jacob Gallagher’s low pass, and Gareth Williams made it 2-0 in the 38th minute, heading in Gallagher’s cross. Cameron Littlewood scored a late consolation in the 90th minute, heading in Jake Clark’s corner.

On 12 November, we bounced back with a 3-0 win over Bugbrooke St. Michaels at Forge Road. McGuffie scored in the 11th minute, tapping in Edwards’ cross, and added another in the 28th minute, heading in Edwards’ pinpoint delivery. Qualter sealed it in the 66th minute, slotting in Edwards’ through ball for his third assist of the game.

On 15 November, we won 2-1 against Hampton & Richmond at home. McGuffie scored a 69th-minute penalty, drilling it into the bottom right corner after a foul on Farias. Carey made it 2-0 in the 85th minute, tapping in Jurjan Bekhuis’ cross, before Gabriel Arnold pulled one back in the 88th minute, slotting in Alfie Doy’s pass.

On 19 November, we drew 0-0 at Torquay United’s Plainmoor, with Scot Young’s saves keeping a clean sheet.

On 26 November, we won 3-2 against Macclesfield at Moss Rose in the FA Cup Second Round. Farias opened in the 11th minute, slotting in McGuffie’s pass. Phiri scored a 42nd-minute penalty, rifling it into the top left corner after a handball. Dean Roberts pulled one back in the 44th minute, heading in Gérard Bree’s cross. McGuffie restored our two-goal lead in the 51st minute, tapping in Farias’ low pass, but George Gillies scored in the 73rd minute, slotting in a loose ball.

On 3 December, our FA Trophy campaign ended with a 1-1 draw and penalty shootout loss to Scarborough Athletic at Flamingo Land Stadium. McGuffie scored in the 32nd minute, heading in George Parker’s cross, but Tom Green equalized in the 44th minute, tapping in Jonny Dunphy’s pass. Ethon Carey’s missed penalty in the shootout cost us.

On 10 December, we edged Forest Green Rovers 1-0 at home, with Farias scoring a 35th-minute penalty, drilling it low after a foul on Qualter.

On 13 December, we lost 4-1 at Mersham Stadium. Callum Parker scored an own goal for us in the 9th minute, deflecting a Phiri shot. Liam Chamberlain scored twice, in the 13th minute slotting in Andreas Wraighte’s pass and in the 39th minute heading in Bobby-Joe Chudy’s cross. Barrie Atkinson made it 3-1 in the 67th minute, tapping in Richie King’s pass, and Kent Mazzone sealed it in the 91st minute, slotting in Chudy’s pass.

On 17 December, we lost 4-1 to Crawley Town at home. Keith Thomas scored in the 25th minute, heading in Josias Weller’s cross. Darren Reynolds made it 2-0 in the 29th minute, tapping in Thomas’ pass. McGuffie pulled one back in the 53rd minute, slotting in Bekhuis’ pass. Romaine Gooden scored in the 58th minute, heading in Conor Lewis’ cross, and Thomas made it 4-1 in the 65th minute, slotting in Reynolds’ pass.

On 20 December, we lost 4-1 at Welling United’s Park View Road. Charlie Evans scored in the 28th minute, tapping in Carrick Elmes’ pass. Elmes made it 2-0 in the 43rd minute, heading in Andrew Beresford’s cross. Rob Mansell scored a 59th-minute penalty, and Evans added a fourth in the 66th minute, slotting in Matthew Bates’ pass. Richard Phillips scored a consolation in the 79th minute, heading in Clark’s pass.

On 26 December, we lost 2-1 at Worthing’s Woodside Road. Farias scored in the 56th minute, tapping in Carey’s through ball. Adam Roach equalized in the 59th minute, heading in Mackenzie White’s cross, and Sam Nutting won it in the 89th minute, slotting in White’s pass.

On 31 December, we ended on a high, thrashing Herne Bay 5-1 at home. Kieran Arlott-John scored for Herne Bay in the 5th minute, tapping in Richard Hardy’s pass. Thomas Wickenden equalized in the 8th minute, heading in Parker’s cross. André Neitzel put us ahead in the 16th minute, slotting in Wickenden’s pass. Carey scored in the 60th minute, tapping in Neitzel’s pass, and added another in the 79th minute, heading in Qualter’s cross. Qualter sealed it in the 89th minute, slotting in Neitzel’s through ball.

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Mersham lead with 69 points from 28 games, followed by Shrewsbury Town (62 points), Stevenage (61 points), Crawley Town (56 points), us (5th, 53 points), Doncaster Rovers (52 points), and Chorley (50 points).

Welling United (8th, 48 points), Boston United and Torquay United (9th-10th, 46 points), Worthing (11th, 42 points), Port Vale (12th, 35 points), Rochdale (13th, 34 points), Solihull Moors, Bugbrooke St. Michaels, and Newport County (14th-16th, 33 points), Gloucester City and Herne Bay (17th-18th, 31 points), Forest Green Rovers and Oldham Athletic (19th-20th, 30 points).

Walsall (21st, 28 points), Bath City (22nd, 22 points), Gillingham (23rd, 16 points), and Hampton & Richmond (24th, 13 points) complete the table.

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Justice: Bit of a setback during Christmas period but well above where we were supposed to be still, even if the title has drifted out of our hands now. If we get lucky in the play-offs if we even get them, fantastic but definitely a consolidatory season, this one.

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Bransay Athletic have confirmed the departure of 19-year-old Dutch left-back Jurjan Bekhuis to Eerste Divisie side Excelsior for a modest £1,000 transfer fee.

Signed in the summer from Newcastle United’s academy after his youth contract expired at St. James’ Park, Bekhuis made 14 appearances for us in Bransay’s debut National League season, contributing four assists. Despite his potential, the young defender expressed frustration over limited game time, prompting his request to return to his native Netherlands.

Bekhuis joined Bransay in July 2039 as part of a 16-player recruitment drive to prepare for the National League, bringing flair and attacking intent to the left-back role. His debut came in our 2-1 loss to Mersham on 30 July and he quickly showed promise, notably assisting Francisco Farias’ goals in our 3-2 win over Gloucester City on 15 October with pinpoint crosses.

His 14 appearances, including 13 starts, saw him compete with 30-year-old Filipino loanee Eric Ramos and André Neitzel. However, Bekhuis’ frustration grew as Ramos often reclaimed the starting spot.

His transfer request, lodged in January, led to negotiations with Excelsior, who secured his services for £1,000, a nominal fee reflecting his contract’s short remaining term and our willingness to honour his desire to return home.

As manager, Baird was gutted to lose Jurjan. “Jurjan brought energy and quality to our left flank,” he said. “His two assists against Gloucester showed his class, but he wanted regular football, and we respect his move back to the Netherlands. We wish him well at Excelsior.”

Bekhuis, speaking to Excelsior’s media, added, “Bransay gave me a chance in senior football, and I’ll always cherish playing at Forge Road. But I needed more minutes, and coming home to Excelsior is the right step for me.”

His departure leaves Bransay thin at left-back, with Ramos now the primary option, backed by versatile German André Netizel, who can cover from his usual left-midfield role.

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Bransay Athletic have made headlines with a dramatic double deadline day departure, as 20-year-old German left winger André Neitzel joined Championship side Plymouth Argyle for a club-record £160,000 and 17-year-old Scottish goalkeeper Scot Young moved to Wycombe Wanderers for £10,000.

Both players, pivotal to Bransay’s strong debut season in the fifth tier, where they sit 3rd with 68 points from 34 games, will return to Forge Road on loan until the season’s end, with their new clubs covering their wages.

Neitzel’s £6,000-per-week salary and Young’s wages are fully paid by Plymouth and Wycombe, respectively, easing Bransay’s financial burden. The deals, which include a 50% sell-on clause for Young’s next transfer, highlight Bransay’s savvy approach to balancing ambition with financial pragmatism.

André Neitzel, signed from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2039 after three Bundesliga appearances, has been a revelation for Bransay. The German U21 international made 31 appearances this season, scoring five goals and providing eight assists. His flair and pace on the left wing have been integral to Bransay’s attacking prowess, complementing strikers Dion McGuffie, Rudi Qualter, and Francisco Farias.

Scot Young, a 17-year-old academy graduate, stepped up as Bransay’s first-choice goalkeeper this season after Corey Neasham’s departure to Salford City. Following six appearances in last season’s National League North title and FA Trophy double, Young has made 36 appearances in 2039/40, conceding 62 goals and keeping seven clean sheets.

Manager Callum Baird, who has led Bransay to 11 titles and 13 promotions in 16 years, praised the financial upside of the deals while acknowledging the realities of their position. “These transfers are massive for us financially,” Baird said. “André’s £160,000 fee is a club record, and Scot’s £10,000 with a 50% sell-on clause sets us up for the future. Having both back on loan with their wages covered is a bonus, keeping us strong for the playoffs. At our level, when Championship clubs come calling, we’re forced to sell our key talents, but these deals show we’re building sustainably while competing at the top end.”

Neitzel, speaking to Plymouth’s media, added, “Bransay gave me a platform to shine, and I’m grateful to stay on loan to help their push. Plymouth is a big step, and I’m excited for the challenge.” Young echoed, “Forge Road is home, and I’m thrilled to keep playing here while joining Wycombe. I owe Bransay everything.”

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Bransay Athletic have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of 31-year-old left-back Ben Casey on a free transfer, seven months after his contract with League Two side Hartlepool United expired.

The experienced defender, who has played across the EFL and National League, brings versatility and pedigree to a Bransay side sitting 4th in the National League with 75 points from 38 games, chasing a playoff spot in their debut fifth-tier season.

Casey’s arrival follows the departure of 19-year-old left-back Jurjan Bekhuis to Excelsior and comes on the heels of deadline day transfers of André Neitzel to Plymouth and Scot Young to Wycombe Wanderers, with both players loaned back to Bransay until the season’s end.

Casey’s career began in Bolton Wanderers’ academy, where he honed his craft before joining National League side Barnet in 2030. Over three seasons, he established himself as a reliable left-back, making 76 appearances and helping Barnet reach the playoff semi-finals in 2032.

In 2033, he moved to League One’s Bristol Rovers, where he made 34 appearances, showcasing his ability to compete at a higher level. A January 2035 transfer to League Two’s Chesterfield saw him add 13 appearances, followed by a move to Forest Green Rovers in January 2036, where he played 31 times.

Casey’s most recent stint was with Hartlepool United, joining on a free transfer in July 2037 and making 83 league appearances over two seasons in League Two, earning praise for his defensive solidity and ability to contribute in attack. Capable of playing across the backline or in left midfield, Casey’s versatility offers Bransay tactical flexibility as they navigate a competitive National League.

Manager Callum Baird hailed Casey’s signing as a coup. “Ben’s experience at League Two and League One level is invaluable for us,” Baird said. “He’s a proper pro who can play anywhere in defence or step into midfield and he’s hungry to help us push for the playoffs. Losing Jurjan was tough, but Ben’s 83 games for Hartlepool show he can handle this level, and he’s a perfect fit for our ambitions.”

Casey, speaking to Bransay’s media, added, “I’m buzzing to join Bransay. The rise from the grassroots level and FA Trophy win is inspiring, and I want to help them take the next step. I can’t wait to get started.”

Casey’s arrival addresses a critical need at left-back following Bekhuis’ departure, complementing Eric Ramos, who has been the primary option since joining from Halifax Town. With Filip Vasilj, Espen Jenssen, and Cameron Littlewood anchoring the centre-back positions, and Thomas Wickenden and David Pemberton at right-back, Casey adds depth and experience.

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Good money coming in for Neitzel, that’ll help pay for the salaries of quite a few players for the rest of the calendar year. It was probably inevitable you’d lose a player of his quality so to earn such a high fee and have him for the remainder of the season (for free) is a good push for the club.

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I’m proud of our resilience in January and February, navigating a challenging period in our season. We played 11 matches, winning 7, drawing 1, and losing 3, keeping us 4th with 75 points from 38 games, level with Stevenage and four points behind Shrewsbury Town.

We started 2040 with a 2-1 win over Port Vale at the Robin van der Laan Stadium on 2 January. Lukas Metcalf scored for Port Vale in the 15th minute, tapping in Barry Buckley’s low pass. Neil Hughes equalised in the 53rd minute, heading in Filip Vasilj’s cross. Vasilj sealed it in the 88th minute, rifling a 20-yard free kick into the top right corner.

On 7 January, we thrashed Gillingham 3-0 at Forge Road. Tendai Phiri opened in the 35th minute, slotting in George Parker’s through ball. Nicky Collins doubled our lead in the 66th minute, heading in Thomas Wickenden’s pinpoint cross. Dion McGuffie capped it in the 80th minute, drilling a penalty into the bottom left corner after a foul on Qualter.

On 10 January, we lost a 5-4 thriller to Brentford at home in the FA Cup Third Round. Roald Jørgensen scored for Brentford in the 32nd minute, slotting in Guillermo Jiménez’s pass. André Neitzel equalised in the 38th minute, tapping in a loose ball. Francisco Farias put us ahead in the 44th minute, curling a 15-yard shot. Jiménez leveled in the 49th minute, heading in Carlos Bogado’s cross. Qualter restored our lead in the 51st minute, heading in Wickenden’s cross, and Craig Edwards made it 4-2 in the 52nd minute, slotting in Richard Phillips’ pass. Brentford fought back with Jiménez’s 63rd-minute tap-in from Camilo Amaya’s pass, Marcelo Henrique’s 69th-minute header from Adam Fulton’s cross, and Agron Kapllani’s 83rd-minute strike from Amaya’s pass.

On 14 January, we won 5-2 at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium. Nathan Deery scored in the 6th minute, heading in Mike Allard’s cross. Wickenden equalised in the 22nd minute, tapping in Ethon Carey’s pass. Aidan Cooke put Walsall ahead in the 44th minute, slotting in Jake Robinson’s pass. Phiri leveled with a 49th-minute penalty, rifling it into the top right corner. Collins put us ahead in the 61st minute, tapping in McGuffie’s cross. Wickenden scored in the 75th minute, heading in McGuffie’s pass, and McGuffie sealed it in the 85th minute, slotting in Farias’ through ball.

On 21 January, we crushed Chorley 4-0 at home. Carey scored in the 12th minute, heading in David Pemberton’s cross. Pemberton made it 2-0 in the 15th minute, rifling a 25-yard shot. McGuffie scored in the 65th minute, tapping in Carey’s low pass, and Farias sealed it with a 73rd-minute penalty, drilling it low after a handball.

On 24 January, we lost 2-1 at Boston United’s Jakemans Community Stadium. Sam Gibbs-White scored in the 5th minute, heading in Sam Mensah’s cross, and Shane O’Connell made it 2-0 in the 7th minute, slotting in Tim Cunningham’s pass. Qualter pulled one back in the 84th minute, tapping in Jake Clark’s pass.

On 28 January, we beat Bath City 3-0 at home. Carey scored in the 9th minute, slotting in Edwards’ through ball. McGuffie made it 2-0 in the 57th minute, heading in Carey’s cross. Carey scored again in the 67th minute, tapping in Edwards’ low pass.

On 4 February, we won 3-1 at Oldham’s Boundary Park. Farias opened in the 23rd minute, heading in Carey’s cross. Wickenden made it 2-0 in the 47th minute, tapping in a loose ball. Dale Taylor pulled one back in the 48th minute, slotting in Mike Hughes’ pass. Phiri sealed it with a 95th-minute penalty, rifling it into the bottom left corner.

On 11 February, we won 2-1 against Rochdale at home. Ady Logan scored for Rochdale in the 5th minute, heading in Christian Boshell’s cross. Qualter equalised in the 33rd minute, slotting in Neitzel’s pass, and Edwards won it in the 34th minute, curling a 20-yard shot.

On 21 February, we lost 4-2 at Gloucester City’s New Meadow Park. Lewis Gale scored in the 3rd minute, tapping in Joseph McCallum’s pass. Farias equalised in the 32nd minute, heading in Edwards’ cross. Alex Tomsett put Gloucester ahead in the 35th minute, slotting in Michael Rogers’ pass. Kevin Smith scored twice, in the 37th minute tapping in a loose ball and in the 45+2 minute heading in McCallum’s cross. Farias pulled one back in the 62nd minute, slotting in Carey’s pass.

On 25 February, we drew 1-1 with Stevenage at home. Bryn Evans scored for Stevenage in the 48th minute, tapping in a loose ball, but Collins equalised in the 49th minute, heading in McGuffie’s cross.

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Mersham lead with 89 points, followed by Shrewsbury Town (77 points), Stevenage (75 points), and us (4th, 75 points). Crawley Town (5th, 73 points), Welling United (6th, 69 points), and Doncaster Rovers (7th, 67 points) complete the playoff spots.

Chorley (8th, 64 points), Boston United (9th, 60 points), Worthing (10th, 58 points), Torquay United (11th, 53 points), Newport County (12th, 52 points), Gloucester City (13th, 48 points), Bugbrooke St. Michaels (14th, 47 points), Solihull Moors (15th, 46 points), Rochdale (16th, 45 points), Forest Green Rovers and Herne Bay (17th-18th, 44 points), Oldham Athletic and Port Vale (19th-20th, 39 points).

Walsall (21st, 38 points), Bath City (22nd, 27 points), Gillingham (23rd, 25 points), and Hampton & Richmond (24th, 18 points) follow.

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Justice: It's massive for us without a big draw in the FA Cup this season, it'll keep us ticking over. With Neitzel being such a high earner with us (£1,600 pw) it's also a big financial relief and an easy £40k+ saved for the rest of this season.

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Bransay Athletic’s remarkable debut season in the National League came to a heartbreaking end as they fell 3-2 to Stevenage in the play-off semi-final at Lamex Stadium.

The National League North champions and FA Trophy winners of 2038/39, who defied relegation favourite expectations to finish 4th with 86 points, battled valiantly but were undone by a late Jack Jones goal.

Despite the loss, manager Callum Baird’s side, rebuilt after losing key players like Edwin Foubister and Corey Neasham, have cemented their status as a rising force in the fifth tier, with a 4-1 play-off first-round win over Chorley showcasing their attacking flair.

Stevenage struck first in the 12th minute when Kieran Sheppard’s 30-yard free-kick curled exquisitely inside the left post, leaving Bransay’s loanee goalkeeper Scot Young helpless. Bransay, backed by over 300 travelling fans, responded with resilience.

In the 66th minute, Dion McGuffie’s corner was headed clear by Stevenage’s Jodi Townsend-West, only for Cameron Littlewood to nod it back into the danger area. Tendai Phiri seized the moment, striking a half-volley with his weaker right foot to equalise.

Stevenage regained the lead in the 76th minute, as Harri Hughes surged down the right and delivered a low cross for Sheppard to slot home his second. Bransay refused to buckle, levelling in the 84th minute when Thomas Wickenden’s fizzed low cross found Rudi Qualter at the near post to convert.

However, Stevenage clinched their Wembley ticket in the 89th minute, with Danny Burton’s square ball finding Jack Jones, who rifled a shot past Young to secure a 3-2 victory.

Bransay’s path to the semi-final saw them dispatch 7th-placed Chorley 4-1 at Forge Road in the play-off first round. Dion McGuffie’s brace, alongside goals from Neil Hughes and Eric Ramos, powered the win, with Luke Rowe’s penalty a mere consolation for Chorley.

The semi-final defeat ends Bransay’s hopes of back-to-back promotions, but their season has been a triumph. Shrewsbury Town face Welling United in the other semi-final at Croud Meadow tomorrow, with the winners joining Stevenage at Wembley for a shot at League Two.

The loss marks the end of a campaign where Bransay defied expectations. Tipped for relegation, Baird’s side, bolstered by 16 summer signings thrived. Baird, who has secured 11 titles and 13 promotions in 16 years, remains optimistic. “It’s gutting to fall short, but I’m immensely proud,” he said. “From relegation favourites to 4th with 86 points is incredible. Dion, Rudi, and Francisco were class, and our fans were unreal. Losing André and Scot will hurt, we’ll rebuild and come back stronger.”

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