Bransay Athletic: Land of the Giants

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I’m incredibly proud of our March and April, wrapping up our debut National League season with a 4th-place finish on 86 points, defying preseason relegation expectations. We played 10 matches, winning 4, drawing 2, and losing 4, including a thrilling 4-1 play-off first-round win over Chorley at Forge Road and a heartbreaking 3-2 play-off semi-final loss to Stevenage at Lamex Stadium.

On 6 March, we lost 4-1 at Newport County’s Rodney Parade. Harvey Richardson opened with a 7th-minute penalty, drilling it into the bottom right corner after a foul by Filip Vasilj. Richardson scored again in the 39th minute, heading in Cameron Harrison’s cross, and completed his hat-trick in the 43rd minute, slotting in Andrew Benning’s pass. Rudi Qualter pulled one back in the 60th minute, tapping in a loose ball after a scramble. Abdul Egbo sealed it for Newport in the 79th minute, heading in Richardson’s cross.

On 10 March, we drew 2-2 with Solihull Moors at Forge Road. André Neitzel scored in the 3rd minute, heading in Thomas Wickenden’s cross. Cheick Coulibaly equalized in the 24th minute, slotting in Scott Wilson’s pass. Qualter put us ahead in the 47th minute, tapping in Ethon Carey’s low pass, but Sam Poate equalized in the 93rd minute, heading in Neil Porter’s cross.

On 30 March, we drew 3-3 with Shrewsbury Town at home. David Pemberton opened in the 33rd minute, heading in Craig Edwards’ cross. Qualter made it 2-0 in the 57th minute, slotting in Edwards’ through ball. Jordan Binns pulled one back in the 68th minute, tapping in Jacob Gallagher’s pass. Qualter scored again in the 81st minute, heading in Ben Casey’s cross, but Gareth Williams equalized twice, in the 82nd minute slotting in Marley Pamment’s pass and in the 90th minute heading in Steven Jones’ cross.

On 2 April, we won 3-1 at Bugbrooke St. Michaels’ Browns Road. Filip Vasilj scored in the 20th minute, heading in Carey’s corner. Luke Buxton equalized in the 26th minute, tapping in Craig Atkinson’s pass. George Parker put us ahead in the 35th minute, slotting in Eric Ramos’ through ball, and Francisco Farias sealed it in the 44th minute, curling a 15-yard shot.

On 4 April, we lost 3-0 at Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium. Callum Parry scored in the 2nd minute, heading in Alex Smith’s cross, and added another in the 23rd minute, tapping in Niall Healy’s pass. Kye Friend sealed it in the 81st minute, slotting in Gerwyn Carroll’s pass.

On 6 April, we won a 4-3 thriller against Torquay United at home. Brandon McColl scored a 12th-minute penalty for Torquay, rifling it into the top left corner. Qualter equalized in the 17th minute, heading in Pemberton’s cross. Rico Pulley put Torquay ahead in the 49th minute, slotting in Fraser Hamilton’s pass. Craig Edwards leveled in the 55th minute, tapping in Ramos’ cross, and scored again in the 70th minute, heading in Dion McGuffie’s pass. Screve Kasongo equalized in the 91st minute, tapping in McColl’s pass, but Farias won it in the 92nd minute, slotting in McGuffie’s through ball.

On 9 April, we won 3-2 at Hampton & Richmond’s Beveree Stadium. Brian Barry scored in the 24th minute, heading in Gabriel Arnold’s cross. Samuel Bawa equalized in the 42nd minute, heading in Carsten Høi’s pass, and put us ahead in the 51st minute, tapping in a loose ball. Tegan Chatee leveled in the 63rd minute, slotting in Luke English’s pass. McGuffie won it in the 86th minute, heading in Edwards’ cross.

On 14 April, we lost 5-1 to Welling United at home. Rob Mansell scored in the 39th minute, tapping in Matthew Bates’ pass. Bates scored twice, in the 45+3 minute heading in Law McCabe’s cross and in the 50th minute slotting in Alun Coombes’ pass. Jack Gibson added a fourth in the 55th minute, heading in Mansell’s cross. Tendai Phiri pulled one back with a 70th-minute penalty, drilling it low. Gibson sealed it in the 81st minute, slotting in Mansell’s pass.

On 18 April, we won 4-1 against Chorley at home in the play-off first round. McGuffie scored an 8th-minute penalty, rifling it into the top right corner after a foul on Farias. McGuffie made it 2-0 in the 36th minute, heading in Neil Hughes’ cross. Luke Rowe pulled one back with a 62nd-minute penalty, drilling it low. Hughes restored our two-goal lead in the 64th minute, slotting in McGuffie’s pass, and Ramos sealed it in the 72nd minute, heading in Samuel Bawa’s cross.

On 22 April, we lost 3-2 to Stevenage at Lamex Stadium in the play-off semi-final. Kieran Sheppard scored in the 12th minute, curling a 30-yard free kick inside the left post. In the 66th minute, McGuffie’s corner was headed out by Jodi Townsend-West, but Cameron Littlewood nodded it back, and Phiri equalized with a half-volley from his weaker right foot. Sheppard restored Stevenage’s lead in the 76th minute, slotting in Harri Hughes’ low cross. Qualter levelled in the 84th minute, converting Wickenden’s fizzed low cross at the near post. Jack Jones won it for Stevenage in the 89th minute, rifling in Danny Burton’s square ball.

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Mersham won promotion to League Two with 104 points. Shrewsbury Town (89 points) earned promotion via the play-off final against Stevenage (3rd, 87 points). We finished 4th with 86 points, followed by Welling United (5th, 84 points), Crawley Town (6th, 83 points), and Chorley (7th, 79 points), who pipped Boston United (8th, 79 points, +13 GD vs. +18 GD).

Doncaster Rovers (9th, 76 points), Worthing (10th, 74 points), Newport County (11th, 67 points), Torquay United (12th, 64 points), Gloucester City (13th, 63 points), Rochdale (14th, 58 points), Solihull Moors (15th, 57 points), Bugbrooke St. Michaels (16th, 56 points), Oldham Athletic (17th, 54 points), Forest Green Rovers (18th, 52 points), Herne Bay (19th, 51 points), and Walsall (20th, 47 points) followed.

Relegated were Port Vale (21st, 40 points), Gillingham and Bath City (22nd-23rd, 32 points), and Hampton & Richmond (24th, 22 points).

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Our defence struggled, conceding 88 goals, the fourth-worst in the league. Scot Young, loaned from Wycombe, conceded 85 in 45 games, averaging nearly two per match, but kept seven clean sheets. He departs this summer, and we wish him well.

David Pemberton and Thomas Wickenden at right-back combined for 7 goals and 9 assists, a bright spot. Eric Ramos at left-back, replacing Jurjan Bekhuis, underperformed with fewer assists despite 27 more games. Filip Vasilj and Cameron Littlewood were our main centre-back pairing but leaked too many goals.

In right midfield, Craig Edwards was outstanding, scoring 5 goals and providing 15 assists in 31 games, sidelining Jake Clark. At left midfield, André Neitzel (5 goals, 5 assists in 38 games) and Tendai Phiri (10 goals, 3 assists in 37 games, 6 from penalties) battled fiercely; Neitzel leaves for Plymouth this summer. In central midfield, Ethon Carey shone with 9 goals and 9 assists in 35 games, while George Parker added 3 goals and 4 assists in 44 games. Neil Hughes (3 goals, 5 assists in 28 games) faces a contract decision. Richard Phillips provided solid cover with 22 appearances.

Up top, Rudi Qualter led with 21 goals in 37 games, followed by Dion McGuffie (17 goals, 5 assists in 42 games) and Francisco Farias (14 goals in 38 games). Nicky Collins scored 3 goals in 13 games as backup.

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I’m buzzing for the 2040/41 National League season, our second in the fifth tier after a remarkable 4th-place finish with 86 points last season, defying relegation expectations. This summer was busy, with 11 first-team signings needed after losing Craig Edwards to Plymouth Argyle (£11,250, loaned back), Cameron Littlewood to Central Coast Mariners (£80,000), Filip Vasilj to Queens Park Rangers (£150,000), Nicky Collins to Wycombe Wanderers (£15,000), and others like Espen Jenssen, Dion McGuffie, and André Neitzel. We’re 25/1 joint underdogs but aiming for another solid finish.

Welling United, 5th last season, are 5/4 favorites under Rieves Morfoot, strengthened by left-back Sam Godber (£8,000 from Boston United) and midfielder Kenniel Lodge.
Walsall, 20th last season, are 10/3 second favorites under Stephen Phillips, with 10 signings, including left-back Michael Bliss, right winger Ben Miley, midfielder Lamont Thomson, and Hull City loanee striker Liam Brace.
Relegated Colchester United (5/1), who finished 23rd in League Two, are rebuilding under Benito Veidman with striker Samuel Kayode (Derby loan), Leam Leister, centre-back Lefteris Koupkiolis, right-back Ryan Price, and midfielder Richard Cummings.
Forest Green Rovers (13/2, 18th last season) have added left-back Rocco Francioso and No. 10 Richie Pritchard under Ally Render.
Boreham Wood (7/1), promoted via National League South play-offs, are led by Fabian Leverett with right-back Alan Harrison, midfielder Sam Nutting, and Herne Bay’s Kieran Arlott-John.
Gloucester City (10/1) aim for better than mid-table under Mert Soyudogru.
Joint 7th favorites at 11/1 include Worthing, who signed Aston Villa loanee goalkeeper Reda Nagy and Oliver Abrahams from Boston United; Boston United, who rebuilt with right winger Elliot Myles, Rotherham loanee Dan Hatton, and striker Matthew Henry; and Newport County, reeling from Andrew Benning’s £300,000 move to Nottingham Forest.
Horley AFC (13/1), National League South champions, added left-back Christopher Payne under Max McNulty.
Doncaster Rovers and Solihull Moors (14/1) bring firepower, with Doncaster scoring 105 goals last season and Solihull adding defenders Juan Pedro Estrada and Adam McGrath.
Chorley (15/1), Oldham Athletic (16/1), Torquay United, Stevenage, Herne Bay, Harrogate Town, and Crawley Town (all 18/1) are in the mix, with Crawley’s thin squad of six over-18 players a concern.
Boldmere St. Michaels (20/1) and Bugbrooke St. Michaels (33/1) aim to survive, while relegated Silchester (400/1) face a crisis with only nine contracted players.

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Our goalkeeping unit is led by 21-year-old Albanian Jurgen Miftari, signed from Sheffield United after conceding 47 goals with 13 clean sheets in 45 National League North games on loan at South Shields last season. TJ Oxbrow, our reliable backup, stays on identical terms.

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At right-back, Giuseppe Collie, with 144 appearances for Harrogate Town’s National League North title winners, is set to start, backed by 20-year-old Thomas Wickenden (5 goals, 5 assists in 18 games last season). At left-back, Robbie Joseph returns after 58 League Two appearances for Grimsby Town, bringing 1 goal and 8 assists from his prior Bransay stint. Ben Casey, signed from Hartlepool United, provides experienced cover. Our centre-back trio of Stewart Sutherland (173 apps for Alloa Athletic), Hussain Khan (81 apps for South Shields), and Danny Gayle (41 apps for Gateshead) replaces Vasilj and Littlewood, with Carsten Høi as the sole holdover.

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In right midfield, Craig Edwards, loaned back from Plymouth, is our star with 9 goals and 24 assists in 42 games, backed by Pawel Szulc from Escola Varsovia. At left midfield, Matt Hallahan, a National League North Player of the Season with 28 goals and 12 assists at Gateshead in 2038/39, is a coup, competing with Tendai Phiri (10 goals, 3 assists last season). In central midfield, George Parker (3 goals, 4 assists in 44 games), Ethon Carey (9 goals, 9 assists), and Richard Phillips are joined by 32-year-old Dominic Butler, who brings 154 EFL appearances.

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Up top, Rudi Qualter (21 goals) and Francisco Farias (14 goals) remain our core, with Paul Evans (46 goals in 135 Cymru Premier games for Bala Town) and Bryan Mimnaugh from Stirling University adding depth.

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I’m absolutely thrilled with our start to the National League season, our second in the fifth tier. Over August and September, we played 10 matches, winning 8 and losing 2, to sit top of the table with 24 points from 10 games, defying our 25/1 odds to finish in the relegation zone.

After last season’s 4th-place finish with 86 points and a play-off semi-final loss to Stevenage, our squad, rebuilt with 11 new signings following the departures of André Neitzel, Scot Young, Filip Vasilj and Cameron Littlewood, has hit the ground running.

Craig Edwards, loaned back from Plymouth Argyle and new additions like Matt Hallahan, Bryan Mimnaugh and Jurgen Miftari have been sensational.

On 4 August, we started with a 4-0 rout of Gloucester City at Forge Road. Danny Gayle opened in the 15th minute, heading in a Craig Edwards corner. Bryan Mimnaugh doubled our lead in the 30th minute, slotting in George Parker’s through ball. Edwards made it 3-0 in the 42nd minute, curling a 20-yard shot after Mimnaugh’s lay-off. Mimnaugh sealed it in the 94th minute, tapping in Tendai Phiri’s low cross.

On 11 August, we won 4-2 at Crawley Town’s Broadfield Stadium. Edwards scored in the 7th minute, heading in Francisco Farias’ cross. Jordan Withington equalized in the 15th minute, tapping in Darren Reynolds’ pass, and Reynolds put Crawley ahead in the 21st minute, slotting in Dale Barker’s pass. Mimnaugh leveled in the 38th minute, heading in Matt Hallahan’s cross. Edwards put us back in front in the 55th minute, tapping in a loose ball, and Farias sealed it in the 60th minute, slotting in Robbie Joseph’s through ball.

On 18 August, we edged Solihull Moors 2-1 at home. Hallahan scored a 45+1-minute penalty, drilling it into the bottom right corner after a foul on Farias. Chris McDaid equalized in the 55th minute, heading in Alex Ford’s cross, but Parker won it in the 65th minute, tapping in Giuseppe Collie’s low pass.

On 25 August, we won 2-0 at Colchester United’s Community Stadium. Farias scored in the 24th minute, heading in Edwards’ pinpoint cross, and Mimnaugh made it 2-0 in the 66th minute, slotting in Hallahan’s through ball.

On 1 September, we beat Boldmere St. Michaels 3-1 at home. Farias opened in the 9th minute, tapping in Hallahan’s low pass. Edwards made it 2-0 in the 13th minute, curling a 15-yard shot. Hallahan scored in the 33rd minute, heading in Mimnaugh’s cross. Michael Gregory pulled one back in the 85th minute, slotting in Harry Ball’s pass.

On 8 September, we lost 3-2 at Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium. Tom Brittain-Pitts scored in the 24th minute, tapping in a loose ball. Edwards equalized in the 38th minute, heading in Mimnaugh’s cross, and Farias put us ahead in the 41st minute, slotting in Edwards’ pass. Callum Parry leveled in the 86th minute, heading in Leighton Earl’s cross, and Haydn Hollingworth won it in the 94th minute, slotting in Earl’s pass.

On 15 September, we won 1-0 against Forest Green Rovers at home, with Hallahan scoring a 70th-minute penalty, rifling it into the top left corner after a foul on Qualter.

On 18 September, we lost 2-1 at Horley Stadium. Farias equalized with an 84th-minute penalty, drilling it low after a handball, but Kemoy Isaacs leveled in the 97th minute, tapping in Raheem Chaplin’s pass, and Chaplin won it in the 100th minute, heading in Haydn Hoey’s cross.

On 22 September, we won 1-0 at Worthing’s Woodside Road, with Hallahan heading in Edwards’ cross in the 25th minute.

On 29 September, we won 3-2 against Harrogate Town at home. Beckham Collins scored for Harrogate in the 11th minute, slotting in Geoff Bamber’s pass. Farias equalized in the 53rd minute, tapping in a loose ball. Mimnaugh put us ahead in the 70th minute, heading in Hallahan’s cross. Ronan Flood leveled in the 87th minute, heading in Barry Taylor’s pass, but Danny Gayle won it in the 96th minute, heading in Ben Casey’s corner.

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We lead with 24 points from 10 games, followed by Bugbrooke St. Michaels (23 points), Worthing (22 points), Doncaster Rovers and Chorley (20 points each), and Walsall and Horley AFC (19 points each) in the play-off spots.

Oldham Athletic, Herne Bay, and Boston United (15 points each) sit 8th to 10th, followed by Boreham Wood, Welling United, and Forest Green Rovers (14 points each), Torquay United (13 points), Colchester United (12 points), and Stevenage (11 points). Boldmere St. Michaels and Silchester (10 points each), Crawley Town and Gloucester City (9 points each).

Newport County and Solihull Moors (8 points each), Rochdale (7 points), and Harrogate Town (2 points, no wins) complete the table.

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In the windswept stands of Forge Road, where the Isle of Bransay’s passionate crowd now gathers, Callum Baird sits down with a cup of tea, his weathered smile reflecting 17 years of steering Bransay Athletic from Sunday League obscurity to the cusp of the English Football League.

On Tuesday, a 2-0 win over Rochdale handed Baird his second National League Manager of the Month award for 2040/41, following a perfect August and October. With 42 points from 16 games, Bransay lead the league by eight points, their 44 goals making them the division’s top scorers, averaging over 18 shots per game in Baird’s trademark 4-4-2.

Defying preseason odds, the semi-professional club, with the sixth-lowest wage bill and over £420,000 in player sales over three transfer windows, is dreaming of League Two. Baird, 17 years into his tenure, opens up about the journey, the financial tightrope, and the youth academy fuelling Bransay’s ascent.

“It’s surreal, isn’t it?” Baird chuckles, leaning back in his office overlooking Forge Road’s pitch. “When I took over in 2023, we were a Sunday League side in the North Northumberland League, 18th tier, playing in front of 42 friends and family. The pitch was more mud than grass, and we were lucky if the kit was clean. Now, we’re top of the National League, averaging 580 fans, with over150 season ticket holders. It’s a different world, but it’s been a slog to get here.”

Baird’s journey began in the North Northumberland League, where Bransay won the title in his first season. “That was a buzz,” he recalls. “It was pub lads, local boys like Matt Broughton and Dean Culbert, scrapping for every tackle. We had no like, budget, just heart.”

From there, Bransay stormed through the North East Combination Leagues, winning Division Two, Division One, and the Premier Division back-to-back from 2025 to 2027. “Those years were about building a culture,” Baird says. “We were still amateurs, but I started drilling in discipline - training twice a week, not just turning up hungover on Sundays. Players like Joe Prendergast and Jami Salo bought into it, and we kept climbing.”

By 2027, Bransay entered the Northern Football Alliance’s Third Division, winning all four divisions - Third, Second, First, and Premier - back-to-back to reach the Northern League in 2031. “The Alliance was tough,” Baird admits. “You’re playing on pitches that are basically cow fields, but we had momentum. Jack Smith was our rock in those days, a proper leader.”

The Northern League saw Bransay win Division Two and Division One in 2032 and 2033, respectively. “Those titles were special because we were starting to outgrow our roots,” Baird says. “We weren’t just a village team anymore; we were signing players from the mainland, lads with ambition.”

The Northern Premier League Division One East in 2033/34 brought Bransay’s first setback. “We reached the play-offs but lost 3-2 to Whickham in the final,” Baird says, wincing. “It stung, but it taught us resilience.” The next season, Bransay finished second, five points behind Washington, but won the play-offs with a 2-1 victory over Marske United in 2035. “That was massive,” Baird beams. “Forge Road was packed - maybe over 1,000 fans then - and the noise when we went up was unreal.”

In the NPL Premier Division, Bransay consolidated with an 8th-place finish in 2035/36. The following year, club legend Ryan Tioffo, all-time top scorer, paired with new signing Gary McCann and young Conner Burrows to finish second, seven points behind Spennymoor Town. A 16-year-old Harry Morrison sealed promotion with two goals, including a 92nd-minute winner, in a 2-1 play-off win over Emley in 2037. “Harry was different class,” Baird says. “You could see immediately he was destined for bigger things, but that night, he was ours.”

The National League North in 2037/38 was Baird’s first taste of adversity, finishing 14th with 63 points. “It was humbling,” he admits. “We were out of our depth, but 23 points above relegation gave us belief.” In 2038/39, a revamped squad, led by Morrison, stormed to the title with 106 points, six ahead of Bugbrooke St. Michaels, and won the FA Trophy. “Wembley was a dream,” Baird says, eyes lighting up. “5,000 fans from the Isle, singing their hearts out. That’s when I knew we’d built something special.”

Last season’s 4th-place finish in the National League, with 86 points and a play-off semi-final loss to Stevenage, was a triumph. “We were tipped for relegation,” Baird laughs. “But McGuffie, Qualter and Farias decided otherwise. Craig Edwards from our academy, just unreal - 9 goals, 24 assists. Losing Neitzel to Plymouth and Young to Wycombe hurt but getting them back on loan was a relief.”

This season, Bransay’s 42 points from 16 games, including perfect months in August (4 wins) and October (6 wins, with Edwards’ 1 goal and 5 assists earning him Player of the Month), have them eight points clear at the top. Their 44 goals, led by Farias and Mimnaugh’s 19 combined, make them the division’s top scorers.

“Matt Hallahan’s been a revelation,” Baird says of the left midfielder signed from Gateshead. “His 28-goal season in 2038/39 was no fluke - he’s got nine goals and seven assists already. Bryan Mimnaugh’s hunger up top, alongside Farias, is lethal. Craig Edwards is a magician - six goals, nine assists in 16 games. George Parker’s grit in midfield and Robbie Joseph’s return at left-back have given us balance. Jurgen Miftari’s five clean sheets in goal are massive after conceding so many last season.”

Financially, Bransay walk a tightrope. With the sixth-lowest wage bill and semi-professional status, they’ve sold over £420,000 in players, including Vasilj, Littlewood and Nicky Collins.

“It’s tough,” Baird sighs. “The Isle of Bransay’s isolation means travel costs are brutal - ferries, buses, hotels. Our new chairman, Duncan Egan, elected by the fans in June, is clear: going fully professional would worsen the situation. We rely on freebies like everybody this summer. Our academy’s the lifeline - Harry Morrison, Edwards, Collins and Young. Those sell-on clauses could be gold if they fulfil the potential I know they have and their clubs cash in.”

Baird’s youth academy focus is paying off. “We’ve always leaned on local lads,” he says. “Early on, it was Broughton, Culbert, Prendergast, Salo, Harwood - boys from the Isle. As we climbed, we needed mainland signings, but the past five years, our academy’s been our heartbeat. Morrison’s move to Oxford United was huge. Edwards and Collins are carrying that torch now, and we’ve signed six under-18s this summer. They’re the future.”

The National League is fierce this season. Worthing, Horley, Doncaster and Bugbrooke are chasing, but Bransay’s eight-point lead gives them breathing room.

Looking ahead, Baird’s eyes are on November’s clashes with Boreham Wood and Chorley. “We’re top, but it’s a marathon,” he says. “Our 4-4-2 is clicking better than it has for years but we need to tighten up more. Stewart, Hussain, and Jurgen are gelling, but we can’t afford slip-ups. The 580 fans at Forge Road are our 12th man, louder than some League Two crowds. I’ve been here 17 years, from 42 fans to this. Promotion? It’s a dream, but we’re not just here to survive. We want to make history again.”

As the interview ends, Baird glances at the pitch where his players are training. “This club’s my life,” he says softly. “From Sunday League to the National League, every title, every promotion, it’s been for the Isle. We’re not done yet.” With Bransay’s academy, Baird’s nous, and a squad defying the odds, a Football League debutant feels closer than ever.

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Bransay Athletic delivered a stunning 4-0 victory over League Two side Mersham, last season’s National League champions, in the FA Cup First Round at Forge Road today.

The National League leaders, defying their odds, outclassed Mersham, who sit 4th in League Two under Sam Wiseman in their debut Football League season.

Bransay’s attacking prowess, led by Rudi Qualter and Francisco Farias, secured their place in the Second Round, where they’ll face either League One Chesterfield or League Two Macclesfield, pending a replay.

The rout began in the 25th minute when Farias headed a clearance into Qualter’s path at the halfway line. Qualter charged into Mersham’s box, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Crothers into the left corner.

In the 39th minute, Matt Hallahan doubled the lead, finishing Craig Edwards’ low cross with a crisp strike.

Farias made it 3-0 in the 52nd minute, deflecting Hallahan’s effort past Crothers.

Six minutes later, Farias sealed the win with a penalty, rifling it into the right corner after a foul on Bryan Mimnaugh.

Manager Callum Baird, fresh off his second Manager of the Month award, hailed the performance. “Beating Mersham, a League Two side flying high, is massive for us,” he said. “Rudi and Francisco were lethal, and our fans made Forge Road a fortress.”

With 42 points from 16 games and 44 league goals, Bransay’s FA Cup run adds to their dream season. A trip to Chesterfield Stadium or Moss Rose awaits, as Baird’s men eye another upset.

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I’m over the moon with our October and November performance in the National League, where we played 14 matches, winning 13 and drawing 1 to extend our lead at the top with 58 points from 22 games, nine points clear of Doncaster Rovers.

Our 4-0 FA Cup First Round thrashing of League Two side Mersham, last season’s National League champions, was the highlight, showcasing our attacking flair. My second Manager of the Month award in October, after a perfect six wins, and Edwards’ Player of the Month nod, reflect our momentum.

On 6 October, we won 3-0 at Welling United’s Park View Road. George Parker opened in the 18th minute, slotting in Stewart Sutherland’s through ball. Bryan Mimnaugh doubled the lead in the 28th minute, heading in Craig Edwards’ cross. Matt Hallahan sealed it in the 56th minute, tapping in Giuseppe Collie’s low cross.

On 9 October, we thrashed Silchester 4-1 at home. Arinze Akwuegbu scored for Silchester in the 5th minute, tapping in Jordan Walton’s pass. Francisco Farias equalized in the 7th minute, slotting in Parker’s pass. Mimnaugh put us ahead in the 39th minute, heading in Sutherland’s cross. Hallahan made it 3-1 in the 43rd minute, curling a 15-yard shot from Collie’s assist. Farias sealed it in the 61st minute, tapping in Hallahan’s pass.

On 13 October, we crushed Curzon Ashton 6-0 in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round at home. Farias scored in the 10th minute, tapping in a loose ball. Mimnaugh made it 2-0 in the 20th minute, slotting in Ethon Carey’s pass. Bay Pover’s 36th-minute own goal, deflecting a Hallahan shot, helped us. Parker scored in the 41st minute, rifling a 20-yard shot. Hallahan added a fifth in the 45+2 minute, heading in Carey’s cross, and Carey completed the rout in the 56th minute, tapping in Hallahan’s pass.

On 16 October, we won 5-1 at Bugbrooke St. Michaels’ Browns Road. Hallahan opened in the 10th minute, curling a 15-yard shot. Farias scored a 63rd-minute penalty, drilling it into the bottom right corner after a foul on Qualter. Rudi Qualter made it 3-0 in the 64th minute, heading in Edwards’ cross. Lewis Higgins pulled one back in the 66th minute, slotting in Sulaimon Okolie’s pass. Hallahan scored again in the 68th minute, tapping in Ben Casey’s pass, and Qualter sealed it in the 93rd minute, slotting in Edwards’ through ball.

On 20 October, we beat Torquay United 3-1 at home. Farias scored in the 42nd minute, heading in Edwards’ cross. Mimnaugh made it 2-0 in the 69th minute, tapping in Edwards’ low pass. Logan Watts pulled one back in the 82nd minute, heading in Kegan Lillis’ cross. Robbie Joseph sealed it in the 93rd minute, slotting in Richard Phillips’ pass.

On 27 October, we won 4-1 at Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park. Parker opened in the 24th minute, tapping in Farias’ pass. Paul Down equalized in the 31st minute, slotting in Marley McCrum’s pass. Farias restored our lead in the 45th minute, heading in Collie’s cross. Parker made it 3-1 in the 45+3 minute, slotting in Hallahan’s pass, and Sutherland sealed it in the 73rd minute, heading in a loose ball.

On 30 October, we won 2-0 against Rochdale at home. Qualter scored in the 45th minute, heading in Joseph’s cross, and Edwards sealed it in the 87th minute, tapping in Carsten Høi’s pass.

On 3 November, we stunned Mersham 4-0 at home in the FA Cup First Round. Qualter opened in the 25th minute, racing from halfway after Farias’ headed pass to slot past goalkeeper Crothers. Hallahan made it 2-0 in the 39th minute, finishing Edwards’ low cross. Farias scored in the 52nd minute, deflecting Hallahan’s effort, and added a 58th-minute penalty, rifling it into the right corner after a foul on Mimnaugh.

On 6 November, we won 2-1 at Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park. Qualter scored in the 3rd minute, tapping in Mimnaugh’s pass. Carey made it 2-0 in the 28th minute, curling a 20-yard shot. Eduardo Camacho pulled one back with a 35th-minute penalty, drilling it low.

On 10 November, we won 2-1 against Chorley at home. Kenny Kennedy scored in the 36th minute, heading in Cai Thomas’ cross. Paul Evans equalized in the 54th minute, slotting in Thomas Wickenden’s pass, and Hallahan won it in the 73rd minute, tapping in a loose ball.

On 13 November, we won 1-0 at Newport County’s Rodney Parade, with Farias scoring a 69th-minute penalty, rifling it into the top left corner after a handball.

On 17 November, we drew 1-1 with Boston United at home. Lauri Hämäläinen scored in the 19th minute, slotting in Tom Murphy’s pass. Hallahan equalized in the 87th minute, heading in Wickenden’s cross.

On 24 November, we won 4-0 at Herne Bay’s Winch’s Field. Edwards scored in the 27th minute, heading in Farias’ cross. Mimnaugh made it 2-0 in the 30th minute, slotting in Carey’s pass. Farias scored in the 43rd minute, tapping in Hallahan’s pass, and Carey sealed it in the 85th minute, heading in Danny Gayle’s cross.

On 27 November, we won 6-3 against Walsall at home. Carey opened in the 25th minute, slotting in Joseph’s pass. Qualter made it 2-0 in the 35th minute, tapping in a loose ball. Tomos Jones pulled one back in the 59th minute, heading in a loose ball. Qualter scored again in the 60th minute, heading in Parker’s cross. Tendai Phiri made it 4-1 in the 64th minute, slotting in Farias’ pass. Jones scored in the 68th minute, tapping in Liam Brace’s pass. Farias made it 5-2 in the 69th minute, curling a 15-yard shot. Parker scored in the 89th minute, heading in Joseph’s cross, before Jones completed his hat-trick in the 93rd minute, slotting in Cameron Macleod’s pass.

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We lead with 58 points from 22 games, nine points ahead of Doncaster Rovers (49 points). Worthing (44 points), Horley AFC (42 points), Chorley, Herne Bay, and Bugbrooke St. Michaels (36 points each) hold the play-off spots.

Boreham Wood and Stevenage (31 points each), Solihull Moors, Boston United, Welling United, and Walsall (30 points each), Oldham Athletic and Colchester United (29 points each), Crawley Town (27 points), Forest Green Rovers (26 points), Silchester (25 points), Torquay United and Newport County (20 points each).

Rochdale (19 points), Boldmere St. Michaels (18 points), Gloucester City (15 points), and Harrogate Town (11 points) follow.

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Bransay Athletic, the National League leaders, secured a blockbuster FA Cup Third Round tie against Premier League giants Liverpool at Anfield on 5 January, following a thrilling 4-2 victory over League Two side Macclesfield at Moss Rose today.

The semi-professional Isle of Bransay outfit showcased their attacking prowess to overcome Macclesfield and set up a historic clash expected to generate £1 million in gate receipts at the 61,276-capacity Anfield, where 59,220 fans watched their last meeting in 2033 - a 4-0 Liverpool win in the FA Cup Fifth Round.

Bransay stormed into a 2-0 lead early at Moss Rose. In the 2nd minute, Giuseppe Collie’s first-time cross found Matt Hallahan, who headed into the top corner. Three minutes later, Hallahan struck again, lashing a first-time effort into the far corner after his own corner was headed back to him. Macclesfield responded in the 37th minute, with George Simmons sprinting into the right corner of the box and firing a stunning shot into the top left corner past Jurgen Miftari.

The game shifted in the 69th minute when Macclesfield’s Rhys Boyd-Munce was sent off, leaving them with 10 men. Despite the advantage, Bradley Burrowes equalized in the 87th minute, converting a low driven cross from Gérard Bree at the near post. Bransay rallied late, regaining the lead in the 89th minute when Hallahan’s cutback to Richard Phillips was deflected into an own goal by Simmons past goalkeeper Kamali Muhammad. Phillips sealed the 4-2 win in the 93rd minute, floating a beautiful 20-yard effort into the top right corner.

Manager Callum Baird, who won his third National League Manager of the Month award in November, was ecstatic. “To beat Macclesfield, a strong League Two side, and draw Liverpool at Anfield is a dream,” he said. “Matt Hallahan was unplayable, and Richard Phillips’ late strike showed our character. Our fans at Forge Road and the ones who travelled here were incredible. Anfield’s next, and we’ll give it everything.”

Bransay’s last visit to Anfield in 2033 saw Conor Bradley, Darwin Núñez, and Sebastián Ventoso score in a 4-0 Liverpool rout, but Baird’s current squad - led by Francisco Farias, Craig Edwards and Hallahan - is riding high after a 4-0 FA Cup First Round win over Mersham.

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Bransay Athletic have confirmed the departure of star striker Francisco Farias to League One side Queens Park Rangers for a modest £5,000 fee, with a sell-on clause included in the deal.

The 20-year-old Portuguese forward, signed for free from FC Vilaverdense in 2039, insisted on the move to Loftus Road, where QPR are battling relegation in 19th under manager Charlie Jefford. Farias, who scored 38 goals in 69 appearances for Bransay over the past one-and-a-half seasons, leaves as the National League’s fourth-top scorer with 16 goals in 2040/41.

To replace him, Bransay have signed 28-year-old forward Anthony McCabe on a six-month contract, taking the number 17 shirt at Forge Road. The club also cashed in on sell-on clauses for former players Filip Vasilj (£75,000) and Nicky Collins (£250,000), boosting their financial reserves as they lead the National League.

Farias, a key figure in Bransay’s rise, was instrumental in their 4th-place finish last season and their current nine-point lead at the top of the National League, with 79 goals scored. His standout performances included a brace in a 4-0 FA Cup First Round win over Mersham and a goal in a 4-2 Second Round victory against Macclesfield, securing a Third Round tie against Liverpool at Anfield.

“Francisco’s been phenomenal,” said manager Callum Baird. “His goals, including 16 this season, show his class. He wanted the move to QPR, and we wish him well alongside Filip [Vasilj] at Loftus Road.” Vasilj, sold to QPR for £150,000 last summer, has made 11 appearances for the Hoops this season.

To fill the void, Bransay moved quickly to sign McCabe, released by Gateshead after scoring 24 goals in 149 league appearances over four seasons. The 28-year-old’s short-term deal allows flexibility, with Rudi Qualter and Bryan Mimnaugh expected to lead the line, supported by McCabe and Paul Evans.

“Anthony’s experience is vital,” Baird said. “He’s a proven National League striker, and with Rudi and Bryan, we’re still lethal. We’ll assess our options further in the summer.” Bransay’s attacking depth remains strong, with Craig Edwards and Matt Hallahan driving their system from the wings, which averages over 18 shots per game.

The club’s financial strategy continues to shine, with sales like Cameron Littlewood (£80,000 to Central Coast Mariners) and sell-on clauses for Vasilj and Collins, the latter sold to Wycombe for £15,000 last summer.

“Selling those clauses early was smart business,” Baird added. “It gives us stability as a semi-professional club with high travel costs. The £5,000 for Francisco, plus a sell-on, keeps us sustainable.” Chairman Duncan Egan emphasised the club’s prudent approach, vital for an Isle of Bransay side facing logistical challenges.

As Bransay prepare for their league matches against Horley and Worthing, their fans are buzzing. With McCabe’s arrival and a squad featuring Edwards, Mimnaugh, and Qualter, Bransay remain favorites for promotion. The FA Cup windfall from Anfield further bolsters their ambitions, as Baird’s men chase a historic League Two berth.

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December and January were a rollercoaster for us as we navigated a packed schedule of 16 matches, winning 8, drawing 3, and losing 5, maintaining our lead atop the National League with 76 points from 30 games, six points clear of Doncaster Rovers and Worthing.

Our FA Cup run was the highlight, with a 4-2 win over Macclesfield in the Second Round and a valiant 4-2 loss to Liverpool at Anfield in the Third Round, generating a lot of money in shared gate receipts. In the FA Trophy, we advanced past Gateshead on penalties in the Third Round and edged Walsall 4-3 in the Fourth.

However, January’s four-game winless streak, including losses to Forest Green Rovers and Harrogate Town, exposed defensive frailties. With Francisco Farias’ £5,000 move to QPR and Anthony McCabe’s arrival, our rebuilt squad, led by Craig Edwards, Matt Hallahan and Bryan Mimnaugh, keeps us on course for promotion.

On 1 December, we beat Macclesfield 4-2 at Moss Rose in the FA Cup Second Round. Matt Hallahan scored in the 2nd minute, heading in Giuseppe Collie’s cross, and added another in the 5th minute, lashing in Craig Edwards’ pass. George Simmons pulled one back in the 37th minute, rifling a 20-yard shot from Daniel Andrade’s pass. Bradley Burrowes equalised in the 87th minute, tapping in Gérard Bree’s low cross. Simmons’ 89th-minute own goal, deflecting Hallahan’s cutback to Richard Phillips, restored our lead, and Phillips sealed it in the 93rd minute, floating a 20-yard shot into the top right corner.

On 4 December, we won 2-0 at Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium. Tendai Phiri scored in the 17th minute, slotting in Robbie Joseph’s pass, and added another in the 62nd minute, heading in Paul Evans’ cross.

On 8 December, we advanced past Gateshead in the FA Trophy Third Round at home, winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Francisco Farias scored in the 8th minute, tapping in Phiri’s pass, but Anthony McCabe equalised for Gateshead in the 27th minute, slotting in Derek Scholes’ pass.

On 15 December, we thrashed Crawley Town 4-1 at home. Farias scored a 10th-minute penalty, drilling it into the bottom left corner after a foul on Qualter. Stewart Sutherland made it 2-0 in the 13th minute, heading in Hallahan’s cross. Bryan Mimnaugh scored in the 21st minute, tapping in Edwards’ pass. Jordan Withington pulled one back in the 25th minute, slotting in Danny Evans’ pass. Mimnaugh sealed it in the 50th minute, heading in Ethon Carey’s cross.

On 18 December, we won 4-1 at Gloucester City’s New Meadow Park. Carey opened in the 4th minute, curling a 15-yard shot. Danny Gayle made it 2-0 in the 16th minute, heading in a loose ball. Joseph McCallum pulled one back in the 27th minute, tapping in Michael Rogers’ pass. Evans scored a 71st-minute penalty, rifling it into the top right corner, and Edwards sealed it in the 85th minute, slotting in George Parker’s pass.

On 22 December, we lost 2-1 at Solihull Moors’ Damson Park. Neil Porter scored in the 16th minute, heading in Kwabena Boakye’s cross. Joseph equalised in the 34th minute, tapping in Evans’ pass, but Jermaine Healey won it in the 90th minute, slotting in Greg Kennedy’s pass.

On 26 December, we beat Colchester United 3-1 at home. Alex Lawtey scored a 7th-minute penalty for Colchester, drilling it low. Giuseppe Collie equalised in the 21st minute, heading in Edwards’ cross. Farias put us ahead in the 61st minute, slotting in Joseph’s pass, and Evans sealed it in the 78th minute, tapping in Jurgen Miftari’s long ball.

On 29 December, we won 2-1 at Boldmere St. Michaels’ Trevor Brown Memorial Ground. Hallahan scored in the 7th minute, heading in Phillips’ cross. Edwards made it 2-0 in the 46th minute, slotting in Parker’s pass. Kevin Leslie pulled one back in the 59th minute, tapping in David Oliver’s pass.

On 1 January, we drew 1-1 with Doncaster Rovers at home. Phil Liddle scored a 69th-minute penalty, rifling it into the top left corner. Qualter equalised in the 76th minute, heading in Pawel Szulc’s cross.

On 5 January, we lost 4-2 to Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup Third Round. Erick Andrade scored in the 8th minute, slotting in Sam Nangle’s pass. Parker equalised in the 45+1 minute, tapping in Phiri’s pass. Mimnaugh put us ahead in the 68th minute, heading in Farias’ cross, but Rui Araújo leveled in the 72nd minute, tapping in Christopher McMahon’s pass. McMahon scored twice, in the 76th minute slotting in Sandro Costa’s pass and in the 83rd minute heading in Costa’s cross.

On 8 January, we lost 3-2 at Forest Green Rovers’ The New Lawn. Isaac Watters scored in the 10th minute, heading in Craig Laycock’s pass. Ethan Biggs made it 2-0 in the 22nd minute, slotting in Isaac Smith’s pass. Phillips pulled one back in the 58th minute, tapping in Hallahan’s pass. Qualter leveled in the 64th minute, heading in Hallahan’s cross, but Biggs won it in the 86th minute, curling a 15-yard shot.

On 12 January, we won 4-3 at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium in the FA Trophy Fourth Round. Tomos Jones scored in the 1st minute, tapping in Sam Giwa’s pass. Ben Miley made it 2-0 in the 47th minute, heading in a loose ball. Mike Allard scored in the 51st minute, slotting in Mark Shongedi’s pass. Qualter pulled one back in the 54th minute, tapping in Dominic Butler’s pass. Phiri leveled in the 64th minute, heading in Joseph’s pass. Phillips put us ahead in the 88th minute, slotting in Edwards’ pass, and Butler sealed it in the 92nd minute, tapping in Phiri’s pass.

On 15 January, we drew 2-2 with Horley at home. Hallahan scored in the 7th minute, slotting in Evans’ pass. Evans made it 2-0 in the 24th minute, heading in Thomas Wickenden’s cross. Harvey Richardson pulled one back in the 38th minute, tapping in Ben Cole’s pass, and Cole equalised in the 55th minute, slotting in Baden Sheminant’s pass.

On 18 January, we lost 2-1 to Worthing at home. Stephan Hernandez scored a 32nd-minute penalty, drilling it low. Mimnaugh equalised in the 84th minute, heading in Sutherland’s cross, but Jordan Halford won it in the 96th minute, tapping in Adam Roach’s pass.

On 26 January, we lost 1-0 at Harrogate Town’s Wetherby Road, with Geoff Bamber scoring in the 72nd minute, heading in Iolo Bryan’s cross.

On 29 January, we drew 2-2 with Welling United at home. Kenniel Hodge scored in the 6th minute, slotting in Harry Bradley’s pass. Haig Crook made it 2-0 in the 23rd minute, heading in Gary Sharp’s pass. Edwards pulled one back in the 61st minute, tapping in Ben Casey’s pass, and Hallahan equalised with a 66th-minute penalty, rifling it into the bottom right corner.

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We lead with 76 points from 30 games, six points ahead of Doncaster Rovers and Worthing (70 points each). Horley AFC (69 points), Oldham Athletic (58 points), Chorley (57 points), and Walsall (56 points) hold the play-off spots.

Welling United (54 points), Boston United and Bugbrooke St. Michaels (53 points each), Herne Bay and Solihull Moors (51 points each), Boreham Wood (49 points), Stevenage (48 points), Colchester United (44 points), Forest Green Rovers (39 points), Crawley Town and Newport County (35 points each), Rochdale and Gloucester City (29 points each) follow.

Harrogate Town and Silchester (28 points each), Boldmere St. Michaels (26 points), and Torquay United (24 points) are in the relegation zone.

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Sandecja Nowy Sącz is thrilled to announce the signing of 19-year-old right midfielder Pawel Szulc from English National League side Bransay Athletic.

The talented Pole, who will don the number 21 shirt for the Biało-Czarni, joins our Ekstraklasa squad as we continue to build a dynamic team for the season.

Born in Poland but raised in Manchester, Szulc began his football journey at Pennington FC, where his flair and vision on the right flank caught attention. Returning to his native Poland, he joined Escola Varsovia, making 44 appearances in the Polish lower leagues and showcasing his potential as a creative force.

His brief stint at Bransay Athletic saw him make two appearances, registering one assist in a squad that leads the National League with 76 points. His assist came in a 1-1 draw against Doncaster Rovers on 1 January 2041, setting up Rudi Qualter’s equalizer with a precise cross.

“Pawel is a young, hungry talent with immense potential,” said manager Łukasz Mierzejewski. “His pace, technical ability, and eye for a pass will add a new dimension to our midfield as we compete in the Ekstraklasa. At 19, he’s already shown he can perform under pressure, and we’re excited to see him grow at Sandecja Stadium.”

Szulc expressed his excitement about joining Sandecja: “It’s a dream to play in the Ekstraklasa with a club as historic as Sandecja. I grew up admiring Polish football, and to wear the number 21 for the Biało-Czarni in front of our passionate fans is an honour. I can’t wait to contribute goals and assists to help us climb the table.”

The signing bolsters Sandecja’s squad as we aim to build on our promotion to the Ekstraklasa. We welcome Pawel to Nowy Sącz and look forward to seeing him shine in the top flight.

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The roar of the final whistle at Victory Park echoes in my ears as I stand on the touchline, fists clenched, staring at the scoreboard: Chorley 0-2 Bransay Athletic. It's done. We've won the National League title, securing promotion to League Two - the Football League - for the first time in Bransay's history.

My heart is pounding like a drum and I can barely process it. Eighteen years I've been at this club, grinding through mud-soaked pitches in the North Northumberland League, scraping through play-off heartbreaks and now, here we are, champions of the fifth tier.

The lads pile on top of each other in the centre circle, shirts coming off, scarves waving from the 25 travelling fans who've made the absurd journey with us. Chairman Duncan Egan, the man who's kept us afloat through it all, is grinning like a kid on Christmas morning as he shakes my hand. "You've done it, Callum," he says, his voice cracking.

But the real party? That's just beginning.

The game itself is a blur now, but it unfolds like a dream. We only need a draw to clinch the title, but from the kick-off at 20:00, we're hungry for more. Chorley press early, but our defence – Hussain Khan and Stewart Sutherland marshalling the backline - holds firm.

In the 15th minute, Bryan Mimnaugh bursts down the left, shrugging off a challenge, and floats a perfect cross to the far post. Matt Hallahan, our midfield maestro, times his run perfectly, leaping above their centre-back to head it powerfully into the bottom corner. The small pocket of Bransay fans erupts, and I punch the air - 1-0.

Chorley respond with a couple of half-chances, but Jurgen Miftari, our young keeper, is equal to them. The second goal comes in the 57th minute: Hallahan turns provider this time, whipping in a cross from the right that Mimnaugh meets with a diving header, guiding it past their keeper into the net. 2-0.

The final whistle brings pandemonium - players hugging, fans chanting my name, and I’m lifted onto shoulders by the lads, champagne spraying everywhere. We've done it. Promotion to League Two. The Football League.

But the celebrations truly kick off on the way home. Chairman Egan, bless him, chartered a private boat for the 25 fans, coaches, players, and staff - a genius move given our island isolation. We docked at Sunderland after a 45-minute ferry ride, then it's a 2-hour 45-minute coach to Chorley. The return is the same, but by then, it's pitch black, and the party starts as soon as we board the coach back.

The fans, a mix of die-hard locals who've followed us from the Sunday League days and newer supporters drawn by our rise, are already buzzing with cans of lager and bottles of bubbly. "Bairdy's Red Army!" they chant as I climb aboard, shaking hands and hugging sweaty shirts. The lads are in high spirits - Qualter cracking jokes, Edwards blasting music from a portable speaker, and Hallahan leading a conga line down the aisle.

As we hit the ferry back to Bransay around midnight, the real fun begins. The boat’s deck is ours, with Egan turning a blind eye to the noise. Mimnaugh, our Scottish talisman, grabs a microphone from the captain’s cabin and starts a karaoke session – “I’m on My Way" by The Proclaimers rings out over the waves, with the fans joining in, arms linked.

I’m pulled into the circle, belting out the lyrics off-key, beer in hand, as the sea spray hits our faces. Edwards, the academy lad who's become our midfield maestro, starts a drinking game: every time someone mentions "Title" or “Champions” we all take a swig.

By the time we pass the halfway mark, half the boat is roaring with laughter, and I’m seven beers deep, swapping stories with fans about our early days - remember that mud bath in the North Northumberland League where we won the title with about 30 people watching?

One supporter, a grizzled fisherman named Tom who's been with us since day one, pulls me aside: "Callum, you've turned our little island team into something special. Here's to League Two!" We clink bottles, and I feel a lump in my throat - this is what it’s all about.

Things get wild as the night wears on. Qualter and Phiri challenge the fans to an arm-wrestling tournament on the deck tables, with losers doing shots. I join in, losing to a burly fan named Dave, who roars in triumph as I drop for 5 vodka shots, the team cheering.

Hallahan, ever the prankster, swaps Edwards’ beer for a non-alcoholic one, leading to mock outrage and a chase around the boat. The fans start chanting players’ names - "There's only one Harry Morrison!" even though he's at Oxford now - and I lead a rendition of "Bransay Till I Die," the waves crashing in rhythm.

By 1am, we're all dancing under the stars, the boat rocking gently, with Mimnaugh teaching everyone a Scottish victory song. I spot young TJ Oxbrow, our 21-year-old back-up goalkeeper, wide-eyed and grinning, soaking it all in - this is his first taste of glory.

As we near Bransay Harbour around 2:30am, the celebrations peak with fireworks from the deck, lighting up the night sky. We dock to cheers from a small crowd of family waiting at the pier, and I hug every player, every fan, knowing this night will live forever.

The next day, Saturday, Bransay Harbour and Forgeby are alive with celebration. The pubs are rammed by midday - the Harbour Inn, our unofficial club bar, has fans spilling onto the streets, singing songs and toasting with pints.

I head down with the staff, and it's chaos in the best way: locals who've followed us from games in the mud sharing stories with newer supporters. Edwards, still buzzing, buys a round for the house, and we end up in a massive sing-along – “We’re going up!" echoing through the town.

By evening, the party shifts to Forgeby’s Anchor Pub, where the team joins a barbecue thrown by the fans' club. Firepits glow, kids in Bransay kits run around, and I’m pulled into photos with families who've supported us through thick and thin. One old timer, Bill from the Harbour, slaps me on the back: "Callum, you’ve put Bransay on the map. League Two next - then the Premier League!" We laugh, but there’s a spark of belief.

It's wild - chants, beer flowing like the tide, and stories of past glories blending with dreams of Anfield and beyond. I get roped into a beer pong tournament with the lads, losing spectacularly to Qualter and Phiri, who celebrate like they've won the World Cup.

The night blurs into dancing, fireworks over the harbour, and hugs from fans who treat me like family. This is what promotion means - not just League Two, but uniting an island. As the sun rises on Sunday, hungover but happy, I know we've earned this.

The celebrations will fade, but the memories - and our place in the Football League - will last forever. Bransay Athletic, from the 18th tier to League Two. We've done it.

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And there it is. The EFL beckons. A tremendous journey has been completed, and now another one awaits. The first challenge will undoubtedly be to retain EFL status for more than one season, and then the building blocks can be stacked upon one another.

The FA Cup run, and in particular the trip to Anfield, will have certainly helped add funds to the war chest. These will be needed as you’re now stepping into the lion’s den. There won’t be any forgiveness shown by other teams - each game will be a fight for the club’s future.

I’ll be intrigued to see how you build a squad for the next season. The change to EFL will mean only professional contracts for your players, and the league’s salary cap will also add a new restriction to your thinking. You might just have to be absolutely brutal with your squad management as there will be no room for sentiment when it comes to holding on to existing players, if they’re not good enough.

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It’s been a whirlwind February and March us and I’m still pinching myself that we’ve clinched the National League title with 100 points from 43 games, securing promotion to League Two for the first time in our history.

These two months saw us play 11 matches, winning 9 and losing 2, including a 2-0 title-sealing victory over Chorley on 22 March and a 5-1 thrashing of Newport County. Our FA Trophy run ended in the quarter-finals, losing on penalties to Chorley after a 2-2 draw, but our league form - 110 goals, the division’s most - kept us twelve points clear at the top.

On 2 February, we kicked off with a 3-0 win at Silchester Stadium. Craig Edwards opened in the 3rd minute, slotting in Richard Phillips’ through ball. Matt Hallahan made it 2-0 in the 45+2 minute, heading in George Parker’s cross. David Yates’ 77th-minute own goal, deflecting a Qualter shot, sealed it.

On 5 February, we won 2-1 against Bugbrooke St. Michaels at home. Ethon Carey scored in the 21st minute, tapping in Qualter’s pass. Qualter doubled the lead in the 36th minute, heading in Tendai Phiri’s cross. Conley Doolan pulled one back in the 61st minute, slotting in Richie King’s pass.

On 9 February, we won 3-1 at Welling United in the FA Trophy Fifth Round. Qualter scored in the 54th minute, heading in Paul Evans’ cross. Evans made it 2-0 in the 69th minute, tapping in Giuseppe Collie’s pass. Marcel Bartkowski replied in the 71st minute, slotting in Rob Mansell’s pass, but Dominic Butler sealed it in the 82nd minute, heading in Hallahan’s cross.

On 16 February, we won 3-2 at Torquay United’s Plainmoor. Kyle Comerford scored a 7th-minute penalty, drilling it low. Anthony McCabe equalised in the 17th minute, slotting in Parker’s pass. Evans put us ahead in the 49th minute, heading in Hussain Khan’s cross. Carsten Høi made it 3-1 in the 57th minute, curling a 20-yard shot. Logan Watts pulled one back in the 61st minute, tapping in Kegan Lillis’ pass.

On 23 February, we won 3-2 against Oldham Athletic at home. Hallahan scored in the 6th minute, tapping in a loose ball. Edwards made it 2-0 in the 21st minute, heading in Qualter’s cross. Hallahan scored again in the 32nd minute, slotting in Edwards’ pass. Nicklas Berg Sjørslev pulled one back in the 47th minute, heading in Des Loughrey’s pass, and scored again in the 50th minute from Loughrey’s assist.

On 2 March, we thrashed Boreham Wood 4-1 at home. Troy Finn scored in the 22nd minute, slotting in Kieran Arlott-John’s pass. Hallahan equalised with a 27th-minute penalty, rifling it into the top right corner after a foul on Mimnaugh. Phiri put us ahead in the 82nd minute, tapping in Edwards’ pass, and scored again in the 91st minute, heading in Edwards’ cross. Mimnaugh sealed it in the 94th minute, slotting in Edwards’ through ball.

On 9 March, we lost on penalties to Chorley in the FA Trophy Quarter-Final after a 2-2 draw. Olly Holmes scored in the 49th minute, heading in Marlon Arnott’s pass. Edwards equalised in the 65th minute, slotting in Phillips’ pass. Ollie Rose restored Chorley’s lead in the 66th minute, tapping in Ellis Clark’s pass. Edwards leveled in the 83rd minute, heading in Qualter’s cross, but we fell short in the shootout.

On 16 March, we crushed Newport County 5-1 at home. Mimnaugh opened in the 3rd minute, heading in Robbie Joseph’s cross. Thomas Wickenden made it 2-0 in the 11th minute, curling a 15-yard shot. Mimnaugh scored again in the 51st minute, tapping in Edwards’ pass. Qualter added a fourth in the 54th minute, heading in Edwards’ cross, and scored again in the 82nd minute, slotting in Hallahan’s pass. Özcan Yılmaz scored a late penalty for Newport in the 87th minute.

On 22 March, we sealed the title with a 2-0 win at Chorley’s Victory Park. Hallahan scored in the 35th minute, heading in Mimnaugh’s cross. Mimnaugh made it 2-0 in the 57th minute, heading in Hallahan’s cross.

On 30 March, we lost 1-0 at Boston United’s Jakemans Community Stadium, with Burhan Öztürk scoring in the 66th minute, slotting in Shane O’Connell’s pass.

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We’ve won the title with 100 points from 43 games, with three games left. Worthing (88 points), Horley AFC (85 points), and Doncaster Rovers (81 points) have secured play-off spots. Chorley (77 points), Oldham Athletic (76 points), and Solihull Moors (71 points) complete the play-off positions.

Walsall and Boston United (68 points each), Boreham Wood and Welling United (65 points each), Herne Bay (62 points), Bugbrooke St. Michaels (61 points), Stevenage (57 points), Colchester United (53 points), Forest Green Rovers (49 points), Crawley Town and Newport County (47 points each), Rochdale (40 points), and Harrogate Town (38 points) follow.

In the relegation zone, Gloucester City (38 points), Boldmere St. Michaels (36 points), Torquay United (35 points), and Silchester (29 points) face the drop.

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Justice: This season has blown my expectations out of the water, I think it was the start of the season that grew morale and spread belief that we could really do this. We also needed promotion for the financial benefits as the wages along with our youth setup are really beginning to be a drain on our accounts. You're right about needing to be ruthless but obviously we need to build a squad wisely operating under the financial restrictions EFL football brings.

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I’m still riding the high of our National League title win in March, and April and May have been the perfect cap to a historic season. We played three league matches, winning all three to finish with 109 points from 46 games, a 17-point gap over second-placed Horley AFC.

Our 4-1 thrashing of Herne Bay, 2-1 victory at Walsall, and 4-2 win over Stevenage showcased our relentless sysem, which delivered 120 league goals, the division’s most. With Anthony McCabe stepping in alongside Rudi Qualter (13 goals), Bryan Mimnaugh (18 goals), Matt Hallahan (21 goals, 13 assists), and Craig Edwards (12 goals, 19 assists), we’ve secured promotion to League Two - the first time Bransay has reached the Football League in our history.

On 12 April, we demolished Herne Bay 4-1 at Forge Road. Matt Hallahan opened the scoring in the 7th minute, heading in a pinpoint cross from Bryan Mimnaugh after a swift counter-attack. Jake Barton equalised for Herne Bay in the 10th minute, slotting in a low pass from Wade Hockin. Hallahan restored our lead in the 36th minute, tapping in Robbie Joseph’s driven cross from the left. Just before halftime, in the 44th minute, Hallahan completed his hat-trick, curling a 15-yard shot into the top corner off George Parker’s through ball. Mimnaugh sealed the win in the 68th minute, heading in Paul Evans’ lofted pass to send our fans into a frenzy.

On 15 April, we edged Walsall 2-1 at Bescot Stadium. Tyler Ramsbottom gave Walsall a 14th-minute lead, drilling a penalty into the bottom right corner after a foul by Danny Gayle. Giuseppe Collie equalised in the 37th minute, heading in Parker’s whipped cross from a set-piece. Parker then won it in the 40th minute, slotting in a low pass from Ben Casey to keep our momentum rolling.

On 19 April, we beat Stevenage 4-2 at home in a thriller. Rudi Qualter opened in the 27th minute, heading in Richard Phillips’ cross. Damien Hutchinson leveled for Stevenage in the 33rd minute, tapping in Chris Chambers’ pass. Qualter struck again in the 34th minute, slotting in Craig Edwards’ through ball. Mimnaugh extended our lead in the 64th minute, heading in Edwards’ pinpoint cross. Evans made it 4-1 in the 74th minute, tapping in Hallahan’s low pass. Hutchinson pulled one back in the 92nd minute, heading in Danny Burton’s cross, but it was too late.

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We finished with 109 points from 46 games, 17 points clear of Horley AFC (92 points) in their debut National League season. Worthing (92 points) took third, followed by Doncaster Rovers (88 points), who won the play-offs with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Horley in the final. Oldham Athletic (82 points), Chorley (80 points), and Solihull Moors (77 points) completed the play-off spots.

Boston United (75 points), Welling United (71 points), Boreham Wood and Herne Bay (68 points each), Walsall (68 points), Bugbrooke St. Michaels (67 points), Stevenage (60 points), Forest Green Rovers and Colchester United (55 points each), Crawley Town (51 points), Newport County (49 points), Rochdale (43 points), and Gloucester City (42 points) followed.

Relegated were Harrogate Town (39 points), Torquay United (38 points), Boldmere St. Michaels (36 points), and Silchester (33 points).

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Jurgen Miftari was a rock in goal, conceding just 48 goals in 43 games - the second-lowest among keepers with over 30 appearances - and keeping 10 clean sheets. TJ Oxbrow was solid in his three games, earning a Man of the Match award.

At right-back, Giuseppe Collie excelled with 37 appearances, 2 goals, and 4 assists, stepping up from the National League North. Thomas Wickenden added 1 goal and 4 assists in 26 games. Robbie Joseph, back from his 2038 departure, was immense at left-back, scoring 2 goals and providing 8 assists in 35 games. Ben Casey’s 4 assists in 38 games, 18 as a substitute, gave us depth. Danny Gayle (39 appearances), Hussain Khan, Stewart Sutherland, and Carsten Høi formed a robust central defence, with Høi shining in substitute roles.

Craig Edwards, our Player of the Year, dominated with 12 goals and 19 assists in 35 games, leaving an incredible legacy of 21 goals and 43 assists in 77 appearances before his likely permanent move to Plymouth. Matt Hallahan was a revelation at left midfield, scoring 21 goals and adding 13 assists in 35 games; we’re working hard to secure his contract for League Two. Tendai Phiri, his backup, chipped in with 6 goals and 4 assists in 17 games. George Parker ruled central midfield with 6 goals and 9 assists in 37 games, supported by Richard Phillips, Ethon Carey, and the experienced Dominic Butler.

Up top, Rudi Qualter’s 13 goals in 34 games and Bryan Mimnaugh’s 18 goals and 6 assists in 34 games carried us after Farias’ 16 goals in 25 games. Paul Evans (8 goals, 4 assists in 25 games, mostly as a substitute) and Anthony McCabe (2 goals in 11 games) provided vital depth.

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Bransay Athletic can today confirm the departure of centre-back Stewart Sutherland to Scottish Championship side Aberdeen for a club-record fee of £185,000.

The 25-year-old defender, who joined us on a free transfer from Alloa Athletic in the summer of 2040 leaves after an outstanding season that helped solidify our defence and contributed to one of the most memorable campaigns in our history.

Sutherland arrived at Forge Road as part of a major squad rebuild ahead of our first season in the National League, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his 173 league appearances for Alloa in the Scottish Championship.

From the outset, Sutherland proved to be a rock at the heart of our backline, slotting seamlessly into a defence that conceded just 51 goals in 46 league games - the third-lowest tally in the division. His 36 league outings were marked by consistent performances, aerial dominance, and leadership that helped us achieve a title win with 109 points.

The transfer to Aberdeen, where he’ll link up with manager Chris Davidson in the Scottish Championship, comes after Sutherland expressed a desire to test himself in a new challenge closer to his Scottish roots.

"Stewart has been a fantastic servant to Bransay in his time here," I said as manager Callum Baird. "His 36 appearances were crucial to our solid defensive record last season, and he helped us defy the odds to finish 1st. We’re grateful for his contributions and wish him every success at Aberdeen. He leaves with our best wishes and the knowledge that he’s played a big part in our history."

Sutherland echoed the sentiment: "Bransay gave me a platform to showcase my abilities in the English game, and I’ll always cherish the memories from Forge Road. The fans were incredible, and I’m proud of what we achieved together. Aberdeen is a new chapter, but I’ll be following Bransay’s progress closely."

As we bid farewell to Stewart, we look forward to the summer transfer window, where we'll aim to bring in fresh talent to build on our foundation.

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