Bransay Athletic: Land of the Giants

A steady start. Six point buffer to the drop zone with a sizeable goal difference advantage is a really good showing for a maiden appearance in the EFL. Another colossal FA Cup tie will boost finances, particularly if you can force a replay. Looking at some of the names around you in the league table, I suspect you’d be very happy with a mid table position if you could finish the season in your current place.

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Manchester City dashed Bransay Athletic’s FA Cup hopes with a hard-fought 3-1 win at Forge Road on Tuesday night, advancing to the Fourth Round where they will face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

In front of a record-breaking 9,500 fans – including 3,000 travelling City supporters – the Premier League giants overcame a spirited challenge from the League Two side, who briefly levelled the score in a pulsating Third Round tie.

Bransay, sitting 11th in League Two and winless in their last eight league matches, welcomed Stuart Parkin’s Manchester City, currently 8th in the Premier League, for a historic first meeting between the two clubs. The match, rescheduled from 7 January due to City’s EFL Cup commitments, saw the visitors navigate a raucous Forge Road atmosphere and a heavy pitch to secure their place in the next round.

City struck first in the 15th minute through veteran centre-back Alex Mauchlen. The 34-year-old rose highest to meet Abdoulaye Huyghe’s whipped free-kick, powering a header past Bransay goalkeeper Jurgen Miftari into the top right corner. The 3,000 City fans, packed into the stands, erupted, their chants cutting through the chilly North Sea air.

Bransay, undeterred, fought back valiantly. In the 59th minute, Rich Marshall equalised for the hosts, latching onto Macsen Broadley’s pinpoint cross from the left and volleying it into the bottom corner to send the Forge Road faithful into a frenzy. The goal marked a high point in Bransay’s fairy-tale cup run, which had seen them dispatch Barnsley 3-0 in a First Round replay and edge Northampton Town 2-1 in the Second Round.

However, City’s quality shone through just two minutes later. In the 61st minute, 18-year-old Jorrin Philip restored the visitors’ lead, racing onto Rui Curado’s through ball and slotting a cool finish past Miftari from 12 yards. The Premier League side’s pace and precision proved decisive, and they sealed the victory in the 90th minute when left-back Joaquín Melero converted a penalty after Euan Spracklen fouled Philip in the box, firing low into the bottom left corner.

For Bransay, the defeat marks the end of their cup adventures this season, following a 3-2 loss to Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Trophy Second Round at Gresty Road. Manager Callum Baird, in his 18th year with the club, remained proud despite the result. “We gave a Premier League side a scare,” Baird told BBC Sport. “The lads showed the heart of this island. Rich’s goal had us dreaming, but City’s class told in the end. We’ll take this energy back into the league.”

Manchester City, meanwhile, are juggling multiple fronts. Their FA Cup progression comes amidst a challenging EFL Cup Semi-Final, where they trail West Ham 2-1 after the first leg at London Stadium. Parkin praised his side’s resilience but acknowledged the test posed by Bransay. “Forge Road’s a tough place to come,” he said. “The crowd, the pitch – it’s a proper cup tie. Credit to Bransay, but we’re delighted to be through.”

The record attendance of 9,500 underscored the significance of the occasion for the Isle of Bransay. Fans lined the harbour before the match, waving crimson and grey scarves as ferries brought supporters from the mainland. The Anvil’s Rest pub reported its busiest night in years, with locals and City fans mingling in a rare celebration of footballing unity.

For Bransay, now out of all cup competitions, the focus returns to League Two, where they face a crucial run of fixtures to climb from 11th. Manchester City, meanwhile, prepare for a blockbuster Fourth Round clash with Arsenal, hoping to keep their FA Cup hopes alive while chasing EFL Cup glory.

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Justice: It's a really solid start and we're being relatively consistent. Gutted that it wasn't an away tie and gutted it wasn't to be in terms of a replay or even springing a shock. Onto securing the highest spot we can in the league!

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Bransay Athletic can confirm that midfielder Rory Reid has left the club to join Premier League side Hull City for a transfer fee approaching £200,000.

The 19-year-old, who joined us from the i2i Academy in 2038, made 23 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring a solitary goal.

Reid, who enjoyed a loan spell at Bovingdon last season where he helped secure promotion via the play-offs, had six months remaining on his contract and opted against extending his stay with the Irons.

While we wish Rory well in his future endeavours, the club had explored alternative options that would have better served both parties, including a significantly higher offer from another club with a generous sell-on clause. Nevertheless, Reid has chosen to pursue his career at Hull, and we respect his decision, however it may align with our long-term vision.

To bolster the first-team squad, academy product Mark Rothwell has been promoted to train with the senior side. The young midfielder, a proud product of our Blackstone Way academy, embodies the grit and commitment we value at Bransay. We look forward to seeing Mark seize this opportunity as we continue our League Two campaign.

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I’m piecing together a December and January that’s had us riding the highs and lows of League Two. We’ve played 13 league matches and two cup ties, bagging eight wins, two draws, and five losses. Sitting 11th with 49 points from 32 games, we’re just three points off the play-offs, defying our pre-season odds. The FA Cup Third Round clash with Manchester City was a dream night despite the loss, and young Mark Rothwell’s emergence has given us a spark. Discipline’s still a worry, but the Viking spirit’s burning bright. Here’s how it went down.

We kicked off December with a frustrating 3-2 loss to Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Trophy Second Round at Gresty Road on 3 December. Oisin Davidson struck early in the 3rd minute, volleying in Stephen Hunt’s cross. Ghislain Noah doubled Crewe’s lead in the 39th minute, tapping in Yaw Issah-Quarshie’s low pass. Deuve Grey pulled one back for us in the 80th minute, rifling in Peter Connolly’s through ball, and Craig Matthews equalised in the 82nd minute, heading in Grey’s pinpoint cross. But Hunt’s penalty in the 84th minute, after a clumsy foul by Euan Spracklen, sent us out. I won’t hide my relief – the Trophy’s a distraction from our league fight.

Back in League Two, we roared to a 3-0 win over Dorking Wanderers at Forge Road on 7 December. Bryan Mimnaugh opened the scoring in the 46th minute, curling a 20-yard beauty off Federico Delli Carri’s lay-off. Dion Coverley made it 2-0 in the 59th minute, latching onto Umar Nasiru’s long punt and slotting past the keeper. Macsen Broadley sealed it in the 85th minute, smashing in Rich Marshall’s driven cross.

On 11 December, we faced Hartlepool United at Forge Road, a personal one for me from my youth coaching days there. We won 4-2 in a cracker. Kieron Richards put Hartlepool ahead in the 9th minute, bundling in a loose ball. Coverley equalised in the 15th minute, tapping in Grey’s low cross. Delli Carri gave us the lead in the 44th minute, converting a penalty after a foul on Mimnaugh. Coverley struck again in the 53rd minute, heading in Mimnaugh’s floated cross, before Loui Warre pulled one back for Hartlepool in the 62nd minute off Connor Vaughan’s pass. Grey sealed the win in the 66th minute, curling in from Delli Carri’s through ball.

At Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium on 14 December, we drew 1-1. Phil Liddle missed a penalty for Doncaster in the 34th minute, blazing over. They took the lead in the 59th minute when Emanuel José inadvertently deflected Leighton Earl’s low cross into our net. Coverley equalised in the 63rd minute, nodding in Danny Gayle’s flicked-on corner.

We kept the momentum at Scunthorpe United’s Glanford Park on 18 December, winning 3-2. Mimnaugh opened the scoring in the 10th minute, slotting in Delli Carri’s through ball. Drewe Purton equalised in the 17th minute, heading in Derry John Halls’ cross. Connolly restored our lead in the 37th minute, lashing in Liam Edwards’ cut-back from 15 yards. Scunthorpe’s Eugene Mensah saw red in the 48th minute for a high tackle, but Purton levelled in the 79th minute off Ross Duff’s pass. Hugh Clarvis won it in the 82nd minute, volleying in a loose ball after a goalmouth scramble.

On 21 December, we hosted MK Dons at Forge Road in an 8-goal thriller, drawing 4-4. Ben Scott struck for MK in the 2nd minute, tapping in David Williams’ cross. Matthews equalised in the 17th minute, heading in Marshall’s delivery. Coverley put us ahead in the 42nd minute, rifling in a 20-yard shot. Stephan Hernandez levelled for MK in the 46th minute off Rees Cuggy’s pass and then gave them the lead with a 58th-minute penalty. Matthews equalised again in the 59th minute, slotting in a loose ball. Sam Perrott’s own goal in the 83rd minute put MK ahead, but Matthews completed his hat-trick in the 91st minute, heading in Grey’s cross. Perrott’s straight red in the 94th minute for a reckless challenge left us hanging on. A point, but sloppy defending cost us.

Boxing Day at Blackburn Rovers’ Ewood Park was a 3-2 thriller. Liam Edwards struck in the 12th minute, curling in from 18 yards. Aled Jones equalised for Blackburn in the 13th minute, heading in Andrew Edwards’ cross, and then put them ahead with a 14th-minute penalty. Edwards levelled for us in the 63rd minute, tapping in Lewis Summerfield’s low cross. Coverley won it in the 70th minute, volleying in Connolly’s driven pass. A massive win against the league leaders.

We ended December with a 3-0 home loss to Carlisle United on 29 December. Kris Thorne struck in the 6th minute, slotting in Phil Appleton’s through ball. Fraser Gordon made it 2-0 in the 18th minute, heading in Jake Bridgeman’s cross. Thorne sealed it in the 22nd minute, rifling in Mike Hughes’ cut-back.

New Year’s Day brought a 2-0 win at FC United’s Broadhurst Park on 1 January. Deuve Grey opened the scoring in the 9th minute, racing onto George Parker’s long ball and slotting past the keeper. Mimnaugh sealed it in the 79th minute, heading in Edwards’ pinpoint cross.

On 4 January, we beat Mersham 1-0 at Forge Road, a huge scalp against the third-placed side. Mimnaugh scored the only goal in the 42nd minute, curling in from Marshall’s lay-off after a swift counter.

Shrewsbury Town came to Forge Road on 11 January, and we fell 1-0. Liam Driscoll scored in first-half stoppage time, nodding in Thomas Harding’s looping cross. We couldn’t find a way back, and it hurt to lose at home.

The FA Cup Third Round against Manchester City on 14 January was a night to remember, despite the 3-1 loss. A record 9,500 fans packed Forge Road, including 3,000 City supporters. Alex Mauchlen headed City ahead in the 15th minute off Abdoulaye Huyghe’s free-kick. Rich Marshall equalised in the 59th minute, volleying in Macsen Broadley’s cross to spark pandemonium. But Jorrin Philip restored City’s lead in the 61st minute, slotting in Rui Curado’s through ball, and Joaquín Melero’s 90th-minute penalty after Spracklen’s foul sealed our fate. We went toe-to-toe with a Premier League giant, and I’m proud of the lads.

On 18 January, we won 2-1 at Swindon Town’s County Ground. Liam Edwards opened the scoring in the 41st minute, tapping in Sam Perrott’s low cross. Sixteen-year-old Mark Rothwell, freshly promoted from the academy, scored his first senior goal in the 47th minute, rifling in Perrott’s low cross. Jason Edwards pulled one back for Swindon in the 95th minute off Aaron Smith’s pass, but we held on.

We kept the momentum against Northampton Town at Forge Road on 25 January, winning 3-1 with Rothwell stealing the show. He opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, heading in Danny Gayle’s flicked-on corner. Craig Matthews made it 2-0 in the 34th minute, slotting in Edwards’ through ball. Peter Rabiu pulled one back for Northampton in the 86th minute, tapping in a loose ball, but Rothwell sealed it in the 94th minute, curling in from Paul Hulme’s lay-off. The lad’s a star in the making.

January ended with a 3-2 loss at Queens Park Rangers’ Loftus Road on 29 January. Dafydd Davies struck in the 26th minute, heading in Paul Yeboah’s cross. Hugh Clarvis equalised in the 34th minute, volleying in a loose ball. Yeboah put QPR ahead in the 54th minute, slotting in Davies’ cut-back, and added a penalty in the 67th minute. Clarvis pulled one back in the 90th minute, heading in Spracklen’s long throw, but it wasn’t enough.

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We’re 11th with 49 points from 32 games – 15 wins, 7 draws, 11 losses.

Blackburn (65 points), Macclesfield (62), and Mersham (60) lead the promotion race, with Eastleigh (59), Swansea (54), Mansfield (53), and Grimsby (52) in the play-offs.

We’re three points off Grimsby, with MK Dons (52), Shrewsbury (51), and Bristol Rovers (50) in our sights. QPR’s sacking of David Spooner shows the chaos at 13th.

At the bottom, Swindon (25) and Scunthorpe (23) are in the relegation zone, with Northampton (29) and Stanway (31) fighting to stay up.

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Bransay Athletic ignited their League Two play-off aspirations with a commanding 3-1 victory over Doncaster Rovers at Forge Road on Saturday, propelling the Irons to 6th place with 55 points from 34 games.

With 12 matches remaining, manager Callum Baird’s side are now firmly in the promotion conversation, matching their season-high position achieved after a 3-1 win over MK Dons in October. A raucous crowd of 1,250 roared the team to a performance brimming with spirit as Bryan Mimnaugh’s brace and a late Hugh Clarvis strike secured a vital three points.

The game burst into life in the 28th minute when Bransay took the lead through Mimnaugh. From a free-kick, Emanuel José hooked a clever ball back to Deuve Grey, the initial set-piece taker, who spotted Mimnaugh’s darting run down the right side of the box. Grey’s precise pass found the striker, who took one touch before rifling a shot that clipped the inside of the post and nestled into the net, sending the Forge Road faithful into raptures.

Doncaster, languishing in 20th, hit back in the 33rd minute. Daryl Croft squared a low ball to Jayson Hopkinson, who nipped past Euan Spracklen and slotted a crisp finish beyond Umar Nasiru to equalise.

The visitors’ joy was short-lived, however, as Bransay restored their lead in the second minute of first-half stoppage time. Doncaster goalkeeper Jake Pringle clumsily fouled Liam Edwards in the box, conceding a penalty. Mimnaugh stepped up, coolly sending Pringle the wrong way with a low strike into the bottom left corner for his 15th goal of the season.

The second half saw Bransay control possession, with Federico Delli Carri and Peter Connolly dictating the midfield tempo. Doncaster’s prolific duo of Stefan Adler and Callum Parry were kept quiet by a resolute Danny Gayle and Lewis Summerfield at the back.

The decisive moment came in the 90th minute when Federico Delli Carri threaded a sublime through ball to Hugh Clarvis. The former Swindon striker raced clear, keeping his composure to slot a low finish into the near left corner past Pringle, sealing a 3-1 win and sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.

The victory lifts Bransay to 6th, leapfrogging Mansfield Town and MK Dons, with 55 points – two points clear of 8th-placed Mansfield. Blackburn, Macclesfield and Mersham occupy the automatic promotion spots, while Eastleigh, Swansea, Bransay and MK Dons lead the play-off pack. With 12 games left, including crunch ties against Swansea and Eastleigh, the Irons are dreaming of a play-off push in their debut League Two season.

Post-match, Baird was cautiously optimistic. “The lads showed real quality and heart today,” he told the Bransay Herald. “Bryan’s finishing, Federico’s vision and Hugh’s composure – that’s what we’re about. We’re in the mix now, but there’s a long way to go. The fans were our 12th man – that’s what we need every week.”

Mimnaugh, named man of the match, added: “Scoring at Forge Road with this crowd is something else. We’re not here to make up the numbers – we want that play-off spot now.”

The win caps a remarkable journey for Bransay, who were 9th with 52 points before the game. However, Baird will be wary of disciplinary issues, with three red cards in recent months threatening to derail their momentum.

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I’m sat here reflecting on a February and March that’s kept our League Two play-off dreams alive, but only just. With nine games across these two months, we’ve notched four wins, one draw, and four losses, leaving us 11th with 62 points from 41 games, level with QPR and three points off Mansfield in the final play-off spot. With five games left in April, we’re still in the hunt, but our discipline’s letting us down, and we’re scrapping for every point.

We kicked off February with a 4-1 demolition of Stanway Pegasus at Forge Road on 1 February. Bryan Mimnaugh got us going in the 18th minute, latching onto Steve Crosby’s clever through ball and rifling a shot into the top left corner. A minute later, Dion Coverley doubled our lead, pouncing on a loose ball after a goalmouth scramble and slotting it past the keeper. In the 22nd minute, Mimnaugh converted a penalty after a foul on Deuve Grey, firing it low into the bottom right. Stanway’s Samuel Kayode pulled one back in the 32nd minute, heading in Divine Mukasa’s cross, but our momentum was halted when Peter Connolly saw a straight red in the 77th minute for a reckless challenge. Coverley sealed the win in the 88th minute, tapping in Sam Perrott’s low cross.

On 5 February, we faced Doncaster Rovers at Forge Road and won 3-1, a result that pushed us to 6th. Mimnaugh opened the scoring in the 28th minute, as Emanuel José hooked a free-kick back to Deuve Grey, who fed Mimnaugh for a shot that clipped the post and went in. Jayson Hopkinson equalised for Doncaster in the 33rd minute, slotting in Daryl Croft’s squared pass. In the second minute of first-half stoppage time, Mimnaugh struck again, sending a penalty into the bottom left after Doncaster’s Jake Pringle fouled Liam Edwards. Hugh Clarvis sealed it in the 90th minute, slotting low into the near left corner off Federico Delli Carri’s through ball.

Our momentum stalled on 15 February against Macclesfield at Forge Road, losing 1-0. Ban Coghlan scored the only goal in the 47th minute, volleying in Daniel Andrade’s deep cross. We huffed and puffed but couldn’t break their defence, a reminder of why they’re third.

On 26 February, we travelled to Hartlepool United’s Victoria Park, a ground that always stirs memories from my youth coaching days. We won 2-1. George Parker put us ahead in the 3rd minute, heading in Liam Edwards’ whipped cross. Greg Casey levelled for Hartlepool in the 6th minute, tapping in Connor Vaughan’s low pass. Lewis Summerfield won it in the 52nd minute, smashing in a 20-yard half-volley off Coverley’s lay-off.

March started with a 2-2 draw at Yeovil Town’s Huish Park on 1 March. Mimnaugh struck first in the 27th minute, nodding in Coverley’s pinpoint cross. Tom Edelmann equalised for Yeovil in the 42nd minute, curling in from Rinor Sadriu’s through ball. Coverley put us ahead in the 53rd minute, rifling in Edwards’ cut-back from 12 yards. Kem Vinten levelled in the 79th minute, heading in Ergun Koylu’s looping cross. A point away was decent, but we needed more.

Bristol Rovers hammered us 3-0 at Forge Road on 4 March. Jordon McCombe opened the scoring in the 15th minute, slotting in Craig Simons’ low cross. Simons made it 2-0 in the 38th minute, heading in McCombe’s delivery. Sam Rattle sealed it in the 93rd minute, tapping in Phil King’s pass after a counter.

On 8 March, we lost 3-2 at Eastleigh’s Silverlake Stadium. Mimnaugh gave us an early lead in the 7th minute, curling in from 18 yards off Mark Rothwell’s lay-off. Disaster struck when Paul Hulme saw a straight red in the 29th minute for a high tackle. Marc Davies equalised for Eastleigh in the 31st minute, volleying in Mark Clarino’s cross. Chay Brisley put them ahead in the 39th minute, heading in Luis Hillerby’s delivery. Euan Spracklen levelled for us in the 48th minute, nodding in Mimnaugh’s corner, but Hillerby won it for Eastleigh in the 70th minute, slotting in Brock Barton’s through ball.

Swansea City, now 5th after a mid-season wobble, beat us 2-0 at Forge Road on 15 March. Darryn Edmondson-Whitehorn struck in the 53rd minute, rifling in Niall Adkins’ cut-back. He doubled his tally in the 58th minute, heading in a loose ball after a scramble. We couldn’t respond, and the loss hurt our play-off push.

We ended March with a 2-1 win at Grimsby Town’s Blundell Park on 29 March. Deuve Grey put us ahead in the 65th minute, racing onto Edwards’ through ball and slotting past the keeper. Jack Thompson equalised in the 72nd minute, tapping in Tony Greene’s low cross. Craig Matthews won it in the 85th minute, volleying in Grey’s pinpoint cross from the right.

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We’re 11th with 62 points from 41 games – 14 wins, 8 draws, 19 losses. Blackburn (87 points), Eastleigh (80), and Macclesfield (77) lead the promotion race, with Mersham (76), Swansea (71), MK Dons (68), and Mansfield (65) in the play-offs.

We’re level with QPR (62) and just behind Bristol Rovers (65), FC United (64), and Grimsby (63). The gap to Mansfield is three points – reachable with five games left.

At the bottom, Stanway Pegasus (33) and Scunthorpe (27) are in the relegation zone, with Swindon (37) and Northampton (38) fighting to stay up.

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Likely a top half finish with an outside shot of the playoffs? That’s a position most people would jump at being in if you offered that at the start of the season.

It is evident that you have the fire power to compete for a playoff spot, as shown by the Goals For. The off-season is perhaps a chance to work on the defensive side of things and recruit some able bodies to shore things up a bit more? Not a bad Goals Against record, especially in your maiden season in the league, but that’s possibly what is keeping you from being higher in the league at the moment.

awesome story so far
i woz just wondering what tactic are you using
keep up the great work buddy
many thanx

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Reflecting on an April and May that closed out our debut League Two campaign, five league games brought one win and four losses with a 14th-place finish with 65 points from 46 games. We flirted with the play-offs, peaking at 6th after our Doncaster win, but a tough run-in and persistent discipline issues saw us fall short. Still, for a club tipped for relegation, defying expectations with a mid-table finish feels like a victory.

We kicked off April with a 4-1 thrashing by Mansfield Town at Forge Road on 4 April. Adam McGee opened the scoring in the 16th minute, converting a penalty after Euan Spracklen’s foul. Jenson Charters doubled their lead in the 19th minute, volleying in James McKinney’s whipped cross. Tomos Jones made it 3-0 in the 28th minute, heading in Shane Cretaro’s pinpoint delivery. Mark Rothwell pulled one back for us in the 36th minute, slotting in Liam Edwards’ low cross after a swift counter, but Matty Butler sealed Mansfield’s win in the 62nd minute, tapping in Declan Pentney’s cut-back.

On 7 April, Cheltenham Town nicked a 1-0 win at Forge Road. The game was tight until the 84th minute when Charles Robinson scored a penalty, firing low into the bottom right after Danny Gayle’s clumsy challenge. We pushed for an equaliser, but their defence held firm.

We bounced back on 12 April with a 3-1 win at Northampton Town’s Sixfields. Dion Coverley was the star, opening the scoring in the 33rd minute with a thumping header from Rothwell’s deep cross. He struck again in the 71st minute, rifling in Josh Chapman’s through ball from 12 yards. Coverley completed his hat-trick in the 74th minute, tapping in Deuve Grey’s low cross. Lewis Summerfield’s second yellow in the 80th minute for a late tackle left us with 10 men, and Anthony Phillips-Robinson pulled one back for Northampton in the 95th minute, heading in Peter Rabiu’s cross.

On 23 April, Blackpool hammered us 4-2 at Forge Road. Matthew Furness opened the scoring in the 20th minute, slotting in Hari Lloyd’s cut-back. Rich Marshall equalised in the 40th minute, curling a 20-yard beauty off Federico Delli Carri’s lay-off. Bryan Mimnaugh put us ahead in the 43rd minute, nodding in Rothwell’s pinpoint cross, but Hari Lloyd took over in the second half. He equalised in the 66th minute, heading in Cleo Griffith’s cross, took the lead in the 88th minute with a low drive from Griffith’s pass, and completed his hat-trick in the 95th minute, tapping in Tom Wright’s low cross.

We closed April with a 3-1 loss at Dorking Wanderers’ Meadowbank on 26 April, ending our season on a sour note. Graeme Jones scored a penalty in the 21st minute after Paul Hulme’s foul. Jones doubled their lead in the 34th minute, volleying in Olajide Mbata’s deep cross. Rothwell pulled one back in the 42nd minute, heading in Macsen Broadley’s floated delivery, but Danny Thompson sealed Dorking’s win in the 88th minute, rifling in a 25-yard screamer. A disappointing end to the campaign.

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We finished 14th with 65 points from 46 games – 19 wins, 8 draws, 19 losses.

Blackburn Rovers (96 points) won the title, with Eastleigh (86) and Macclesfield (82) earning automatic promotion to League One.

Mersham (80), MK Dons (78), Mansfield (76), and Swansea (76) made the play-offs, with Mansfield clinching promotion via a 1-0 win over Mersham at Wembley, thanks to Tomos Jones’ 53rd-minute goal.

FC United, Blackpool, and QPR (all 72) just missed out, with Bristol Rovers (71) and Grimsby (71) close behind.

At the bottom, Stanway Pegasus (36) and Scunthorpe (30) were relegated, while Northampton (38) survived.

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Our squad showed real quality. Dion Coverley’s 19 goals in 39 appearances and Bryan Mimnaugh’s 18 in 36 were phenomenal, with their nine combined assists driving our attack.

Deuve Grey (7 goals, 9 assists) and Liam Edwards (7 goals, 10 assists) were electric on the wings, while Federico Delli Carri’s nine assists in 35 games made him a target for bigger clubs – his release clause is a worry. Mark Rothwell’s five goals and three assists in 15 appearances since replacing Rory Reid were a revelation, the 16-year-old proving our Blackstone Way academy’s worth. Peter Connolly (30 appearances) was solid, but our defence struggled.

Paul Hulme (2 goals, 2 assists in 32 games) and Lewis Summerfield (1 goal, 2 assists in 37 games) were steady but lacked attacking output. Euan Spracklen (38 appearances) and Emanuel José (30) held the backline, with José’s future uncertain as we negotiate with Ebbsfleet. Umar Nasiru’s six clean sheets in 37 games edged out Jurgen Miftari’s two in nine, but both kept us in games.

Financially, we’re stretched. We’ll need to rely on this squad or generate fees in the summer. Losing Delli Carri would be a blow, but Rothwell and Coverley give us hope. This season showed we can compete, but consistency and discipline are key for next season’s push.

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Justice: Pretty disappointing end to the season given the position we put ourselves in February and arguably March. We finished 3rd highest scorers but our defensive record equally let us down, I can't complain though as we had to build a completely new defence with the exception of Gayle.
Tazz: I made it a mission to work with Bransay on a purely 4-4-2 basis. I may upload it for download at some point, it's pretty basic - sweeper keeper, full-back supports, ball-playing centre backs, 2 winger attacks, a DLP and a CM attack, front two are a pressing forward and a deep lying forward. We play narrow, direct, high tempo, pass into space, focus depends on the flank with the strongest winger/full backs. We counter. We have a high defensive line, don't play short from the keeper, get stuck in, trap outside and invite crosses as I'm confident in my defenders' ability to head away.

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As we close the chapter on our historic debut season in League Two, finishing a commendable 14th with 65 points, Bransay Athletic can confirm the departure of several players whose contracts have expired, alongside one transfer to League One.

Midfielder George Parker, 26, has left the club at the end of his contract after a six-year spell since joining from Gateshead in 2039. Parker made 107 appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing 15 assists, and was a key figure in our National League title triumph in 2040/41. His tenacity and leadership in midfield will be fondly remembered by the Forge Road faithful.

Ethon Carey, a 28-year-old midfielder, has also departed following the expiration of his contract. Carey, who joined from Halifax Town in 2039, made 65 appearances for the Irons, scoring 16 goals and adding 13 assists. After spending last season on loan at Liskeard Athletic in the National League South, Carey’s versatility and work rate were vital during our National League campaigns.

Striker Rudi Qualter, 21, leaves at the end of his contract after a loan spell at Melbourne Victory in the Australian A-League, where he scored 7 goals in 29 games. Since joining from Burnley in 2039, Qualter was pivotal in our back-to-back National League seasons, netting 34 goals in 71 league outings. His clinical finishing helped lay the foundations for our rise to League Two.

Academy centre-back Charlie Waller, 20, has departed to join National League South side Chessington & Hook United at the end of his contract. Waller, who joined from FC Queensbury in 2040 and spent that season on loan at Wymondham Town, made two substitute appearances in League Two last season. We wish the young defender the best as he continues his career.

Striker Craig Matthews, 29, has left following the end of his one-year contract. Joining from Gillingham last summer, Matthews made 33 League Two appearances (22 as a substitute), scoring 6 goals, including a memorable hat-trick against MK Dons. His experience added depth to our forward line in our debut season.

Centre-back Euan Spracklen, 25, has completed a permanent transfer to League One side Lincoln City for a fee in the region of £25,000. Spracklen, who joined from Cheltenham Town last summer, was a mainstay in our defence, making 38 league appearances. His experience and composure were crucial, and while we’re disappointed to see him go, we’re proud to see another Iron step up to League One.

Striker Bryan Mimnaugh, 21, has departed to join Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian at the end of his contract. Since arriving from Stirling University in 2040, Mimnaugh was a revelation, scoring 18 league goals in each of his two seasons with us, totalling 36 goals and 11 assists in 70 league appearances. Despite a strong effort to extend his stay at Forge Road, Mimnaugh opted for a move to Hearts, who compete in the Europa League this season.

As we look ahead to the 2042/43 season, manager Callum Baird and the club are focused on building a squad to push for the play-offs. The contributions of these players have been integral to our journey from the National League to League Two, and their legacy will live on in the Pride of Bransay.

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Bransay Athletic are delighted to announce the arrival of two centre-backs on loan for the 2042/43 League Two season: Jesse Watts from Swansea City and Tyler Howard from Cheltenham Town.

The duo will add experience and potential to our backline as we aim to build on our 14th-place finish last season and push for the play-offs.

Jesse Watts, a 31-year-old Irish centre-back, joins from Swansea City, where he has made 45 League Two appearances over three seasons since signing from Barnsley in 2040. Watts, who will wear the number 6 shirt, brings a wealth of EFL experience, having previously played 10 League Two games for Barnsley, as well as stints in the National League with Stanway Pegasus, League Two and One with Burton Albion, League Two with Gillingham, and League One with Cambridge United. His leadership and physicality will be vital as we look to tighten up defensively.

Tyler Howard, a 21-year-old English centre-back, arrives from Cheltenham Town, taking the number 21 shirt. A product of the Isthmian Premier’s Barnham Trojans, Howard joined Cheltenham’s youth setup in 2038 and made his League Two debut in the 2039/40 season, featuring in eight games. He has spent the last two seasons on loan in the National League South, making 41 appearances for Bath City last term and 41 for Billericay Town the season before. Howard’s pace and ball-playing ability mark him as a promising talent ready to make an impact at Forge Road.

Manager Callum Baird expressed his enthusiasm for the signings: “Jesse brings a seasoned head to our defence, with bags of experience at this level and above. Tyler’s a young, hungry player who’s shown he can handle regular football. Both will strengthen us as we chase our ambitions this season.”

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Bransay Athletic can confirm the permanent departures of goalkeeper Jurgen Miftari and winger Steve Crosby, alongside season-long loan moves for youth players Jack Heal and Mark Reynolds, as we finalise our squad for the 2042/43 League Two campaign.

Jurgen Miftari, a 23-year-old Albanian goalkeeper, has joined Kategoria Superiore side Vllaznia for a fee in the region of £50,000. Miftari was a cornerstone of our National League title-winning season in 2040/41, making 43 appearances, conceding just 48 goals, and keeping 10 clean sheets. Last season in League Two, he featured in 12 games, conceding 19 goals with 2 clean sheets. His presence between the sticks will be missed, and we wish him success back in Albania.

Steve Crosby, a 23-year-old winger, has signed for League One side and EFL Trophy holders Wigan Athletic for a fee around £25,000. Crosby, who joined us from Brentford last summer, made 24 appearances in our debut League Two season, contributing one assist. His pace and work rate were valued, and we wish him the best as he steps up to League One.

Additionally, youth prospects Jack Heal and Mark Reynolds have secured season-long loan moves to gain first-team experience. Winger Heal joins Southwell City, while Reynolds heads to St. Johnstone. Both players are products of our Blackstone Way academy, and we look forward to tracking their progress.

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Bransay Athletic are thrilled to announce the season-long loan signing of 18-year-old striker Liam Doyle from Bristol Rovers.

The 6'2" forward, who will wear the number 9 shirt, bolsters our attacking options as we gear up for the 2042/43 League Two campaign.

Doyle made his professional debut for Bristol Rovers last season against Blackpool in League Two, going on to feature in eight league appearances and providing two assists. Known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and knack for linking play, the young striker is a highly rated prospect in the EFL. His arrival adds depth to our forward line following the departures of Bryan Mimnaugh, Craig Matthews, and Rudi Qualter this summer.

Manager Callum Baird expressed his delight at the signing: “Liam’s a proper handful up top – tall, strong, and with a real eye for goal. His experience at this level, despite his age, makes him a great fit for us. We’re excited to see him pull on the crimson and grey and bring some fire to Forge Road.”

Doyle joins recent loan signings Jesse Watts and Tyler Howard as part of Baird’s squad rebuild. With the season fast approaching, the Forge Road faithful can look forward to seeing Doyle in action as we aim to build on last season’s 14th-place finish. Welcome to Bransay, Liam! Up the Irons!

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Aston Villa have completed the signing of 19-year-old Ecuadorian striker Juan Paredes from League Two side Bransay Athletic for a club-record £600,000.

The talented forward, who has penned a contract until June 2046 with an option for an additional year, reportedly worth £5,000 per week, will return to Bransay on loan for the 2042/43 season with Villa covering his wages.

Paredes, who joined Bransay from Deportivo Quito where he scored 10 goals and provided 10 assists in 44 games, was unable to secure a UK work permit last season. He spent the campaign on loan at Belgian Third Division side Royal Antwerp, where he netted an impressive 14 league goals in 28 appearances, firing them to the title. His performances caught the eye of Villa, who have secured his signature with a deal that includes a generous undisclosed sell-on clause for Bransay.

The transfer marks a significant milestone for Bransay, surpassing their previous record sale of £200,000 for Rory Reid to Hull City. Manager Callum Baird praised the move: “Juan’s a special talent, and while we’re gutted to lose him, this deal shows how far Bransay have come. Having him back on loan is a massive boost for our season.”

Paredes, known for his pace and clinical finishing, will aim to make an impact at Forge Road before joining Villa’s Premier League squad next season. The Villans see the young striker as a long-term investment for their attacking line.

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