Bransay Athletic: Land of the Giants

---

The 2024/25 North East Combination Football League (NCFL) Division Two season is set to kick off and Bransay Athletic are the team to beat following their promotion from the North Northumberland League last season. With 14 games this term - each team playing each other twice - the race for promotion is on. The top two teams will secure promotion to NCFL Division One (or the top two eligible teams above Bedlington United Under 21s, who are ineligible for promotion), while the bottom side will be relegated to the North Northumberland League, as North East Sporting Club Reserves were last season with 9 points from 9 draws.

---

---

Bransay Athletic (Forge Road, Manager: Callum Baird, Odds: 1/91)
After clinching the North Northumberland League title with 40 points, Bransay are 1/91 favourites to win NCFL Division Two. Manager Callum Baird has strengthened the squad with key signings: 34-year-old striker Amar Purewal joins from Hebburn, bringing 55 goals in 86 games from his Darlington days; centre-backs Mark Turnbull (36, ex-Jarrow) and Dale Mulligan (34, ex-Stockton Town) add defensive steel; and young talents like 18-year-old left-back Christian Lynn (ex-Hartlepool United academy) and 17-year-old winger Kingston Butler (ex-Spennymoor Town) inject promise.

Veterans such as 35-year-old striker David Brown, with a 20-year career including stints at Leeds United and Bradford City and 27-year-old midfielder Eddie Rogerson from Bridlington Town deepen the squad. However, the retirement of 53-year-old Chris Swailes, now Assistant Manager at Pontefract Collieries and goalkeeper Chay Peel’s move to Wynyard Village are notable losses. Bransay open their campaign against Walkergate Under 21s at Forge Road and close the season with a trip to Bedlington United Under 21s at Westlea Park.

---

Ovingham (Ovingham Playing Field, Manager: Jamie Anthony, Odds: 25/1)
Ovingham, second favourites at 25/1, are led by Jamie Anthony, who took over after Paul Golby’s sacking last season. They finished mid-table last term but will aim to challenge for a top-two spot at their compact Ovingham Playing Field.

---

Cramlington Blue Star (Action Park, Manager: Andrew Clarke, Odds: 33/1)
Managed by Andrew Clarke since June 2024, Cramlington Blue Star have a 26% win rate under his tenure. At 33/1, they’re a dark horse, playing at Action Park. They’ll look to build on last season’s mid-table finish after stepping up as the first team following their senior side’s dissolution.

---

Gosforth Bohemians Under 21s (Benson Park, Manager: George Duffy, Odds: 50/1)
Relegated from NCFL Division One with 17 points, Gosforth Bohemians Under 21s, managed by George Duffy, face a rebuilding season. At 50/1, they’ll hope their young squad can adapt quickly at Benson Park to avoid the drop.

---

Waldridge Park Reserves (Riverside, Odds: 50/1)
Also at 50/1, Waldridge Park Reserves play at the Riverside. They’ve lost Giorgos Dimosthenous to their Premier League side, which could see him face Bransay if he drops to the reserves, but they’ll aim to improve on last season’s inconsistent form to secure a top-two finish.

---

Stobswood Welfare Reserves (Stobswood Welfare Recreation Club, Manager: Alan Duff, Odds: 50/1)
Relegated with 15 points from Division One, Stobswood Welfare Reserves, managed by Alan Duff, are another 50/1 shot. Playing at Stobswood Welfare Recreation Club, they’ll need to regroup to avoid relegation to the North Northumberland League.

---

Walkergate Under 21s (Fossway Recreation Ground, Manager: Lee Paul, Odds: 50/1)
Walkergate Under 21s, with new manager Lee Paul, are 50/1 outsiders at Fossway Recreation Ground. They’ll face Bransay on opening day and will aim to defy the odds after a mid-table finish last season, focusing on youth development.

---

Bedlington United Under 21s (Westlea Park, Manager: Lennie Dunkin, Odds: N/A)
Managed by new hire Lennie Dunkin, Bedlington United Under 21s finished 2nd last season with 21 points but couldn’t be promoted due to their senior team’s position in Division One. At Westlea Park, they’re ineligible for promotion again, making their odds N/A. They’ll host Bransay on the final day of the season.

---

Last Season Recap
Killingworth Reserves won the NCFL Division Two title last season with 26 points, earning promotion alongside Newcastle Westgate, who also had 21 points but took the second spot due to Bedlington’s ineligibility. Bransay, the only team promoted into the league this season, dominated the North Northumberland League, finishing with 40 points.

---

The Outlook
With a strengthened squad and Baird’s proven leadership, Bransay are rightly favourites to secure one of the two promotion spots, but Ovingham and Cramlington Blue Star could challenge. The relegated sides - Gosforth Bohemians Under 21s and Stobswood Welfare Reserves - face challenges to avoid the single relegation spot, while Bedlington United Under 21s will play for pride. Bransay’s season begins with a home clash against Walkergate Under 21s and ends with a trip to Bedlington United Under 21s, where they’ll hope to be celebrating back-to-back promotions to NCFL Division One.

---

---

Callum Baird sat in his office at the Bransay council, sipping a coffee while reviewing paperwork. At 28 years old, he had been juggling his day job with managing Bransay Athletic, who were riding high in second place in the NCFL Division Two, nearing the season’s midpoint. Under his leadership, Bransay were on an upward trajectory, having won the North Northumberland League title last season and now eyeing back-to-back promotions to NCFL Division One. His phone buzzed, interrupting his thoughts - an unknown number with an Oxfordshire area code.

“Callum Baird speaking,” he answered, his tone professional but curious.

“Callum, hello! This is Aaron Meredith, chairman of Kidlington Football Club,” came a polished voice from the other end. “I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.”

Kidlington Football Club. The name didn’t immediately ring a bell for Callum, but he knew enough about the English football pyramid to recognise they must be higher up than Bransay’s 17th tier. He leaned back in his chair, intrigued. “No, not at all, Aaron. How can I help you?”

Meredith launched into his pitch. “I’ve been following your work at Bransay - winning the North Northumberland League last season and now you’ve got your side second in NCFL Division Two. It’s impressive, especially for a club at your level. We’re based at Yarnton Road in the Cherwell area of Oxford, just a 15-minute drive from Oxford University. I’m sure you’ve heard of us - we’re in the Hellenic Premier Football League, the County Leagues. But I’ll be honest, we’re struggling. We’re 19th after 11 games, with just one win and two draws. We were relegated from the Southern League Division One Central last season and, well, we’ve had a rough go of it.”

Callum listened intently; his curiosity piqued. He opened his laptop and quickly googled Kidlington Football Club while Meredith continued. The search results painted a grim picture: Kidlington had sacked two managers last season - Mark Massingham and Mark Pulling - after finishing 18th out of 19, 12 points adrift of safety. This season, they’d just sacked Lei Brown, with fan pressure cited as a key factor and Robbie Stephenson was now caretaker manager. They were in the first of two relegation spots, staring down the barrel of back-to-back relegations.

Meredith’s voice carried a mix of urgency and hope. “We need someone to turn things around, Callum. Your track record shows you can build something special. I’d like to invite you to interview for our manager’s role. We think you could be the one to save us from this spiral.”

Callum scrolled through the search results, his brow furrowing. Kidlington’s location in Oxfordshire didn’t appeal to him - he’d always felt at home in Bransay, a tight-knit community where he knew almost every fan by name. The distance, while not insurmountable, felt like a world. More concerning was Kidlington’s instability. Three managers sacked in just over a year, with Brown’s dismissal driven by fan pressure, signalled a club in disarray. Bransay, by contrast, were thriving under his steady hand, poised for another promotion. Kidlington looked like a death spiral, while Bransay were on the rise.

He cleared his throat, choosing his words carefully. “Aaron, I’m flattered by the interest, truly. It’s an honour to be considered for a club at your level - nine divisions above us is no small thing. But after looking into Kidlington a bit while we’ve been talking, I must be honest. I’m not sure it’s the right move for me. I’m settled here at Bransay and we’re building something special. I don’t feel comfortable with how many managers you’ve gone through recently - three in the time I have been here. And frankly, I don’t see myself leaving Bransay for Oxford. I appreciate the offer, but I’ll have to politely decline.”

There was a brief silence on the other end before Meredith responded with disappointment but understanding. “I respect your decision, Callum. It’s clear you’re committed to Bransay and I can’t fault you for that. If you ever change your mind, you know where to find us. Best of luck this season.”

“Thanks, Aaron. I wish you the best in turning things around,” Callum replied before hanging up.

He leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. The call had been a reminder of how far he’d brought Bransay at such a young age, but also of the risks of jumping ship to a club in turmoil. For now, his focus remained on Forge Road, where his team and his community were counting on him to lead them to another promotion. Kidlington would have to look elsewhere for their saviour.

---

---

Bransay Athletic have made an addition to their squad ahead of their seventh game of the NCFL Division Two season, signing 23-year-old goalkeeper Clint McAtee from Crosshills in Sutton-in-Craven.

McAtee joins from the division above, bringing valuable experience to a Bransay side that currently sits top of the league following a commanding 5-1 victory over Waldridge Park Reserves in their last outing.

The signing comes at a pivotal moment for Bransay, who are at the midpoint of their 14-game season and firmly in the hunt for back-to-back promotions after winning the North Northumberland League title last season. McAtee’s arrival fills the void left by the departure of Chay Peel to Wynyard Village earlier this year, providing manager Callum Baird with a young, talented goalkeeper eager to make his mark.

McAtee, who has spent the past two seasons with Crosshills in the Craven & District League Division Two, was a regular starter for the North Yorkshire side, known for his sharp reflexes and commanding presence in the box. Despite his youth, the 23-year-old has already earned a reputation as a reliable shot-stopper and his experience at a higher level is expected to strengthen Bransay’s defensive line as they push for promotion to NCFL Division One.

Manager Callum Baird expressed his delight at securing McAtee’s signature, highlighting the goalkeeper’s potential to play a key role in the second half of the season. “Clint is a fantastic addition to the squad,” Baird said. “He’s young, ambitious and has already proven himself in the division above. After losing Chay, we needed someone who could step in and compete at this level and Clint fits the bill perfectly. I’m excited to see him in action.”

Bransay’s recent form has been impressive, with their 5-1 thrashing of Waldridge Park Reserves showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. The victory ensured they head into their seventh game - marking the midpoint of the season - at the top of the NCFL Division Two table, firmly in contention for one of the two promotion spots available to the top two teams.

McAtee could be in line for a debut in Bransay’s upcoming match against Bedlington United Under 21s, as they look to maintain their lead at the top and continue their push for promotion.

With the team firing on all cylinders and new signings like Amar Purewal, Mark Turnbull and now Clint McAtee adding depth, the Bransay faithful have every reason to be optimistic about the second half of the campaign.

---

---

---

We kicked off the 2024/25 season with a strong preseason, facing Cramlington Town, Bedlington, Seaton Carew, Garstang Reserves and Shotton Colliery, winning four out of five matches and averaging four goals per game. Our only loss came against Bedlington, setting a positive tone for the NCFL Division Two campaign.

Our season opener on 1st September was a disappointing 1-0 loss to Walkergate Under 21s at Fossway Recreation Ground. Cal Wintersgill scored the decisive goal in the 67th minute, heading in after Adam Hancock nodded a Ronnie McKenzie cross back across goal.

We responded the following Sunday with a 2-0 win over Gosforth Bohemians Under 21s at Benson Park. Amar Purewal set up Flynn McNaughton in the 10th minute, feeding him on the edge of the box for a top-corner finish past MacAuley McMaster. McNaughton returned the favour in the 61st minute, curling a left-footed pass for Purewal to fire in off the post after a move involving Eddie Rogerson.

Our first home game at Forge Road on 21st September ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Cramlington Blue Star. Benito Dagger’s own goal in the 39th minute from a Christian Lynn cross gave us the lead. Kev Chopra equalised for Cramlington in the 48th minute but Oliver Walters restored our lead in the 52nd minute after Ewan Forster’s driving run. Walters scored again in the 59th minute, heading in a Moshe Haliva cross, but Chopra assisted Brett Goulding in the 64th minute and then scored a 20-yard free-kick in the 71st minute to make it 3-3.

On 28th September, we secured a 5-2 win over Ovingham at Forge Road. Ewan Forster opened the scoring in the 16th minute after a McNaughton shot was saved onto the post by Tyler Davies, leaving an open goal. Joe Kinnear equalised for Ovingham in the 29th minute, but Marcel Byrne made it 2-1 in the 33rd minute, meeting a Kingston Butler cross. Forster scored again in the 40th minute, heading in a McNaughton cross, before Dominik Schubert pulled one back for Ovingham in the 61st minute. Byrne netted his second in the 77th minute after a defensive error by Daniel Small and Amar Purewal sealed the win with a 25-yard free-kick in the 85th minute.

On 12th October, we edged Stobswood Welfare Reserves 3-2 at their ground with a last-gasp winner. Liam Lightfoot scored in the 5th minute from a Kingston Butler volley off a Christian Lynn corner. Jody Murray equalised for Stobswood in the 9th minute but Ewan Forster put us ahead in the 20th minute after a move involving Butler and Byrne. Murray levelled for Stobswood in the 82nd minute but Marcel Byrne headed in a 95th-minute winner from an Amar Purewal half-volley cross, set up by Lightfoot and Haliva.

We returned on 2nd November with a 5-1 thrashing of Waldridge Park Reserves at Forge Road which sent us top. Marcel Byrne scored in the 14th minute after a Christian Lynn cross deflected to him. Kingston Butler made it 2-0 in the 17th minute, heading in a Byrne cross. Shota Hiramatsu pulled one back for Waldridge in the 39th minute but Michael Butterfield restored our two-goal lead in the 43rd minute from a Lynn corner. Ewan Forster made it 4-1 in the 80th minute, exploiting poor goalkeeping by Jordan Doddy-Veart and Byrne completed the rout in the 90th minute after a Lightfoot pass beat the offside trap.

In our seventh game on 24th November, we won 2-0 against Bedlington United Under 21s at Westlea Park. Liam Lightfoot headed in a McNaughton cross in the 20th minute from a Lynn corner and Ewan Forster made it 2-0 in the 25th minute, slamming a Mark Turnbull pass into the roof of the net after a move involving Lynn, Haliva and Lightfoot.

---

At the halfway point in November, we sit top of NCFL Division Two with 16 points from five wins, one draw and one loss.

Stobswood Welfare Reserves are 2nd with 15 points, followed by Cramlington Blue Star on 13 points and Gosforth Bohemians Under 21s on 12.

Waldridge Park Reserves sit 5th with 9 points, Bedlington United Under 21s have 7 points, Ovingham struggle with 5 points and Walkergate Under 21s are in the relegation spot with 4 points, their only win coming against us on opening day. With seven games left, we’re well-placed for promotion.

---

---

The Isle of Bransay, home to 85,000 residents off the North East coast is in uproar following the UK government’s announcement of the Coastal Sustainability Act, a new policy that drastically cuts fishing quotas for small communities while favouring industrial fleets.

Unveiled yesterday by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the policy has sparked immediate backlash, with locals accusing Westminster of neglecting their livelihoods in favour of larger, more politically influential regions.

Under the Coastal Sustainability Act, Bransay’s fishing quota - vital to the island’s economy - has been slashed by 60%, effective immediately. DEFRA claims the policy will “ensure long-term sustainability of UK fisheries” by reducing overfishing, but the redistribution heavily favours industrial fishing fleets in major ports like Grimsby and Hull, which have been granted increased quotas to “balance economic output.” For Bransay, where 40% of the economy relies on small-scale fishing, the cuts threaten to devastate an industry that supports not only fishermen, but also local markets, restaurants and tourism tied to the island’s fishing heritage.

The announcement has ignited protests on Bransay. Last night, over 500 residents gathered at a pub in the heart of the island’s main town, spilling out onto the streets as they voiced their anger. “This isn’t about sustainability - it’s about control,” said Tommy Halvorsen, a 52-year-old fisherman whose family has fished Bransay waters for generations. “Those industrial trawlers are the ones overfishing, not us. We’ve been sustainable forever but Westminster doesn’t care. They’re strangling our island to save their own necks.”

Local businesses are already bracing for the fallout. Fishmonger Ellie Kinnear, 38, who runs a stall on the quayside, fears she’ll have to close her shop. “If the fishermen can’t fish, I’ve got nothing to sell. And if I go under, the cafes and restaurants that buy from me will struggle too. This policy doesn’t just hurt the boats - it hurts all of us,” she said. The ripple effects are expected to hit the island’s small tourism sector as well, which draws visitors with the charm of its working fishing harbour.

Bransay’s council has also raised alarm, warning that the quota cuts will slash tax revenues needed for public services like schools and road maintenance. “We’re looking at a budget crisis,” said council leader Fiona McTavish. “Westminster’s left us with no way to keep the island running. They’ve turned their backs on us.”

The sense of betrayal runs deep, with many residents pointing to years of neglect from the mainland. Bransay has long missed out on infrastructure funding, with transport links and renewable energy projects consistently prioritised elsewhere. Now, the fishing quota cuts have crystallised a growing “us versus them” sentiment. Graffiti reading “London Doesn’t Care” has appeared on walls near the harbour and social media is ablaze. A petition to reverse the cuts has already garnered 3,000 signatures in under 24 hours.

Plans for a larger protest are underway, with organisers aiming to rally thousands on the quayside this weekend. “We’re not going to take this lying down,” said Halvorsen, who is leading the charge. “Bransay’s a proud island - we’ve got our own history, our own way of life. If Westminster won’t fight for us, we’ll fight for ourselves.” Whispers of a Bransay independence movement, inspired by regions like Cornwall, are beginning to circulate, with some residents openly questioning whether the island would be better off governing itself.

For now, the focus remains on resistance. The council is preparing to lobby Westminster and a delegation of fishermen plans to travel to London to confront DEFRA officials. But as tensions rise, Bransay stands on the brink of a defining moment - one that could reshape its relationship with the mainland for years to come.

---

---

I’ve never seen Bransay this angry in all my 28 years here. We’re a community of and we’ve always stuck together but this Coastal Sustainability Act has pushed us to the edge. I read about it in the North East Gazette last week and it’s all anyone’s talked about since. The government’s cut our fishing quota by 60%, while the big fleets in Grimsby and Hull get more. It’s a kick in the teeth for an island where fishing isn’t just a job - it’s our identity. Nearly half our economy depends on it since the steelworks closed and now families are facing ruin. I can’t wrap my head around how the Government thought this was okay.

I was at the Fisherman’s Rest the night the news broke and the place was heaving - hundreds of people spilling out onto the street, shouting about how London doesn’t care. Tommy was there, as fired up as I’ve ever seen him. He’s right - these industrial trawlers are the ones overfishing, not us. We’ve been sustainable for generations, but the government’s punishing us to look good on some environmental report. It’s not just the fishermen who’ll suffer. Ellie, who’s been selling fish on the quayside since I was a kid, might have to close her stall. That means the cafes and restaurants will take a hit.

At the council, where I work as a community development officer, it’s chaos. We rely on fishing taxes to fund everything - roads, the school, projects I’ve been working on for years. Fiona McTavish, our council leader, says we’re looking at a budget crisis. There’s talk of job cuts and I’m worried I might be on the chopping block. I’ve been trying to make life better for people here, but how can I do that when Westminster’s taking away our ability to function? It’s heartbreaking to see the despair on people’s faces - families I’ve known forever, all wondering how they’ll get by.

The protest on the was massive. Tommy gave a speech that had everyone roaring, saying we’ll fight for ourselves if Westminster won’t. I stood at the back, watching kids I’ve coached at football and grandparents I see at the market, all standing together. It hit me hard: this isn’t just about fishing. It’s about who we are as an island. We’re different from the mainland - our own history, our own dialect, our own way of life. But the government doesn’t see that. To them, we’re just a number on a spreadsheet.

I couldn’t stay quiet. At the council meeting on the 28th, I proposed we formally oppose the Act and lobby Westminster to reverse the cuts. It passed unanimously, which felt like a small win, but I know it’s a long shot. Westminster’s ignored us for years - no funding for transport links, no investment in renewables, nothing. Now this. It’s no wonder people are talking about independence. Margaret Kinnear said at the last community meeting that we should be our own place, like Cornwall are trying to be. I’ve heard that kind of talk before, but this time, it feels real. People are starting to imagine a Bransay that doesn’t answer to London and I can’t say I blame them.

For now, we’re focused on fighting the quota cuts. Tommy and I are heading to London later this month to meet with DEFRA officials, but I’m not holding my breath. The one place I can find some peace is at Forge Road with Bransay Athletic. We’re top of NCFL Division Two after 10 games and the lads are playing brilliantly. The pitch is the only place where we can forget all this for 90 minutes. They’re looking to me - not just as their manager, but as someone at the council fighting for our island. I just hope I can do right by them, whatever comes next.

---

---

Bransay Athletic sealed the NCFL Division Two title in emphatic style, defeating Waldridge Park Reserves 3-1 away at the Riverside to secure promotion to NCFL Division One - the highest level in the club’s history.

Goals from Marcel Byrne, Kingston Butler and Christian Lynn powered the islanders to an unassailable eight-point lead at the top, with only one game remaining in the season.

The match began with Bransay asserting dominance early. In the 3rd minute, right-back Moshe Haliva launched a long ball over the top, bypassing Waldridge’s Brian Buck. Flynn McNaughton latched onto it, sprinting clear before squaring to Marcel Byrne, who slotted home for 1-0. The Riverside crowd barely had time to settle.

Bransay doubled their lead in the 25th minute. A Christian Lynn corner was headed clear by Liam Powell, but Bransay recycled possession. Powell reached the byline and drilled a low cross to the near post, where Kingston Butler arrived to poke it past goalkeeper Jordan Doddy-Veart, making it 2-0.

Bransay’s relentless first half culminated in a third goal on 39 minutes. Moshe Haliva found Butler inside the box, who turned away from goal and laid the ball off to Christian Lynn charging down the left. Lynn’s first-time rocket was too powerful for Doddy-Veart, who parried it beneath himself and into the roof of the net.

Waldridge fought back after the break. In the 52nd minute, Shota Hiramatsu’s looping cross caught Bransay napping. Butler, overzealous, shoved Ian Algieri in the box, conceding a penalty. Liam Powell stepped up and despite a poorly struck effort, beat Bransay keeper Clint McAtee, who flailed weakly as the ball trickled in for 3-1. Bransay held firm thereafter, with McAtee redeeming himself with a late save to deny Algieri an equaliser.

The victory puts Bransay on 29 points, eight clear of second-placed Stobswood Welfare Reserves (21 points), with Cramlington Blue Star (20 points), Waldridge Park Reserves (19 points) and Gosforth Bohemians Under 21s (17 points) trailing. Waldridge’s promotion hopes may hinge on their first team avoiding relegation from the NCFL Premier Division, where they sit bottom, three points from safety. Bransay’s final fixture against Bedlington United Under 21s on April 19 is now a formality, as the title is secured.

Promotion to NCFL Division One, a compact six-team league, marks uncharted territory for Bransay. Whickham Fellside lead the division with Newcastle Westgate in the second promotion spot. Benton Reserves and Bedlington United occupy mid-table, while AFC Newbiggin Reserves and Killingworth Reserves face relegation. With two promotion and two relegation spots, the step up promises fierce competition.

Manager Callum Baird, who juggles his role with a council job advocating for Bransay’s fishing community, was jubilant but grounded. “This is for the island - every fan, every fisherman, every kid dreaming at Forge Road,” Baird said. “We’re a rough-and-tumble lot and this team’s got that spirit. The next division is a new beast but we’ll scrap for every point. The lads were class today - Byrne’s finish, Butler’s hunger, Lynn’s thunderbolt. It’s a proud day.”

Chairman Charlie Bell, facing re-election in June, hailed the achievement as a community triumph. “Bransay’s not just a club; it’s the heartbeat of 85,000 souls,” Bell said, his voice hoarse from cheering. “Callum’s built something special and this title is a testament to our unity. Division One’s daunting - six teams, no hiding place - but we’ll invest wisely. My job’s to keep this club stable and ambitious and I’m all in for that fight.”

As Bransay prepare for their historic leap, the island celebrates a rare moment of triumph amid ongoing struggles with fishing quota cuts. For now, the Riverside Ground’s echoes of victory belong to Baird, Bell and a team that’s carried Bransay’s resilient spirit to new heights.

---

---

---

As the final whistle blew at Forge Road on 19th April, we lifted the NCFL Division Two trophy. This season, we carved our name into Bransay’s history, clinching the title with 32 points from 14 games - 10 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses - and earning promotion to NCFL Division One, the highest level our club has ever reached.

Our campaign began in September and by 14th December, we were unstoppable at home against bottom-placed Walkergate Under 21s. We smashed them 6-3, our highest-scoring game. Flynn McNaughton opened the scoring in the 4th minute, chasing down Charlie Uddgren’s far-post cross to head past Layton Giacomini. Liam Lightfoot made it 2-0 in the 16th, rifling a first-time shot after Kingston Butler’s dazzling turn. Clint McAtee’s long kick set up McNaughton’s 20-yard screamer in the 25th but Walkergate hit back with Cammy Monaghan’s blast and Dean Williams’ penalty. Christian Lynn restored our cushion before half-time, smashing a cleared Butler cross into the far corner. Butler tapped in Lynn’s low cross in the 59th and Danny Lambert’s 92nd-minute curler capped it, despite Monaghan’s late consolation.

We kicked off 2025 with a 4-1 rout of Gosforth Bohemians Under 21s on 4th January at Forge Road. McNaughton’s hat-trick stole the show: a blistering edge-of-the-box strike in the 8th, a curling effort in the 56th after Amar Purewal’s header and an open-goal tap-in in the 70th from Butler’s square ball. Lynn added a clinical finish in the 35th. Denny Wark’s free-kick equaliser was a mere blip.

Our first stumble came on 25th January at Cramlington Blue Star’s Action Park, where we ground out a 0-0 draw - my first goalless game as manager. We bounced back on 15th February, thrashing Ovingham 4-0 away. Oliver Walters tapped in Ewan Forster’s low cross in the 13th, McNaughton converted Marcel Byrne’s cutback in the 33rd and Butler scored twice - heading in Forster’s looped cross and pouncing on a cleared free-kick.

March brought worry. On the 8th, we fell 2-1 at home to Stobswood Welfare Reserves, our second loss of the season. Jake Byrne headed them ahead and though Marcel Byrne equalised with a header from Butler’s hoofed cross, Steve Robbins’ first-time strike in the 68th sealed it. Stobswood’s Jordan Warriner saw red a minute later but we couldn’t capitalise.

We clinched the title on 28th March, beating Waldridge Park Reserves 3-1 away. Marcel Byrne struck in the 3rd minute, slotting in McNaughton’s square ball after Moshe Haliva’s long pass. Butler made it 2-0 in the 25th, poking in Liam Powell’s low cross. Christian Lynn’s 39th-minute rocket, parried into the net by Jordan Doddy-Veart, sealed the first half. A clumsy Butler penalty foul in the 52nd let Powell pull one back but we held firm.

On the final day, we lifted the trophy at Forge Road, dismantling Bedlington United Under 21s 3-0. McNaughton pounced on a defensive error in the 5th, Michael Butterfield’s 33rd-minute shot clipped the post to go in and McNaughton’s 65th-minute penalty down the middle capped our season off.

---

We finished seven points clear of Stobswood Welfare Reserves (25 points), with Cramlington Blue Star (23 points) and Waldridge Park Reserves (20 points) trailing. Walkergate Under 21s went down in 8th, while Ovingham survived in 7th. Our 41 goals dwarfed Cramlington’s 26 and our 16 conceded was second only to Stobswood. McNaughton’s 10 goals led us, with Butler and Lynn close behind.

Next season, we’ll face NCFL Division One’s six-team gauntlet, joined by Stobswood, Bedlington United, Benton Reserves and relegated NCFL Premier sides Waldridge Park and Whitley Bay Sporting Club Reserves. Whickham Fellside and Newcastle Westgate went up this year, while AFC Newbiggin Reserves and Killingworth Reserves dropped. With just four points separating promotion and relegation last season, Division One will test our mettle.

---

---

Garry Eccles, 46, has been elected chairman of Bransay Athletic, securing a comfortable victory in yesterday’s election to lead the club into its historic first season in NCFL Division One.

Eccles, a lifelong islander and former treasurer of the Bransay Fishermen’s Cooperative, saw off incumbent Charlie Bell and challengers Jayden Newman, Jerome Wilks and Melford Sullivan at the ballot box, held at Forge Road’s community hall.

Eccles’ campaign emphasised continuity and pragmatism, pledging to build on the club’s recent NCFL Division Two title without chasing flashy promises. “This club can be the heartbeat of our island,” Eccles said, addressing supporters under Forge Road’s weathered stands. “We’ve climbed to Division One through grit and community, not big talk. I will keep us steady - backing Callum Baird, investing smart and keeping Forge Road ours.” His measured approach resonated with the member-owned club’s voters, who turned out in their droves.

Charlie Bell, who steered Bransay through their title-winning 2024/25 season, graciously conceded defeat. “Garry’s a good man, rooted in Bransay’s soul,” Bell said. “I’m proud of what we achieved - promotion, stability and a club that’s ours. I’ll be in the stands, cheering us on.” Bell’s tenure saw Forge Road’s crowds swell and the club’s profile rise amid the island’s fishing quota struggles, but some voters sought fresh leadership for the six-team Division One challenge.

The election also reshaped the board. Ian Kenny, a local schoolteacher and Alex Noice, a marine engineer, join as directors, replacing Marlon Raymond and Torvald Gunnarsen who stepped down. Kenny, known for coaching football in Bransay schools, vowed to strengthen community ties, while Noice aims to address Forge Road’s facilities. “We’re not fancy, but we’re ours,” Noice said. “Let’s fix the leaks and keep the soul.”

Eccles inherits a club riding high after a 3-0 trophy-lifting win over Bedlington United Under 21s on April 19, clinching the Division Two title with 32 points. Manager Callum Baird welcomed Eccles’ appointment. “Garry gets us - the rough-and-tumble spirit, the fight,” Baird said. “Division One’s a new beast but with him and the fans, we’re ready.”

As Bransay prepare to face Stobswood Welfare Reserves, Bedlington United, Benton Reserves, Waldridge Park and Whitley Bay Sporting Club Reserves in the compact Division One, Eccles’ steady hand will be tested. With two promotion and two relegation spots, there’s no margin for error. Yet, as the wind whipped through Forge Road last night, Eccles’ promise of “no nonsense, just Bransay” struck a chord. The island’s footballing heart beats on.

---

---

After clinching the NCFL Division Two title with 32 points last season, we’re now in the six-team NCFL Division One - the highest level our club’s ever faced. With two teams promoted, two relegated and two staying put, every match is a battle. We’re the bookies’ favourites at 1/91 but Waldridge Park (20/1), Whitley Bay Sporting Club Reserves (20/1), Bedlington United (25/1), Benton Reserves (33/1) and Stobswood Welfare Reserves (50/1) won’t roll over. This is our island’s fight and we’re bringing our grit to Forge Road and beyond.

Our preseason tested us against nine sides, from Whitley Bay Reserves to Linlithgow Rose. We mixed wins and losses, blooding new signings like Jack Smith and Mason McNeil while sharpening our 4-4-2. Flynn McNaughton, our talisman with 9 goals last season, looked lethal and Christian Lynn’s runs from left-back tore defences apart.

---

Our squad has had a shake-up. We waved goodbye to retirees Mark Turnbull and Amar Purewal, while Michael Butterfield (Moorside Rangers), Kingston Butler (Farsley Celtic Juniors), Danny Lambert (Almondbury Woolpack) and Joaquim Silva (Hawes United) moved on. We released 11 others, streamlining for the step-up. In came Jack Smith (18, ex-Huddersfield Town academy) to the right wing, Karl Griffiths (18, ex-Carlisle United academy) on the left and strikers Mason McNeil (29, 5 goals last season at Hessle) and Mark Fitzpatrick (34, 67 goals in 92 at Dunston) to bolster our attack.

Clint McAtee guards our goal, backed by 16-year-old Michael Smith. Moshe Haliva anchors right-back, with Conor Crawford and Charlie Uddgren ready. Christian Lynn starts at left-back, Rudi Tingle his deputy. Matt Broughton and Dale Mulligan lock down center-back, with James Dodd-Thompson, Derrick Oduro and Mark Harwood in reserve. Jack Smith and Alex Plummer fight for our right midfield spot, while Karl Griffiths, Ewan Forster, Steve House and Chay Hopson vie for the left. Ardelan Ameen and Liam Lightfoot run central midfield, with Oliver Walters, Eddie Rogerson and Brian Fardal Opseth waiting. Up top, McNaughton and McNeil lead, with Marcel Byrne and Fitzpatrick rotating.

Our schedule is brutal. September brings Whitley Bay SC Reserves at Forge Road, then away trips to Benton Reserves and Stobswood Welfare Reserves. October’s Bedlington United (H) and Waldridge Park (A) at Riverside will test us. November, December and January repeat the gauntlet, with Whitley Bay and Waldridge again in February and April.

Waldridge Park, relegated from the Premier Division, bring experience and desperation. Whitley Bay SC’s reserves are unpredictable, Bedlington’s home form is stubborn, Benton Reserves are scrappy and Stobswood, our Division Two rivals, have momentum.

---

---

Bransay Athletic have been dealt a double blow with the departures of centre-back James Dodd-Thompson and centre-midfielder Ardelan Ameen, both of whom have joined clubs in the West Yorkshire Premier Division.

Dodd-Thompson, 18, has signed for Leeds Independent, while Ameen, 24, has moved to Littletown, leaving manager Callum Baird to weigh youth promotions against potential transfers as the club navigates their debut NCFL Division One season.

Dodd-Thompson, an Australian who emerged through Bransay’s academy, made a promising start on the island. The young defender featured in 14 first-team matches during the 2023/24 North Northumberland League campaign, showcasing composure beyond his years. Last season in the NCFL Division Two title-winning run he added five appearances, though he struggled to dislodge starters Michael Butterfield and Dale Mulligan. His move to Leeds Independent offers a fresh start in a competitive Step 7 league, where his athleticism and ball-playing ability should shine.

Ameen’s exit, confirmed on 1st October, ends a two-year stint with Bransay. Signed from Bishop Auckland as Baird’s third acquisition in 2023, the midfielder quickly became a linchpin in the North Northumberland League, making 20 appearances, scoring three goals and providing six assists. His partnership with Liam Lightfoot in central midfield was a cornerstone of Bransay’s success, blending tenacity with creativity. However, the 2024/25 NCFL Division Two season saw Ameen’s role diminish, limited to seven substitute appearances as Oliver Walters claimed the starting spot alongside Lightfoot. Ameen’s first start since 20th April 2024, came against Bedlington United on 30th August 2025, but it wasn’t enough to secure his place. Littletown will hope Ameen recaptures his earlier form.

Baird now faces a dilemma at Forge Road. With a compact six-team NCFL Division One schedule - where Bransay face Waldridge Park on 18th October - the manager must decide whether to dip into the transfer market or trust his youth prospects. At centre-back, academy graduates Derrick Oduro, a Ghanaian with raw potential and Bransay-born Mark Harwood are poised to step up in Dodd-Thompson’s absence. In midfield, 16-year-old Norwegian Brian Fardal Opseth, another academy product, could fill Ameen’s void.

“James and Ardelan gave everything for Bransay,” Baird said. “James grew up here and Ardelan was a driving force in our early days. We wish them well, but our focus is on the next challenge. We’ve got talent in the ranks - lads like Derrick, Mark and Brian are itching to prove themselves.”

Chairman Garry Eccles echoed the sentiment, adding, “This club’s built on community and resilience. We’ll back Callum, whether he looks to the market or our own.”

As Bransay, the division favourites, prepare for a tough campaign, the loss of Dodd-Thompson and Ameen tests their depth. With two promotion and two relegation spots in play, every decision counts. For now, the fans will rally behind Baird’s squad, hoping youth or new faces can keep their historic season on track.

---

---

---

As we finish October, we are sitting pretty atop NCFL Division One after six games, unbeaten with four wins and two draws from August to October, scoring 22 goals and conceding just 9. With a five-point lead over second-placed Waldridge Park, we’re setting the pace in this six-team league, but there’s no room for complacency with two promotion and two relegation spots at stake.

We kicked off on 30 August with a hard-fought 1-1 draw away at Bedlington United’s Westlea Park. Marcel Byrne slotted home a penalty in the 18th minute but Marshall Sterry’s header from Trevor Grainger’s cross levelled it on 29 minutes.

On 6 September, we unleashed hell at home against Whitley Bay Sporting Club Reserves, smashing them 7-1. Karl Griffiths struck twice early, nodding in Oliver Walters’ header in the 4th minute and pouncing on a deflected Byrne effort in the 15th. Walters curled in a beauty on 34 minutes after a slick triangle with Derrick Oduro, Liam Lightfoot and Byrne. Cal Outterside’s spectacular 25-yard volley pulled one back but Byrne’s deflected strike in first-half stoppage time, McNaughton’s clinical finish on 65 minutes, Walters’ curling gem on 75 minutes and Byrne’s tap-in on 80 minutes sealed the rout.

On 13 September, we tore apart Benton Reserves 6-2 at Churchill Playing Field. Walters tapped in Jack Smith’s cross on 7 minutes, Griffiths headed in Moshe Haliva’s delivery on 25 minutes and McNaughton rifled in from Walters’ pass on 28 minutes. Ronayne Greenidge’s header made it 3-1 but Clint McAtee’s free-kick assist set up McNaughton’s pacey finish on 55 minutes. Smith’s second yellow on 59 minutes left us with 10 men and Greenidge struck again, but Christian Lynn’s cross found Byrne’s head on 67 minutes and Oduro’s first career assist teed up McNaughton in the 90th.

A frustrating 2-2 draw at Stobswood Welfare Reserves on 20 September saw us squander a two-goal lead. McNaughton fired home Griffiths’ lay-off on 8 minutes and Byrne’s penalty on 60 minutes made it 2-0, but Mike Gillard’s deflected shot on 66 minutes and Steve Robbins’ close-range finish on 76 minutes stole a point.

Back at Forge Road on 4 October, we dispatched Bedlington United 3-1. McNaughton broke club records with a 22-second dink over Danny Ayres, Byrne thumped in from Walters’ pass in stoppage time and Griffiths headed in Smith’s cross on 70 minutes, despite Darrel Cormack’s free-kick reply.

Our October finale at Waldridge Park’s Riverside on 11 October was a 3-2 thriller. Layton Petrie’s penalty and Abubakari Gafaru’s strike put us 2-0 down by the 43rd minute, but Byrne’s penalty sparked our comeback. Jack Smith’s glancing header from Lynn’s cross on 60 minutes and his lashed finish from McNaughton’s hold-up play on 66 minutes sealed the win.

---

We’re on 14 points, with Waldridge Park (9 points), Stobswood Welfare Reserves (8 points), Whitley Bay SC Reserves (7 points), Benton Reserves (6 points) and Bedlington United (5 points) trailing.

McNaughton and Byrne are our goal machines, Griffiths and Smith are sparking the wings and Derrick Oduro is stepping up after James Dodd-Thompson’s departure.

---

---

Two stalwarts of Bransay Athletic’s recent rise have left the club, with right-back Moshe Haliva and centre-back Dale Mulligan moving to new challenges in Level 11 football.

Haliva, 29, has joined Askam United in the West Lancashire Premier Division, while Mulligan, 36, has signed for Lower Hopton in the Yorkshire Amateur Supreme Division. Their departures leave manager Callum Baird with decisions to make as the club holds top spot in NCFL Division One.

Moshe Haliva, a Bransayite through and through, was a cornerstone of the defence since joining the first team in the 2023/24 North Northumberland League season. His 19 appearances that year, marked by tireless runs and pinpoint crosses, helped lay the foundation for the promotion push. Last season’s NCFL Division Two title run saw him feature in 13 matches, his long balls setting up key goals like Marcel Byrne’s opener in Bransay’s title-clinching 3-1 win over Waldridge Park Reserves. This season, Haliva played all six of our opening NCFL Division One games, assisting Karl Griffiths’ header against Benton Reserves. His move to Askam United, a club with ambitions in Cumbria, offers a fresh stage for his relentless energy.

Dale Mulligan, a seasoned defender who joined from Stockton Town ahead of the 2024/25 season, brought steel to the backline. Over two seasons, he made 11 appearances with his experience steadying Bransay in the NCFL Division Two title charge and this season’s unbeaten start. Mulligan’s reading of the game was crucial in tight moments, like the 3-1 home win over Bedlington United, where his clearance denied a late equaliser. At 36, Mulligan’s move to Lower Hopton signals a final chapter in a career that’s seen him anchor defences across the North East. His leadership will be missed at Forge Road.

With Haliva and Mulligan gone, Bransay at a crossroads. Baird must decide whether to trust youth or seek replacements. At right-back, 16-year-old Conor Crawford and Charlie Uddgren are ready to step up, both hungry academy graduates. In central defence, Derrick Oduro and Mark Harwood, both homegrown talents, are poised to fill Mulligan’s boots alongside Matt Broughton. 16-year-old Norwegian Brian Fardal Opseth could also see more minutes in midfield to cover defensive shifts.

“Moshe and Dale gave us everything,” Baird said, his voice thick with respect. “Moshe’s runs lit up Forge Road and Dale’s nous held us together. We wish them luck, but we’ve got lads chomping at the bit to prove themselves.”

As Bransay prepare for Whitley Bay Sporting Club Reserves on 8 November, Bransay’s unbeaten run - four wins, two draws, 14 points - faces a test.

---

---

Bransay Athletic are reeling from the shock departure of 27-year-old striker Marcel Byrne, who has joined Leigh Foundry in the Wigan & District Amateur League Division Two.

The move, coupled with 35-year-old backup striker Mark Fitzpatrick’s retirement, leaves Bransay with just Mason McNeil and Flynn McNaughton up front as the club heads into January, forcing a recruitment drive to sustain their NCFL Division One lead.

Byrne, one of Bransay’s all-time greats, leaves as one of the clubs top scorer with 33 goals in 39 games across three seasons. In the 2023/24 North Northumberland League, he bagged 16 goals in 18 matches, his predatory instincts arguably sparking Bransay’s rise. Last season’s NCFL Division Two title saw him score 7 in 12, including a crucial strike in the 3-1 title-clinching win over Waldridge Park Reserves.

This season, Byrne has been on fire, netting 10 goals in 9 games, with braces against Whitley Bay Sporting Club Reserves and Bedlington United. His link-up with Flynn McNaughton, blending Byrne’s poaching with McNaughton’s pace, was the heartbeat of Bransay’s attack, powering them to 29 goals in nine unbeaten league games.

Despite rejecting numerous offers over the years, Byrne’s decision to join Leigh Foundry - a club in a division just one step above the NCFL Division One Bransay are tipped to reach next season - has stunned the fans. “Bransay’s been my home, my soul,” Byrne said, his voice heavy. “Scoring at Forge Road, hearing the roar, linking with Flynn - it’s been the best years of my career. Leigh’s a new challenge, but I’ll carry this island forever. Thank you, Bransay.”

Manager Callum Baird, visibly gutted, didn’t hide his frustration. “Marcel’s a legend here - his goals don’t lie,” Baird said, his tone edged with bitterness. “To lose him to a club like Leigh Foundry, when we’re on the cusp of something massive, stings. He’s chosen his path and we wish him well, but our door’s always open. He knows that.” Baird’s disappointment reflects the timing, with Fitzpatrick’s retirement leaving the clubs striker depth razor thin. McNeil, a summer signing yet to make his debut and McNaughton now shoulder the burden alone.

Chairman Garry Eccles vowed to act swiftly. “Marcel’s goals built this club’s dreams,” he said. “Losing him and Mark hurts, but we’ll scour the market to keep us top.” With Derrick Oduro and Mark Harwood stepping up in defence after recent exits, a new striker is priority number one.

---