Bransay Athletic: Land of the Giants

---

Bransay Athletic have clinched the NCFL Premier Division title with three games to spare, securing promotion to the Northern Football Alliance Division Three after a pulsating 5-4 away victory over North Shields Athletic Reserves today.

The win, powered by Flynn McNaughton’s hat-trick and Jami Salo’s brace, puts Bransay on 37 points, 11 clear of second-placed Waldridge Park, who fell to already-relegated Cramlington United Reserves in a shock 2-1 defeat yesterday.

The match at John Spence School was a nine-goal epic. North Shields struck first after just 28 seconds, with Scott Deans weaving through and bending a left-footed shot past Clint McAtee from the edge of the box. Jami Salo equalised in the 7th minute, blasting in after a one-two with left-back Taylor Ragan.

Nicky Whelan restored North Shields’ lead in the 44th, driving through the middle to find the bottom left corner. In the first minute of stoppage time, McNaughton’s square ball to Salo led to a scuffed shot that deflected off Matthew Harper for an own goal, levelling it at 2-2.

The second half exploded. McNaughton converted a 56th-minute penalty after Aidan McKenna pushed Jack Smith, spotted by referee Emily Heaslip. A minute later, Ben Cherry capitalised on Derrick Oduro’s sliding tackle on Dylan Ulrich, slotting between McAtee’s legs to make it 3-3. McNaughton’s stunning 30-yard free-kick into the top right corner in the 59th put Bransay ahead and he completed his hat-trick in the 68th, latching onto Salo’s pass from a chased hoof to fire into the top right.

Ben Cherry pulled one back for North Shields in the 74th, scoring from Ronan Wilson’s square ball, but Bransay held firm for a 5-4 win.

The victory ensures Bransay’s fourth consecutive promotion, from the North Northumberland League to the Northern Football Alliance Division Three. With 48 goals scored and a 28 goal difference, their attack - led by Salo’s 14 goals and McNaughton’s 11 in 13 games - has been relentless.

Waldridge Park’s loss to Cramlington, their first win of the season, confirmed Bransay’s unassailable lead, with Consett Blackfyne (20 points) and others trailing far behind. Cramlington (4 points) and Blyth Rangers Reserves (12) are set for relegation.

Manager Callum Baird hailed the achievement. “This is for our fans, they’ve carried us,” he said. “The Alliance is next and we’re not stopping.” Chairman Geoff Garnett added: “From Division One to this in two years - it’s Bransay’s heart shining.”

The Northern Football Alliance Division Three, a 14-team league with 26 games, awaits in 2027/28. Blyth Rangers lead, with last season’s NCFL Premier champions North Tyne & Westholme in the second promotion spot, joined by Gosforth Bohemians Reserves, Cramlington Town and others. Wallsend Boys Club Under 23s face relegation, while Rothbury, Wideopen or Cullercoats could drop from Division Two. Bransay’s next challenge is Newcastle Westgate on 6 March, but for now, Forge Road celebrates a title won in style.

---

---

---

As the 2026/27 NCFL Premier Division season concludes, we’ve etched our name in history, finishing unbeaten with 44 points from 14 wins and 2 draws across 16 games. Scoring 57 goals and conceding 25 for a 32 goal difference, we clinched the title with three games to spare, finishing 15 points ahead of runners-up Waldridge Park.

Jami Salo’s 16 goals and Flynn McNaughton’s 12 powered us to promotion to the Northern Football Alliance Division Three, as our island celebrates a flawless campaign.

We opened February with a thrilling 5-4 away win against North Shields Athletic Reserves on 14 February, sealing the championship. Scott Deans struck after 28 seconds, bending a left-footed shot past Clint McAtee. Jami Salo equalised in the 7th minute, blasting in after a one-two with Taylor Ragan. Nicky Whelan’s driving run restored North Shields’ lead in the 44th, but McNaughton’s square ball to Salo led to a Matthew Harper own goal in first-half stoppage time. McNaughton’s 56th-minute penalty and 59th-minute 30-yard free-kick put us ahead, only for Ben Cherry to level in the 57th. McNaughton’s 68th-minute hat-trick goal, assisted by Salo and Cherry’s 74th-minute strike made it 5-4, but we held firm.

On 6 March, we thrashed Newcastle Westgate 4-1 at Forge Road. Steve House’s 14th-minute cross set up Martin Lindsay’s tap-in, Taylor Ragan’s 20th-minute pass found Julian Mitchell for another and Ragan fed House’s cross-keeper shot in the 25th. A 77th-minute mix-up between Lewis Knott and Jarrod Kotylo, caused by House, resulted in an own goal, with Paul Jackson’s 79th-minute top-corner strike as consolation.

On 28 March, we drew 3-3 away with Cramlington United Reserves, our second draw. McNaughton finished Conor Crawford’s low corner in the 19th, squared to Salo for a 21st-minute tap-in and Steve House’s stunning half-volley from Ryu Osmond’s clearance in the 23rd made it 3-0. Cramlington fought back with Finley Monk’s near-post goal in the 32nd, Marshall Spraggon’s half-volley from Ryan Giles’ long ball in the 57th and Phil Stewart’s header from Giles’ cross in the 66th.

Our season finale on 17 April was a 2-1 home win over Waldridge Park, a celebratory clash of champions and runners-up. Ross Burns’ 25th-minute free-kick gave Waldridge the lead, but House’s deep cross found Jack Smith’s equalising header in the 54th. Liam Lightfoot’s run set up Salo’s top-right corner strike in the 84th, capping our unbeaten run.

---

We finished on 44 points, Waldridge Park on 29, Newcastle Westgate on 23, Whickham Fellside on 22, Consett Blackfyne on 20, North Shields Athletic Reserves and Blyth Rangers Reserves on 18 (the latter surviving relegation), North East Sporting Club relegated on 17 and Cramlington United Reserves bottom with 8.

With Forge Road’s stands still shaking, we’re set for the 14-team Northern Football Alliance Division Three, facing Gateshead Redheugh, Westerhope United and others over 26 games.

---

---

The Northern Football Alliance Third Division kicks off on 28 August 2027, with 14 teams battling over 26 games for two promotion spots to the Second Division and survival against one relegation place. Bransay Athletic, fresh off four consecutive titles, lead the pack, but a mix of ambitious reserves, relegated sides and gritty locals promises a competitive campaign. Below is a breakdown of each team, followed by a detailed look at Bransay’s squad, the division’s frontrunners.

---

Bransay Athletic (1/2) are overwhelming favourites, riding a wave of four back-to-back promotions and titles under Callum Baird, now in his fifth year. Their unyielding 4-4-2, which powered an unbeaten 2026/27 NCFL Premier Division campaign with 57 goals, shows no cracks. Jami Salo’s 16 goals and Flynn McNaughton’s 12 last season make them a juggernaut, but the step-up to a 14-team league tests their depth. They open against FC United of Newcastle at Forge Road.

---

Prudhoe Youth Club Reserves (4/1), second favourites, aim to climb from last season’s 13th-place finish with 26 points. Zander Weir, in his fourth year, sticks with a balanced 4-4-2 at Essity Park in Crawcrook. Winger Joe Graham, 20, is their spark, his pace troubling defences. A stronger campaign is expected, but consistency will be key to challenging for promotion.

---

Blyth Town Under 23s (9/1), third in the betting, finished ninth last season with 31 points under Gary Moss. Their 5-2-2-1 formation, anchored by attacking midfielder Aaron Webb’s creativity, offers flair at South Newsham Field in Blyth. A play-off push is possible, but they’ll need to tighten defensively to compete with the top sides.

---

Gosforth Bohemians Reserves (12/1) are fourth favourites, having narrowly missed promotion with a third-place finish on 42 points last season. Wayne O’Sullivan’s attacking 4-4-2, led by prolific striker Lee Jones, thrives at Benson Park in Newcastle. After falling one point shy of Heddon United, Gosforth are hungry to go one better.

---

Westerhope United (15/1), fifth in the odds, seek improvement after an 11th-place finish with 29 points. Callum Clark’s 4-4-2 at Blakelaw Park in Newcastle relies on Nigerian striker Emmanuel Bassey’s physicality. A mid-table finish is likely unless Bassey catches fire.

---

North Tyne & Westholme (16/1), sixth favourites, finished fourth last season with 41 points, two shy of promotion. Ashley Dowell’s 4-4-2 at Rising Sun Sports Ground in Wallsend leans on goalkeeper Matt Jones’ heroics. A strong home record could see them in the promotion mix again.

---

Gateshead Redheugh (18/1), seventh in the betting, finished eighth with 33 points last season. Ryan Ashman’s 5-3-2 at Eslington Park in Gateshead is built around Welsh centre-back Danny Stephens, with striker Craig Burke tipped for a breakout. They’re dark horses for a top-half finish.

---

Cramlington Town (25/1), eighth favourites, placed sixth with 39 points last season. Ryan Webb’s 4-4-2 at Cramlington Sporting Club hinges on left-back Rovman McCloskey’s versatility. They’ll aim for another solid season but may struggle against the division’s elite.

---

FC United of Newcastle (25/1), a protest club against Mike Ashley’s Newcastle United era, are ninth in the odds after a 10th-place finish with 31 points. Ben Johnstone’s 4-3-3 at the Langdale Centre features winger Nathan Ramsey and midfielder Darragh O’Brien. Expect flashes of brilliance but inconsistent results.

---

Walkergate (33/1), 10th favourites, welcome new manager Luke Hutchings, who led Whinney Hill to promotion in 2026. After finishing fifth with 40 points, three off promotion, right-back Joe Aitken anchors their 4-4-2 at Fossway Recreation Ground in Newcastle. Hutchings’ experience could push them closer to the top.

---

Cullercoats (33/1), newly relegated from the Second Division, are 11th in the betting. Chay Harbottle stays on despite finishing 13th with 3 points off safety. Their 4-3-3 at Links Avenue in Cullercoats relies on striker Dillon Burnicle’s goals to avoid another drop.

---

Rothbury (33/1), also relegated, are 12th favourites after finishing bottom of the Second Division with 22 points. Nicky Peers remains manager, with right-back Joel Vaughan and midfielder Robert Goodwin key at Armstrong Park in Rothbury. Survival will be their primary goal.

---

Newcastle Chemfica Reserves (100/1), 13th in the odds, face a dire season with only three registered players and no manager. After narrowly avoiding relegation with 26 points in 12th last season and with their senior team relegated from the NFA Premier Division, their Cochrane Park campaign looks bleak.

---

Seaton Sluice Reserves (N/A), ineligible for promotion odds due to their senior team’s status, finished seventh with 34 points last season. With former Bransay winger Alexandru Patrana in their ranks, their 4-4-2 at Carg Park in Seaton Sluice could cause upsets, but motivation may wane without promotion prospects.

---

Goalkeepers: Clint McAtee, entering his fourth season, remains Bransay’s undisputed number one. With 39 appearances, 49 goals conceded and 10 clean sheets since joining from Crosshills in 2024, his experience is vital in the 14-team division. Backing him is 18-year-old academy product Michael Smith, yet to debut but eager to learn under McAtee’s guidance.

Defence: Bransay’s backline blends youth and reliability. At right-back, academy graduates Conor Crawford (24 apps) and Charlie Uddgren (38 apps, 3 assists) vie for the starting spot, with Dean Culbert as depth. Left-back Taylor Ragan, a 2026 signing from Selby Town, impressed with 4 assists in 6 games last season and is backed by academy products Charlie Fraher and Rudi Tingle. Centre-backs Matt Broughton (30 apps) and Joe Prendergast, both academy-grown, form a sturdy partnership, supported by Derrick Oduro (30 apps), Mark Harwood (22 apps) and Kyle McDonnell (7 apps).

Midfield: The engine room is Bransay’s heartbeat. Right midfielder Jack Smith, in his third season, boasts 12 goals and 10 assists in 27 apps, with Alex Plummer and academy products Julian Mitchell (12 apps, 2 goals) and Stephen Jones (1 app) as cover. On the left, replacing Ewan Forster and Karl Griffiths falls to academy graduate Steve House, backed by Jordan Elsdon and Chay Hopson. Central midfield is led by captain Liam Lightfoot, in his fifth season with 59 apps, 12 goals and 12 assists, alongside Oliver Walters, who has 13 goals and 12 assists in 42 apps since 2024. Eddie Rogerson (17 apps), Brian Fardal Opseth (3 apps) and Martin Lindsay (4 apps, 1 goal, 2 assists) provide depth.

Forwards: Bransay’s attack is lethal. Flynn McNaughton, in his fifth season, has 33 goals and 16 assists in 54 apps, while 16-year-old Jami Salo, the division’s top scorer last season with 16 goals and 5 assists in 16 games, is a breakout star. Marcel Byrne (33 goals in 39 apps historically), Mason McNeil and Matt Barlow offer depth, ensuring goals from all angles.

With a brutal schedule - FC United, Gosforth, Walkergate, Gateshead Redheugh and Cullercoats in the first two months - Bransay’s depth will be tested. The Northern Football Alliance Third Division is their toughest challenge yet, but Baird’s 4-4-2 make them the team to beat.

---

---

Bransay Athletic have lost a key figure in their midfield with the departure of 24-year-old central midfielder Oliver Walters to Kirk Deighton Rangers in the Yorkshire Amateur Supreme Division.

Walters, who joined Bransay in the 2024/25 NCFL Division Two season from Sunderland West End, leaves after a stellar three-and-a-half-year spell, prompting manager Callum Baird to consider recruitment for the first time since signing Taylor Ragan in December 2026.

Walters arrived at Bransay from Sunderland West End, where he made 36 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists in the 2023/24 season.

At Bransay, he became a linchpin alongside captain Liam Lightfoot in central midfield, amassing 47 appearances, 14 goals and 13 assists across three and a half seasons. His standout moments included a brace in a 7-1 rout of Consett Blackfyne in December 2026 and a crucial goal in a 5-3 win over Blyth Rangers Reserves in September 2026, helping secure the NCFL Premier Division title. Walters’ vision and work rate were vital to Bransay’s four consecutive promotions, culminating in their unbeaten 2026/27 campaign.

The move to Kirk Deighton Rangers, a step into the Yorkshire Amateur Supreme Division, offers Walters a fresh challenge. He follows left-back Rudi Tingle, who joined Darlington Railway Athletic in August after 6 appearances over three seasons, as the latest exit from Forge Road.

With backups like Eddie Rogerson, Brian Fardal Opseth and Martin Lindsay lacking Walters’ quality, Baird may seek a new midfielder to maintain Bransay’s dominance in the Northern Football Alliance Third Division, where they’ve won all eleven opening games.

Baird heaped praise on Walters’ contributions. “Oli’s been immense - 14 goals, 13 assists and a heart that drove us through three titles,” Baird said. “His partnership with Liam was the backbone of our rise. Kirk Deighton’s lucky to have him and we’re grateful for everything he gave Bransay.”

Walters, addressing fans, said: “This island and Forge Road are unforgettable. Bransay’s in my blood, but I’m excited for what’s next.”

---

---

Bransay Athletic have parted ways with their talismanic captain, Liam Lightfoot, who has joined Old Rivingtonians Sports Club in the Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur League Division 1 after four and a half years with the club.

In a de facto swap deal, Old Rivingtonians have sent 24-year-old central midfielder Luke Heppell to Bransay, with vice-captain Flynn McNaughton stepping up as captain and Mark Harwood named vice-captain.

Lightfoot, Callum Baird’s first signing on 7 July 2023 from Workington, was the heartbeat of Bransay’s meteoric rise through four consecutive promotions and titles. The 25-year-old central midfielder made 70 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing 16 assists.

This season, in the Northern Football Alliance Third Division, he featured in 11 games, scoring 3 and assisting 4 as Bransay won all 11 matches to lead the league with 33 points. His leadership and tenacity, evident in moments like his goal in a 2-1 win over Waldridge Park in April 2027, defined Bransay’s unbeaten 2026/27 NCFL Premier Division campaign. Lightfoot’s move to Old Rivingtonians, who top their division with 17 points after 8 games, is motivated by a desire to return closer to his mainland home.

“Liam’s been our soul - 70 games, 15 goals, 16 assists and a captain’s heart,” Baird said. “I’m gutted to lose him, but he’s given Bransay everything and we respect his wish to be near home. He’s a legend here.” Lightfoot echoed the sentiment: “Bransay’s my pride - four titles, Forge Road’s roar. I’ve given my all, but it’s time to be closer to family. I’ll always cheer for the island.”

Stepping into Lightfoot’s role is Luke Heppell, a 24-year-old midfielder hungry to play at a higher level.

Heppell’s career began at Ashington, followed by a 2022/23 loan to North Shields (10 apps) and a permanent move to National League North’s Blyth Spartans that season. In 2023/24, he joined Blyth Town in Northern League Division Two, making 40 appearances, scoring 5 goals and assisting 10 as they won the title. He played 36 games in Division One in 2024/25 (4 goals, 9 assists) and 32 in 2025/26 (1 goal, 6 assists).

Joining Old Rivingtonians in 2026/27, he made 5 appearances in their relegation season and all 8 this term. “Luke’s a gem - 40 games in a title-winning side, 15 career goals,” Baird said. “He’s perfect to keep us driving forward.”

McNaughton, with 48 goals in 66 apps, takes the armband, while centre-back Harwood assumes vice-captaincy. With Eddie Rogerson, Brian Fardal Opseth and Martin Lindsay as midfield depth, Heppell’s arrival fills the void left by Lightfoot and Oliver Walters.

As Bransay prepare for Gosforth Bohemians’ reserves on 20 November, their perfect start faces a test, but Heppell’s dynamism and McNaughton’s leadership signal their intent to conquer the Northern Football Alliance.

---

---

---

We’ve torn through the first half of the 2027/28 Northern Football Alliance Third Division, winning all 13 of our opening matches to lead the 14-team league with 39 points. With 46 goals scored and 24 conceded for a +22 goal difference, we’re 14 points clear of second-placed North Tyne & Westholme.

We kicked off on 28 August with a 3-0 home win over FC United of Newcastle at Forge Road. Just two minutes in, Taylor Ragan’s clever corner found Chay Hopson on the edge of the box and he rifled a shot into the far left corner. In the 44th minute, Jack Smith’s low cross met Jami Salo’s run for a simple tap-in. Deep into stoppage time, Flynn McNaughton coolly slotted a penalty into the bottom right.

On 4 September, we battled to a 4-2 victory at Gosforth Bohemians Reserves’ Benson Park. Gosforth stunned us in first-half stoppage time when John Craig headed in, but Salo levelled five minutes into the second half, latching onto Julian Mitchell’s whipped low cross. In the 71st minute, a mishit clearance by Williams fell to Hopson, who volleyed home. Two minutes later, Hopson’s short pass found Dean Culbert, who picked out Ragan’s free run for a clinical finish. McNaughton sealed it in the 95th minute, pouncing on McNeil’s headed pass in the box.

We hosted Walkergate on 11 September, winning 4-2. Just 16 seconds in, Lightfoot squared to McNaughton for a quick opener. By the third minute, Lightfoot headed in Smith’s cross. McNaughton struck again in the 40th minute, nodding in Marcel Byrne’s far-post delivery and Byrne himself headed home Smith’s cross in first-half stoppage time. Walkergate fought back, with Sean Byrne tapping in Carl Broughton’s low ball in the 60th minute and Broughton scoring after Callam Chopra’s lay-off in the 69th.

On 18 September, we dominated Gateshead Redheugh 4-1 at home. Lightfoot headed in Steve House’s cross in the 10th minute and Salo tapped in Smith’s cross three minutes later. Walters curled a stunning 25-yard effort in the 51st minute and McNaughton headed Mitchell’s cross in the 81st. Paul Young’s 89th-minute goal was a mere consolation.

At Cullercoats’ Links Avenue on 25 September, we romped to a 5-1 win. In the 22nd minute, Lightfoot’s long-range shot deflected off Alex McNicholas for an own goal. McNaughton converted a penalty four minutes later. Cullercoats pulled one back in the 43rd minute when John Sharman headed in Richard Thomas’ cross, but Salo’s curling cross found Smith’s head in the 78th minute and two minutes later, Salo set up Lindsay’s far-corner blast. McNaughton’s 30-yard free-kick curled into the near corner in the 94th minute.

On 2 October, we edged Rothbury 3-2 at home with a dramatic finish. Salo’s 20th-minute shot hit the crossbar before bouncing back for an open-goal tap-in. McNaughton scored a penalty down the middle in the 26th minute. Rothbury rallied late, with Roman Schumacher reaching Kelland Giacomini’s low cross in the 85th minute and Josh Ashby blasting home in the 88th. But in the 96th minute, Mitchell found Salo at the far post for a volleyed winner.

We faced second-placed Westerhope United on 9 October at Blakelaw Park, winning 4-3 in a thriller. McNaughton chipped the keeper after a solo run in the fourth minute and Salo scored from House’s near-post pass two minutes later. Emmanuel Bassey pulled one back in the ninth minute after Marvin Beresford’s punt put him through. Lindsay’s 27th-minute strike, set up by Salo, went in off the post and Lightfoot’s far-corner goal in the 42nd minute made it 4-1. Matthew Jordan exploited our defence in the 70th minute and Cedwyn Emms’ stoppage-time goal from Charlie Toman’s square ball made it close.

On 16 October, we blanked Blyth Town Under 23s 4-0 at home. Salo went on a solo run to score in the second minute, House headed Culbert’s high cross in the 11th, Salo tapped in McNaughton’s square ball in the 38th and McNaughton smashed Smith’s pass into the near corner in the 52nd.

On 23 October, we won 4-3 at North Tyne & Westholme’s Rising Sun Sports Ground. Robbie Evans beat Ragan’s tackle to score in the 11th minute, but House equalised from Lightfoot’s cross four minutes later and headed in Culbert’s cross in the 47th. Jock Hopewell levelled in the 58th minute after Culbert’s poor header, but Salo struck the far post in the 60th. Chuks Jimoh equalised in the 82nd minute from Evans’ pass, but McNaughton’s 84th-minute penalty clinched it.

On 30 October, we beat Cramlington Town 4-3 at home despite Derrick Oduro’s 59th-minute red card. Andy James’ 37th-minute penalty gave Cramlington the lead, but McNaughton’s free-kick hit the underside of the bar in first-half stoppage time. Lindsay’s 25-yard strike in the 51st minute and Salo’s goal from Lindsay’s pass in the 56th put us ahead. James scored again in the 62nd minute and Mark Marshall’s driven effort in the 77th minute levelled it, but McNaughton volleyed Walters’ free-kick cross in the 83rd minute.

We faced Seaton Sluice Reserves on 13 November at home, winning 5-2 despite former Bransay winger Alexandru Pătrană’s brace in the 9th and 21st minutes, the latter a top-corner header from a corner. Byrne pulled one back in the 42nd minute from McNaughton’s pass and Smith capitalised on Seaton Sluice’s errors to score from two yards in stoppage time. McNaughton completed the comeback in the 65th minute from House’s square ball, House scored from Lightfoot’s lay-off in the 68th and Charlie Fraher’s deflected effort in the 86th minute marked his first Bransay goal.

On 17 November, we crushed Prudhoe Youth Club Reserves 5-0 at Essity Park. Lindsay scored from Smith’s lay-off in the fourth minute, McNaughton tapped in Smith’s low cross in the 41st and House fired into the near corner in first-half stoppage time. Byrne scored from Smith’s cross in the 58th minute and McNeil’s first Bransay goal came in the 82nd minute from Alex Plummer’s headed pass.

On 20 November, we edged Gosforth Bohemians Reserves 2-1 at home. Eddie Rogerson scored from Ragan’s free-kick cross in the 31st minute, Jai Warriner’s low finish levelled it in the 48th and House’s far-corner strike from Ragan’s pass in the 81st minute won it.

---

We lead with 39 points, North Tyne & Westholme and Prudhoe Youth Club Reserves share 25, Westerhope United have 24 and Cramlington Town sit on 22. Gateshead Redheugh (19), Cullercoats (18), Walkergate (16) and FC United of Newcastle (15) form the mid-table. Newcastle Chemfica Reserves, Gosforth Bohemians Reserves and Rothbury (11 each), Seaton Sluice Reserves (8) and Blyth Town Under 23s (6) battle relegation. Salo’s 8 goals, McNaughton’s 9 and House’s rise keep us flying. Manager Callum Baird is relentless: “Thirteen wins, 46 goals—this is our island’s spirit. We’re not slowing down.” With FC United up next on 27 November, our sights are set on the title.

---

Bransay Athletic have strengthened their squad with the signings of 23-year-old central midfielder Declan Bisset from Whickham and 25-year-old striker McKenzie Dicicco from Northallerton Town, as they bid farewell to captain Flynn McNaughton, who has joined Marsden in the Huddersfield & District League Division 1.

The moves come as Bransay lead the Northern Football Alliance Third Division with
45 points from 17 games.

Bisset arrives from Whickham in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, where he began his career in 2020 and made 124 appearances across multiple spells. The tenacious midfielder also featured for Consett, Heaton Stannington and Ashington and had a loan stint at Stockton Town in the 2025/26 season.

His experience at a higher level adds steel to Bransay’s midfield, replacing the departed Liam Lightfoot and Oliver Walters. Manager Callum Baird praised Bisset’s pedigree: “Declan’s 124 games for Whickham show his quality. He’s tough, creative and fits our fight for the title.”

Dicicco, a former Sunderland academy product, joins from Northallerton Town with a prolific non-league record. After moving to Marske United in the NPL Division One East in 2021, where he scored once in 14 appearances, he had a loan spell at Redcar Athletic (8 apps) in 2021/22 and brief stints at Guisborough Town (7 apps) and Pickering Town (3 goals in 15 apps).

At Northallerton, he shone, scoring 8 goals and assisting 10 in 32 games in 2023/24 to win promotion, followed by 11 goals and 6 assists in 2024/25, 11 goals and 3 assists in 2025/26 and 7 goals in 29 games last season. “McKenzie’s a proven scorer - 30 goals in three seasons,” Baird said. “He’ll keep our attack lethal alongside Jami Salo.”

McNaughton’s departure after four and a half years is a blow. Joining from Selby Town in 2023, the 29-year-old striker made 70 appearances, scoring 52 goals and providing 20 assists. This season, he netted 19 goals in 16 games, including a hat-trick in a 5-4 title-clinching win over North Shields Athletic Reserves in February 2027.

Like Lightfoot, McNaughton sought a return to the mainland, leading to his move to Marsden. “Flynn’s 52 goals made him a legend,” Baird said. “His 19 this season were massive, but we understand his need to be closer to home. He leaves with our gratitude.”

McNaughton’s exit, following Lightfoot, Walters and others, sees Jami Salo and Dicicco leading the line, with Marcel Byrne, Mason McNeil and Matt Barlow in support. Bisset joins Luke Heppell, Eddie Rogerson and Martin Lindsay in midfield, ensuring depth.

---

---

Bransay Athletic have clinched the Northern Football Alliance Third Division title with five games to spare, defeating Blyth Town Under 23s 2-0 at South Newsham Field today thanks to a Jack Smith brace.

With 55 points from 18 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses after 21 of the league’s 26 games, Bransay have secured promotion to the Second Division. Their 78 goals scored and 39 conceded, yielding a 39 goal difference, reflect a dominant campaign driven by a lethal attack.

The title was sealed in style against Blyth Town. In the 37th minute, Smith headed the ball down which was saved from a Steve House cross, the ball bounced back into his path again for an easy first-time finish into a practically empty net.

He struck again in the 89th minute, with a great low driven shot into the near corner, sneaking under the goalkeeper’s body. Bransay’s defence, anchored by Matt Broughton and Mark Harwood, held firm, with Clint McAtee keeping a clean sheet despite late pressure from Blyth’s Chaim Francis.

This triumph marks Bransay’s fifth consecutive title and promotion under manager Callum Baird, who has transformed the club since 2023. Despite losing key players like Liam Lightfoot, Oliver Walters and Flynn McNaughton - who contributed 19 goals in 16 games before joining Marsden in January - Bransay’s attack has thrived.

Jami Salo added 12 goals, Steve House and Jack Smith scored 8 each, Marcel Byrne netted 5 in 6 games since his return and new signing McKenzie Dicicco bagged 4 in 4. The squad’s depth, bolstered by the January signings Declan Bisset and Dicicco, has been crucial, with Bisset’s midfield grit complementing House’s flair on the left.

Bransay leads second-placed Cramlington Town by 17 points, with Cramlington on 38 points, edging out Westerhope United on goal difference. North Tyne & Westholme and Gateshead Redheugh, both on 35 points, remain in contention for the second promotion spot, with North Tyne holding a game in hand.

The chasing pack’s battle will continue, but Bransay’s dominance is unquestioned, their two losses - narrow defeats to FC United of Newcastle and Walkergate - mere blips in an otherwise flawless season.

Baird hailed the achievement. “This is for our island - 78 goals, 55 points and a fifth consecutive title,” he said. “we’re relentless. The Second Division’s next.”

The Northern Football Alliance Second Division awaits in 2028/29, a 15-team league with 28 games, featuring sides like Walker Central, Newcastle City, North Sunderland, Ellington, Blyth Rangers and Heddon United.

With three relegation spots and two promotion spots, the step-up will test Bransay, but their firepower - evident in high-scoring wins like 7-1 over Consett Blackfyne and 5-1 over Cullercoats - suggests they’re ready. For now, Bransay’s focus shifts to maintaining their unbeaten run, starting with North Tyne & Westholme on 26 February, as Forge Road celebrates another chapter in their remarkable rise.

---

---

---

What a campaign we’ve had in the Northern Football Alliance Third Division. We’ve clinched our fifth consecutive title, finishing with 70 points from 23 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in 26 games. Scoring 100 goals and conceding 48 for a +52 goal difference, we’ve earned promotion to the Second Division, taking Bransay Athletic to Level 13 of the English football pyramid.

The first half of the season saw us unstoppable, winning all 13 opening matches. The second half brought challenges, starting with a 1-0 defeat at FC United of Newcastle’s Langdale Centre on 27 November. Jason Wilson met Nathan Ramsey’s pinpoint cross at the back post, volleying past Clint McAtee in the 64th minute to hand us our first loss.

Worse followed on 4 December at Fossway Recreation Ground, where Walkergate edged us 5-4 in a chaotic clash. Craig Degnan tapped in Eliot Green’s square ball after just 2 minutes, but Steve House levelled in the 24th, intercepting a poor goal kick, playing a slick one-two with Jami Salo and rifling into the near left corner. Flynn McNaughton burst through the middle in the 44th, leaving defenders trailing before slotting across goal. Sean Byrne equalised on 60 minutes with a low effort across McAtee and after Dean Culbert’s 66th-minute red card, Jack Blackham headed Degnan’s cross to make it 3-2 in the 74th. McNaughton nodded in Taylor Ragan’s cross in the 72nd, but Eliot Green’s clever turn fooled Luke Heppell, slotting home in the 76th. McNaughton levelled again in the 78th via Salo’s pass, only for Blackham’s 93rd-minute free-kick to sail past McAtee.

We bounced back on 11 December, thrashing Newcastle Chemfica Reserves 6-4 at Forge Road in a record-breaking ten-goal thriller. Salo opened the scoring in the 10th minute, pouncing on McNaughton’s rebounded shot for an open-goal tap-in. Jack Smith made it 2-0 in the 16th, heading in after Steve House’s drilled cross was parried into his path. Smith struck again in the 22nd, volleying Ragan’s first-time cross. Declan Bisset fired into the bottom right in the 43rd, meeting House’s deflected cross. Chemfica’s Phil Southgate pulled one back on 44 minutes, found by Carl Dunn’s cross and added a second in the 51st, smashing in Matthew Hartley’s nodded-down delivery. Brandon Judge slotted a first-time effort in the 64th, but McNaughton cut inside brilliantly in the 71st, bending it round the keeper. Conor Crawford sealed it in the 80th, smashing in a headed clearance.

On 18 December, we won 3-2 at Gateshead Redheugh’s Eslington Park. Heppell converted a penalty in the 10th minute and House lashed a 20-yard strike in the 15th after Salo’s lay-off from a free-kick clearance. Heppell scored again in the 40th, finishing House’s pass into the near right corner. Cedwyn Dudill’s free-kick crashed off the crossbar in the 66th, with Raphael Ogbonna tapping in and Kingsley Minors set up Paul Young’s 79th-minute goal.

A 4-4 draw against Cullercoats at Forge Road on New Year’s Day was frenetic. Dillon Burnicle rose above Matt Broughton to head in Mullen’s cross in the 3rd minute, but Bisset found Salo for a near-post equaliser in the 5th. Heppell’s 15th-minute penalty put us ahead and Jack Smith’s nodded-down Ragan cross found McKenzie Dicicco for a debut goal in the 18th. John Sharman headed in Moray Armstrong’s cross in the 21st, Burnicle met Richard Thomas’ low cross in the 23rd and Alex McNicholas’ effort in the 36th gave Cullercoats the lead. Dicicco’s low ball reached Marcel Byrne for a 41st-minute leveller.

We hit six on 15 January, beating Rothbury 6-3 at Armstrong Park. Smith headed Ragan’s corner in the 5th minute and Byrne found the far right corner in the 11th, latching onto House’s ball over the top. Heppell spotted Smith’s free run for a placed shot in the 16th and Bisset set up Dicicco for 4-0 in the 27th. Dicicco struck again in the 35th, meeting Heppell’s pass. Steve Rowland’s thunderous volley deflected in on 44 minutes, but Ragan squared to Bisset for a 56th-minute goal. Steve Sullivan’s 60th-minute effort and Nicky Ford’s 82nd-minute strike off Richard Gill’s cross made it close, despite Bisset’s red card after two bookings between the 63rd and 68th minutes.

On 29 January, we beat Westerhope United 2-1 at home. Smith found Dicicco’s run for an 11th-minute opener and Mason McNeil headed Ragan’s cross in the 53rd, unmarked at the far post. Emmanuel Bassey set up Aiden Brown in the 70th for Westerhope’s reply.

The title was sealed on 26 February against Blyth Town U23s with a 2-0 win. Smith’s header from Ragan’s cross was parried but fell back for him to slot home and his 89th-minute low drive into the near bottom right corner sparked celebrations.

We kept the pressure on, beating North Tyne & Westholme 5-3 at Forge Road on 26 February. House headed Culbert’s cross in the 9th minute, but Chuks Jimoh equalised with a near-post effort in the 20th. Matt Broughton, our vice-captain, finished a rebound off Dicicco’s free-kick in the 45th+2nd minute. House’s 30-yard free-kick screamed into the net in the 48th and his second touch, after controlling Heppell’s high ball, went in off the post in the 50th. Friedrich Mputu’s deflected effort in the 49th and Jimoh’s 73rd-minute goal made it tight, but Heppell’s 96th-minute penalty clinched it.

A 2-1 win at Cramlington Town on 11 March saw Dicicco react to House’s square ball in the 8th minute, with Jack Forsyth heading in Bozhidar Lukanov’s cross in the 39th. Salo’s deflected strike, set up by Bisset, won it in the 72nd.

We thrashed Prudhoe YC Reserves 5-1 at home on 25 March. Ragan found Dicicco’s back-post run to head in on 4 minutes, Bisset hammered a 25-yard shot off the post in the 12th after Byrne’s wing work and Heppell scored from Dicicco’s pass in the 20th. Julle Balikwisha tapped in after Kris Smyth’s header hit the bar in the 47th, but Julian Mitchell set up Byrne in the 78th and 85th for identical finishes.

On 8 April, we hit Seaton Sluice Reserves for six, winning 6-1 at Crag Park. Bisset met Ragan’s cross in the 2nd minute, Salo looped a header from Ragan’s cross in the 11th and House found Salo alone for a 14th-minute goal. Salo completed his hat-trick in the 38th, volleying Smith’s waist-height cross. Eric Murphy volleyed Jai Lough’s cross in the 45th+1st minute, but Heppell scored in the 46th off Salo’s cut-back and Bisset added a second from Smith’s low cross in the 67th.

We ended with a 4-3 win at Newcastle Chemfica Reserves’ Cochrane Park on 15 April. House’s low drive from the edge opened the scoring in the 10th, but Goran Kulčar’s free-kick equalised in the 17th. House headed Smith’s far-post cross in the 35th and Heppell’s penalties in the 43rd and 59th made it 4-1. Joe Nicholls’ 69th-minute penalty and Nick Harvey’s 78th-minute goal, set up by Sol Toman, kept it close.

Our academy fuelled this triumph - 14 of our 25 players came through our ranks. Jami Salo, just 17, led with 16 goals and 9 assists in 20 games, his flair unmatched. Steve House was electric, scoring 13 goals and adding 9 assists in 23 games, his free-kicks and composure shining. Jack Smith, with 8 goals and 14 assists in 25 games, was our creative hub. Luke Heppell (8 goals, 4 assists in 14 games) and Declan Bisset (5 goals, 4 assists in 10 games) filled the void left by Liam Lightfoot and Oliver Walters, while McKenzie Dicicco’s 6 goals and 2 assists in 9 games matched Flynn McNaughton’s output. Marcel Byrne added 7 goals and 3 assists in 10 games and captain Mark Harwood and vice-captain Matt Broughton anchored our defence.

---

The final league table tells the story of our dominance. We finished on 70 points, 25 clear of second-placed Cramlington Town, who edged promotion with 45 points and a 17 goal difference, pipping Westerhope United and North Tyne & Westholme (both 45 points, +16 goal difference) by a single goal. Gateshead Redheugh also hit 45 points but settled for fifth with a 11 goal difference.

Walkergate (41 points), Prudhoe YC Reserves (40) and Cullercoats (39) formed a competitive mid-table. Gosforth Bohemians Reserves (32), FC United of Newcastle (29), Rothbury (26) and Newcastle Chemfica Reserves (22) struggled, while Blyth Town U23s (16 points) narrowly avoided relegation. Seaton Sluice Reserves, with 12 points, were relegated.

Next season, we’ll face North Sunderland, Newcastle City, Ellington, Heddon United, Tyneside Independent Jordans, Whitburn & Cleadon, Willington Working Mens Club, Willington Quay Saints, Blyth Rangers and Wallsend Boys Club in the Second Division, joined by Cramlington Town and Stobswood Welfare. The First Division’s final day will determine whether Bedlington Terriers or another side joins us.

---

---

Bransay Athletic’s 17-year-old striker Jami Salo has earned a call-up to the Finland Under-19 squad under manager Niko Syrjä for high-profile friendlies against Argentina and Northern Ireland.

The matches, set to take place in June, will see Salo face top young talents, with Argentina’s squad boasting players from Boca Juniors, River Plate, Porto and West Brom, and Northern Ireland featuring prospects from Bournemouth and Liverpool.

The Argentina clash will be held at the iconic Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Buenos Aires, home of Argentinos Juniors, where the legendary Diego Maradona began his professional career before moving to Boca Juniors and later Barcelona.

Salo’s rise has been meteoric. Breaking through as a 16-year-old, he became Bransay Athletic’s youngest-ever player and goalscorer, netting a debut brace against Consett Blackfyne on 29 August 2026 in the Northern Combined Football League Premier Division.

The 2026/27 season saw him score an astonishing 16 goals in 16 games, leading Bransay to the title. This season, in the Northern Football Alliance Third Division, Salo has continued his prolific form, bagging 16 goals and 9 assists in 20 games, helping secure a fifth consecutive title and promotion to the Second Division. His pace, clinical finishing, and knack for finding space have made him a standout in Bransay’s 4-4-2 system.

The international spotlight now beckons, but questions linger about Salo’s future. With scouts from bigger clubs likely to watch his performances against elite youth opposition, speculation is growing about whether the Isle of Bransay’s star will remain with his hometown club.

For now, Salo’s focus is on representing Finland and testing himself at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, a fitting stage for a talent drawing comparisons to the island’s proud footballing heritage. Bransay Athletic fans will watch with pride - and a hint of nerves - as their young star takes on the world.

---

---

Bransay Athletic 2028/29 Northern Football Alliance Second Division Season Preview
As we gear up for our first season in the Northern Football Alliance Second Division, our fifth year under my management has us brimming with ambition. After storming the Third Division with 70 points and 100 goals, we’re priced at 4/7 to secure promotion to the First Division. Our trusty 4-4-2, powered by our academy and led by the sensational Jami Salo, will face a tough challenge at Level 13. Forge Road is ready to roar as we take on a competitive field and we’re determined to make it six titles in a row. Here’s a look at the teams we’ll face this season.

---

North Sunderland: Favourites at Seafield Sports Park, North Sunderland are managed by James Davison, who deploys a robust 5-2-3 formation. Goalkeeper Kyle Townsley is their linchpin, marshalling a defence that conceded just 32 goals last season, while centre-back Michael Foley, a top prospect, adds steel and promise. Finishing third with 48 points, they missed promotion by a single point to Walker Central. Their attacking trio will test our backline, but we’re ready to challenge their dominance.

---

Bransay Athletic: That’s us, and we’re second favourites at 4/7 to go up. Playing at Forge Road, our 4-4-2 is built on academy talent, with 17-year-old striker Jami Salo as our talisman, fresh off 16 goals and 9 assists in 20 games last season. After topping the Third Division with 70 points and a century of goals, we’re hungry for another title. My fifth year as manager is about proving we belong at this level and our support will drive us forward.

---

Stanhope Town Sports & Social Club: Promoted as Crook & District League champions with 40 points, Stanhope, led by Luke Lochhead in his second year, are 9/2 for promotion. Their 4-4-2, anchored by goalkeeper Maxwell Robinson, relies on disciplined defending and quick transitions. Playing at Bondisle, they finished 10 points clear of second last season and their organisation will make them a tough nut to crack, especially at home.

---

Ellington: At 16/1, Ellington, managed by Steve Mitchell, play a classic 4-4-2 at Ella Park. Right midfielder Aaron Friend is their key man, his pace and delivery causing havoc. Finishing fifth with 40 points last season, they’re a solid outfit with playoff aspirations. We’ll need to stifle Friend’s influence on the flank to secure points against them.

---

Tyneside Independent Jordans: Priced at 20/1, Dean Rowe’s side play a 4-2-3-1 with defensive midfielders at Coach Lane. Right winger Rees Bryan is their star, his flair a constant threat. After a seventh-place finish with 37 points last season, they’re a mid-table side with potential to upset. Our compact midfield will need to track Bryan closely to avoid surprises.

---

Blyth Rangers: Michael Bradford’s 4-2-4 with defensive midfielders makes Blyth Rangers, at 25/1, an attacking force at Isabella Pavilion. Right winger Kelland Portas is their key man, supported by promising goalkeeper James Stringfellow. Their 11th-place finish with 32 points last season suggests inconsistency, but their direct style could stretch our defence if we’re not sharp.

---

Whitburn & Cleadon: At 50/1, Waide Wollerton’s third year sees them deploy a 5-2-3 with wing-backs at New Fields. Right winger Conor Kelly drives their attack, his speed a handful. Finishing eighth with 35 points last season, they’re a gritty side who’ll rely on defensive solidity. We’ll need to exploit gaps left by their wing-backs to unlock them.

---

Wallsend Boys Club: New manager Darnell Buss brings a 4-4-2 to Kirkley Park, with Wallsend at 50/1. Centre midfielder Sam Carlyon is their engine, dictating play. After a 12th-place finish with 31 points last season, they’re rebuilding. Our attacking depth should test their resolve, but Carlyon’s control could make matches tight.

---

Stobswood Welfare: Relegated from the First Division with 21 points, Stobswood, managed by Oscar Curtis, are 50/1 at Stobswood Welfare Recreation Ground. Their 5-2-3 with wing-backs hinges on striker Darren Bainbridge’s goals. After a tough season, they’ll fight to avoid another drop. Our pace up top could exploit their defensive transitions.

---

Newcastle City: At 50/1, Lewis Ashley’s fifth year sees Newcastle City play a 4-2-3-1 at Kenton School. Striker Christie Bancroft is their focal point, scoring consistently. Finishing fourth with 44 points last season, they’re a strong contender. We’ll need to stay compact to neutralise Bancroft’s threat in the box.

---

Bedlington Terriers: Relegated with 26 points, Bedlington, managed by Richard Dawson, are 50/1 at Welfare Park. Their 4-4-2 relies on strikers Bernard Shaw and Jayden Stevens. After a tough First Division campaign, they’ll aim to stabilise. Our midfield must dominate to limit their attacking duo’s impact.

---

Willington Quay Saints: At 50/1, Aarran Rance’s second year brings a 4-3-3 to Rising Sun Sports Ground. Centre-back Phil Stern anchors their defence. Finishing 10th with 33 points last season, they’re a resilient side. We’ll look to stretch their backline with Salo’s movement.

---

Cramlington Town: Promoted alongside us with 45 points, Cramlington, at 50/1, are led by Stephen Anderson’s 4-4-2 at Cramlington Sporting Club. Right-back Paul Cox is their key man, solid and attacking. Their promotion by a single goal’s difference shows their grit. Familiar foes, they’ll be a tough test.

---

Willington Working Mens Club: At 100/1, Pat Stanley’s fifth year sees a 4-3-3 at Parkside Academy. Centre midfielder Denny Coghlan pulls the strings, with left winger Craig McGregor a top prospect. Ninth with 34 points last season, they’re underdogs. Our wingers should exploit their flanks to create chances.

---

Heddon United: At 150/1, Aaron Kyle’s fifth year brings a 4-4-2 to Walbottle Academy. Goalkeeper Matt Speight is their standout, keeping them competitive. Sixth with 39 points last season, they’re a steady side. We’ll need to be clinical to break through Speight’s goal.

---

Our squad depth is our strength, built on academy talent. In goal, Clint McAtee, with 62 appearances, 86 goals conceded and 14 clean sheets, remains our rock, but an 8-week injury last season gave academy graduate Michael Smith a taste of action, conceding 8 in 2 games. Smith may see more time if McAtee’s knocks persist and we’re confident in his potential to step up at this level.

At right-back, academy graduate Dean Culbert starts after a stellar debut season, making 23 appearances and assisting 5 goals with his overlapping runs. Conor Crawford (27 career apps, 1 goal, 3 assists) and Charlie Uddgren (39 career apps, 3 assists), in his sixth year, provide solid cover, ensuring we maintain width and defensive stability. On the left, Taylor Ragan is a guaranteed starter, his 14 assists and 1 goal in 25 games last season proving his attacking flair. New 16-year-old academy graduate Alex Barras and Charlie Fraher (4 apps, 1 goal) offer depth, with Barras’ youth adding excitement. At centre-back, we’ve lost Derrick Oduro to Sowerby Bridge and captain Mark Harwood’s 4-6 month ankle injury is a blow. Vice-captain Matt Broughton will pair with academy graduates Joe Prendergast or Kyle McDonnell, with 16-year-old Marlon Harrington as fresh cover, ready to step up if needed.

In right midfield, Jack Smith is our creative heartbeat, starting after 8 goals and 14 assists in 25 games last season, totaling 20 goals and 24 assists in 52 career games. Alex Plummer, Julian Mitchell (29 apps, 2 goals, 7 assists) and Stephen Jones ensure depth, keeping our right flank dynamic. On the left, Steve House starts after a breakout season of 13 goals and 9 assists in 23 games, his pace and finishing lethal. New academy graduate Lee Flood joins Jordan Elsdon and Chay Hopson as backups, maintaining our wing threat. In central midfield, we’ve welcomed back Oliver Walters from Kirk Deighton Rangers (14 goals, 13 assists in 47 apps previously), who’ll likely start alongside Luke Heppell (8 goals, 4 assists in 14 games) or Declan Bisset (5 goals, 4 assists in 10 games). Academy graduates Brian Fardal Opseth and Martin Lindsay provide cover, replacing the departed Eddie Rogerson.

Up top, Jami Salo, our 17-year-old star, leads the line with 16 goals and 9 assists in 20 games last season, his international call-up for Finland U19s a testament to his talent. McKenzie Dicicco (6 goals, 2 assists in 9 games) partners him, stepping up after Mason McNeil’s retirement. Marcel Byrne (7 goals, 3 assists in 10 games) and Matt Barlow offer depth, with Byrne’s impact off the bench last season a key asset. We’re ready to take on the Second Division with this squad and make Forge Road a fortress again.

---

---

---

We’ve charged through the first half of the 2028/29 Northern Football Alliance Second Division season, sitting top of the table after 14 games with 37 points from 12 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. Scoring 48 goals and conceding 18 for a +30 goal difference, we’re in pole position for promotion to the First Division. Our 4-4-2, powered by our academy and led by the unstoppable Jami Salo, has Forge Road buzzing as we aim for a sixth consecutive title. Here’s how we’ve fared up to December.

We kicked off on 26 August with a 3-0 home win against Blyth Rangers. McKenzie Dicicco opened the scoring in the 64th minute, latching onto Joe Prendergast’s lofted ball from the halfway line to slot into the bottom right. Prendergast headed in Taylor Ragan’s corner in the 90th, directing it down and across goal, before Luke Heppell sealed it with a 93rd-minute penalty.

On 2 September, we thrashed Stobswood Welfare 6-1 at their Recreation Ground. Heppell curled a left-footed effort into the top corner in the 9th, followed by Salo’s quickfire brace in the 13th and 14th—first dinking Oliver Walters’ high ball, then slamming in Jack Smith’s low cross. Smith found the top left corner in the 30th despite Christian Barth’s parry, Matt Broughton headed Ragan’s corner in the 76th, and Jordan Elsdon nodded in a slow header off the post in the 81st after Heppell and Declan Bisset’s interplay. Sam Malley’s 83rd-minute strike was Stobswood’s only reply.

On 9 September, we beat Whitburn & Cleadon 2-0 at Forge Road. Salo struck in the 34th, racing onto Dean Culbert’s through ball to find the far corner, and in the 74th, Dicicco squared for Salo’s open-goal tap-in.

A 4-2 win at Cramlington Town’s Sporting Club on 16 September kept us rolling. Salo scored in the 10th, finishing Smith’s high ball into the bottom right, and Smith converted Salo’s through ball in the 25th for the left corner. Salo set up Smith again in the 47th, who lashed it into the top left. Carl Scullion’s 58th-minute rocket from the edge beat Clint McAtee, but Dicicco’s 25-yard strike in the 69th restored our cushion, with Mackenzie Niven pulling one back in the 74th.

We overwhelmed Wallsend Boys Club 7-3 at home on 23 September. Salo opened in the 11th, beating Mark Beckford with Ragan’s long pass over the top, and volleyed Walters’ near-post cross in the 15th. Steve House fired into the bottom left in the 20th after Ragan’s lay-off, and Walters scored in the 35th from Smith’s pass off a Salo free-kick. Dicicco found the right corner in the 56th via Ragan, but Wallsend replied with Luca Fichtner’s header in the 58th and Steven Connelly’s rebound off Miles Jones’ free-kick in the 61st. Fichtner blasted into the top right in the 76th, but Smith struck from Alex Barras’ low ball in the 84th, and Barras set up Marcel Byrne for a bottom-right finish in the 90th.

Our first loss came on 30 September, a 4-3 defeat at Ellington’s Ella Park. Smith headed Ragan’s cross in the 2nd minute, House scored from Ragan’s edge-of-the-box pass in the 13th, and House headed Smith’s cross in the 24th. Ellington’s Dom Hughes headed in Kevin Green’s corner in the 23rd, Aaron Friend struck the near right corner in the 56th, and Alan Armstrong equalised with a flicked header from Jack Higgins’ cross in the 67th. Heppell missed a penalty in the 71st, and Armstrong set up Paul Cousins’ near-post winner in the 80th.

We bounced back on 7 October, thrashing Willington Quay Saints 5-0 at home. Smith headed Ragan’s free-kick in the 14th, then curled in Culbert’s intercepted pass in the 48th. Dicicco scored twice in the 63rd and 68th, first from Salo’s square ball after Heppell’s header, then from Walters’ cross. House’s free-kick hit the bar in the 78th, falling for Heppell to score.

On 14 October, we won 3-1 at North Sunderland’s Seafield Sports Park. Sam Olawumi scored in the 3rd, meeting Nick Stockton’s low cross, but Walters equalised in the 49th, half-volleying Heppell’s ball over the top into the bottom right. Salo headed Walters’ cross in the 70th, and Dicicco finished Salo’s pass in the 88th.

On 21 October, we beat Bedlington Terriers 3-1 at home. Salo scored at the near post from House’s pass in the 62nd, then set up Dicicco’s first-time finish in the 63rd after chasing Culbert’s ball. Salo struck again in the 70th, converting Dicicco’s low cross. Richard Holmes’ 28-yard free-kick in the 84th was Bedlington’s reply.

A 2-1 win at Tyneside Independent Jordans’ Coach Lane on 4 November kept us flying. Dicicco scored in the 35th, finishing Broughton’s long ball into the far left corner, and Ragan’s 35-yard stunner in the 41st rocketed into the top right. Gary Noble’s top-left effort in the 57th pulled one back.

On 11 November, we beat Heddon United 4-1 at home. Broughton tapped in Heppell’s free-kick rebound in the 4th, Dicicco headed House’s cross in the 28th, and Heppell converted a penalty in the 66th. Jared Fradley set up Ian MacDonald’s bottom-left finish in the 70th, but Broughton’s ball to Dicicco led to Salo’s six-yard strike in the 74th.

On 18 November, we edged Willington Working Mens Club 2-1 at Parkside Academy. Walters rounded the keeper in the 44th from House’s pass, but Paul Macauley equalised in the 60th from Peter Spiriak’s cross. Stephen Jones set up Matt Barlow’s near-post winner in the 94th.

On 25 November, we beat Stanhope Town 2-1 at home. Smith pounced on Chadburn’s poor clearance in the 42nd, and Heppell found the bottom left in the 45th+2nd minute, but Salo’s 59th-minute red card left us a man down. Carl Williams scored from close range in the 85th.

We drew 2-2 with promotion rivals Newcastle City at Kenton School on 2 December. Joe Robinson’s glancing header from Thomas Scott’s corner in the 49th put them ahead, but Julian Mitchell’s back-post cross was headed in by House in the 67th, and Mitchell set up Byrne’s far-post strike in the 79th. Jimmy Byrne’s header from Scott’s free-kick in the 88th snatched a draw.

---

The league table shows us leading with 37 points from 12 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, with 48 goals scored and 18 conceded. Newcastle City hold the second promotion spot with 28 points and a +16 goal difference, followed by Stanhope Town (26 points), Wallsend Boys Club (24), and Tyneside Independent Jordans (23).

Whitburn & Cleadon sit 6th with 18 points, Ellington and Willington Quay Saints both have 17, Bedlington Terriers 16, and Heddon United and Blyth Rangers 15 each. Willington Working Mens Club are 12th with 15 points, just above the relegation zone.

Preseason favourites North Sunderland, now under Pearce Morison after sacking James Davison, languish in 13th with 12 points, while Stobswood Welfare and Cramlington Town prop up the table with 10 points each. With 14 games left, we’re focused on keeping Forge Road a fortress and pushing for promotion.

---

---

Bransay Athletic have confirmed the departures of striker McKenzie Dicicco and midfielder Luke Heppell, who have joined Tacolneston in the Anglian Combination League Two in Norfolk and Otley Town in the Yorkshire Amateur Premier Division, respectively.

The club have moved swiftly to bolster their squad, securing the return of former star striker Flynn McNaughton from Marsden and signing 22-year-old midfielder Elliott Roberts from Netherton to maintain their push for promotion in the Northern Football Alliance Second Division.

McKenzie Dicicco leaves Bransay after a prolific spell since joining from Northallerton Town in 2027. In 21 appearances, the striker scored 15 goals and provided 6 assists, including an impressive 9 goals in 13 games this season. His clinical finishing and partnership with Jami Salo were pivotal in Bransay’s dominant start, with 37 points from 14 games.

Luke Heppell, who joined from Old Rivingtonians in 2027, departs with 30 appearances, 14 goals (7 from penalties), and 6 assists. His dynamic midfield play, including 8 goals and 4 assists in 14 games this season, helped drive Bransay’s title charge. Both players leave with the club’s gratitude for their contributions and best wishes for their new chapters in Norfolk and Yorkshire.

In response to Heppell’s exit, Bransay approached former captain Liam Lightfoot, who left for Old Rivingtonians in 2027 after 70 appearances and 15 goals. Lightfoot, the man Heppell replaced, received an offer from Walmer Bridge in Longton and opted to remain on the mainland, declining a return to the Isle of Bransay.

Undeterred, Bransay secured the signing of Elliott Roberts from Netherton in the West Yorkshire First Division. The 22-year-old midfielder began his career at Bridlington Town, making 16 appearances across the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, followed by a loan to Dereham Town (16 apps) in 2024/25. He played 21 games in the NCEL Premier Division in 2025/26, then 8 games and a 16-game loan to New Mills in 2026/27. In 2027/28, Roberts made 35 appearances in Northern League Two, scoring 2 and assisting 3, before joining Netherton this season, where he scored 1 and assisted 3 in 12 games. His versatility and experience will bolster Bransay’s midfield.

The club have also welcomed back Flynn McNaughton, a fan favourite from December 2023 to December 2027, to replace Dicicco. McNaughton, who joined from Selby Town, scored 52 goals and provided 20 assists in 70 games across five seasons, playing a key role in Bransay’s five consecutive titles.

After moving to Marsden in 2027, he scored 12 goals in 18 games last season and continued his form this term. McNaughton expressed delight at returning to Forge Road, eager to repartner with Jami Salo and reignite their lethal strike partnership. With Roberts adding midfield steel and McNaughton’s proven goal-scoring prowess, Bransay are well-equipped to maintain their lead at the top of the Second Division and chase promotion to the First Division.

---