Bransay Athletic: Land of the Giants

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Bransay Athletic have clinched promotion to the Northern Football Alliance First Division with six games remaining in the 2028/29 season, following a hard-fought 1-0 win against North Sunderland at Forge Road today.

The victory, sealed by a first-minute header from Martin Lindsay, ensures Bransay’s sixth consecutive promotion, moving them from Level 13 to Level 12 of the English football pyramid. The Isle of Bransay is celebrating as their beloved club continues its remarkable ascent.

The decisive match against North Sunderland was won in electrifying fashion after just 35 seconds. Steve House launched a high ball to the right wing, where Jack Smith latched onto it, delivering a first-time, half-volleyed cross into the box. Centre midfielder Martin Lindsay, making a surging run towards the six-yard box, met the ball with a powerful header to beat goalkeeper Kyle Townsley and spark wild celebrations at Forge Road.

Despite North Sunderland’s efforts, Bransay’s defence, anchored by vice-captain Matt Broughton, held firm to secure the clean sheet and the three points that confirmed promotion.

Bransay top the Second Division with 61 points from 20 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in 22 games, scoring 77 goals and conceding 26 for a 51 goal difference. Their 16-point lead over second-placed Tyneside Independent Jordans (45 points) and 22-point gap over third-placed Stanhope Town (39 points, with a game in hand) mean Stanhope cannot catch them, guaranteeing promotion. The second promotion spot remains contested, with Tyneside leading Stanhope and Newcastle City (35 points, game in hand).

Jami Salo has been the standout, scoring 18 goals and providing 8 assists in 18 games, while Jack Smith’s 12 goals and 10 assists in 19 games have been pivotal. Flynn McNaughton, returning from Marsden, has hit 7 goals in 5 games and Taylor Ragan’s 12 assists from left-back in 19 games have driven Bransay’s attack. A win in their next league game against Bedlington Terriers at Welfare Park could secure the title, cementing Bransay’s dominance and setting the stage for another chapter in their extraordinary rise.

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Bransay Athletic secured the Northern Football Alliance Second Division title today, defeating Bedlington Terriers 2-1 at Welfare Park to claim their sixth consecutive championship and confirm promotion to the First Division at Level 12 of the English football pyramid.

The victory, powered by goals from Marcel Byrne and new signing Elliott Roberts, ensures Bransay’s remarkable rise continues, with Forge Road set to host NFA First Division football next season.

The title was sealed in a tense encounter at Welfare Park. In the 23rd minute, Flynn McNaughton’s cross from the left wing found Jack Smith, whose effort was parried by Bedlington goalkeeper Jamie Turner into the path of Marcel Byrne, who hooked the ball goalwards to open the scoring.

The decisive goal came in the 39th minute when Smith played a precise pass to Taylor Ragan on the edge of the box. Ragan drove down the left, delivering a waist-height cross that Elliott Roberts met with a deft, ducked header to make it 2-0.

Bedlington fought back in the 50th minute when Jordan Pardington’s deflected effort from the edge struck the post. The rebound fell to Gethin Jones, whose attempted square ball for Bernard Shaw was disrupted by captain Mark Harwood’s challenge, only for Darren Clifford to turn and cross back into the six-yard box, where Shaw finished to pull one back. Bransay’s defence, led by Harwood, held firm to secure the win.

The victory puts Bransay on 64 points from 23 games, with 20 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, boasting a 52 goal difference after scoring 79 goals and conceding 27. Their 19-point lead over second-placed Tyneside Independent Jordans, who lost 1-0 to North Sunderland, ensures the title with five games to spare, as only 15 points remain.

The race for the second promotion spot remains tight, with Stanhope Town’s 4-3 win at Wallsend Boys Club placing them three points behind Tyneside on 45 points with a game in hand, while Newcastle City trail on 35 points.

Next season, Bransay will face a competitive First Division, currently led by Amble AFC, last season’s Second Division champions, with a five-point lead over Percy Main Amateurs.

Other teams include Benton, Whickham Under 23s, Newcastle Independent, Newcastle University Reserves, Burradon & New Fordley, Forest Hall, Walker Central, North Shields Athletic, Newcastle East End, Cramlington United, Bedlington, Winlaton Community and AFC Newbiggin, with Birtley Town Under 23s and Newcastle Benfield Reserves likely to join from the Premier Division.

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Bransay Athletic have announced the departure of 26-year-old left-back Taylor Ragan, who has joined Fieldhead Hospital in the Yorkshire Amateur Championship.

Ragan, a key figure in Bransay’s recent success, leaves the Isle of Bransay after three seasons, having been a creative force in their climb to the Northern Football Alliance First Division. His exit follows the club’s confirmation of the Second Division title on, with two games remaining in the 2028/29 season.

Ragan joined Bransay from Selby Town in 2027 and quickly became a cornerstone of Baird’s system. In the 2026/27 season, he provided 4 assists in 6 appearances, showcasing his attacking flair.

He excelled in 2027/28, contributing 14 assists and 1 goal in 25 games as Bransay stormed the Third Division with 100 goals. This season, Ragan has been instrumental in their First Division promotion, recording 15 assists and 1 goal in 23 games. Across his 54 appearances for Bransay, Ragan amassed 33 assists and 2 goals, leaving a lasting legacy at Forge Road.

With the Second Division title secured and a 22-point lead at the top, Bransay have opted not to pursue immediate signings, planning to assess their squad in the summer. The left-back role is expected to be filled by academy graduates Charlie Fraher or Alex Barras. Fraher, with 10 career appearances, offers experience, while 16-year-old Barras has impressed this season, starting 3 games and coming off the bench 17 times to provide 3 assists.

Both youngsters will compete to fill Ragan’s boots as Bransay prepare for the challenges of the First Division in 2029/30. The club wished Ragan well in his new venture with Fieldhead Hospital, where his creativity is sure to shine in the Yorkshire Amateur Championship.

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We’ve done it again - clinched our sixth consecutive title and promotion to the Northern Football Alliance First Division, finishing the 2028/29 Second Division season with 74 points from 24 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses in 28 games. Scoring 90 goals and conceding 36 for a 54 goal difference, we’ve powered our way to Level 12 of the English football pyramid, driven by our academy and the brilliance of Jami Salo, Jack Smith and Flynn McNaughton. Forge Road has been a fortress and we’re ready to take on the First Division with the same spirit.

After our 2-2 draw with Newcastle City on 2 December, we roared back on 9 December, thrashing Stobswood Welfare 5-1 at home. Jami Salo opened in the 19th minute, volleying in after Steve House flicked a pass from the corner following a long ball down the left. In the 42nd, Taylor Ragan controlled a hoofed corner clearance, passed to Dean Culbert, whose curling cross found Marcel Byrne for a far-post volley. Smith’s inswinging cross in the 50th was headed in by House and after Danny Watson’s 87th-minute toe-poke for Stobswood, House set up Smith’s header in the 90th and struck the bottom left corner in the 94th.

On 16 December, we crushed Blyth Rangers 6-1 at Isabella Pavilion. Luke Heppell swept in Culbert’s pass in the 2nd minute, but Kelland Portas equalised in the 5th after defensive errors. House found Smith’s head in the 23rd, Byrne set up Smith’s low finish in the 43rd and Byrne poked in a loose ball in the 50th. Salo’s stunning solo run and top-right finish in the 62nd, followed by House’s header from Culbert’s cross in the 89th, sealed it after Mick Lee’s red card.

On 23 December, we won 3-1 at Whitburn & Cleadon’s New Fields. Salo’s mazy 20-yard run from Broughton’s pass found the left corner in the 45th+1st minute. Byrne set up Martin Lindsay’s heavy-touch finish in the 47th and despite Clint McAtee’s fumbled catch allowing Charlie Craigen’s 56th-minute goal, Salo’s 30-yard low drive in the 70th secured the points.

A 2-0 home win over Cramlington Town on 30 December saw Julian Mitchell head in Ragan’s far-post cross in the 23rd, followed by Salo’s finish from House’s low cross in the 40th.

On 6 January, we beat Wallsend Boys Club 4-2 at Kirkley Park. Neil Duff headed in Anthony Moro’s cross in the 11th, but McNaughton’s 10-minute hat-trick turned it around - scoring from Smith’s half-volleyed cross in the 24th, a penalty in the 27th and a looping header from Smith’s cross in the 34th. Salo chipped the keeper in the 45th+3rd from Smith’s pass, with Duff heading in Ben Howard’s cross in the 66th.

We thrashed Ellington 5-2 at home on 13 January. McNaughton headed in Salo’s cross in the 12th after Walters’ high ball, added a penalty in the 39th and cut inside from Ragan’s long pass to score in the 63rd. Neymar Schaffe headed in Layton Dorward’s cross in the 43rd and Josh Turner capitalised on Walters’ tackle in the 45th+3rd, but Walters found the left corner in the 45th+1st and Ragan set up House’s back-post header in the 74th.

On 20 January, we won 3-1 at Willington Quay Saints’ Rising Sun Sports Ground. Smith headed Ragan’s cross in the 23rd, House set up Salo in the 67th and McNaughton finished Roberts’ lay-off in the 73rd after House’s interplay, despite missing a penalty earlier. George Seal’s 85th-minute header was their reply.

Our 1-0 win over North Sunderland on 27 January, with Martin Lindsay’s 35-second header from Jack Smith’s cross, secured promotion. The title was clinched on 3 February with a 2-1 win at Bedlington Terriers’ Welfare Park, with Byrne and Elliott Roberts scoring.

On 22 February, we drew 2-2 with Tyneside Independent Jordans at home. Salo scored in the 15th from Ragan’s pass and McNaughton converted a penalty in the 27th, but Rees Bryan’s penalty in the 48th and Emeka James’ header from Bryan’s free-kick in the 84th levelled it.

A 2-1 win at Heddon United’s Walbottle Academy on 10 March saw McNaughton dink over the keeper in the 15th from Salo’s flick-on, with Thomas Watkin equalising in the 24th. Broughton’s header from Ragan’s cross in the 27th won it, despite McNaughton’s missed penalty.

On 24 March, we edged Willington Working Mens Club 3-2 at home. House volleyed in a parried header from Culbert’s cross in the 5th, but Jon Murray equalised in the 6th. Lindsay finished House’s header in the 30th and after Murray’s 90th-minute equaliser, McNaughton headed in Bisset’s cross in the 98th.

Our final game, a 2-1 win over Newcastle City at home on 14 April, saw House head in Mitchell’s cross in the 33rd and McNaughton half-volley Roberts’ flamboyant pass in the 38th, with Neil Stone pulling one back in the 78th.

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The league table shows our dominance, finishing with 74 points, 19 ahead of second-placed Tyneside Independent Jordans (55 points), who secured promotion with us. Stanhope Town (48 points), Newcastle City (42), Whitburn & Cleadon (40) and Wallsend Boys Club (40) followed, with North Sunderland and Ellington on 38 and Willington Quay Saints on 37.

Bedlington Terriers (33), Willington Working Mens Club (32) and Heddon United (30) stayed safe, while Blyth Rangers (28), Stobswood Welfare (22) and Cramlington Town (20) were relegated.

Jami Salo’s 19 goals and 9 assists in 22 games fell just short of Ellington’s Josh Turner (20 goals), while Jack Smith’s 13 goals and 11 assists in 24 games, Flynn McNaughton’s 12 goals in 11 games (64 in 81 career games) and Steve House’s 10 goals and 9 assists in 27 games drove our attack. Clint McAtee, House, Broughton and Culbert (27 games each) and Oliver Walters (25) were our most consistent players.

Next season, we’ll face Benton, Newcastle Independent, Burradon & New Fordley, Whickham Under 23s, Forest Hall, Newcastle East End, Newcastle University Reserves, North Shields Athletic, Cramlington United, Walker Central and likely Bedlington in the First Division, with two of Newcastle Benfield Reserves, Sunderland RCA Reserves and Birtley Town Under 23s joining from the Premier Division.

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We’re ready to make our mark in the Northern Football Alliance First Division for the 2029/30 season, stepping up to Level 12 after clinching the Second Division title with 74 points and 90 goals. In my sixth year as manager, our 4-4-2 system, powered by our academy and new centre-back signing Christian Stewart from Newcastle United’s academy, has us as second favourites at 4/6 odds to secure promotion to the Premier Division. Forge Road is buzzing and we’re hungry for a seventh consecutive title. Here’s a look at the teams we’ll face in this competitive division.

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Newcastle Benfield Reserves: Favourites to win the title, Benfield Reserves, relegated from the Premier Division with 30 points, are led by 45-year-old Matthew Cunnington-Taylor and his attacking 4-3-3. Their experience at a higher level makes them a formidable force and their balanced squad will aim to bounce back immediately. We’ll need to be sharp to outmaneuver their dynamic forward line at their home ground.

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Bransay Athletic: That’s us, second favourites at 4/6 odds, playing at Forge Road. Our 4-4-2, built on academy talent, hinges on Christian Stewart’s defensive solidity, with his ball-playing ability from Newcastle United’s academy set to elevate our backline. After dominating the Second Division, we’re determined to keep our title streak alive and make the island proud.

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Whickham Under 23s: Third favourites at 9/2, Whickham, managed by former Shildon and Whitby Town player Alex White, play a 4-4-2 and finished sixth last season with 43 points, 14 off promotion. Right-back Jermaine Fish’s overlapping runs are their key weapon. Their youth and energy will test our midfield at their home ground.

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Tyneside Independent Jordans: Promoted alongside us with 55 points, Tyneside, fourth favourites at 20/1, are led by Dean Rowe’s 4-2-3-1. Striker Alex Holland-Wilkinson is their main man, his goal-scoring instinct a threat. After a strong Second Division campaign, they’ll aim to establish themselves, but our attack should exploit their defensive gaps.

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Burradon & New Fordley: At 25/1, Jordan Corne’s 4-3-3 side finished fifth with 43 points last season. Right-back Xavier Yates is their key man, his defensive nous and forward surges crucial. Their attacking style will challenge our backline, but we’re prepared to counter their pace.

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Cramlington United: Sixth favourites at 33/1, John Rowley’s 4-3-3 side finished 11th with 29 points. Centre-back Cal Ferrell anchors their defence, while goalkeeper Hassan Adigun is a rising prospect. Their inconsistency last season offers us opportunities, especially at home.

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Walker Central: At 33/1, Sam Norcliffe’s new 5-2-2-1 system is taking shape, with centre-back Yushane Buck their key player and striker Josh Littler a strong prospect. Finishing 12th with 28 points, they’ll rely on defensive solidity, but our forwards can exploit their narrow setup.

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Newcastle Independent: Eighth favourites at 33/1, Lawrence Hunter’s 4-3-3 side finished fourth with 43 points. Italian striker Sebastiano Nappari, with 24 goals in 73 career appearances, is their focal point. Their attacking flair will make matches tight, but our midfield depth should prevail.

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Newcastle East End: At 50/1, Scott Brown’s side finished ninth with 35 points. Right-winger Alex Seaton, a homegrown talent, is their key man and prospect. Their direct style will challenge us, but we’ll look to dominate possession to neutralise their threat.

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Gateshead Leam Rangers: Relegated from the Wearside Premier Division with 31 points, Sam Williams-Bowers’ 4-3-3 side are 50/1. Central midfielder Wayne Nelson is their engine, with Chinonso Onah a promising prospect. Their fight to avoid another drop will make them scrappy opponents.

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Forest Hall: At 50/1, Charlie Boyd’s 5-2-3 side finished seventh with 41 points. Defensive midfielder Stuart MacKenzie’s tenacity is their strength. Their compact shape will require patience from our attackers to break down.

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North Shields Athletic: Twelfth favourites at 150/1, Alex McLaren’s 5-3-2 side finished 10th with 33 points. Romanian midfielder Gabriel Lulea, in his seventh season, is their key man. Their defensive approach will test our creativity on the road.

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Benton: At 150/1, Sam Benjamin’s 4-4-2 side finished third with 50 points, just seven off promotion. Left-back Josh Norwood’s defensive reliability is their cornerstone. Their strong campaign last season makes them a dark horse.

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Winlaton Community: Fourteenth favourites at 150/1, Marshall Preen’s 4-4-2 side finished 13th with 25 points, surviving on the final day. Centre-back Aynsley McTiernan and right-back prospect Abdul Aziz Bangoura bolster their defence, but relegation fears loom.

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Newcastle University Reserves: With no title odds due to their first team’s higher-division status, their 4-3-3 side finished eighth with 38 points. Their technical play will challenge us, but our physical edge should shine through.

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Our squad depth is our foundation, starting with goalkeeper Clint McAtee, who enters his sixth season with 122 goals conceded and 19 clean sheets in 90 games. Academy graduate Aksel Uddgren steps up as backup after Michael Smith’s move to Caton United, ready to seize any opportunities.

At right-back, academy product Dean Culbert starts in his third season, with 50 appearances and 10 assists. Conor Crawford (28 apps, 1 goal, 3 assists) and Charlie Uddgren (39 apps, 3 assists, seventh season) provide cover, ensuring our right flank remains robust.

With Taylor Ragan’s departure to Fieldhead Hospital, 16-year-old Alex Barras takes over at left-back after 22 appearances and 3 assists in his debut season. Academy graduate Ben Tait, also 16, is his backup, adding youthful promise.

New signing Christian Stewart from Newcastle United’s academy is set to start at centre-back alongside academy products Joe Prendergast, Matt Broughton, or captain Mark Harwood. Gibril Errington, Kyle McDonnell and Marlon Harrington offer further depth, keeping our defence versatile.

In right midfield, Jack Smith, in his fifth season, starts with 76 appearances, 33 goals, 35 assists and 14 man-of-the-match awards. Alex Plummer, Julian Mitchell and Stephen Jones provide backup, maintaining our attacking threat.

Steve House is our left midfield starter, with 26 goals and 21 assists in 58 games across three seasons, including 10 goals and 9 assists in 27 games last year. Academy products Lee Flood, Chay Hopson and Jordan Elsdon ensure depth.

In central midfield, Oliver Walters, returning from Kirk Deighton Rangers, brings 18 goals and 21 assists in 72 appearances, likely partnering Elliott Roberts (7 apps, 1 goal, 2 assists last season). Declan Bisset, Brian Fardal Opseth and Martin Lindsay add competition.

Up top, Jami Salo, with 51 goals in 58 games, including 19 in 22 last season, is our star striker. Flynn McNaughton, who scored 12 goals in 11 games last season and 52 in 70 in his prior spell, forms a lethal partnership. Marcel Byrne and Matt Barlow provide backup, ready to contribute goals and energy. We’re set to light up the First Division and fight for the title.

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Bransay Athletic have confirmed the departure of striker Flynn McNaughton, who has joined Westerhope United in the Northern Football Alliance Second Division, a surprising move that has left fans puzzled and disappointed.

The 29-year-old, who returned to Bransay last season after a stint with Marsden, scored an impressive 12 goals in 11 games in the 2028/29 campaign, helping secure the Second Division title. This season, he started with 1 goal in 3 games in the First Division, but his decision to drop down a division has sparked confusion given his prolific record.

To fill the void, Bransay have signed 30-year-old striker Kyle Patton, recently released by Seaham Red Star in the Northern League Division One, as they aim to maintain their push for promotion.

McNaughton’s time at Bransay has been marked by exceptional goal-scoring. His first spell from December 2023 to December 2027 saw him net 52 goals and provide 20 assists in 70 games across five seasons, playing a pivotal role in the club’s climb through the divisions.

After scoring 12 goals in 18 games for Marsden, he rejoined Bransay in 2028, immediately reigniting his partnership with Jami Salo and contributing to their sixth consecutive title. His 64 goals in 81 career games for Bransay cement his status as a club icon, making his move to Westerhope United - a side competing in the division Bransay just left - all the more baffling.

Fans have expressed frustration, with many hoping his experience would have driven Bransay’s First Division campaign. The club thanked McNaughton for his contributions and wished him well in his new venture.

To replace McNaughton, Bransay have moved quickly to sign Kyle Patton, a seasoned striker with a strong track record in the Northern League. Patton began his career at Durham City in 2015 before joining Whitley Bay in 2016/17, where he scored 10 goals in 21 games in Northern League Division One.

Spells at Shildon and Bishop Auckland followed, but his standout season came at North Shields in 2019/20, scoring 19 goals in 26 games. His time there was interspersed with short stints at American colleges, where he scored 6 goals in 25 games.

In 2022, Patton joined Whickham, then moved to Hebburn Town, where he scored 25 goals in 122 games over four seasons in the Northern Premier League Division One East. His most recent spell at Seaham Red Star in 2027/28 saw him score 4 goals in 23 appearances, with only 8 starts.

Patton’s experience and versatility are expected to complement Salo’s flair and he’s eager to make an impact at Forge Road. With no further signings planned, Bransay are banking on Patton to help them challenge for the First Division title and continue their remarkable ascent.

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We’ve stormed through the first half of the 2029/30 Northern Football Alliance First 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 just 13 for a +35 goal difference, we’re in prime position for promotion to the Premier Division at Level 11. Our 4-4-2, fueled by our academy and new centre-back Christian Stewart, has been relentless, with Jami Salo and Elliott Roberts leading the charge. Forge Road is alive and we’re determined to make it seven consecutive titles. Here’s how we’ve fared up to December 2029.

We kicked off on 1 September with a 3-1 win at Newcastle Benfield Reserves’ Sam Smith’s Park. Jami Salo opened the scoring in the 27th minute, finishing a low cross from Alex Plummer via Conor Crawford into the bottom left. Salo struck again in the 43rd, backheeling Oliver Walters’ pull-back from Alex Barras’ run and Elliott Roberts smashed a ricochet into the top left in the 45th+2nd minute. Cody Devitt pulled one back in the 81st with a deft touch and finish.

On 8 September, we thrashed North Shields Athletic 4-0 at John Spence High School. Roberts scored in the 18th, tapping in Plummer’s nodded-back cross from Barras and Flynn McNaughton headed in Barras’ cross in the 37th. Gareth Phelan’s own goal from McNaughton’s ball in the 40th and Plummer’s 25-yard low drive in the 85th sealed it.

Our first home game on 15 September ended in a 1-0 loss to Newcastle Independent at Forge Road, with Luke Edwards’ 28th-minute free-kick into the top left proving decisive.

We bounced back on 22 September, beating Whickham Under 23s 4-1 at Glebe Sports Ground. Roberts volleyed in Salo’s cross in the 2nd minute, but Hari Edwards equalised in the 18th. Jack Smith’s penalty in the 48th, Steve House’s finish from Barras’ pass in the 56th and House’s header from Smith’s cross in the 62nd secured the win.

On 29 September, we beat Newcastle East End 3-1 at home. House’s powerful 14th-minute strike beat Cedwyn Reach, but Mustafa Kara equalised in the 21st. Salo scored in the 36th from Smith’s nodded-down ball and added a slow effort in the 50th that Reach parried into his own net.

A 4-0 win at Tyneside Independent Jordans’ Coach Lane on 6 October saw Roberts score after 27 seconds from Salo’s lay-off, followed by Jordan Carruthers’ own goal off Roberts’ shot in the 52nd. Smith headed in House’s delivery in the 68th and Salo nodded in Dean Culbert’s cross in the 91st.

On 13 October, we drew 1-1 with Burradon & New Fordley at home, with Walters curling into the bottom right in the 19th, only for Joseph Cronin’s 94th-minute penalty to equalise despite Clint McAtee’s touch.

We crushed Newcastle University Reserves 4-0 at Essity Park on 21 October. Salo scored twice, first from House’s long ball in the 29th and then from Kyle Patton’s pass in the 42nd. Walters’ 20-yard half-volley in the 64th and House’s header from Plummer’s cross in the 85th completed the rout, with Fenton McKeown’s 76th-minute red card aiding us.

On 27 October, we beat Benton 5-2 at home. Patton dinked over the keeper in the 18th from Roberts’ through ball and Salo scored twice in the 20th and 30th, first from Patton’s pass and then Barras’ cross. Aslan Tan chipped McAtee in the 33rd, but Salo’s hat-trick came in the 58th from Smith’s cross and his fourth in the 66th deflected in off a tackle. Job Baiúa headed in for Benton in the 73rd.

A 4-1 win at Walker Central’s Monkchester Green on 3 November was dominated by Salo’s 57-second brace in the 70th minute—first heading in House’s cross, then finishing Julian Mitchell’s pass via Culbert’s interception. Iain Dodds replied in the 74th, but Patton’s 20-yard turn-and-strike in the 86th and Salo’s hat-trick goal from Declan Bisset’s pass in the 94th sealed it.

We edged Winlaton Community 5-3 at home on 10 November. Kelvin Okoh and Marc Sutherland scored in the 3rd and 17th minutes, but Smith’s penalty in the 29th and House’s 30-yard strike in the 30th levelled it. Salo gave us the lead in the 53rd from Barras’ drilled ball, Barras scored a deflected 25-yard effort in the 65th and Mitchell’s left-footed strike in the 84th made it 5-2. Layton Binningsley’s 90th-minute rocket was a consolation.

On 24 November, we won 3-0 at Cramlington United’s Northburn. Salo headed in Smith’s lofted ball in the 23rd and again in the 62nd, with House heading in Smith’s cross in the 64th for Smith’s third assist.

A 6-2 thrashing of Gateshead Leam Rangers at home on 1 December saw Patton score in the 41st from Culbert’s high ball, House net a free-kick in the 45th+2nd and Salo sneak under the keeper from Culbert’s pass in the 45th+4th. Salo’s face redirected Smith’s cross in the 55th, Walters cut inside for the bottom right in the 57th and Roberts headed in Patton’s cross in the 76th. Evan Fortune and Junior Young scored for Gateshead in the 62nd and 92nd.

We finished the midpoint with a 2-0 win at Forest Hall’s East Palmersville Pavilion on 8 December, with Roberts’ 25-yard rocket in the 70th and Marcel Byrne’s outside-the-foot finish in the 85th.

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The league table shows us leading with 37 points, seven ahead of Burradon & New Fordley (30 points) in the second promotion spot.

Newcastle Independent (26 points), Newcastle Benfield Reserves (23 points, +7 GD) and Tyneside Independent Jordans (23 points, +6 GD) follow, with Cramlington United on 21.

Forest Hall and Gateshead Leam Rangers have 18 points, Walker Central 17 and Winlaton Community, Newcastle East End and Benton are tied on 15.

Newcastle University Reserves (13 points) sit just above the relegation zone, with Whickham Under 23s and North Shields Athletic (12 points each) in the drop spots. With 14 games left, we’re focused on keeping our attacking edge and securing promotion to the Premier Division.

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Bransay Athletic have confirmed the departures of three players - striker Matt Barlow, goalkeeper Clint McAtee and left midfielder Steve House - as the club prepares for the second half of the 2029/30 Northern Football Alliance First Division season.

With Bransay leading the table on 37 points after 14 games, manager Callum Baird is set to rely on academy talent and targeted signings to maintain their push for promotion to the Premier Division.

Matt Barlow, 28, has joined Ponteland United in the NFA Premier Division, where they currently sit third. Barlow, who arrived from Bridlington in January 2026, spent nearly four years as a backup striker, making 10 appearances and scoring one goal. His move to a higher division offers a chance for regular football and the club wishes him well in his new challenge.

The departure leaves a gap up top and Baird is actively seeking a new striker to complement Jami Salo and Kyle Patton, who was signed earlier this season from Seaham Red Star to replace Flynn McNaughton.

In a surprising move, 28-year-old goalkeeper Clint McAtee has left to join Stobswood Welfare in the NFA Second Division, two levels below. McAtee, a centurion with 104 appearances since joining from Crosshills in November 2024, has been Baird’s most featured signing.

Replacing Chay Peel, he conceded 135 goals and kept 24 clean sheets, playing every game last season and all 14 this season. His decision to drop divisions while starting for a team eyeing Premier Division promotion has baffled fans, but the club thanked him for his immense contributions. Academy goalkeepers Roscoe Green and Aksel Uddgren are set to step up, with Baird confident in their potential to fill McAtee’s gloves.

The most significant loss is 20-year-old left midfielder Steve House, who has moved to Whitehaven in the West Lancashire Premier Division, a step above. An academy graduate since 2024, House debuted in a 2-1 win over Newcastle Westgate in October 2026, filling in after the departures of Karl Griffiths and Ewan Forster.

He made 8 appearances in 2026/27, scoring 3 goals and assisting 3. As a starter in 2027/28, he shone with 13 goals and 9 assists in 23 Third Division games, followed by 10 goals and 9 assists in 27 games last season.

This season, he contributed 7 goals and 5 assists in 15 games. His departure leaves a void on the left flank, with academy products Jordan Elsdon, Charlie Fraher, Lee Flood and Chay Hopson vying to replace him. With Christian Stewart already bolstering the defence, Baird’s focus on youth and a new striker signals Bransay’s intent to keep their title streak alive.

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Bransay Athletic have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of 21-year-old striker Emmanuel Bradley, who was released by Whitby Town last summer.

The versatile forward, capable of playing on the wings or as a defensive midfielder, joins the Northern Football Alliance First Division leaders to cover the departure of Matt Barlow to Ponteland United.

As Bransay push for promotion to the Premier Division with 37 points from 14 games, manager Callum Baird hopes Bradley’s pace and adaptability will enhance their title-chasing squad.

Bradley came through Whitby Town’s academy and gained experience through loan spells between 2025 and 2027 with Jarrow and Frickley Athletic, where he made 49 appearances, scoring 7 goals and providing 2 assists in the Northern League Two and NCEL Premier Division.

He marked his Whitby Town debut in 2027 with a goal, a highlight of his early career. That same season, a loan to Marske United in Northern League One saw him score 7 goals in 22 appearances, showcasing his clinical edge.

Returning to Whitby for the 2028/29 season, he made 6 appearances before another loan move last season to Barnton in the North West Counties League Division One South, where he netted 7 goals in 18 games. Released by Whitby in the summer of 2024, Bradley now seeks to revive his career at Forge Road.

Bradley’s arrival fills the gap left by Barlow, who made 10 appearances for Bransay as a backup striker. While it’s unclear if Bradley will start alongside star striker Jami Salo or compete with Kyle Patton for a place in the 4-4-2, his versatility offers tactical flexibility.

His ability to operate across the front line or drop into midfield could prove valuable in tight matches. With no further signings planned until the summer, Baird is banking on Bradley to integrate quickly and contribute to Bransay’s quest for a seventh consecutive title.

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Bransay Athletic have strengthened their squad with a double signing, bringing in 22-year-old centre-back Charlie Parks from Sutton and 23-year-old striker Ryan Tioffo from Salford Victoria, as they aim to maintain their lead in the Northern Football Alliance First Division.

The additions come as the club bids farewell to striker Marcel Byrne, who has joined Wetheriggs United in the Westmorland Third Division, marking the end of his second spell with Bransay. With 53 points from 20 games, manager Callum Baird is reshaping the squad for the challenges of higher divisions.

Charlie Parks, a towering 6’8” centre-back, brings a wealth of experience from higher-tier football. Emerging from Lincoln City’s academy in 2023, Parks joined Bedford Town, making 25 appearances in the National League North in 2025/26.

He then spent two seasons with Worthing in the National League South, playing 14 games from 2025 to 2027. Macclesfield signed him in 2027/28, where he contributed 4 appearances to their promotion from the Northern Premier League Premier Division to the National League North, followed by 2 appearances the next season. A loan to Bamber Bridge in 2028/29 saw him make 15 appearances in the NPL Premier Division before his release from Macclesfield.

This season, Parks joined Sutton in the Yorkshire Amateur Supreme Division, helping them lead the table and secure promotion to the NCEL Division One. His physical presence and defensive nous will bolster Bransay’s backline alongside Christian Stewart.

Ryan Tioffo, a prolific 23-year-old striker, joins to replace Byrne and add firepower to Bransay’s attack. After starting in Burnley’s academy in 2022, Tioffo was snapped up by Gainsborough Trinity in the NPL Premier Division for the 2024/25 season, scoring 30 goals and providing 9 assists in 156 appearances until his release in 2027/28.

Salford Victoria signed him in November 2028, where he scored 6 goals in 10 games to secure promotion from the Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur Premier Division. This season, Tioffo netted 10 goals in 19 games in the Manchester League Two, helping Salford Victoria clinch promotion with eight games to spare. His clinical finishing and versatility are expected to complement Jami Salo and Kyle Patton, though it remains unclear if he’ll start immediately.

Marcel Byrne’s departure ends a significant chapter for Bransay. Across two spells, Byrne scored 46 goals in 71 appearances, including 5 goals and 2 assists in 15 games last season. His move to Wetheriggs United, a lower-tier side, follows Baird’s warning that it would mark his final exit from the club.

The signings of Parks and Tioffo signal a strategic shift, with Baird gradually phasing out some of the old guard to prepare for tougher challenges. “We’re building for the future,” Baird said. “While we cherish the contributions of players like Marcel, bringing in talents like Charlie and Ryan, who’ve proven themselves at higher levels, is crucial for tackling the demands of the First Division and beyond. Our ambition is to keep climbing and these signings reflect that vision.”

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Bransay Athletic secured the Northern Football Alliance First Division title today, defeating Walker Central 4-1 at Monkchester Green to claim their seventh consecutive championship and earn promotion to the Premier Division at Level 11 of the English football pyramid.

The victory, powered by a brace from Jami Salo and goals from Jack Smith and Jordan Elsdon, extends Bransay’s unbeaten run to 21 games this season, cementing their dominance in the First Division. With Forge Road set to host Premier Division football next season, the Isle of Bransay is celebrating another milestone in their ascent.

The title was sealed in emphatic fashion against Walker Central. In the 3rd minute, Ryan Tioffo fed Jack Smith’s run down the right, who picked out Jami Salo at the penalty spot to rifle into the top left corner. Salo struck again in the 8th, playing a one-two with Jordan Elsdon down the left before Elsdon found Tioffo at the near post. Goalkeeper Gourlay saved Tioffo’s effort, but the ball looped up for Salo to nod into an empty net. Walker Central pulled one back in the 32nd when Sam McGilligan Oliver’s run down the right set up Josh Littler to score from six yards. Bransay responded swiftly, with Alex Barras receiving a throw-in back from Oliver Walters in the 36th and swinging a cross for Smith to head in. In the 41st, Walters found Elsdon in the box after a clearance and the left midfielder fired into the near left bottom corner to restore the three-goal cushion.

The win propels Bransay to 65 points from 24 games, with 21 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss, scoring 80 goals and conceding 22 for a 58 goal difference. Their 20-point lead over second-placed Burradon & New Fordley (45 points, two games in hand) ensures the title with four games to spare, as the maximum points available to Burradon cannot close the gap.

The race for the second promotion spot remains tight, with Burradon & New Fordley, Tyneside Independent Jordans (43 points) and Newcastle Independent (42 points) vying for the final step up to the Premier Division.

Jami Salo’s clinical finishing, supported by Jack Smith’s creativity and the emergence of new signings like Ryan Tioffo and Charlie Parks, has driven Bransay’s relentless campaign. With an unbeaten record and a squad blending academy talent and strategic additions, Bransay are poised to make an impact in the Premier Division next season, continuing their extraordinary journey under manager Callum Baird.

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The late afternoon sun filtered through the small window of the Forge Road clubhouse, casting a warm glow over the modest office where Callum Baird, Bransay Athletic’s manager, sat across from Neal Johnson, the club chairman elected by the fans. The air was thick with ambition, the kind that had fuelled Bransay’s meteoric rise through seven consecutive titles, from the North Northumberland League to their freshly clinched Northern Football Alliance First Division crown. Now, with the NFA Premier Division looming, Callum leaned forward, his hands clasped, ready to pitch a vision that could redefine the club’s future.

“Neal, we’ve built something special here,” Callum began, his voice steady but brimming with conviction. “Seven titles, unbeaten this season, 80 goals in 24 games. But the Premier Division’s a different beast. To compete at Level 11, to keep pushing for the Northern League, we need to take the next step. I think it’s time we move to semi-professional.”

Neal, a lifelong Bransay resident with a pragmatic streak, raised an eyebrow but nodded for Callum to continue. His weathered hands, accustomed to fishing nets before he took on the chairmanship, rested on the table, ready to weigh the proposal.

“Look,” Callum said, gesturing to a notebook filled with scribbled formations and financial projections, “we’re not just a club anymore; we’re becoming the heart of this island. But our players - lads like Jami Salo, Jack Smith - they’re juggling jobs, family and football. If we start paying wages, even modest ones, we give them freedom to focus. We can train two, maybe three times a week instead of once. More sessions mean sharper tactics, better fitness and a real edge over teams still scraping by on amateur schedules.”

Neal leaned back, his eyes narrowing as he processed the idea. “Paying wages,” he mused. “That’s a big shift, Callum. We’ve always prided ourselves on grit, not cash. What’s it going to cost us and where’s the money coming from?”

Callum was ready. “I’ve crunched the numbers with the treasurer. Our gate receipts have doubled since we hit the Second Division. Add in merchandise, local sponsorships from the fishery and the pub and we can afford to pay players £25 to £120 a match, maybe more for key lads like Salo. We’re not talking Premier League salaries, but enough to show we’re serious. Plus, semi-pro status lets us attract talent from the mainland - players like Charlie Parks or Ryan Tioffo, who’ve played National League and Northern Premier. We keep our academy core but add quality to compete with sides like Ponteland United or Blyth Town.”

Neal tapped his fingers on the table, his mind turning over the implications. “And the benefits for the players? Beyond the money?”

“It’s about purpose,” Callum replied, his voice rising with passion. “Right now, they play for love, for fitness, for the island. That’s powerful, but semi-pro gives them more. A wage means they’re not just fishermen or shop workers who play football - they’re footballers. Training more often builds a professional mindset. They’ll feel valued, not stretched thin. And it’s not just about keeping our stars - imagine Jami Salo staying longer because we can offer stability, not just pride. We’ll lose fewer lads to mainland clubs like Matt Barlow to Ponteland or Steve House to Whitehaven.”

Neal’s gaze drifted to a framed photo on the wall, capturing Bransay’s 2024 squad celebrating their first title with Baird. He remembered those early days, when the club was a ragtag group playing on borrowed pitches. “You’re saying we can keep the soul of Bransay but give it a stronger backbone,” he said, almost to himself.

“Exactly,” Callum nodded. “We stay true to the island - our academy’s still the heart, with lads like Alex Barras and Ben Tait coming through. But semi-pro status means we’re not just surviving; we’re building a legacy. We can scout better, plan long-term, maybe even upgrade Forge Road’s pitch or facilities. The fans will see it too - a club that’s not just about winning, but about growing into something sustainable.”

Neal exhaled, a slow smile breaking through. “You’ve thought this through, haven’t you? I’ll admit, I was skeptical. We’ve done alright as amateurs, but you’re right - the Premier Division’s no joke. If we want to keep climbing, we need to evolve. Paying wages, training more - it’s not just money; it’s respect for what these lads are doing. And if we can keep talents like Jami while bringing in players who’ve tasted higher leagues, we’re not just dreaming of the Northern League One - we’re laying the path.”

Callum felt a surge of relief. “So, you’re in?”

“I’m in,” Neal said, extending his hand. “Let’s take it to the board, but you’ve got my vote. Let’s make Bransay Athletic semi-professional. For the island, for the lads, for the future.”

As they shook hands, the weight of the moment settled over them. Bransay Athletic, the pride of a tiny island, was about to take its next leap, ready to carry the hopes of its community into uncharted waters.

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We capped our remarkable ascent with a dominant 2029/30 Northern Football Alliance First Division campaign, clinching the title and promotion to the Premier Division at Level 11 with a 4-1 victory over Walker Central on 16 February 2030. We finished the season with 73 points from 23 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss, scoring 87 goals and conceding 24 for a +63 goal difference, securing our seventh consecutive championship. Led by Jami Salo’s league-leading 28 goals, our 4-4-2, bolstered by new signings like Charlie Parks and Ryan Tioffo, made Forge Road a fortress and set us up for Premier Division challenges.

We started the second half of the season with a 3-2 win over Newcastle Benfield Reserves at home on 15 December. Kyle Patton scored from Steve House’s low cross in the 20th minute, Jami Salo added a second from Jack Smith’s cross in the 25th, and Alex Barras capitalised on a clearance in the 47th. Jay Abbott’s 15-yard strike in the 55th and Cody Devitt’s bottom-right finish in the 71st made it close.

On 22 December, we secured a 1-0 home win over North Shields Athletic, with Smith scoring in the 35th after a mazy run.

We thrashed Newcastle Independent 4-0 at Coach Lane on 29 December, with Emmanuel Bradley heading in Smith’s half-volleyed cross in the 9th, Smith heading Barras’ cross in the 29th, Bradley finishing Jordan Elsdon’s nod-down from Dean Culbert’s cross in the 40th, and Culbert heading in Smith’s free-kick in the 74th.

On 5 January, we beat Whickham Under 23s 4-1 at home. Salo scored from Smith’s low cross in the 10th, Elliott Roberts curled into the top right in the 39th, and Salo intercepted a loose ball in the 73rd. Bradley finished Salo’s right-wing work in the 76th, with Hari Edwards scoring a 91st-minute consolation.

We won 3-1 at Newcastle East End’s Millers Dene on 12 January, with Bradley nestling a shot in the bottom right in the 14th, Salo pouncing on a loose ball in the 19th, and Elsdon scoring at the near post in the 21st, with Marshall Oates replying in the 61st. We drew 0-0 with Tyneside Independent Jordans at home on 19 January.

On 26 January, we crushed Burradon & New Fordley 5-0 at Burradon Welfare. Smith headed in Barras’ cross in the 10th, Oliver Walters headed into an empty net from 25 yards after goalkeeper Bancroft’s shocking punch in the 21st, and Salo tapped in Smith’s rebound in the 26th. Roberts’ clever free-kick under the wall in the 35th and near-post finish from Barras’ pass in the 53rd completed the rout.

We edged Newcastle University Reserves 5-3 at home on 2 February. Salo scored from Elsdon’s square ball in the 23rd, but Aleksandar Natsev’s penalty in the 53rd and Ciaran Nelson’s header in the 56th gave the visitors the lead. Ryan Tioffo equalised in the 58th from Christian Stewart’s lay-off, Roberts headed in Smith’s cross in the 63rd, Smith headed Barras’ cross in the 65th, and Walters’ powerful strike in the 82nd sealed it, despite Leif Staunch’s scuffed effort in the 88th.

We won 3-1 at Benton’s Churchill Playing Field on 9 February, with Smith scoring from Barras’ cross in the 6th, Walters curling a free-kick into the top left in the 30th, and Salo firing from the edge in the 32nd, with Abdi Ali heading in for Benton in the 58th.

We secured the title on 16 February with a 4-1 home win over Walker Central. Salo scored in the 3rd minute from Smith’s cross via Tioffo’s pass, then nodded in a rebound in the 8th after Tioffo’s saved effort. Josh Littler pulled one back in the 32nd, but Smith’s header from Barras’ cross in the 36th and Elsdon’s near-post finish from Walters’ pass in the 41st confirmed the championship.

On 2 March, we won 3-0 at Winlaton Community’s Axwell View, with Charlie Parks glancing in Roberts’ corner in the 15th, Smith’s deflected effort in the 23rd, and Smith’s penalty in the 26th.

We drew 1-1 with Cramlington United at home on 30 March, with Bradley scoring from Smith’s square ball in the 19th, but Jarrett Novak’s 30-yard volley struck in the 60th.

On 13 April, we won 2-0 at Gateshead Leam Rangers’ Hilltop Playing Field, with Tioffo scoring from Barras’ square ball in the 13th and tapping in a rebound from Salo’s low cross in the 36th.

We closed the season with a 1-1 draw against Forest Hall at home on 27 April, with Peter Stewart’s 25-yard effort in the 32nd cancelled out by Bradley’s goal in the 61st after outmuscling Matt Park.

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We topped the league table with 73 points, 20 ahead of Burradon & New Fordley (53 points), who overtook Tyneside Independent Jordans (50 points) on the final day with a 3-2 win to secure promotion.

Newcastle Independent (51 points) pipped Tyneside for third, while Newcastle Benfield Reserves ended fifth on 40 points. Benton (40), Forest Hall (38), and Gateshead Leam Rangers (38) filled midtable, followed by Newcastle East End (34), Cramlington United (33), and Walker Central (32).

Whickham Under 23s (29) survived relegation, with Newcastle University Reserves (27, -15 GD), North Shields Athletic (27, -23 GD) and Winlaton Community in the drop zone.

However, Newcastle University’s first team’s relegation from the Premier Division forced their reserves’ relegation, sparing North Shields Athletic by default. Salo’s 28 goals in 26 games earned him the league’s top scorer title, with Smith’s 11 assists and Roberts’ versatility driving our campaign. We now prepare for the Premier Division, ready to continue our extraordinary journey.

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