JORDAN DUNNING –GOALKEEPER

No.1 ‘keeper, Jordan had a sensational 2023-24 season with 8 clean sheets and a number of top performances which contributed to making the team so hard to beat Jordan dominates his area and makes collecting balls into the box look effortless. His massive kicks have also been known to catch a few teams out

HARRY TRETT – GOALKEEPER

Former Newport County stopper, Trett brings a commanding presence to the side, blending pin-point distribution with excellent shot-stopping

TASMAN ROOK – FULL BACK

Tas joined the club in the second half of the 2022/23 season from Chippenham Town, but a series of injuries has limited his appearances to date. A very gifted player, Tas reads the game situation very well and has proven to be adaptable in a number of shapes. If he can stay fit, one to watch for the future

PETER IRELAND – FULL BACK

Nicest lad in the club, Pete nonetheless puts it all in on the pitch and is a true competitor. Not the most prolific in front of goal, Pete has nonetheless scored his annual goal (a sublime chip) early this season, which will take the pressure off.

BLERAN THAQI – FULL or / CENTRE BACK After a breakthrough season, former Henbury U18s player Bleran has starred throughout preseason with a number of mature performances. Strong both defensively and in possession, Bleran has excellent potential and will be one to watch for the future

JORDAN BUCKETT (CAPT) – CENTRE BACK A natural leader on and off the pitch, Jordan has matured well into the captaincy, leading by example through consistently putting in strong performances

GEORGE JAMES – CENTRE BACK George alternates between centre back and centre forward, both positions he has become adept at. Despite a questionable decision to don white boots this season, George has good feet, excellent vision and passing range, making him a real asset to the side

OLIVER WOOLLAND – CENTRE BACK Ollie currently holds the record of ‘most spells with the Club’ jointly with Jay Moore. A versatile player, former Southampton academy player, Ollie can play anywhere along the back or in midfield

ADAM PARKES –CENTRE BACK

Adam is another strong centre back who has proven during preseason to be equally strong in the air and with the ball at his feet. Adam likes to drive with the ball and maraud forwards. He can also bring a Delap style throw as his party trick.

CAMERON TARR – CENTRE BACK

Back after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with injury, Cam is a great addition to the side, bringing a wealth of experience. A strong, physical presence at back, Cam is excellent in the air and a handful for opposition forwards.

MARCUS WILLIAMS (VICE CAPT) – MIDFIELD Club stalwart, after starting at Under 6’s with Rockleaze Marcus is equally adept at fullback or midfield. A tenacious player, Marcus is a nightmare to play against, winning a lot of ball, and whose low centre of gravity makes him very hard to dispossess.

DREW SAWDON – MIDFIELD

Hard hitting midfielder hailing from the North, 2023-24 Player’s Player of the Season, Drew enjoyed an outstanding first season in the 1sts, ending up as joint top goal scorer (16) as well as being a dominating presence in the midfield.

SAMUEL BAILEY –

MIDFIELD

Silent assassin, bandit-Bailey is a classy midfielder who both links up play and scores goals through his late runs into the box

BRANDON BOONTAM – MIDFIELD

When you’re that good, you can afford to be a little bit lazy… Bran is an outstanding player, who from time-to-time gets his freekicks on target. Excellent close control and strength had made Brandon one of the first names on the teamsheet

MATTHEW HARRISON – MIDFIELD

Matt is a classy player (like a fine wine) who brings both calmness and an engine to the midfield. Great positional awareness means that Matt rarely needs to sprint, which is just as well

JONATHAN WEBB – MIDFIELD

Jon is your typical box to box midfielder – strong in the tackle, good feet, and likes to drive with the ball. Standing tall at 6’3”Jon is an aerial threat too. Jon has a fierce shot on him too.

KACPER KALKOWSKI –

WINGER

Kacper is incredibly talented – a tricky winger who has great feet and an eye for goal. He has excellent set piece delivery, bagging a number of assists last season.

NICHOLAS JONES – WINGER

Former Cribbs winger, Nick brings pace, experience and a winning mentality to the side. Nick loves to get forwards with his mazy runs, but is equally adept defensively, making him a real asset on the left.

FRASER BUTT – WINGER

Former Gloucester City academy player, Fraser is a mercurial talent with an eye for goal, as well as being a set piece specialist. Able to play practically any position, Fraser is incredibly versatile. Not the keenest trainer, Fraser nonetheless does it where it counts on the pitch

TATE SHAW – WINGER

He might be built like p!@#, but Tate brings extreme pace to the side, and is an excellent finisher, as demonstrated by his well taken goals in preseason games against Cribbs and Bitton

DANIEL WEBB –

FORWARD Tour and social secretary, Webby is also a Gloucestershire County League veteran, having terrorised opposition with his skill, movement and goals for a number of years. Joint top goal scorer (16) last season, whilst chipping in with a number of assists, Webby will be looking to add to his tally this year

JAMES GOULDEN – FORWARD

Sporting a suspect tache and frosted tips, when not taking long coach trips across Portugal, James is a tall and tricky forward. Backed with a great touch and good off the ball movement, James is an exciting talent and one to watch for the future

JENSON BEARD – FORWARD

Jenson is swiftly becoming the complete striker. Bringing pace, physicality, work-rate, as well as guile, Jenson finished the 2023-24 season as joint top goal scorer (16). An exciting prospect, we hope to see Jenson continue on this trajectory

JORDAN DENT – FORWARD

Despite a string of injuries over the last few seasons, “Barry” Dent is nonetheless a quality forward with an eye for goal. Narrowly missing out on the Club golden boot last season, despite only returning to fitness for the second half of the season, Jordan will look to continue this form into the 2024-25 season. Jordan is a liability on a night out though.

MANAGEMENT

PETER BRADBURY – MANAGER

Long serving manager, into his 14th season having managed the Club’s Reserves, A team and B team previously. Now into a 7th season with the 1st team, Bradders is looking to attain promotion for the Club after last season’s 3rd placed finish.

LEE DOUGLAS – ASSISTANT MANAGER Long suffering assistant manager to Bradders, Lee has been signed up for another season. Lee is a generous man who is well loved and respected by everyone in the Club. Known to be quite loud, from time to time, avoid standing directly in his path

JASON TARR – ASSISTANT MANAGER New addition to the management team for the 2024-25 season, Jason is an excellent coach, but also a calm head with a wealth of experience on matchday

WARNING THE DANGERS OF PYROTECHNICS AT FOOTBALL MATCHES

The potential injuries sustained as a result of someone using a pyrotechnic include:

• Serious injuries, such as loss of limb or fingers

• Severe burns, due to temperatures of up to 2,000°C • Breathing problems, due to smoke inhalation

• Loss of hearing or sight, because of the explosive power Action will be taken by the GFA if any club is reported to them by the Referee.

You have been warned

Ruardean Hill Rangers play their football on the highest point in the Forest of Dean, 920 feet above sea level.

Formed in 1919, Ruardean Hill played in the old Forest of Dean league until its termination in the late 1950’s. They then moved into the North Gloucestershire League and have remained there in some capacity ever since.

Ruardean Hill gained their first promotion to the Northern Senior League in 1994/95 and competed in this league for several seasons before being relegated in 2001. They immediately regained promotion the following year only to be relegated again in 2004. In the 2011/12 season, they earned a last day promotion back to the senior league as well as reaching the final of the ‘Amateur Cup’. The 2012/13 season brought the club its first promotion to the Northern Senior League Division 1 from back-to-back promotions. ‘The Hill’ finished in the top eight for each of the next three seasons before finally winning the Division 1 title in 2016/2017 season. They scored an incredible 125 goals and conceded just 34 in 35 games.

Ruardean Hill’s current first team has a good mixture of youth, from our youth teams, and experience from the same core group of players. The core group players have been in the team for about 10 years. They now field 3 senior teams; the club’s promotions owe a lot to the depth of its other senior teams. The club are now competing in their 5th season in the Marcliff County League having finished 9th and 5th in their first two seasons. They are now fully cemented in the County League and they are looking to push on and finish as high as possible.

Aaron Underwood (Goalkeeper) – 1 of the longest serving players in the squad. Great shot stopper who can also start defence to attack very quickly with his direct kicking. Big presence in the dressing room.

Steve Bowles (Goalkeeper) – Great competition with Aaron for the number 1 spot. Steve has had spells with Cinderford Town in the past. Steve is a keeper who is quick off his line and comfortable with the ball at his feet

Bobby Walding (Defender) – Bobby who has had a spell as a striker in the past, has certainly found his position at centre back. Great organiser of the defence. Likes a good battle with opposing strikers.

Jack Meek (Defender) – Quiet man of the team. Always in the right place at the right time. Reads the game very well and plays the game very chilled out.

Ricky Tingle (Defender) – Rick covers the ground well and looks to play football from the back. Loves an opportunity to get forward and score. Great in both boxes.

Dan Bowles (Defender) – 1st full season with the club who also plays for Cinderford Town U18’s. Dan is a proper defender who likes to battle with the opposing strikers. Doesn’t lose much in the air. Great Drummer.

Isaac Hatcher (Midfielder) – Another young player who is in his 1st full season with the club. Played the second half of last season with 2nd team winning Players Player of the Year. Great energy and pace to burn. Can play anywhere in midfield and up front.

Dan Matthews (Midfielder) – Dan is a player again with great energy and never stops running. Can play anywhere along the midfield and like to get a good tackle in. Reliable !!

Ryan Smith (Midfielder) – New signing for the Club. Going to be a great addition with the ability to play ion numerous positions. Will hopefully add good competition to the squad this season.

Mitch Griffin (Midfielder) – Mitch likes to get the ball down and take people on. Can play on either wing. Great work rate and always puts a shift in for the team.

Steve Coombs (Midfielder) – Vital cog to the team in the engine room. Long serving member of the club. 1 of the best passers of the ball in the squad, rarely giving the ball away. Has started to add goals to his game.

Charley Mason (Midfielder) – Great engine who has a great eye for a pass. Doesn’t mind a tackle either. Set piece delivery excellent. Charley likes to get the ball down on the floor and play.

Luke Brown (Midfielder/Forward) – Club Captain. Always looking to play the game the right way. Has the ability to play anywhere. Work rate is 2nd to none. Likes to score goals from midfield.

Ben Ball (Midfielder) – 1st full season in men’s football. Likes to get on the ball and has a great eye for a pass. Will learn loads this season.

Kane Fellows (Midfielder/Forward) – Very committed. Kane can play anywhere in midfield or up top. Not afraid to put the foot in if needed. His movement can cause teams a lot of problems.

Almondsbury with a win keep top spot by some way, only Filton’s games in hand can overhaul the and they play each other each other next weekend, whilst Wick and Frampton United can still catch them. Sharpness and Filton dropped points and at the bottom Gala Wilton are in big trouble and Cheltenham Civil Service are now two wins from safety with only one game in hand.

First to Tewkesbury Road where Cheltenham Civil Service took on Almondsbury and it was rather a cagey start by both teams, who were solid in defence which led to very little being created in the first half but a penalty, claimed to be controversial by Service, allowed Craig Lancastle to give Almonds a first half lead. Service came out in the second half the better of the two teams with Adonis Georgiu’s header inches wide and an Alin Neamtu effort cleared off the line. However, Almonds increased their lead from a corner with unmarked Jayden Holver heading home. Service were reduced to 10 players for 10 minutes but effectively the game was over with a comfortable 2-0 Almonds win.

At Pen Park Filton Athletic looked to continue their long unbeaten league run against struggling Quedgeley Wanderers, and it was Filton off to a dream start when Tom Fry’s left-wing cross sailed over Nathan Charnock’s head for a third minute lead. Not long after it was almost two for the hosts with Trey Merrett shooting just past the post. On 13 minutes QW equalised with Sean Lawson firing a 35-yard volley past Tom Bradley. On 18 minutes Kieran Cooper’s header from Venables corner was cleared off the line and a few minutes later Quedgeley’s Finlay Jenner latched onto a ball over the top, breezes past the Filton defence but lobs the ball just over, On 36 minutes QW were awarded a penalty for a high foot from Kyle Thomas and Bradley was sent the wrong way for 2-1. A relatively quiet second half but on 58 minutes Fraser Venables shot from distance saved by Charnock and Cooper’s follow up went wide.Eight minutes from time QW almost got a third when Jenner found himself some space but shot over. 

On 85 Fabian Pereira missed an open net from Merrett’s pass.In time added on Filton threw everyone forward for a corner which Pereira headed home for 2-2 to break QW’s hearts, but nevertheless I’m sure they would have taken a point if offered it at the start.

At the Hallet Construction Pavilion Hanham Athletic received title chasers Sharpness who started the match the stronger of the two and they took a deserved lead on 10 minutes, a cross from the left caused panic in the Hanham defence allowing Jamie Walker to finish at the far post. A dominant Sharks almost made it two on 24 minutes but young keeper Carson Ainger-West pulled off a fine reaction save from a point-blank George Thomas header, and he continued to keep Hanham in it coming brilliantly out of his box to deny Walker his second. However, Walker did get his second on 39 minutes finishing superbly into the top corner. Hanham did get back into it when Kafi Ibrahim was brought down in the box, and got up to finish cooly from the spot. The hosts should have equalised soon after but Shah Bhakherd shot over when through on goal. Sub. Lewis Wade went close for Hanham but his shot was well saved by Liam May. Hanham eventually and deservedly equalised on 80 minutes when an absolute thunderbolt from Jamie Fry following Jordan Rickman’s set up flew into the top corner and 2-2 it finished.

At the Bell Field, Frampton United hosted Henbury and Rockleaze in a hard-fought game which belied H&R’s league position. Frampton got off to a quick start and scored after only six minutes when a long cross to the back post was met by Manolo Espada who headed past Harry Trett for what, as it turned out to be, the game’s only goal. The remainder of the game ebbed and flowed with few clear-cut chances for either team. H&R’s Drew Sawdon was unlucky when his snap shot from the edge of the box which came  back off the post, and Frampton’s best chances all came from free kicks and on 21 minutes a free kick delivered into the box was sliced by a defender, came back off the crossbar but Lewis 

Vye shot wide. In the 65^th minute Craig Mills headed back across the box but again Vye’s shot was wide. The final effort came from another Espada free kick, Jacob Geddes rose highest but headed wide and there it ended a valuable three points for Frampton United.

Stoke Gifford SGS United hosted Broadwell Amateurs on a mild spring afternoon. SGS fielded a side with an average age of 19, and they started on the front foot earning a few early set pieces. Joe Taylor found Rudy Hill on two occasions but he was unable to find the net. On 25 minutes Jake Abraham was clear down the left but Jack Watkins denied him with a smart save. Broadwell put together some good possession at times and their first effort on goal was when Kristian Burnard rose highest but his header was well saved by Evan Healan. Gifford’s Cosmo Browne found space but was off target and then Aaron Sweete found the opener five minutes before the break driving in from the left and rifling a 20-yard strike into the bottom corner. Broadwell managed the first chance into the second half, Jamie Belfitt’s shot bringing a good save by Healan, and Jordan Locke’s acrobatic rebound was just wide. Browne responded for SGS striking well from 20 yards but was denied by Watkins. SGS made changes and the subs linked up nicely to put the game to bed, good hold up play from Jacob Gough released Leo Hope who outpaced his marker and his delivery allowed Ben Chambers to slot in at the far post, and in the 90th minute Isaac Comerford turned in Hope’s cross for a 3-0 Gifford win.

At Bristol Barbarians RFC Totterdown United started very brightly against Ruardean Hill Rangers and were two up in the first 20 minutes. The first from George Saunders after a good run on the wing taking on his full back and slotting past Aaron Underwood, and the second followed good wing play by Saunders and his pass across the face of goal was expertly finished by player-manager Jack Thorley. Ruardean had a few chances with the most notable needing a goal-

line clearance by Totts Jack Millard. In the second half Totterdown made a number of good chances and later in the game Saunders got his second, taking on the full back, cutting in and scoring. The chance of the game came to Totts Dale Ellis who was one-on-one with Underwood and hit his shot straight at him. So, 3-0 it finished and after the heavy cup defeat last week, the other side of Totterdown United was seen.

Chalford started very strongly at Bromley Heath Unitedlooking to take advantage of a very depleted Bromley team. And they deservedly went ahead after 20 mins albeit from a fortunate own goal. Bromley tried to hit back straight away at the other end but Trai Elliston-Sacketts fierce shot was saved well by the Chalford keeper. But within minutes Chalford took a 2-0 lead when a ball through the middle of Bromley's defence was taken on by Ryan Harry to slot home. The first 30 mins of the game belonged to the away side but then Bromley to their credit began to have more control and crafted some good chances, forcing one fingertip save from the Chalford keeper and putting a couple just wide. They were rewarded just before half time when Aiden Noble latched onto a defence splitting pass from Jacob Millward to hit a shot which was too hot for the keeper to keep out. The second half couldn't have started better for Bromley when their early pressure caused a defensive mixup for Noble to get the equaliser from close range. Things got even better for them when Bromley's Ben Ackerman in his first game back from a long term injury, came off the bench to be brought down in the box by the Chalford keeper. Noble converted the penalty to get his hat trick and make it 3-2 to Bromley with 20 mins to go. Chalford began to throw caution to the wind, pushing men forward to get the equaliser. But they didn't really look like scoring until with just a couple of minutes to go their centre half Will Benneyworth hit a speculative shot on the half volley into the ground to bounce high over the diving Bromley keeper and into the net.

Then well into injury time Chalford were awarded a corner which resulted in Chalford defender Adam Day getting his head to the ball well beyond the far post and guiding it back across the goal to find the far top corner of the net.Two worldies to complete an astonishing comeback for Chalford but very cruel on a battling Bromley side who had comeback from two behind themselves

A young Gala Wilton side, with half of the lads U18 players, took on high flying Wick at Fairmile Gardens. And it was the young Gala side who took an early lead on 10 mins when Christian Oliver fired home from 10 yards. But Wick hit back to equalise on 35 with a venomous long range strike from Kyle Russell. However Gala retook the lead just before half-time when a Christian Oliver scored his second; running with the ball from his own half before dispatching it past the Wick keeper from 18 yards to give Gala a half-time lead their dominance deserved. However that first half was as good as it got for Gala. Wick equalised 5 minutes into the second half with a header from Ben Sayers from a corner. The scores remained even until 2 goals from Wick with about 20 mins to play, from Liam McCracken and Cory Langdon, took the game away from Gala. A late penalty from Liam McCracken put a gloss on a scoreline for Wick that didn’t look likely at half-time, to seal a 5-2 victory. So Wick took home the 3 points to continue their charge near the top of the table whilst Gala reflect on what they need to do to maintain the quality they show at times, but over a full 90 minutes

TIME flies when you’re having fun and that’s certainly the case here at The NLP.

On Wednesday, March 26 we celebrated our 25th anniversary since the paper hit the newsstands.

In the years since, we’ve been lucky enough to have a front row seat to the heartbeat of English football.

We’ve seen an increased profile of this level of the game, a jump in professionalism, more than one restructure of the Pyramid and written about countless teams, players, managers, clubs, grounds – and results!

Stuart Pearce implored top clubs to unearth Non-League treasures on the front cover of The NLP’s first ever edition – and what good advice it has proved!

The England legend famously took that path himself, beginning at Wealdstone before going onto have a decorated career at the very top of the English game

.

Pearce joined the Essex Senior League’s Non-League Day groundhop last weekend to see the impact of the Premier League’s Stadium Fund, which has distributed more than £207 million in grants to over 1,000 men’s and women’s clubs throughout the English Football League, National League and football pyramid.

The fund, like The NLP, is celebrating its 25^th anniversary and Pearce smiled when looking back at issue one of The Non-League Paper.

“It’s incredible – and 25 years later Dan Burn walks out in an England shirt,” Pearce told The NLP. “That’s a great point in 

case. A lot of players get released from academies and it can diminish their spirit but it shouldn’t necessarily do that.

“In fact – and I got released from QPR as a 13-year-old – it should inspire you to prove people wrong.

“I think all of football was delighted to see Dan Burn arrive in an England shirt. For what he’s doing for his club, a hometown boy if you like, and his pathway, it sends a great message out to youngsters that you don’t have to be a superstar to start with. If you’re determined, dogged, then you’ve got every opportunity.”

Kevin Ellison was on target the weekend The Non-League Paper was launched…and he’s still doing the business for Step 4 Vauxhall Motors now at the age of 46!

The then-winger was on target for the Robins in a 1-1 draw with Kettering Town, one of the final points they picked up that season.

Ellison excelled, earning a move to Premier League Leicester City a year later, but a late slump saw Alty relegated after a season back in the Nationwide Conference.

“I’d have rather not had a good season and we stayed up,” Ellison told The NLP.

“Getting back into the English pyramid was a big thing for me then, I’d been playing in the League of Wales.

“Altrincham gave me that great opportunity to go pro. I owe them a lot. You dream of it as a little boy.

“It didn’t happen for me when I was younger because clubs were telling me I wasn’t good enough, then five or six years ago they were bidding for me when they could have had me for free!”

Ellison recalls how keeping track of his career was a bit different at the turn of the century.

“I used to get the Manchester Pink and the Liverpool Echo, my regional North West papers,” he said. “My mum used to cut out write-ups on me.

“It was probably harder then for your ability to get recognised.

“Look at how many lads are uploading YouTube clips now? We didn’t have that then, but that’s not a negative.

“I’m fortunate to have played in old school football and the fast paced tempo game now.

“People will say the game was a bit slower then but it felt like it was more ‘proper’ football.

“Has the game changed for the better? Who knows.

“You should never forget your roots, even when I was in League Two I was still picking up my copy of The Non-League Paper.”

Thanks Kev and to everyone else who has supported us through the years. Here’s to the next 25 years