OLIVER HARSLEY

Tonight’s game against Reckitts AFC is the final one which I’ll be covering as Hall Road Rangers Press Officer/Media Manager before I move across to Westella & Willerby next season. It’s definitely been a very good journey for myself as a media volunteer at the club.

Ever since my first HRR game, an 8-0 win over Nostell Miners Welfare in April 2017, I’ve loved helping out at the club.

Something just clicked for me and I found a place where I belonged. My progression in the last six years as part of HRR has been utterly transformational and it’s given me confidence in both myself and my work.

This club will always be in my heart and I’m glad to have been involved with it.

I’m extremely grateful to Neil Winsor for providing the initial opportunity to come and join the media team. Without him, I wouldn’t have been able to have done what I’ve done.

previously had a short spell writing for Hull United in 2015 and that’s where I first met Neil. I was a very shy and awkward individual at first, but I’m now a confident person who likes to have a good chat with anybody about football. That confidence led to giving a memorable rendition of Don’t Look Back in Anger on karaoke at one of the club’s presentation nights.

Someone else who helped me settle in was Alan Chaplin. Going to games with Chappers was an experience in itself. I will never forget one occasion when we went to the wrong ground a few years ago. We should have been at Retford FC, but somehow parked up at Retford United and soon realised our big mistake. Apart from that, my journeys with Chappers were pretty good. I learnt some useful stuff from him such as writing up a team sheet and handing it over to the referee and opposition.

Once I took over the press and social media side of things in 2018, I wanted to stamp my own authority on them. I must acknowledge former Chairman Darren Sunley and ex Vice-Chairman Lee Myers for allowing me to take those roles on when I was 19-years-old.

Darren and Lee were pivotal in convincing me to stay on after Neil had left. The club’s management team, at the time, of Bill Gill and Andy Watts were brilliant in integrating me with the playing squad. Gaining their trust was crucial in having the ability to work with them and the players.

I feel that I’ve massively succeeded in both creating and maintaining a very positive HRR brand within the local community and non-league scene.

Everything I’ve done has been for the club’s benefit and it makes me happy to know that I’ve had an impact. I’ve gained the respect of individuals at fellow non-league clubs and have had positive feedback about my work. Moreover, I was able to have a day of work experience within the sports desk at Hull Live and have gained some experience as Co-Editor of non-league website Outside The 92.

Even a voluntary role as a contributor to Hull City’s match day programmes has come about through my HRR endeavours.

It’s been challenging at times when big news stories have had to be announced such as resigning from the NCEL last summer and moving the HRR first-team to Westella. However, I feel that the way that these were announced provided detailed and professional communication. On each occasion, I was allowed to put official press releases together with the full co-operation of others. Having that amount of responsibility can be difficult to manage, but I’ve dealt with it and maintained high standards of work. The vast majority of the reactions to those announcements was positive which was pleasing to see. Effectively being a one man press and social media team has been a truly amazing experience.

I would like to give a massive thanks to everyone I’ve met during my time at HRR for making me feel welcome as part of the club. Special mentions have to be made to Dave Reader, Leon Sewell, Chris Burke and Kevin Revell. I’ve only got to properly know them for around two or three years, but they’ve all become very good friends. Both Leon and Burkey have been outstanding managers to work with whilst Dave and Kev are two brilliant individuals who’ve dedicated their time to the club off the pitch.

Furthermore, the entire Reader family deserve a special mention for their tremendous work. It was a real honour to be personally asked by Dave and Burkey to move across with them to Westella and I immediately agreed to do so without any hesitation.

There are really too many individuals to mention by name, so I hope I haven’t offended anyone by not doing so.

Everyone I’ve met has had a positive influence on myself. I’d like to conclude by wishing those at HRR all the best for the future.

I’m looking forward to a new challenge with Westella and building on the work I’ve done over the last six years.

Thank you to everyone who sponsored the club and players throughout this season. We really appreciate your support of the club.

Good evening all…

I’m a little bit rusty with the programme notes, however I’m privileged and humbled to have the opportunity to be given the opportunity to say a few words for this evening’s game.

Tonight’s occasion obviously brings a close to the men’s first team here at Hall Road Rangers.

Burkey and Reader have kindly invited me down this evening to be part of the final league game, which is very much appreciated.

I’m obviously hoping for a final game victory and looking forward to the players putting on a show, as I’ve not seen much of them since departing back in November.

To be fair to Burkey, Matty Gray, Alex Lisney and Mike Jefferson, they have absolutely taken results to the next level, a fourth placed finish, done well in the ERCFA Senior Cup and broken the club record for the most unbeaten games ever.

Also a special mention to my mate Chris “Spinksy” Spinks on achieving the all time record for the most goals scored.

I’d like to personally thank the likes of Bob Smailes, Alan Chaplin, Lee Myers, Tony Hardy and Darren Sunley for their service to the men’s first team and club as a whole over the years.

The biggest of thanks more recently lies with Dave, Kirsty, Taylor, Phil and Elaine Reader for their endless efforts and contributions, a wonderful family to be around in and out of football.

Special thanks to Teresa and Kev Rev, always there when you need them to help.

Ollie, the media man, what a guy he is to work with and I’m certain he’ll take Westella to the next level with his social media and content.

Burkey and the management team are somewhat special to me, the players, despite driving me crazy, are the ones who’ve shown loyalty and commitment to me over the years and I’m so pleased to have been fortunate enough to manage them.

Over the years the club has achieved some highs and some lows and had some unbelievable managers and fantastic players play for the club, I’d like to thank them all for their efforts.

Enjoy the game and keep supporting your local grassroots club.

All the very best, Leon

Cherry Burton 1 Hall Road Rangers 2

Saturday, 1st April 2023

Humber Premier League

Rangers claim eighth consecutive league win Hall Road Rangers picked up an eighth league win on the bounce with a 1-2 victory against Cherry Burton FC at St Mary’s College.

There was an early setback for Rangers as Fin Pulford had to be replaced in the 10th minute. Pulford picked up an injury after a strong tackle and was replaced by Paul Wray.

Tom Iversen almost gave Rangers the lead in the 24th minute as he flashed a header over the bar after meeting a fantastic Callum Stone cross. A minute later, Iversen was played through by Tommy Waud and slotted home to put Rangers in front with his eighth goal of the season. Joel Shepard saw his long-range effort saved just before half-time.

In the 48th minute, Cherry Burton threatened with an effort which went wide. Rangers doubled their lead, a couple of minutes later, through a well worked corner routine. Lewis Andrew played the ball to Luke Bullement and his cross was met by Jordan Hall who then sent a fine header into the back of the net for his third goal of the campaign.

Haydn Withill produced a great save in the 52nd minute as Cherry Burton attempted to work themselves back into the game. Meanwhile, Stone nearly gave Rangers a three goal lead in the 64th minute with a shot that was put wide.

Cherry Burton did pull a goal back in the 72nd minute and, from then on, put some sustained pressure on the Rangers defence. However, Rangers withstood this and were able to take maximum points from the game. This result set

Hall Road Rangers: Withill, Pulford (Wray 10’), J. Hall, Chaffer, Waud, Andrew (C), R. Hall, Shepard, Stone (Loughton 67’), Iversen (Miller 69’), Bullement.

MOTM- Haydn Withill sponsored by Garry Law Plastering Services a new club record for the most successive league wins in a season.

Providing his post-match reaction, Rangers manager Chris Burke said:

“It’s a bit of a double edged sword to be honest. Very, very pleased to have been informed about the new club record and it’s nice to have on the CV. The three points are obviously a bonus as well.

After five weeks off, I knew going into the game that it was probably not going to be up to our usual standards. We came out of the blocks and did well up to half-time.

We then got some injuries which didn’t help us and we had to shuffle the pack a bit with a couple of players having to play out of position. When they got it back to 1-2, it was twitchy bum time a little bit.

To be fair to the lads, they’ve dug in. There were some tired legs in there which there’s going to be after five weeks off. They’ve got the three points and that’s the main thing. It’s another three points and that’s all I’m bothered about today. I’ll give them their dues as they’ve worked really, really hard.

The games are going to come thick and fast now. We go again on Wednesday and then on Saturday. Hopefully, the weather’s going to hold up and we’ll see what happens.

Overall, it’s been a good day. The performance could’ve been better, but that’s just me being hypercritical.”

Hall Road Rangers 3 East Riding Rangers 3

Wednesday, 5th April 2023

Humber Premier League

HRR winning run halted in ERR draw

On a wet Wednesday night at Haworth Park, Hall Road Rangers saw their winning streak come to an end as they drew 3-3 against East Riding Rangers.

The visitors took the lead in the 10th minute. Hall Road keeper Haydn Withill came out of his goal to try and deal with a long ball, but he was beaten to it and East Riding capitalised to put themselves in front.

Hall Road then had a couple of good opportunities to equalise which both fell to Tom Iversen. Iversen had a shot saved in the 22nd minute and then saw an effort cleared off the line a couple of minutes later.

In the 25th minute, Dave Harrison got the Hall Road equaliser when he met Lewis Andrew’s cross and slotted home. Harrison bagged his second goal of the game in the 41st minute as he fired home. These were Harrison’s sixth and seventh goals of the season respectively.

Tommy Waud extended Hall Road’s lead seven minutes into the second half with a fine finish to bag his fourth goal of the campaign. Just over the hour mark, Withill produced a good save to prevent the visitors from reducing the arrears.

However, Hall Road ultimately wouldn’t be able to hold onto their two goal lead. East Riding pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute and eventually equalised late on. Before the final whistle was blown, both sides had a chance to take all three points. Andrew fired a shot against the bar whilst the visitors saw an effort hit the post.

Giving his post-match thoughts, Hall Road boss Chris Burke said:

“Going into the game after a short turnaround from Saturday, we knew it was going to be tough

Hall Road Rangers: Withill, Wray, J. Hall, Chaffer, Waud (Miller 76’), Andrew (C), R. Hall, Shepard, Bullement, Harrison (Oliver 64’), Iversen (Spinks 88’).

Sub Not Used: Loughton

MOTM- Paul Wray sponsored by NP Travel Limited with some tired legs. I’m obviously disappointed with how the game ended.

At 3-1, we should’ve, at this stage of the season, allowed our game management to see us through to the final whistle. However, we were too naive and didn’t implement the basics properly to see the game out.

With a side like East Riding, we know they’re going to be at you for the full game and credit to them as they kept going and got themselves a result. It would’ve been nice to carry on the winning run, but the main thing is we didn’t lose the game and nine unbeaten is still a very good run.

Hopefully, the lads will take a look at what they can do better in similar situations going forward from now. Overall, I’m proud of their efforts and work rate.”

Hall Road will look to put their midweek disappointment behind them on Saturday when they welcome Hornsea Town to Haworth Park.

Sitting in seventh place, Hornsea have suffered defeats in their last two league games. However, they’re not to be underestimated as they’ve shown excellent form on their travels so far this season. This has seen them pick up six wins, one draw and three defeats from 10 games played away from home.

Ahead of the game, Burke said:

“We’ll go again on Saturday, weather permitting, at home to Hornsea and hopefully put another three points on the board to help keep us in touch with the leading pack.

I’d like to thank those that came to watch on Wednesday night for their support in what were pretty appalling conditions as the game went on. I’d also like to welcome them back for our remaining fixtures of this season.”

LIV Supplies 3 Hall Road Rangers 3

Saturday 15th April 2023

Humber Premier League

Points shared by Rangers & LIV after six goal thriller

Hall Road Rangers surrendered a three goal lead as both themselves and LIV Supplies took a solitary point from a 3-3 draw at Haworth Park on Saturday.

In the first half, Rangers dominated proceedings and had lots of possession. Tom Iversen put Rangers ahead in the fifth minute when he produced a cool finish. This was Iversen’s ninth goal of the season.

Rangers doubled their lead in the 18th minute through a thunderous long-range strike from Callum Stone. An outstanding way to get his first goal of the campaign. Five minutes later, it became 0-3 when Joel Shepard slotted home to bag his second goal of the season.

It was a completely different story in the second half as LIV wrestled back control of the game. They pulled themselves a goal back in the 51st minute courtesy of a Keane Parsons effort. LIV then grabbed another goal, six minutes later, when Josh Ward produced a spectacular strike.

LIV’s comeback was completed in the 76th minute as Mike Rustill got their equaliser. Rangers keeper Haydn Withill produced a good save in the 81st minute which prevented Callum Harrison from giving LIV the lead.

Both sides pushed players forward to try and get a winning goal in the latter stages of the game. However, they ultimately couldn’t be separated.

Hall Road Rangers: Withill, Markham, J. Hall, Chaffer, Bullement, Andrew (C), Wray, Shepard (Harrison 73’), Stone, Iversen, Oliver.

Subs Not Used: Loughton, Davies.

Following the game, Rangers boss Chris Burke said:

“Another frustrating result for myself and the lads. We knew going into the game that it wouldn’t be easy against a tough and physical LIV side.

After putting in a very solid and commanding first half performance and going into the break 0-3 up, we said to the lads that they had to manage the game properly in the second half. If we did that, then it’d have been another three points on the board.

Unfortunately, we slipped back into our old ways and allowed ourselves to be bullied. We lost our shape and the way we’d been playing in the first half. LIV got themselves back into the game shortly after half-time with the first goal and then scored two more unanswered goals.

We had chances to win the game, but a lack of quality and calmness in front of goal was our undoing yet again. I have to give credit to the lads for the way they conducted themselves.

I must give a special mention to Alex Markham who made his debut. At 17 years old and coming in after one training session, he put in a solid and assured performance.

We’ll move onto Wednesday night’s game at home to Hornsea and look to bounce back.”

Hall Road Rangers 2

Hornsea Town 1

Wednesday 19th April 2023

Humber Premier League

Rangers extend unbeaten run

Hall Road Rangers returned to winning ways on Wednesday night as they secured a 2-1 victory against Hornsea Town which stretched their unbeaten run to 11 league games.

There was a half chance for Rangers in the 11th minute when Callum Stone had an effort comfortably saved. Rob Hall put Rangers ahead, seven minutes later, with his sixth goal of the season as he met a Stone corner and sent a bullet header into the back of the Hornsea net.

In the 26th minute, this lead could’ve been doubled as a great run from Tommy Waud eventually saw him pick out Dave Harrison who saw his shot saved. Sam Loughton fired an effort wide in the 40th minute.

Hornsea equalised in the 62nd minute when they capitalised on an error from Rangers keeper Haydn Withill. However, Rangers regained their lead in the 75th minute through Tom Oliver’s sixth goal of the campaign which was a lovely strike.

After the game, Rangers boss Chris Burke said:

“A very pleasing result against a hardworking Hornsea side. After the last two disappointing results against East Riding and LIV, we were looking for a reaction and I’m pleased to say we got that.

I thought we controlled the game very well in the first half and had some very good passages of play. We knew, going in at half-time with only a single goal margin, that Hornsea would pose a threat in the second half.

They got back on level terms through an error, but we reacted very well to this. We got the crucial second and seemingly winning goal through a very good Tom Oliver strike to take all three points and make it 11 games unbeaten.”

Hall Road Rangers: Withill, Waud (Andrew 72’), Markham, J. Hall (C), Miller, R. Hall, Loughton, Shepard, Iversen (Bullement 68’), Harrison (Oliver 60’), Stone.

Sub Not Used: Davies

Rangers face recently crowned Humber Premier League Premier Division champions Pocklington Town at Haworth Park on Saturday.

Pocklington are unbeaten in their last 13 league games and have won 11 of those. They secured the HPL title after a 0-4 win against former champions Hedon Rangers.

Rangers could potentially secure a league double over Pocklington. The previous league meeting between the sides took place last August and saw Rangers win 2-4 courtesy of a Lucas Robinson brace and goals from Chris Spinks and Luke Bullement.

After Saturday’s game, the club will be holding their end of season presentation at the Rising Sun pub. If you can do so, please come along and be a part of the celebrations.

Burke expects a very tough test for his side:

“We look forward to the challenge of welcoming Pocklington Town, the newly crowned Humber Premier League champions, to Haworth Park on Saturday. I’d firstly like to give my congratulations to Joe and all the Pocklington Town staff and players on their first league title.

We know that we’ll be in for a hell of a game, but I welcome it in that we get to test ourselves and see how far we’ve come this season. We beat them very early on in the season and hopefully we can replicate that on Saturday. However, I know it’s not going to be easy and especially with the way they sealed the title last week against Hedon.

It’s our second to last game of the Hall Road era, so I’d like to welcome as many of you down as possible to come and cheer on the lads. You’ll hopefully have a great afternoon of what’ll be a good advert for local non-league football.”