THEREDLION@ GREATCHATWELL FOUNDED
2023
CLUB BIO
After being founded ahead of the 2023/24 season, we participated in the Telford Sunday League Division 1. We initially struggled to find a regular, settled squad and the first season was challenging in a league full of established clubs. However, some promising performances towards the end of the season convinced manager Ad Wheatley to carry on for another year with the aim of recruiting some new players in the summer
We set up weekly training during pre-season with the aim of attracting new players and after a slow start, with mixed results, we began to see our quality level increase. A newly found team spirit was established over that pre-season, despite some challenging results, we set off for our second season with high-hopes of success with a much improved squad.
Despite facing quality opponents we finished third in the league and successfully reached two semi-finals, falling once in penalty shoot out and once to a last minute penalty.
This season saw us move to the Shrewsbury Sunday League where we play in Division 1. Despite lots of extra miles, it has been our most successful so far At the time of writing, we have reached two cup finals and are fighting for the league with four games to go.
BEHIND THE BADGE
Home Kit Colours: Red & Black
Captain Profile: Noah Bourton, Captain since joining in the second season. Noah used to play in midfield but now found his rightful home at centre-back where his pinpoint long-range passing, vocal leadership and aerial ability are vital to the team.
Key Player: Matty Male, a force to be reckoned with and has over 40 goal involvements this season.
Coaching Staff: Adam Wheatley (Manager), Mitch McCourt.
Manager’s Message:
Thank you to everyone who helped establish and maintain our club, including the management team from The Red Lion Great Chatwell and all of our sponsors.
SQUAD DEPTH
Chad Bailey, Gareth Morgan, Nick
Corbishley, Gary Armstrong, Oli Todd, Layton Reynolds, Noah Bourton, Luke Nixon, Matt Rumble, Adam Nixon, Rhys Parkman, Joe Lloyd, Ryan Guryn, Callum Day, Kris
Jones, Toby Gray, Tom Wootton, Luke
Laidlaw, Ollie Eaves, Matty Male, Jake
Simmons, Rhys Clarkson, Joey Moore
AFC BRIDGNORTH FOUNDED
CLUB BIO
Founded in 1987, Bridgnorth Spartans was established to provide local children with opportunities to play and develop through grassroots football. From a small number of junior teams, the club has grown into one of the area’s leading community clubs, offering football across multiple age groups and earnIn our debut season, the club has enjoyed a remarkable campaign, securing the Kidderminster Division 3 title in impressive fashion. With a current record of 19 games played, 18 wins and 1 draw, the team remains unbeaten with one fixture still to play.
This achievement reflects the squad’s consistency, determination and high standards throughout the season, marking a memorable first chapter in the team’s history.
BEHIND THE BADGE
Home Kit Colours: Blue.
Captain Profile: At 27, Elliot Lee leads the side as captain, playing a key role in an outstanding title-winning season. Operating in an attacking midfield role, he has been a consistent goal threat, recording 16 goals in 21 appearances.
Key Player: At just 23, Brett Taylor is a standout attacking talent, capable of playing on either wing. With an impressive return of 15 goals in 14 appearances, he has been a constant threat in the final third.
Coaching Staff: Rory Hussey (Manager), Tom Pope, Phil Carter, George Marsh, Charlie Walker, Arjun Sekhon.
Manager’s Message:
Thank you for coming a long to support the team during a first season together. Hopefully you have enjoyed the many goals scored as well as joining us in celebrating our first title. We will look to hopefully add to that silverware today.
SQUAD DEPTH
James Brick, Jon Brown, Charlie Clark, Harry Clayworth, Jacob Cox, Callum Hill, Jamie Holmes, Rory Hussey, Joseph Jay, Adam Jordan, Ryan Joys, Finlay Kerin, Craig Knowles, Elliot Lee, Will Lowe, Max Morris, Thomas Pope, Sam Preece, Will Reid, Albert Roberts, Indi Robertson, Marcus Roper, Brett Taylor, Charlie Walker, Harry Walker, Matt Whitehead
R1:
The Red Lion GCFC beat West
Felton 6-2.
QF:
The Red Lion GCFC beat
Three Crowns FC 2-1.
PATH TO
SF:
The Red Lion GCFC beat
Crown AFC 8-2.
THE FINAL
R1: AFC Bridgnorth beat Wem Athletic 10-1.
QF: AFC Bridgnorth received a walkover against The Keys United FC.
SF: AFC Bridgnorth beat Dorrington FC 2-1.
CHAIRMAN’S WORDS
First and foremost, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to AFC Telford United’s Seah Stadium.
It is a pleasure to welcome the players, along with today’s match officials and supporters, as we come together to celebrate the fantastic achievement of reaching this cup final.
A special thank you must go to our match officials. Their appointments to today’s final are a testament to their dedication, professionalism and hard work throughout the season.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to all clubs and leagues for their continued support during the 2025/26 season. Your contribution plays a vital role in the ongoing growth and success of grassroots football across Shropshire.
Finally, I would like to recognise the staff and volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes. Their efforts ensure the smooth running of our competitions and the successful organisation of occasions such as today
I would like to wish both teams the very best of luck. Regardless of the result, today represents a wonderful celebration of football and a fitting way to conclude the 2025/26 campaign.
Enjoy the game.
Dave Simpson Chairman, Shropshire FA
THEREDLION @GREATCHATWELL
