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CHAIRMAN’S WORDS

First and foremost, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the Croud Meadow

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

SALOP LEISURE TO CONCLUDE

SPONSORSHIP OF THE SALOP LEISURE LEAGUE AFTER SIX YEARS

Shropshire Football Association can confirm that Salop Leisure will conclude its title sponsorship of the Salop Leisure League at the end of the current season, bringing to a close a successful six-year partnership.

Since becoming title sponsor, Salop Leisure has played a key role in supporting grassroots football across the county, helping to enhance the profile, organisation, and sustainability of the league. Their investment has contributed to improved playing opportunities and a stronger football community for clubs, players, and volunteers.

The partnership will conclude with the final game being played at the Croud Meadow on Friday 8th May,7.30 kick off, where the Tony Bywater Challenge Cup Final will take place between Dawley Town and Ellesmere Rangers—providing a fitting and memorable occasion to mark the end of a highly successful collaboration.

Ed Glover, speaking on behalf of Salop Leisure, said:

“Over the past six years, it has been a privilege for Salop Leisure to support grassroots football through our partnership with the Salop Leisure League. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved during this time and the positive impact the league continues to have within the local football community. While our sponsorship is coming to an end, we remain strong supporters of football in Shropshire and wish the league every success for the future.”

Andy Weston added:

“On behalf of everyone at Shropshire FA, I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Salop Leisure for their outstanding support over the past six years. Their commitment has been instrumental in the development and success of the league, and their backing has directly benefited clubs and participants across the county. We are extremely grateful to Tony Bywater and Ed Glover for their partnership and support, and we wish them all the very best moving forward.”

ELLESMERE RANGERS

FOUNDED

CLUB BIO

Ellesmere is a historic market town nestling in the North West corner of Shropshire on the Welsh border. Its large number of lakes or meres gives it its name of Shropshire’s “Lake District” and makes it a popular place for tourists. The club badge of a swan represents an affinity with the large number of these birds that populate the local waterways.

The club in its present form was founded in 1969, although there have been football teams in the town since the early 1900s. These early teams played their games on the Wharf Meadow, which at that time was within the grounds of the local dairy (where Tesco is now). The Railway pub in the town was the venue for the first meeting of the soon to be Railway Rangers playing in the Oswestry and District League in their first season.

The club moved its headquarters to the Market Hotel in 1974 and the club name was changed to Ellesmere Rangers. They remained in the Oswestry & District League until the following season when they gained promotion into the Shrewsbury and West Shropshire League.

BEHIND THE BADGE

Home Kit Colours: Blue

Captain Profile: James O'Reilly Centre back Jimmy has played every single minute of every game this season. Leading by example both on and off the pitch. In his second spell with the club and still performing at the highest levels.

Key Player: Tawanda 'Shawn' Melusi Left Midfielder Shawn has been the catalyst this season for our excellent goalscoring exploits. Registering 21 goals and 25 assists, Shawn has led from the front and provided so many memorable moments this season.

Coaching Staff: Mike O'Reilly, James O'Reilly, Jamie Birch.

Manager’s Message:

Your support has been brilliant all season. One last push tonight and hopefully we can give you something to celebrate at the final whistle

SQUAD DEPTH

James O'Reilly (captain), Owain Jones, Isaac

Middleton, Tom Gale, James Nuttall, Marc Griffiths, Jack Brayne, Jordan Gerrard, Joe Graybrook, Ben

Thompson, Josh Sumner, Adam Oliver, Brendon

Price, Zack Porter, Tommy Clarke, Tom Shakeshaft, Zach Lea, Tawanda Melusi, Nathan Murdoch, Callum Graybrook, Tsvetomir Bedzhev, Louie Millington, Karl Bailey.

DAWLEY TOWN FOUNDED

CLUB BIO

Dawley Town FC, based in Dawley, is a proud grassroots club representing its local community.

Formed from the foundations of Telford Juniors FC, the club has quickly established itself as a competitive and united side in local football.

Known as “The Jockeys”, Dawley Town has built a strong identity around teamwork and commitment, reflected in their club motto: “Togetherness is key.” A standout achievement in the club’s journey is completing an entire season unbeaten, showcasing their quality and consistency on the pitch.

With a focus on community, development, and success, Dawley Town FC continues to grow as a respected name in local football.

BEHIND THE BADGE

Home Kit Colours: Clarat and Blue

Captain Profile: Dalian Scullion A true club legend and leader at the heart of the defence, Dalian Scullion gives everything for the badge every time he steps on the pitch. A proper Jockey through and through, he’s become a real veteran of the team and leads by example week in, week out.

Key Player: Whole team

Coaching Staff: Gaffer Tom White, Paul Jones, Jord Sankey, Cameron Bailey

Manager’s Message:

To all our supporters, Your backing week in, week out means everything to everyone at Dawley Town FC. Through every match, in all conditions, your support never goes unnoticed You are a huge part of what drives this club forward As “The Jockeys,” we pride ourselves on togetherness, and that doesn’t stop with the players it includes every single one of you on the sidelines Your energy, encouragement, and loyalty play a massive role in everything we achieve. Thank you for standing with us, believing in us, and being part of our journey. Togetherness is key

SQUAD DEPTH

Ryan Asson, Henry Love, Emmanuel Adomako, Dalian Scullion, Gary Meakin, Dyerel Hoof, James Bennett-Tindall, Aaron Humphreys, Liam Bullock, Jeff Watkins, Jack Fishman, Curtis Cocking, Ashley Fallon, Daniel Beddows, Brodie McCleod, Danar Saber, Liam Trewartha, Kieran Buckley, Thomas White, Ross Jones, Cain Patterson, Troy Greer, Jason Harris, Kaleem Ramzan, Callum Russell, Jake Challenor, Charlie Knowles, Macara McNulty-Hartnett