My first post-Christmas trip and, more than likely, my final game of 2024, saw me heading West to dip back into the Marcliff Gloucestershire County League. At this time of year there are always good local derbies to be found, and today was no exception. There were a number going on up and down the country, but the one that took my eye was the game at Bell Field between third placed Frampton United, unbeaten at home this season, and second placed Sharpness.
The sides had met on the opening Saturday back in early August, sharing four gaols in front of 92 spectators at Hamfields. Now, on the final weekend of 2024, the teams were both chasing down leaders Almondsbury as we turned the corner into the home straight. The day began with Sharpness five points adrift of the leaders with both sides having played 13 games. Frampton were a point further back from Sharpness, but had two games in hand on the top two.
With less than 11 miles between the grounds, this was also very much a local derby. Over the past 6 meetings prior to this season, honours have been even, with both teams winning two and two ending in stalemate. The most recent game at Frampton ended in a 2-0 victory for Sharpness with goals from Archie Mears and Thomas Frankham.
This was my first visit to Frampton and the first time I was to watch the play. I had, however, seen Sharpness once before, a 4-0 win on a very wet night in Quedgeley back in March 2023 (Nice Pitch, Shame About The Score)
Thanks to referee Steve Oakley for sharing the team sheets with me prior to kick-off. Very much appreciated, as always.
The sides had met on the opening Saturday back in early August, sharing four gaols in front of 92 spectators at Hamfields. Now, on the final weekend of 2024, the teams were both chasing down leaders Almondsbury as we turned the corner into the home straight. The day began with Sharpness five points adrift of the leaders with both sides having played 13 games. Frampton were a point further back from Sharpness, but had two games in hand on the top two.
With less than 11 miles between the grounds, this was also very much a local derby. Over the past 6 meetings prior to this season, honours have been even, with both teams winning two and two ending in stalemate. The most recent game at Frampton ended in a 2-0 victory for Sharpness with goals from Archie Mears and Thomas Frankham.
This was my first visit to Frampton and the first time I was to watch the play. I had, however, seen Sharpness once before, a 4-0 win on a very wet night in Quedgeley back in March 2023 (Nice Pitch, Shame About The Score)
Thanks to referee Steve Oakley for sharing the team sheets with me prior to kick-off. Very much appreciated, as always.
A crowded 6-yard box Up against as team with an unbeaten home record with only three goals against all season on their own patch, Sharpness must have known that a strong start was required, and that's exactly what they got. Only four minutes were on the click when left-winger Alex Gayner cut in from the left winger before sending a dipping strike over Tom Kaye form 25 yards. 0-1. My original post said 20 yards, but I was at the opposite end of the ground. The Sharpness post said 30 yards, so I have taken the mid-point. Whatever the distance, it was a fantastic strike that left the goalkeeper helpless.
Frampton were struggling to get into the game and, aside from Tom Mangan's 12th minute header, that looped over, they made little early impact on the visitors. In fact, it was The Sharks who almost doubled their lead, on 19 minutes, when Gayner's glancing header from a right-wing free kick came back off Kaye's right-hand post before rebounding clear of the goal.
Sharpness continued to look the more dangerous team but, on the half hour mark, out of the blue, the home side got themselves back to parity. A free kick played into the Sharpness box was cleared only as far as the edge of the box where Myron Turner met it with a superbly controlled volley that found its way through a sea of legs to beat James Holder low to his right. 1-1.
Frampton were struggling to get into the game and, aside from Tom Mangan's 12th minute header, that looped over, they made little early impact on the visitors. In fact, it was The Sharks who almost doubled their lead, on 19 minutes, when Gayner's glancing header from a right-wing free kick came back off Kaye's right-hand post before rebounding clear of the goal.
Sharpness continued to look the more dangerous team but, on the half hour mark, out of the blue, the home side got themselves back to parity. A free kick played into the Sharpness box was cleared only as far as the edge of the box where Myron Turner met it with a superbly controlled volley that found its way through a sea of legs to beat James Holder low to his right. 1-1.
Tainton from the spot It looked as if Frampton were now back at the races, but they only remained level for three minutes. Once again it was Alex Gayner causing the problems, beating a couple of challenges before being felled inside the penalty area. No real arguments as the referee pointed to the spot. Will Tainton stepped up and, although Tome Kaye went the right way, found the corner of the net. 1-2.
The visitors and in particular Gayner, were not finished there. With five minutes to go before the break they doubled the goals against tally for the home team this season. A good move down the right saw the ball played across to Gayner who swept it home from the edge of the box. 1-3
HT Frampton United 1 Sharpness 3. A great first-half for the visitors, scoring three times in 45 minutes against a team who had only conceded three in the previous 540 minutes at Bell Field. Frampton started sluggishly but at least found a goal which would give them some hope for the second half.
The visitors and in particular Gayner, were not finished there. With five minutes to go before the break they doubled the goals against tally for the home team this season. A good move down the right saw the ball played across to Gayner who swept it home from the edge of the box. 1-3
HT Frampton United 1 Sharpness 3. A great first-half for the visitors, scoring three times in 45 minutes against a team who had only conceded three in the previous 540 minutes at Bell Field. Frampton started sluggishly but at least found a goal which would give them some hope for the second half.
Sharpness looking for more goals As expected United looked more lively at the start of the second period but any hopes of a recovery took a big downturn five minutes before the hour when Jacob Geddes was late on Kieran Bennett, picking up his second yellow card. The hosts now had to play out the final 35 minutes a man light. A minute after the red card the task would have been even more difficult if not for a brave an decisive intervention from captain Dom Brown. Callum Dummelow found himself unmarked in the centre of the goal, no more than 8 yards out. His volley was undoubtedly destined for the back of the next before Brown appeared from nowhere, throwing himself in front of the ball to save the day. A proper captain's contribution.
Frampton, however, responded very well to going down to 10 players. In fact, it's fair to say that for the next 20 minutes or so, they were the better team without unduly worrying James Holder. A Lewis Vye free kick that flew high and wide was all they had offered until the 77th minute, when they were awarded a free kick just outside the box on their left. Manolo Espada struck the ball well, forcing a good save from Holder who could only parry the ball into the path of inrushing players. However, the rebound was lashed over and with it, Frampton's chances of a comeback were probably gone.
Having said that, with nine minutes left on the clock, they were at least on parity in terms of personnel after Will Payne reacted to a challenge in midfield, appearing to lash out after the ball had gone and receiving a straight red. Frampton, however, could not take advantage of the situation and Sharpness almost had the final say when first Archie Mears glanced a header just wide and then Ryan Sheppard forced a good save from Kaye.
FT Frampton United 1 Sharpness 3. The victory for Sharpness, combined with Almondsbury's 5-4 defeat at Totterdown, sees The Sharks close to within two points of the leaders. Frampton remain in third, four points behind Sharpness with two games in hand. A bumper crowd of 212 witnessed the game, great support for both sides.
Both teams are away from home on the first Saturday of 2025. Frampton travel to fourth placed Wick in their first meeting this season. Sharpness are at Ruardean Hil Rangers, who currently sit seventh. The sides battled out a 0-0 draw at Hamfields back in August.
Frampton United: Kaye, Munday, Tyers, Geddes, Brown(c), Turner, Espada, Hills, H.Driver-Dickerson, Vye, Mangan. Subs: F.Blythe, M.Driver-Dickerson, G.Blythe,G.Driver-Dickerson, Porter
Sharpness: Holder, Payne, Morgan, Palmer, Gibbs, Dumellow, Gayner, Frankham(c), Bennett, Tainton, Mears. Subs: Hewer, Jones, Thomas, Sheppard
Frampton, however, responded very well to going down to 10 players. In fact, it's fair to say that for the next 20 minutes or so, they were the better team without unduly worrying James Holder. A Lewis Vye free kick that flew high and wide was all they had offered until the 77th minute, when they were awarded a free kick just outside the box on their left. Manolo Espada struck the ball well, forcing a good save from Holder who could only parry the ball into the path of inrushing players. However, the rebound was lashed over and with it, Frampton's chances of a comeback were probably gone.
Having said that, with nine minutes left on the clock, they were at least on parity in terms of personnel after Will Payne reacted to a challenge in midfield, appearing to lash out after the ball had gone and receiving a straight red. Frampton, however, could not take advantage of the situation and Sharpness almost had the final say when first Archie Mears glanced a header just wide and then Ryan Sheppard forced a good save from Kaye.
FT Frampton United 1 Sharpness 3. The victory for Sharpness, combined with Almondsbury's 5-4 defeat at Totterdown, sees The Sharks close to within two points of the leaders. Frampton remain in third, four points behind Sharpness with two games in hand. A bumper crowd of 212 witnessed the game, great support for both sides.
Both teams are away from home on the first Saturday of 2025. Frampton travel to fourth placed Wick in their first meeting this season. Sharpness are at Ruardean Hil Rangers, who currently sit seventh. The sides battled out a 0-0 draw at Hamfields back in August.
Frampton United: Kaye, Munday, Tyers, Geddes, Brown(c), Turner, Espada, Hills, H.Driver-Dickerson, Vye, Mangan. Subs: F.Blythe, M.Driver-Dickerson, G.Blythe,G.Driver-Dickerson, Porter
Sharpness: Holder, Payne, Morgan, Palmer, Gibbs, Dumellow, Gayner, Frankham(c), Bennett, Tainton, Mears. Subs: Hewer, Jones, Thomas, Sheppard
Bell Field
The Ground
Based in Frampton on Severn, United play their home games at Bell Field in the heart of the village. The ground is opposite the Bell Inn and the village green, which is also the home of the cricket club. It's a lovely location, and a very typical English village setting.
The road signs on the approach to Frampton, as you exit the M5, read like a local non-league football club directory. Slimbridge, Stonehouse, Quedgeley, Sharpness, Berkeley, Dursley and, of course, Frampton are all mentioned.
There is parking available along one side of the ground and also on the roads around the village green. All of the facilities are on the Oval side of the ground, diagonally opposite the entrance. The single storey building houses the changing facilities for players and officials as well as a snack hut and public toilets. It's also possible to nip across the road, to the Bell Inn or the village shop, at half-time. The dugouts are also on the same side of the ground. There is no dedicated spectator cover around the playing area, although the clubhouse does have a small shelter with a view of the pitch. All in all, a fantastic foot ball location. If you've not visited, I seriously encourage you to do so.
Based in Frampton on Severn, United play their home games at Bell Field in the heart of the village. The ground is opposite the Bell Inn and the village green, which is also the home of the cricket club. It's a lovely location, and a very typical English village setting.
The road signs on the approach to Frampton, as you exit the M5, read like a local non-league football club directory. Slimbridge, Stonehouse, Quedgeley, Sharpness, Berkeley, Dursley and, of course, Frampton are all mentioned.
There is parking available along one side of the ground and also on the roads around the village green. All of the facilities are on the Oval side of the ground, diagonally opposite the entrance. The single storey building houses the changing facilities for players and officials as well as a snack hut and public toilets. It's also possible to nip across the road, to the Bell Inn or the village shop, at half-time. The dugouts are also on the same side of the ground. There is no dedicated spectator cover around the playing area, although the clubhouse does have a small shelter with a view of the pitch. All in all, a fantastic foot ball location. If you've not visited, I seriously encourage you to do so.
The Programme
It was very pleasing to see that Frampton produce an excellent 20-page programme, packed full of club and match information. All of the expected articles are included, last match report, history and pen pictures of both teams, club staff list, honours and sponsors. There are also statistics and league tables for the various Frampton teams as well as the squad lists for today's fixture. All of this for just £1. A superb effort from the club and programme editor, Kevin Jackson.
Ground Number: 430
Att: 212
Entrance: N/A
Programme: £1.00
It was very pleasing to see that Frampton produce an excellent 20-page programme, packed full of club and match information. All of the expected articles are included, last match report, history and pen pictures of both teams, club staff list, honours and sponsors. There are also statistics and league tables for the various Frampton teams as well as the squad lists for today's fixture. All of this for just £1. A superb effort from the club and programme editor, Kevin Jackson.
Ground Number: 430
Att: 212
Entrance: N/A
Programme: £1.00
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