Glos County Shire welcomed with ‘open arms’
RON Holpin says he and his Marcliff Gloucestershire County League comrades welcome Shirehampton into their new season line-up with “open arms.”
The Penpole Lane outfit became a true Somerset County League force since joining the equivalent step 7 Premier Division as Division One champions in 2006.
Since then they have collected two titles, in 2011 and 2015, and secured a raft of topfive finishes to establish themselves among the elite at their level in the region.
Gloucestershire County League secretary Holpin said: “Shirehampton came across to us through lateral movement with the FA’s approval.
“They’re actually a Gloucestershire FAregistered club anyway and play just down the road from Henbury, who have long been members of our league. That makes Shire very much a Bristol club in my book.
“They’re delighted to have finally landed a place with us as they’ve been trying for two or three years now when certain circumstances went against them.
“That has all been resolved and we welcome them in with open arms.”
Fingers are firmly crossed this season’s competition can unfold unhindered to a natural conclusion after the 2019-20 campaign was eventually abandoned with weeks of the programme still to be played out as the coronavirus crisis gripped the region. In fact, Shirehampton’s proposed opener away with Wick last weekend fell prey to a Covid-19 concern meaning fingers are firmly crossed their home fixture with Henbury tomorrow (3pm) can go ahead as planned.
Reflecting on the fallout of last-season’s early ending, Holpin said: “The upshot was no clubs could go up or down as the FA instructed all league competitions involving steps 3 to 7 – ours is the latter – be made null and void.
“It was disappointing for clubs on the cusp of going up and a relief for those at the bottom starting potential relegation in the face.
“Our own AEK Boco had ten games to play at the stoppage, hoping to cement a top-five finish which could well have won them a place in the Toolstation Western League.”
Holpin was heartened by some “positive news” behind the County League scenes.
“Graham McNulty, the Cheltenham Youth League referees secretary and a level 4 ref, was successful among five applicants to secure the role of referees appointments officer with us and we’re delighted to have him aboard.
“Marcliff have agreed to continue their sponsorship and Boca Teamwear Ltd will carry on with their backing of our Les James League Cup competition and involvement with our Respect programme, which is also extremely pleasing and a decision we’re grateful for.”
As for this weekend’s action, ambitious Boco commence their home campaign against Little Stoke keen to capitalise on an opening 1-0 victory at Bromley Heath United.
Patchway Town, delighted to have kicked off with a 4-1 away defeat of Hanham Athletic, host Gala Wilton, while Rockleaze Rangers set out to build on a splendid 2-1 away victory over Sharpness when they take on Broadwell Amateurs for a fixture switched from Hillside Gardens to Tytherington Rocks’ Hardwicke Fields facility.
Bromley Heath, who host Ruardean Hill Rangers, and Hanham, who face a tough trip to face Frampton United, strive to hit back from those first-day defeats.
❝ They’re delighted to have finally landed a place with us as they’ve been trying for two or three years now when certain circumstances went against them