Southwell City 0 – 2 Dronfield Town

A lackluster performance from Southwell sees an in-form Dronfield side capitalising to win 2-0 at the Centenary Sports Ground.

The game kicked off and within the first ten minutes, Southwell were creating many attacking threats down the wings from Okoye and had many bright spells going forward.

However, after that Dronfield structure and formation took hold and got stronger. Winning multiple balls in possession and set pieces opportunities.

The deadlock was broken after Dronfield had four corners in a row, as Mawbey the Dronfield defender met a rising header and went past Stainby which put the visitors into the lead.

The first half carried on to be frustrating for Southwell as they were out battled in multiple areas of the pitch and struggled to get any footing on the game. Frustrations only grew further for Upton’s side as Dill got sin binned for dissent towards the referee.

The second half began as the Southwell striker had to watch the beginning of the second half from the sidelines. However, the second half came with little to no chances for Southwell as they continued to struggle throughout the rest of the game.

Okoye and Benninson did show signs of promise in attacking positions, however was often met by the Dronfield defence going out for corners and throws in.

Then towards the end of the game, after winning possession. Dronfield attacker Walker went past Warner and Bryant in the Southwell box beating them in a clever move seeing him turn the outside of the Southwell defence, to then put the ball into the far post of Stainby’s net. Giving Dronfield a 2-0 lead.

Substitutions were made by Upton to help bolster any attacking chances they may have, but unfortunately didn’t inspire anything as Dronfield held on to their lead.

Upton said after the game that Southwell: “With all things considered, that’s the worst we’ve been at home all season and had a couple of bright spells in the first ten to fifteen minutes. But after that pretty much delivered nothing.”

“My biggest worry tonight was that they wanted it and we didn’t, so they gave us problems physically,” said Upton.

Southwell hope to deliver and get a positive result on Friday as the next play Clipstone Welfare for their final home game of the season on Friday the 3rd of April 2026.

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Southwell City 1 – 0 Swallownest

On a cold and wet Tuesday evening in Southwell, a Kaden Bennison goal was the difference between Southwell and Swallownest.

Swallownest started the game the brighter side as they had multiple chances within the first couple of minutes, but mostly squandered their opportunities as Southwell dominated possession and showed a solid defensive performance.

Swallownest kept trying to come across and looked lively down the right hand side but failed to capitalise on any of the opportunities that they created. Mostly going wide and was a fairly quiet evening for City keeper Ashman.

Southwell did have bright spells but failed to capitalise on any opportunity and showed a more defensive performance to deal with Swallownest.

Into the second half and a quick check from the referee to ensure the game carried on as the rain and hail came down heavily in Southwell ensured the game could carry on.

Swallownest came out more attacking similar to how they finished the second half but weren’t taking their opportunities as their bright spells of play were going wide and squandered from challenges from Southwell’s solid defensive backline.

Later on into the second half, down the left hand side Southwell showed a lot more attacking flare and creativity. As Swallownest lost the ball, Southwell capitalised and a low cross was met by Kaden Bennison to give the hosts the lead.

Southwell were unlucky within the last ten minutes of the game not to capitalise and double their lead, however a positive result leaves Upton’s Southwell side in a good position going into the last five games to aim for a top half finish in the United Counties League Division 1.

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50 Years Ago This Month

50 years ago this month, City were crowned Champions of the Notts Alliance Division 1 after a fantastic 1970/71 season. This great team photo was taken shortly after the team was presented with the trophy in May 1971. In the background of the photo you will see the old clubhouse on the War Memorial Recreation Ground.

Over a half of a century later, it is fitting that we are able to look back at this snapshot in time and to recognise a great City team.

Pictured:

Back row: Tony Todd (Manager), David Rogers, Michael Stocks, Patrick Johnson (Secretary & Treasurer), Tony Bass, Kevin Grogden, Ray Rigby, Brian Kemp, Michael Pitchfork, David Butters, Henry McStoy (Chairman)

Front row: Roland Cottam, Clive Wiltshire, John Rushby (Captain), Alan Markham, David Hall, Wayne Todd (Mascot)

Missing: Ron Lynn


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Manager’s Update – First Team

Firstly, I hope all our players, managers and family associated with the club are keeping healthy as we all get used to football taking a back seat. From a 1st team perspective, clearly we’re all operating in unprecedented circumstances. The league has been “null & voided” with us in 2nd place. Whilst officially the results won’t stand, we’ll keep records our end so months of hard work isn’t undone.

The season was mixed from my perspective. We started with a huge amount of change from the season before, which we hadn’t planned on. We lost several key players and it’s not easy replacing them with no budget. The NSL is a strong Step-7 league and in my opinion 5/6 teams would cope fine operating in a league above. By the end, performances had started to dip and we dropped points unnecessarily against teams we should be comfortably beating. Despite us being 2nd, we would’ve been a long-shot to win the league so we have to improve next season (whenever that is).

However I also have to remember where we are and how far we’ve progressed. We’ve kept the core of the team from Southwell with most of which have come through our youth teams. We’ve played some great football at times and feel the connection between the lads and the community is at its best level in years. In the 83 games since I took the job on, we’ve only lost 15 times – & 2 of those were in the cup against Step 6 teams. Thank you for all the support this season, from the chairman and committee to the support we’ve had home and away, it’s hugely appreciated and I hope you can see the progression too!

With next season still up in the air in regards to a start date, it’s difficult to plan & prepare. We know Brinkley is around the corner but we’ll have another season at the Memorial Ground – and we have to do our best to make it a memorable one. The majority of the squad should remain the same, but I know we need a few more bodies to make us more competitive.

Finally, I want to congratulate George Caudwell on his move to America. He’s wanted this for a while and worked his socks off to get there. It’s fully deserved, he’s a great player but also a great lad – I’m sure he’ll smash it over there and look forward to seeing his progression.

Jonny

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City Go Top

It’s turning out to be another exciting season for our men’s first team. This afternoon saw them snatch a last minute equaliser to draw 3-3 with Bingham Town in a pulsating game at the Memorial Ground.

The result puts City top of the Samba NSL Premier Division for the first time this season, after Woodthorpe lost points at Burton Joyce. The lads travel to FC Cavaliers in Nottingham next weekend in search of 3 points to keep them on top of the premier division.

Geoff Cameraman has posted some great photos on Twitter (including the photo used in this blog post). He has published his shots on Google Photos.

Also, Rob Hornby, Registrar of Notts Senior League, was at the game today. Read his match report in his excellent blog, Around The Grounds.

Arnold Town Ticket Prices Announced

Details of tickets arrangements for next week’s Notts Senior Cup tie against Arnold Town are now available.

Our Mens First Team will play The Eagles on Tuesday the 7th of January 2020 in a 7.30pm kick off.

Arnold currently ply their trade in the Central Midlands League South Division and play at Eagle Valley (Oxton Road, NG5 8PS)

Tickets will be available on the day for City fans at a price of £5 for adult, £3 for concessions (including students). Under 16’s are admitted free of charge. (Note: Gates open 15 minutes after kick off when admission is free for all.)

Free parking is available at the ground and the club have a large licensed clubhouse as well as a snack bar.

Programmes will be available also on the day at £1.00.

City Win NSL Senior Cup in Style

Congratulations to our Men’s First Team after an emphatic victory in the NSL Senior Cup Final yesterday.

City ran out 6-1 winners against Stapleford Town. What a win and what a great way to sign off a strong season!

Goals came from Nussey (3), Caudwell (2) & Law. Stapleford finished with 9-men.

NSL SENIOR CUP WINNERS!! Our first trophy since 2002! Super stripes ⚫️⚪️🏆

A match report and lots of photos can be found on the excellent Around The Grounds blog.

City Progress In Cup

A makeshift City line-up took on Welbeck Lions this afternoon in the Notts FA Saturday Senior Cup. Despite a below par performance from the team, they progress to the next round courtesy of goals from Law and Nussey (Pen).

It was a memorable afternoon though for 16 year old, Ben Napier who came on as a substitute and made his senior debut for City today. (Pictured above)

Match Stats can be found here.

Earlier in the week, City strengthened their grip on the top of the Notts Senior League Premier Division table with an 8-1 demolishing of Bilborough Town at the Memorial Ground.  This is now the third time the team have scored eight in a match this season.

Goalscorers were: Calum Law (3), Blair Bryant (2), Ant Brown and Oliver Clarke.

Impressive City Go Top

A fine display from Southwell City saw the team record a 4-0 league victory today, away at Bilborough Town. Scorers this afternoon were Clarke, Gleeson, Law & Hill. Man Of The Match was Clarke, who had an excellent game.

City has now won all six Nottinghamshire Senior League Premier Division fixtures this season. The team sit at the top of the league table, two points clear of Eastwood Development, who are in second.

Next up, Stripes are away at league rivals Awsworth Villa in the County Cup. The match is a 2.30pm kick off, taking place at: The Shilo, NG16 2SY.

5 out of 5 for City

Southwell City’s amazing start to the season continued on Saturday. The first team played host to Sandiacre Town and produced another impressive display, running out 3-0 winners at the Memorial Ground. Ant Brown, Calum Law and Robert Haigh scored City’s goals. City also missed a penalty.

City have now won all five of their Nottinghamshire Senior League fixtures, scoring 18 goals and conceding just 3. They currently sit second in the table, behind Awsworth Villa on goals difference.

Next up for City is an away trip to Bilborough Town on Saturday.

Reserves Games Abandoned

On a sadder note, our reserve team fixture at Kimberley Miners Welfare had to be abandoned after City player, Huw Plume, broke his leg. The game was evenly poised at 1-1 when the game was stopped. The club sends out its best wishes to Huw and wishes him a speedy recovery.

Ladies Debut

Southwell City Ladies open their Nottinghamshire Girls and Ladies Football League campaign today with a match against Clifton All Whites Ladies at the Memorial Ground. More news on this opening game of the season will follow.