NEWS UPDATES: LATEST FROM BRICKIES’ HQ - PAST HERO BRAD IS BACK WITH A BANG-BANG

TOP news of the week is that former skipper Brad Snelling, top scorer in the memorable promotion season of 2024/25 is back at the GD Print Stadium. And Brad, who is credited with playing a leading part in the success of that campaign - when only four league matches were lost all season - was very fast to announce his return.

Getting into his stride with an appearance for the Under-23s at Downton on Tuesday, Brad, who has been playing for Fleetlands, scored both the goals in our 2-0 win. It was a welcome result to get one over the Robins so soon after the bitter frustration of losing out there in the FA Vase - but it has to be said, we would have swopped that for heading into the Vase next round, where Downton have been drawn at home to Bridgwater United.

BACK HERE, November is going to be a busy month, with seven matches on the schedule, all but two of them away from home. This Saturday the Brickies host Romsey Town as we set out to regaining top spot in the Wessex League Division One. Sandhurst nudged us out of first place on goal difference last Saturday, but we still have three games in hand and trail by just one on goal difference.

After that, it’s five out of six away, starting next Tuesday with a visit to Folland Sports in the Wessex League Cup. On the Saturday it’s away to Winchester to face Colden Common, followed by the Russell-Cotes Cup and an away trip to Clanfield. The only other home game in the month is a league date with Hedge End Rangers, followed by Blandford away on the Tuesday evening and a trip to Berkshire to face AFC Aldermaston, at Thatcham’s ground, on the 28th.

ALSO this week, our social media editor, Ailani Verrall, conducted the honours votes for October - and the Brockenhurst FA Vase win had a big say in that. Fans and club members voted Player of the Month as goalkeeper Lloyd Thomas - not least for his brilliant display against the Badgers. The same game saw a terrific equalising goal - a worthy Goal of the Month - from Jake Carswell. Niall DIxon's run and cross on the right, Jake's brilliant far post header. Well done Lloyd and Jake!