⚽ Wanderers Weekly: Cannons Make History and the Ladies Run Riot 🦁

For the first time in their history, our Belmont Cannons have strung two wins together, and they picked a fine moment to do it, a commanding 5-1 that sets up a cracking League Cup opener this weekend. They were not the only ones smiling: the Ladies climbed a hill and a scoreline to win 9-2 at Ledbury, the Bulls kept their 100% record intact, and the U15 boys dug out a last-gasp cup win to reach the Bill Bowkett Quarter Finals. Grab a cuppa, shelter from the drizzle, and let’s walk through a weekend that had a bit of everything.

🧬 The Club DNA Report 🧬

At Belmont Wanderers, our identity has never been about one star name or one golden result. It is about turning up for one another, week after week, across every age group and every pitch. This past weekend showed exactly who we are.

This week, our Attacking Prowess was the jewel in the crown. Four hat-tricks across the club, a 9-goal haul from the Ladies, a 6-goal cup win for the U9 Lions and a 5-1 for the Cannons tell the story of teams who back themselves to go forward with purpose. When we move the ball quickly and share the load, as so many coaches noted, we are a joy to watch.

Defensively, two clean sheets and three ‘Wall’ awards point to the solid foundations we are building, and the resilience in the Cannons’ comeback and the U15s’ shutout of Toros in the second half shows real character. A couple of sides shipped heavier scorelines, but the honesty in those reports, owning the second-half fade, the slow starts, is precisely how young players grow. With 14 Player of the Match awards, five Playmaker nods, four Captain’s Armbands and two sportsmanship honours, our Player Development and Club Values pillars are thriving. Keep playing for each other and for the badge, because that is the Belmont way, and it is taking us somewhere special.

⛈️ Weekend Weather Watch ⛈️

• Saturday: A touch of drizzle, highs of 18.4°C and lows of 12.3°C. Pack a brolly for the touchline.
• Sunday: Overcast and milder in the afternoon, highs of 19.2°C, dipping to 8.5°C. Grand conditions for football.

⚽ This Weekend’s Action ⚽

A proper feast of fixtures, and front and centre is a 🏆 CUP GAME! that has been brewing nicely:

• 🏆 Belmont Cannons vs Hereford Pegasus (11:30), the big one. Two wins on the bounce and now a League Cup opener against a side that edged them in their only previous meeting. A chance for revenge and a statement in the same afternoon.

Saturday

• Belmont Wanderers Men’s First Team vs Kington Town Reserves (14:30)
• Belmont Wanderers Reserves vs Worcester United FC Development (14:30)
• Belmont Wanderers U11 vs Bromyard U11 Hornets (10:30)
• Belmont Falcons U11 vs Lucton FC U11 (10:30)
• Belmont Wanderers U7 Boys vs FC Phoenix U7 Rangers (12:30)
• Belmont U8 Raiders vs Coreley U8 (09:30)
• Belmont Wanderers U9 Lions vs Bartestree U9 (10:45)
• Belmont Tornadoes U9s vs Coreley U9 (10:45)
• Belmont Bulls vs Hereford Pegasus Youth U10 (12:00)
• Belmont U10 Flames vs Leominster Town U10 Lions (12:00)
• Herefordshire Belmont Belles vs Boldmere St Michaels Juniors U17 Girls (11:15)

Sunday

• Belmont Wanderers Ladies vs Newtown Sports Juniors Ladies (14:00)
• Belmont Wanderers Hawks U12 vs Ludlow Town U12 Knights (10:30)
• Belmont Falcons U12 vs Wessington Juniors U12 Bears (10:30)
• Belmont Wanderers Sharks vs Westfields Youth U12 (10:30)
• Belmont Wanderers Eagles vs Bromyard U12 (10:30)
• Spartans vs Hinton Youth U13 (12:00)
• Belmont Juniors vs Ledbury FC Youth U14 Athletics (12:00)
• Belmont U14 Boys vs Westfields Youth U14 (12:00)
• Belmont Hammers vs Toros FC U14 Twisters (14:00)
• Belmont Wanderers U15 vs Bromyard U15 Bandits (14:00)
• Belmont Colts U16 Boys vs Bartestree U16 (14:00)
• Belmont Wanderers Under 16s Boys vs Ludlow Town FC U16 First (14:00)
• Belmont Wanderers U9 Girls vs Tupsley Girls U9 Pumas (09:30)
• Belmont Bullets U14 Girls vs Dursley Town Girls U14 (10:00)

💛 Club Connections 💛

Keep an eye out for a few familiar faces doing double duty this weekend. Theo turns out for both the Bulls and the U9 Lions, a proper Belmont all-rounder, while Millie and Leo both pull on the shirt for the juniors or U15s and the U14 Boys. Over in the girls’ game, there is sibling pride aplenty: EM lines up for the Belles while sister Mya features for the Bullets U14 Girls, and the Cannons’ big cup day will have more than one proud family in the crowd, with Lacie-mai cheered on alongside brother Jayden over with the juniors. A lovely reminder that this club really is one big family.

💡 Team Spotlight

The warmest of spotlights this week falls on our Belmont U8 Raiders, guided by coach Chris Tipping. Take a bow: Patrick, Casper, Isabella, Igor, Tymon, David, Bobby, Theo, Lucas, Albie, Aleksander, JASON, Arthur, Lewis and Toby. Keep learning, keep smiling and keep enjoying your football, lads. The whole club is behind you.

A Big Belmont Welcome

A huge Belmont welcome to the newest members of our family: Tré (Belmont Colts U16 Boys), Beau (Belmont Wanderers Eagles) and Buddy (Belmont Wanderers Eagles). We are thrilled to have you with us. Here’s to many happy seasons ahead.

📸 From the Sidelines This Week 📸

🏆 The Weekly Roll of Honour 🏆

A bumper list of achievements, with the Ladies well represented after their big away day:

• Samantha Whitehouse (Belmont Wanderers Ladies), ‘First Assist’ and ‘Playmaker’
• Lucy Minikin (Belmont Wanderers Ladies), ’10 Goals’ and ‘Hat-trick Hero’
• Monique Crombie (Belmont Wanderers Ladies), ‘Hat-trick Hero’
• Katie Mckie (Belmont Wanderers Ladies), ‘Playmaker’
• Sylwia Pleskacz (Belmont Wanderers Ladies), ‘The Wall’
• Ellie Morris (Belmont Wanderers Ladies), ‘Player of the Match’
• Ronnie (Belmont Wanderers U11), ‘Player of the Match’
• Finley (Belmont Colts U16 Boys), ‘Captain’s Armband’
• Oliver (Belmont Colts U16 Boys), ‘Tackle Titan’
• Logan (Belmont Colts U16 Boys), ‘Leadership in Defence’
• Riley (Belmont Colts U16 Boys), ‘Player of the Match’
• Joseph-Scott (Belmont U14 Boys), ‘First Assist’
• Jack (Belmont Hammers), ’10 Goals’

🎂 Birthday Corner

Many happy returns this week to EC, Logan, Jenson, AP, Theo, Daniel and Daisey Lou Davies. Have a cracking day, all of you.

✨ Last Week’s Highlights ✨

Belmont Hammers vs Hinton Youth U14, Lost 4-5

A gut-wrenching one to swallow after racing into a 1-4 lead, with Lola pulling the strings and earning Player of the Match. The lesson is a simple one: games last the full 70 minutes, and this talented group has far too much about it to let a result like this linger.

Belmont Wanderers U15 vs Toros FC U15, Won 2-1

Trailing and staring down penalties, the U15s found two late goals to book their place in the Bill Bowkett Cup Quarter Finals, with Dylan deservedly named Player of the Match. Back-to-back wins over Toros and a cup run to savour: this is becoming a very special season indeed.

Belmont Wanderers U10 Vipers vs Ludlow Town FC U10 Girls, Lost 1-10

The scoreline tells one story, but the smiles in the rain told another, as the Vipers pressed, battled and never stopped trying new things. Isla capped a tireless, Player of the Match display with a well-earned goal, and there is plenty here to build on.

Belmont Cannons vs Ewyas Harold U16 Hawks, Won 5-1

History made: the Cannons’ first-ever back-to-back wins, and a thumping one at that after going a penalty down early on. Victoria’s double, that superb free kick, and a Girl of the Match turn full of wing wizardry sent them into their League Cup opener brimming with belief.

Belmont U14 Boys vs Bartestree U14, Won 1-0

A hard-earned away victory, built on a tidy first-half goal and a backs-to-the-wall final 20 minutes, with Oliver named Player of the Match. These lads are becoming a genuine unit, and that togetherness will serve them well against Westfields next.

Belmont Colts U16 Boys vs Hereford Lads Club Youth U16 Phoenix, Lost 0-10

The first half was a tough watch, but the response in the second was the real takeaway, building from the back and carving out chances against the run of play. Riley earned Player of the Match, and that second-half spirit is the platform to kick on from.

Belmont Wanderers Hawks U12 vs Westfields FC U12 Juniors, Lost 1-6

An early kick-off caught the Hawks cold before they rallied to win the second half, Otis lighting things up with an acrobatic solo goal. A frustrating morning after their cup heroics, but the character shown late on is exactly what to carry into next week.

Belmont Wanderers Ladies vs Ledbury FC Youth Women, Won 9-2

Uphill in the first half and still 6-0 up at the break, this was a masterclass in crisp, one and two-touch football away from home. Monique’s hat-trick, Lucy’s opener and Ellie Morris’s Player of the Match showing capped a thoroughly ruthless afternoon.

Belmont Wanderers U9 Lions vs Ludlow Town FC U9 Knights, Won 6-1

Slow out of the blocks, the Lions found their rhythm and the goals flowed on the way to the next cup round, with Theo named Player of the Match. Finding solutions mid-game is the mark of a good side, and these youngsters are doing exactly that.

Belmont U10 Flames vs Coreley U10, Lost 0-4

The scoreline flatters Coreley, with the Flames the better side for long spells and peppering the keeper before being caught on the counter. It was their first defeat of the season, a remarkable run in itself, and David’s Player of the Match display shows there is no shortage of quality here.

Belmont Bulls vs Wessington Juniors U10 Wolves, Won 4-2

The Bulls remain the club’s only side with a 100% record, roared on by one-touch football and two players bagging their first goals of the campaign. There is work to do on defending corners, but with Grayson back to his best after injury and Jack’s unselfish assists, the good times keep rolling.

Belmont Wanderers U11 vs Hinton Youth U11, Won 2-1

A slow start gave way to some lovely football, especially in the second half, as the U11s handled a scrappy contest with real maturity. Ronnie took the Player of the Match award in a win that was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.

⭐ Standout of the Week ⭐

Step forward Lucy Minikin (Belmont Wanderers Ladies), this week’s Standout after a double award haul and a tidy +100 points. A ’10 Goals’ milestone and a ‘Hat-trick Hero’ badge in the same weekend is some going, Lucy. Take a bow.

📈 The Belmont Leaderboard 📈

Top 5 Players

1. Kallie, 259 points
2. Lola, 248 points
3. Theo, 235 points
4. Logan, 235 points
5. Reggie, 225 points

Top 3 Teams

1. Belmont Bullets U14 Girls, 1119 points
2. Belmont Wanderers U9 Lions, 996 points
3. Belmont U14 Boys, 870 points

⚽ The Golden Boot Race ⚽

The race for top scorer is tightening beautifully at the top:

• Theo, 15 goals 👑
• Kallie, 14 goals
• Logan, 11 goals
• Dominic, 11 goals
• Jack, 10 goals
• Blake, 9 goals

🎯 Milestone watch

• Kallie is one goal shy of 15. A single strike turns this into a two-horse race at the summit.
• Blake needs just one more to reach double figures.
• Jack is two away from joining the 10-goal club.

📈 Card of the Week 📈

A fine week for Lucy Minikin, who climbed a club-best +13 to an Overall Rating of 66. Her card is looking sharper by the game, and you can see it in all its glory over at the Card Corner on the back page.

🎮 Your Player Card & App 🎮

Every Belmont player now has their own collectible football card with an Overall Rating that climbs all season. Goals, assists, clean sheets, simply turning up, and awards all count, and it resets each summer so everyone starts fresh. Players log in to see their card, tick off weekly challenges and customise it. This week’s challenges to chase for bonus points: ⚡ On a Roll (earn 8 points this week) and 🚀 Double Up (earn 20 points this week). Collect your team’s full set of squad cards and earn team badges together at https://belmontwanderersfc.co.uk/team-badges. See every squad’s cards at https://belmontwanderersfc.co.uk/player-cards and the club-wide leaderboard at https://belmontwanderersfc.co.uk/hall-of-fame. Add the portal to your phone’s home screen and turn on notifications so you never miss a fixture, an availability request, or your card levelling up.

🧑‍🏫 Coach’s Corner 🧑‍🏫

Looking for a fresh training idea? The latest addition to the Training Wall is ‘Under 15/16: Passing & Receiving’ by Danielle Houghton, available now in the Coach Dashboard. Well worth a look before Thursday night.

🗓️ Team of the Month 🗓️

Congratulations to our Team of the Month for September! Lining up in a 4-3-3 attacking formation, this month’s stars are: Noah, Ella, Charlie, George, Dylan, Jack, Theo, David, Logan, Lola and Blake. Brilliantly done, all of you.

🛍️ Club Shop Corner 🛍️

🛍️ Shop Spotlight: Grab the Children’s Training Shirts, perfect for showing your Belmont colours at training and on the touchline.

Visit the Club Shop

❤️ Our Amazing Sponsors ❤️

TJ Tree Services

Official sponsor of Belmont Wanderers U9 Lions

A heartfelt thank you to TJ Tree Services for backing our U9 Lions. If your local business would like to support a grassroots club that gives so much back to the community, we would love to hear from you. Do get in touch about sponsorship opportunities.

🔍 Pre-Match Previews 🔍

Belmont Wanderers Men’s First Team vs Kington Town Reserves (Sat, 14:30), Three wins, 17 scored and just one conceded: the First Team are in red-hot nick. Kington’s Reserves will have their work cut out against a side oozing confidence, and the home crowd can expect an afternoon of flowing football.

Belmont Wanderers Reserves vs Worcester United FC Development (Sat, 14:30), A tasty test for the Reserves against a development side who will fancy their chances. Expect a competitive, end-to-end contest and plenty for the touchline faithful to enjoy.

Belmont Wanderers U11 vs Bromyard U11 Hornets (Sat, 10:30), Fresh from a gritty 2-1 win over Hinton, the U11s welcome the Hornets in good heart. Ronnie and company love to grow into a game, so stick around if it starts slowly.

Belmont Falcons U11 vs Lucton FC U11 (Sat, 10:30), Unbeaten form of two wins and a draw, with 15 scored, makes the Falcons dangerous opponents. Lucton arrive as the visitors to a side that is finding its groove nicely.

Belmont Wanderers U7 Boys vs FC Phoenix U7 Rangers (Sat, 12:30), Our youngest Saturday starters take centre stage, and it is all about smiles, first touches and plenty of encouragement. Come and cheer every single one of them on.

Belmont U8 Raiders vs Coreley U8 (Sat, 09:30), Our Spotlight side face a stiff challenge after a tough start to the campaign, but every game is a chance to learn and improve. Chris Tipping’s Raiders will give it everything, and that is exactly what we want to see.

Belmont Wanderers U9 Lions vs Bartestree U9 (Sat, 10:45), Three wins, 29 goals and a cup run on the go: the league-chasing Lions are purring. Theo and the gang will be eager to keep that attacking flow going against Bartestree.

Belmont Tornadoes U9s vs Coreley U9 (Sat, 10:45), A local tussle for the Tornadoes, with everything to play for. Expect bags of effort and plenty of learning in equal measure.

Belmont Bulls vs Hereford Pegasus Youth U10 (Sat, 12:00), The club’s last unbeaten side put their 100% record on the line, with 18 goals from three games behind them. If they can tidy up those corners, Pegasus are in for a tough morning.

Belmont U10 Flames vs Leominster Town U10 Lions (Sat, 12:00), A chance to bounce back after a first defeat of the season that flattered the opposition. The Flames were the better side that day, so a strong response is firmly on the cards.

Herefordshire Belmont Belles vs Boldmere St Michaels Juniors U17 Girls (Sat, 11:15), A big day for the Belles, with Kim McCready and David Taylor’s side looking to make home advantage count. Watch for UN, who is also turning out for the Ladies this weekend.

Belmont Wanderers Ladies vs Newtown Sports Juniors Ladies (Sun, 14:00), Fresh from a stunning 9-2 at Ledbury, the Ladies are flying and full of goals. Lucy, Monique and Ellie Morris will all fancy adding to their tallies in front of the home crowd.

Belmont Wanderers Hawks U12 vs Ludlow Town U12 Knights (Sun, 10:30), A chance to put a frustrating morning behind them, with the second-half spirit against Westfields the template. If the Hawks start as sharply as they finished last week, the Knights will know all about it.

Belmont Falcons U12 vs Wessington Juniors U12 Bears (Sun, 10:30), A battling side looking to build on their one win, with Otis and Freddie busy men this weekend across two squads. Every outing is sharpening this group, and a home crowd can make all the difference.

Belmont Wanderers Sharks vs Westfields Youth U12 (Sun, 10:30), The Sharks come up against tough opposition, but there is fight in this group and a win already in the bank. Get down to roar them on against a stern test.

Belmont Wanderers Eagles vs Bromyard U12 (Sun, 10:30), Two wins from three and newcomers Beau and Buddy settling in: the Eagles are an intriguing watch. A balanced record suggests a tight, competitive contest against Bromyard.

Spartans vs Hinton Youth U13 (Sun, 12:00), A fresh page for the Spartans and a fixture ripe with possibility. Come and be part of the atmosphere as they set out their stall for the season.

Belmont Juniors vs Ledbury FC Youth U14 Athletics (Sun, 12:00), The juniors host Ledbury with plenty to prove, and Jayden will have sister Lacie-mai’s Cannons cheering nearby after their own big day. A proper family afternoon of Belmont football.

Belmont U14 Boys vs Westfields Youth U14 (Sun, 12:00), Unbeaten in three and defensively mean, the U14 Boys face the toughest of tests against Westfields. This growing unit will run through walls for one another, and that spirit could be decisive.

Belmont Hammers vs Toros FC U14 Twisters (Sun, 14:00), After that painful late defeat to Hinton, the Hammers will be itching to show their quality for a full 70 minutes. With 19 goals already this season and Lola in form, the firepower is certainly there.

Belmont Wanderers U15 vs Bromyard U15 Bandits (Sun, 14:00), Riding high on three straight wins and a cup Quarter Final spot, the U15s are in wonderful rhythm. Dylan, Blake and the gang will be confident of making it four on the spin.

Belmont Colts U16 Boys vs Bartestree U16 (Sun, 14:00), A chance to carry that encouraging second-half display into a fresh contest, with Riley and Finley leading from the front. With new signing Tré in the mix, there is plenty of fight in this group.

Belmont Wanderers Under 16s Boys vs Ludlow Town FC U16 First (Sun, 14:00), Three wins, 20 goals and only five conceded: Michael Prosser’s side are a force right now. Ludlow’s First arrive to face a team in sparkling form, so expect goals.

Belmont Wanderers U9 Girls vs Tupsley Girls U9 Pumas (Sun, 09:30), A bright early kick-off for our U9 Girls, and a lovely chance to get the weekend started with a smile. Come along and give them a proper Belmont welcome onto the pitch.

Belmont Bullets U14 Girls vs Dursley Town Girls U14 (Sun, 10:00), The club’s top-ranked team arrive on a three-win streak with 18 goals to show for it. Mya and Lacey are part of a group brimming with belief, and Dursley will need to be at their very best.

🏆 Belmont Cannons vs Hereford Pegasus (Sun, 11:30), The headline act. History-makers with two wins on the bounce now face the only side to have beaten them this season, and in a League Cup opener no less. With Danielle Houghton’s squad buzzing and a proper atmosphere expected, this is the one to circle. Let’s pack that touchline.

As an individual we are strong, as a team we are brilliant, as a club we are unstoppable. We are Belmont Wanderers FC.

Warmest wishes,

Chris, Chairman