Western Rebels Walking Football

Calling over 50s.. this coming Tuesday at Hutton Moor; come and join us FREE and give Walking Football a try!

Call Graham Thompson for more details and to register your interest on 07958 390544

Rebels are trialling a new walking football session for over 50s…. Free to newcomers, see details below

There were dark clouds this morning and heavy rain; but when Rebels took to the pitch the weather had improved measurably and we turned in a sunshine performance in the Hutton Moor 65s League.

First up was Clevedon who fielded their strongest squad although it was Rebels who created the better chances in a fairly even first half.

Clevedon however, took the lead in the final seconds of the half as a Rebels attack broke down allowing a Clevedon player to stride forward before hitting a long range effort past Mick Mullins to put the defending champions 1-0 up at the break.

Rebels continued to take the game to Clevedon in the second half and a good passing move ended with Paul “Skippy” Mears turning his man to find the bottom corner to restore parity.

Thereafter it was nip and tuck for the remainder with Rebels forcing the Clevedon custodian into a number of good saves but ultimately 1-1 was probably a fair result.

In game two a very strong Abbeymead posed a considerable threat especially with the services of England International Alan Wintle to call on in attack.

Rebels however, showed scant regard for the opposition and took control of the game resulting in two great finishes from that man “Skippy” Mears to put Rebels 2-0 up at the break.

The second half saw Rebels well in control with chances to extend the lead as Abbeymead’s tactic of long balls into Alan Wintle proved fruitless as he had to spend the match in Dave Waterhouse's pocket...😜 (absolutely no prizes for guessing who wrote this report - Ed)

Rebels stood firm to win 2-0 as Abbeymead threw the kitchen sink at them in the last few minutes with Mick Mullins not troubled to any extent in goal.

After two excellent performances Rebels were a little sluggish in the final match v Taunton Town and whilst not troubled to any great degree, passing and movement was not what it could have been.

Nonetheless, Rebels still had too much for Taunton with that man Mears opening the scoring with another good finish and Mick Organ and Dave Waterhouse adding to the tally to ease Rebels into a 3-0 lead in the second half.

Taunton kept plugging away and were rewarded late on with a consolation goal; a comfortable enough 3-1 win although game management could have been better and the team must concentrate on ball retention when in a match-winning position.

Other than that, a good day at the office as Rebels close the gap to two points on Clevedon at the top.

Sound performances all round today and a good benchmark going forward.

Squad

Micky Mullins
John Davies
Dave Waterhouse
Mick Organ
Pete Wilbraham
George Davis
Paul Mears.

Special mention to the Rebels Ultras and their portable Kop stand and their vocal encouragement...!!

Bristol United Walking Football Club were our special guests once again for a very enjoyable friendly tournament played in warm sunshine on Friday 7 August.

It was a bumper turnout with 23 Rebels, including our guest player Taff, and Bristol brought 13 players.

A general introduction and fine tuning of teams was required so that there were well balanced 5 sides of 7.

All matches were competitive and scoring was at a premium. Only one game had a high scoring tally of four goals, all scored by Rebels White, ensuring that they were top scorers and eventually winners.

There were some close matches and excellent team play, more often resulting in draws.

The three Rebels teams all had their great moments of skill and passing. Bristol had 2 teams, which although including 4 new players, were very competitive and a good match for our lads.

Overall a very good friendly competition. Fun was the main aim and although there were a few goalscorers, it was Damon Smith who won the Golden Boot, greatly helped by scoring both goals in Rebel White’s first match.

Many thanks to refs Eric and Nigel for keeping order, Graham for his brilliant assistance and tireless work trying to balance the teams and also for the Committee support and cafe staff for providing the post match snacks. A big thanks to all who attended to make this a successful special day for us Rebels. Thanks also to Jo Mears for the photos and videos.

Last but not least many thanks to Bristol United, a pleasure to welcome them once again

SCORES

Bristol White 0-1 Rebels Black
Bristol Black 0-1 Rebels Red
Bristol Black 0- 0 Rebels Black
Rebels White 2-1 Bristol White
Rebels Red 0-0 Bristol White
Rebels Black 0-4 Rebels White
Bristol Black 0-0 Rebels White
Rebels Black 0-0 Rebels Red
Rebels Red 1-1 Rebels White
Bristol Black 0-2 Bristol White

Rebels White
P4 W2 D2 L0
GF 7 GA 2
8 points

Rebels Red
P4 W1 D3 L0
GF2 GA1
6 Points

Rebels Black
P4. W1 D2 L1
GF1 GA4
5 Points

Bristol White
P4. W1 D1 L2
GF3 GA3
4 Points

Bristol Black
P4 W0 D2 L2
GF0 GA3
2 Points

Golden Boot and goal scorers
Damon Smith 3 goals 🌟
Gavin Hughes (Bristol White) 2
George Davis 2
Simon Lamerton 1
Graham Thompson 1
Jamie Atkinson 1
Paul Mears 1
John Anderson 1
Simon Bishop (Bristol Whites ) 1

With only three points separating all teams, it couldn’t be much closer as Rebels 65s return to action this coming Thursday in another round of league games at Hutton Moor.

Last time out we had a mixed day , starting well v Abbeymead and getting on top as Rich Thomas fired in from a tight angle following indecision in the Abbeymead defence.

Half time changes were made to rotate the squad but the second half saw a swing in the dynamic of the game with Rebels under pressure and unable to regain the initiative.

Rebels looked to have weathered the storm only to conceded in the final seconds from a free kick to see the game finish all square at 1-1.

Next up Rebels again had the better of proceedings v Taunton Town with Graham Thompson in goal able to bask in the sunshine with little to do.😎

Rebels had Taunton constantly on the back foot but were unable to make the breakthrough

Controversy raised its ugly head in the last few seconds when a final whistle blew and players stopped to shake hands...only for a Taunton player to continue and slot the ball home.

Unfortunately the final whistle had blown on the pitch opposite and not our pitch 🫣 so the goal stood. Rebels kicked off and our ref then blew the final whistle...😭

Finally we took on league leaders Clevedon and again started well and had the better of the game.
Graham was once more underworked in goal and our dominance was rewarded when Paul ‘Skippy’ Mears rounded off a move with a good finish to make it advantage Rebels.

The second half saw Clevedon comfortably kept at arms’ length with Rebels looking more likely to add to their tally.

Thankfully we didn't concede in the final seconds as in the two previous games to run out 1-0 winners.

With three more rounds of matches to go there is all to play for.

SQUAD

Graham Thompson
John Davies
Dave Waterhouse
Mick Organ
Rich Thomas
Paul Mears
Pete Wilbraham
George Davis

Thanks as always to those ultras on the touchline for their support.

Finishing proved the main difference as Rebels 60s played well but suffered four narrow losses in the final round of league games at Portishead.

We travelled with an 8 man squad, introducing Steve Eastman and welcoming back Kevin Day-McDonnell, who both played well and adapted quickly to the pace of competitive football.

The matches were played in good spirits. We tried various systems and rotated the squad, playing good football and passing well on the whole. We had chances, hitting the post a couple of times and forced the goalkeepers into good saves. Positively, we were often the better team and dominated possession but couldn't break our goal-scoring hoodoo.

In two games, we were only beaten by opportunistic shots, which were the opposition’s only clear cut chances. In the last game, we changed formation with two at the back which seemed to work well. We finished strongly and had numerous chances, causing the opposition to defend well.

In summary, four losses by the same 0-1 scoreline to Portishead, Bristol United, Exeter and Cwmbran Celtic. Although disappointed not to have scored, our positivity, energy levels and team play were very good.

We have a break now from competitive football and can concentrate on 3 touch, pass and play, and stamina which has been apparent in our most recent matches, plus of course work on finishing our chances.

Congratulations to Clevedon & District Walking Footballers who pipped Cardiff to the title, well deserved.

Thank you all who attended for your efforts in this competition and we look to build on it for a more successful future.

SQUAD: Steve Eastman, Kevin Day-McDonnell, Darren Mobley, Paul Smith, George Davis, Graham Thompson, John Anderson, Paul Mears

Rebels put in a strong display but were sadly knocked out of the WFA National Cup in a penalty shoot-out after a goalless draw with Plymouth Argyle Community Trust at Hutton Moor on Saturday.

It was a sunny day for our first competitive match against Argyle in the third round of the competition. Rebels dominated possession and created plenty of chances. Some nice passing, few errors and played in high spirits. Argyle had one very good forward but he was marked well by our solid defence.

The team was rotated at half time and we played more offensively from wider positions to try and break down a resolute defence. The 40 minute game finished in a stalemate then progressed to a penalty shootout. With mixed success by both teams after 6 penalties, Argyle scored the decisive one to win the shootout 3-2 and therefore progress to round four.

A great effort from all Rebels and could easily have won on another day if luck was on our side.
Referee Colin Barnes deserves a lot of credit keeping the game flowing and decisive, even including hydration breaks.

A lovely turn-out of support and encouragement from the sidelines, as usual these days for the Rebels.

Hospitality and refreshments were provided by us afterwards. Big thanks to the Hutton Moor cafe, Phil Watt for his organisation and Nigel Cross and Paul Smith representing the committee to help make this happen.

Well played Rebels and thanks to Plymouth for being great guests; congratulations to them on their win and best of luck in the next round.

SQUAD: Micky Mullins, Dave Waterhouse, Pete Wilbraham, Dave Lumsden, John Davies, Mick Organ, George Davis, Phil Watt, Jamie Atkinson

REPORT AND PHOTOS - Paul Smith

Rebels enjoyed an away trip of a very different kind as we took a squad to Mead Field Manor care home in Banwell for an afternoon of football fun with the residents and their guests.

Mead Field's activities coordinator Vicky Sjogren was a fantastic host, although she did have a red card ready to brandish in case any of us stepped out of line! The lounge was decked out in England and general World Cup memorabilia, and a screening of the famous 1966 World Cup Final was an inspiring backdrop to our kick-about with the residents using soft and inflatable footballs.

Fresh from our Friday morning session, there was certainly no rest for the Rebels as the residents put us through our paces. Goalkeeper Mike O'Shea in particular displayed his agility, plunging all over the place as he was peppered with multiple shots from all angles, very much earning his pint of lemonade! Phil Watt thought it was a safe place to try his back-heels, only to get one volleyed straight back at his head!

Most of all it was uplifting to hear all the laughter and see so many smiling faces and certainly brought joy to us too.

Many thanks to Vicky and her colleagues for their wonderful hosting, including the much-needed lemonade refreshment plus crisps and delicious home-made cakes and scones courtesy of the chef.

Thanks also to Paul Smith and Steve Eastman for making it happen, a thoroughly rewarding afternoon for all involved.

Mixed weather - and mixed results - but lots of positives to take as the Rebels 60s played the second round of matches in the Summer League at Portishead yesterday.

We included two players making their Rebels debuts, John Davies and Paul Moody.

Five matches were played and the results were:.

Rebels 1 Bristol United 0 (John Anderson)
Rebels 1 Cwmbran Celtic 4 (John Anderson
Rebels 0 Cirencester 2
Rebels 0 Clevedon 1
Rebels 0 Cardiff 1

We were very competitive in all games, gelling well, enjoying ourselves. Three of our goals conceded were from errors and a penalty conceded by a helping hand from Cwmbran, forcing our defender into the box.

As a summary, we are finding our right positions, linking well, passing better and becoming a match for our experienced rivals.

We rotated the squad as needed, giving us all a good run out. The marking and passing was much better this time. Graham only had 1 one-on-one to deal with. We were unlucky not to draw with Clevedon and Cardiff and will continue to identify areas where we need to improve.

Highlights were our first win, two lovely goals from John Anderson and great assists, and the excellent debuts of Paul Moody and John Davies.

Onwards and upwards to the final round three in July.

SQUAD: Graham Thompson, Paul Smith, Paul Mears, Paul Moody, John Anderson, Adie Wheeler, Darren Mobley, John Davies

Gifts and tributes poured in at the Hornets RFC yesterday as Rebels held our annual Awards and Celebration Day.

As always it was a great opportunity to socialise with our fellow Rebels over a pint and a fish and chip meal, and to hand out richly-deserved accolades to those who have made a particularly significant contribution in 2025-26.

We began the presentations with a very special award, the Nigel Sherston Memorial. given annually to someone who continues to play for the Rebels despite serious adversity in their life, as Nigel himself did until his sad passing in 2024. This year’s very worthy winner is Andy Patch, who turns out every Wednesday and excels both outfield and in goal while battling a health condition.

Most Improved Player was Phil Fisher who has progressed from the Monday group and acquitted himself superbly in Wednesday and Friday sessions.

Joint Clubmen of the Year were David Mitchell and Graham Thompson for their work with team selections, media/comms in David’s case including our You Tube channel, and Graham overseeing the competitive and development side of the club.

We’re fortunate at the Rebels to be able to have a laugh at each other’s expense without offence and just as well because for his regular casual back-heels in dangerous defensive areas, Phil Watt proudly claimed the coveted Donkey of the Year award!

This year’s event was particularly poignant as we gave our thanks and tributes to our founder Doug Hill as he steps down as chairman after five years.

Doug’s energy and drive have shaped the Rebels into a very special and unique club, fully inclusive of all players regardless of ability or mobility provided they respect the ethos and standards of conduct set by the club. Several of our members mentioned how joining the Rebels has been life-changing and the inclusive environment has made them feel able to express themselves and in many cases improve their game. This has all happened thanks to Doug bringing his vision to fruition.

We will continue to enjoy Doug’s contributions on the pitch and will greatly miss his leadership off it; however we look forward to a bright new future with a strong committee led by new co-chairs Nigel Cross and Paul Smith and vice chair Chris Newsome .

There are some further awards to be announced at a later date as the recipients were unable to attend.

Our thanks to Hornets RFC for their excellent hospitality and to Mike Richards for his tireless work to make this event happen.