Bristol United FC 1st faced AFC Nailsea & Backwell in a friendly match on 9th August 2025, with the game kicking off at 2:00pm. The encounter proved to be a one-sided affair, as Bristol United emerged victorious with an emphatic scoreline of 8-1, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical superiority throughout the match.
Bristol United adopted a 4-3-3 formation, which allowed them to dominate the midfield while providing ample support to their front three. In goal was Paul Cameron, shielded by a back four consisting of Mike Gilborson and Seb Clift as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Sam Morgan and James Rayner forming the central defensive partnership. The midfield trio comprised Joe Gardner on the right, Calum Rowan in the central role, and Charlie Clode on the left, while the attacking front three featured Ryan Davis on the right, Billy Gilborson as the central striker, and Luke Brooks on the left.
The substitutes for Bristol United included Tom Blake, Ben Jeffrey, Jack Gilborson, and Kwasi Tuffour, who would later play a role in the match as the game progressed.
The scoring opened in the 10th minute when Calum Rowan headed home a well-placed cross from Joe Gardner, giving Bristol United an early lead. However, AFC Nailsea & Backwell responded quickly, equalising in the 20th minute, which briefly halted Bristol's momentum.
Undeterred, Bristol United quickly regained control, with Rowan striking again just three minutes later, this time converting a pass from Billy Gilborson. The relentless pressure continued, and Rowan found the net once more in the 33rd minute, unleashing a powerful shot from outside the box, further extending the lead.
In the 35th minute, Joe Gardner added a fourth finishing off a move assisted by Seb Clift, demonstrating his clinical finishing ability. Just before half-time, in the 41st minute, Billy Gilborson added to the tally, scoring with a deft finish after receiving a pass from Charlie Clode, leaving the score at 5-1 at the break.
As the second half commenced, Bristol United made some tactical changes, introducing Tom Blake and Ben Jeffrey, who replaced Luke Brooks, and later Jack Gilborson came on for Seb Clift. The substitutions aimed to maintain the intensity and freshness of the squad.
The scoring resumed in the 69th minute when Billy Gilborson netted his second goal of the match, executing a stunning volley from outside the box after a precise assist from James Rayner. Just a minute later, Gilborson completed his brace, finding the net again with a well-placed shot following an assist from Tom Blake.
In the 70th minute, Kwasi Tuffour replaced Ryan Davis, adding further depth to the attacking options. The final goal of the match came in the 80th minute when Mike Gilborson converted a penalty, sealing an impressive 8-1 victory for Bristol United.
Calum Rowan's standout performance earned him the title of Player of the Match, as he not only scored three goals but also played a pivotal role in the team's overall attacking strategy. Bristol United's display was a testament to their preparation and cohesion, setting a positive tone for the upcoming season.
