A Review of the 2025/26 Season from Pete Crockett

2025/26 Season Review – Swindon Supermarine 2025/26

THE OVERVIEW

Having been relegated from the Southern Premier League Swindon Supermarine entered the 2025/26 season confronted with the stark task of rebuilding in the Southern League Division One South. New manager Bobby Wilkinson’s arrival at Marine - Photo Alex White Photography

In mid-May 2025 the club turned to experience, appointing Bobby Wilkinson alongside his assistants Mike Percival and Lea Barkus to navigate what promised to be a demanding period. The sheer number and variety of challenges faced across the campaign stand out as remarkable.

Upon their arrival the management team inherited a squad reduced to just two players. From such a position they were required not merely to strengthen but to construct an entirely new side. This undertaking alone would test any club, yet it was compounded by timing: many other teams were already several weeks ahead in their preparations.

Beyond personnel there was also a broader malaise to address. Relegation in 2024/25 had followed a narrow escape the previous season, and with it came an erosion of confidence. Restoring belief, direction, and a sense of purpose within the club was as pressing as assembling the squad itself.

The early months of the season did little to ease these burdens. Injuries to proven goal scorers Dan Warre and Joe Beardwell deprived the side of attacking quality - losses that would have tested any team at this level. To compound matters further the enforced retirement of experienced centre-back Nick Rhodes removed both leadership and stability from the defensive line. It would not have been unreasonable for the club to feel that good fortune was in short supply.

As 2025 ended circumstance took an even more unusual turn. A sequence of seven postponed home fixtures resulted in a two-month absence from home competition - conditions hardly conducive to building rhythm or momentum in a newly assembled side. When home fixtures did resume the playing surface itself offered little assistance, often reduced to little more than a quagmire.

Yet, despite these obstacles, the response from both management and players was consistently measured and positive. That resilience began to yield tangible returns. In 2026, the team produced three notable unbeaten runs - first across three matches, and then an extended sequence of six. Away performances, in particular, showed marked improvement, with the first defeat on the road in 2026 not arriving until April 3rd at Westbury.

The statistical trajectory reinforces this sense of progress. Up to January 6th, 2026 the side averaged 1.0 points per game- a rate consistent with a team hovering near the relegation places. Between January 6th and April 25th, that figure rose to 1.4, aligning more closely with upper mid-table form. In practical terms the contrast between the first and second halves of the season is clear: from precarious to stable.

At season’s end Marine sat 13th in home performance and 14th away, with the 11th highest goal tally and the 8th best defensive record in the league. While statistics can be selectively interpreted even the most curmudgeonly observer would concede that they point toward measurable and meaningful progress.

As Albert Einstein is often quoted as saying, “there are lies, damned lies, and statistics.” In this instance, however, the numbers serve not to obscure but to underline a simple conclusion: Swindon Supermarine, in the face of sustained adversity, have moved forward in 2025/26. Players and management deserve immense credit for the advances made.

MARINE’S THREE BEST PERFORMANCES

Such judgements are inevitably subjective. However, three performances stand out, each reflecting a different quality within the side.

Swindon Supermarine 3 Bishops Cleeve 0 (13/04/26)

This was Marine’s most fluent performance of the season. The defence was resolute, earning a well-deserved clean sheet, while the midfield combined tenacity without the ball with intelligence in feeding the wide players. Up front, Marine were ruthless in the first half, tearing the visitors’ defence apart. Three goals before the break told the story: Brad Hooper struck twice, and the exciting young prospect Jonny Asamoah added a superb finish. Notably, this was a performance where experience and youth blended seamlessly, with Marine fielding six players under the age of twenty.

Swindon Supermarine 3 – 1 Shaftesbury (02/03/26)

Against a high-flying Shaftesbury side Marine controlled the game with authority - combining tempo, movement, and precision to striking effect. At times the promotion chasing visitors were simply outplayed, and the final scoreline arguably understated Marine’s superiority. Sal Abubakar’s brace provided the cutting edge, while the returning Conor McDonagh was instrumental throughout, supplying a hat-trick of assists in a display marked by intelligence and creativity.

Portishead Town 0 – 0 Swindon Supermarine (17/01/26)

A trip to second-placed Portishead Town, undertaken from a position near the foot of the table, represented a stern examination. The hosts direct and physical approach posed a clear challenge, yet Marine met it without concession. They competed on equal terms, matching intensity with organisation and work rate. Tawana Changa’s performance encapsulated the collective effort - relentless in the tackle, tireless in his movement, and purposeful in possession. Importantly, he was not alone; the display was one of shared commitment. Why put a goalless draw in the top three performances? Simple – this match was the point of inflection - the foundation upon which Marine’s improved form in 2026 was built.

OTHER MATCHES THAT NEARLY MADE THE TOP THREE

Three other matches came close to breaking into this top three. The first was the 4-2 victory over Exmouth Town in August – a match notable for a brace from Sid Gbla and a penalty save by Lucas Myers. The second the 3-0 victory in January against Falmouth Town – a match noteworthy for two cracking goals from wing backs Sam Turl and Piotr Petrynski. The third the victory at Willand Rovers where Marine showed the capacity to dig deep against an in-form team who had won four of their previous five games.

SIX BEST GOALS OF THE SEASON

Dan Warre v Shaftesbury (26/08/2025)

On 27 minutes Dan Warre cut inside from the flank and from 25-yards and with minimum back-lift unleashed a thunderous drive across the goalkeeper and into the top corner of the net. It was a goal that perfectly combined precision and power.

Sid Gbla v Alton (18/08/2025)

The ball was played forward to Dan Warre on the right flank. He twisted, dipped a shoulder, spun his marker dizzy, then conjured up a delicate cross which Sid Gbla, rising above the Alton defence, deftly headed into the far corner. The move was a masterpiece of invention and execution, a goal worthy of deciding any cup tie.

Sal Abubakar v Bashley (27/10/25)

With four minutes of the match elapsed Max Hemmings, calm as a billiards hustler, arrowed a cross-field geometry lesson straight onto the toes of Sal Abubakar. He sashayed inside shimmying past a defender and curling a peach of a shot into the far corner. Keeper statuesque; crowd bursting into admiring applause.

Sid Gbla v Bristol Manor Farm (11/10/25)

There are fast starts, and then there are Sid Gbla starts. Barely thirty-two seconds had elapsed when Swindon Supermarine’s irrepressible front man opened the scoring - a goal of such audacious timing and athleticism that one almost expected a steward’s inquiry into how it could possibly have happened so soon after kick-off.
Sid Gbla’s spectacular goal against Bristol Manor Farm - Photo Alex White Photography

It came from a Zach Rugman long throw. The ball bounced once, and Sid Gbla, all balance and boldness, pivoted before unleashing a scissor volley that nestled sweetly in the net. A finish for the purists delivered with the flourish of a showman.

Piotr Petrynski v Falmouth (31/01/26)

This was an incisive goal created by two returning Marine heroes and finished by a young full back – a classic goal of old heads and young legs. On twenty-seven minutes Brad Hooper threaded a precise pass to Conor McDonagh, who ghosted beyond the defence and played in the overlapping Piotr Petrynski to rifle home his first goal for the club. This was a goal of fluency and precision.

Jonny Asamoah v Bishops Cleeve (13/04/26)

Jonny some 40-yards from goal brought down a lofted ball stylishly. He moved the ball to the left flank where Frankie Monk left his marker in his wake and hit a menacing cross. The ball flashed across goal and found Zach Rugman on the right edge of the area. He in turn found Jonny Asamoah who had created space for himself inside the box and some 15-yards from goal. The striker was at a forty-five-degree angle from goal – no problem. With elegance he curled his shot around an approaching defender and inside the keeper’s far post. It was a finish of the highest quality and a goal worthy of its fluent build up.

THREE BEST SAVES OF THE SEASON

Luke Purnell – Falmouth (A)

From a set piece the hosts Rubin Wilson rose imperiously and powered a downward header towards the bottom corner. For all the world it looked a goal – until Luke Purnell, in an act of ‘Banksian’ brilliance, flung himself low to his left and clawed the ball away. Think Mexico, 1970, Pele denied by Gordon Banks – the comparison is not lightly made.

Luke Purnell – Winchester City (A)

In the 72nd minute Bradley Waters struck a rasping shot that was bending inexorably toward the far corner until Luke Purnell, airborne and improbably elastic clawed it away in a save that defied physics. The keeper in two bounds got from front to back post to push the ball wide of the far post.

Lucas Myers – Tavistock Town (H)

From some 25-yards Tavistock’s Leighton Thomas unleashed a drive of splendid ambition which cannoned against the crossbar with a metallic thud. The rebound was seized instantly and returned with venom toward the opposite side of the goal. Yet Lucas Myers, swiftly adjusted his footing and arm extended to improbable length flung himself rightward and down to repel the effort.

THE PLAYERS - AN OVERVIEW

GOALKEEPERS

Luke Purnell congratulated by teammates after his penalty shootout heroics - Photo Alex White Photography
Luke Purnell has enjoyed an outstanding season. An exceptional shot-stopper, he has combined agility with authority - commanding his area with confidence and dealing assuredly with crosses. Repeatedly he has delivered in crucial one-on-one situations, producing saves of the highest quality. A particularly notable contribution came in the FA Trophy, where he delivered a heroic performance, saving Exmouth Town’s final two penalties in the shootout to secure progression for Marine. Across the campaign his consistency and reliability have been central to the team’s efforts.

In support, Lucas Myers proved himself a good deputy. Called upon when needed, he performed with assurance and composure. His league debut against Exmouth Town was particularly impressive, marked by a crucial penalty save. Like Luke Purnell he showed strong shot-stopping ability and confidence in one-on-one situations, underlining the strength and depth available in the goalkeeping department.

FULL BACKS / WING BACK

In the eyes of Marine supporters Sam Turl stands as the finest full-back in the division. Defensively he is assured and intelligent – firm in the tackle, measured in his decision-making, and adept at knowing when to engage and when to contain. Strong in the air and consistently effective in preventing opponents from reaching the by-line he has also developed an increasingly potent attacking threat, offering width and purpose on the overlap. In every sense he has been Marine’s model of consistency.

On the opposite flank Piotr Petrynski can justifiably be regarded as the side’s most improved player. As the season advanced his defensive work grew in authority, while his forward contributions became ever more influential. He carries a genuine threat in advanced areas and possesses an excellent left foot - particularly evident in his delivery from set-pieces. It has been a season of marked development - one he can reflect upon with considerable pride.

CENTRE BACKS

Marine began the campaign with Nick Rhodes, Josh Blyth, and Josh Grant occupying the central defensive roles. Circumstances, however, forced significant change: Nick Rhodes was compelled to retire through injury, Josh Blyth left for Fairford Town and more game time, and Josh Grant moved abroad to pursue new opportunities.

As the season evolved a new defensive unit assumed the responsibility. Jamie Edge transitioned into the back line and delivered a series of composed and intelligent performances. His reading of the game was a particular strength, complemented by calm and effective distribution.

Olly Case winning another aerial duel at Willand - Photo Alex White Photography
Alongside him Olly Case showed notable progression. Increasingly dominant in the air, strong in the tackle, and a genuine threat at set-pieces, his development has been one of the season’s key positives. His display away at Willand Rovers was outstanding. Miles Ferguson arriving late in the season from Malvern Town added further solidity. A physically strong no-nonsense defender.

CENTRAL MIDEFIELD

This area of the side has been defined by a blend of experience and youthful energy, each complementing the other to beneficial effect.
Max Hemmings has provided the seasoned presence. Particularly in the latter stages of the season, his experience and composure proved invaluable. He possesses a quiet authority, resolving situations with an ease that often goes unnoticed precisely because of its simplicity.

Alongside him, the returning Brad Hooper added further maturity. A true box-to-box midfielder he combines attacking intent with defensive awareness, contributing at both ends of the pitch. Since re-joining the club in January he has scored five goals – an indication of his goal scoring prowess.

Tawana Changa celebrates his goal against Shaftesbury - Photo Alex White Photography
Supporting these experienced figures is a group of emerging young players who have shown admirable development. Tawana Changa brought relentless energy and outstanding fitness, his pressing and recovery work adding real steel to the midfield. His versatility, with the ability to operate at full-back, further enhanced his value to the side.

Zach Rugman getting stuck in against Malvern Town - Photo Alex White Photography
Dayo Sonoiki also made notable strides for such a young player. A tenacious ball-winner he consistently comes out on top in midfield skirmishes and uses possession effectively. Completing the trio Zach Rugman offers a dynamic box-to-box presence - strong in the tackle, perceptive in advanced areas, and capable of delivering a long throw that provides an additional attacking weapon.

Collectively these three young players represent considerable promise. Their progress over the course of the season stands as a ringing endorsement of the club and management team’s commitment to developing emerging talent and offers genuine cause for optimism amongst Marine supporters.

WIDE MEN

Sal Abubakar leaves his marker resorting to desperate measures - Photo Alex White Photography
Sal Abubakar consistently posed a formidable challenge for opposing full backs. In possession he is elusive and unpredictable, capable of unsettling defenders with close control and quick invention. His contribution was not limited to creativity; his return of ten goals included several of real quality - notably his strikes in the home fixtures against Hartpury and Bashley.

Frankie Monk celebrating one of his five goals against Tavistock - Photo Alex White Photography
Meanwhile Frankie Monk was a regular presence on the left. His mazy runs troubled defenders - particularly when combined with his clinical finishing as reflected in his season’s goal return of eleven goals. Among these were a hat-trick in the FA Trophy against Tavistock Town, a further brace against the same opposition in the league, and two goals against Winchester City - figures that underlined his importance in the final third.

FORWARDS

Marine began the season with an exciting attacking trio in Joe Beardwell, Dan Warre, and Sid Gbla. However, within the opening two months, injuries to Joe Beardwell and Dan Warre curtailed their campaigns entirely – a significant blow to the side’s forward options.

In their absence Sid Gbla assumed responsibility with commendable assurance. He proved not only a reliable finisher within the penalty area, but also a player capable of moments of real quality. Strong in the air and clinical in front of goal, he is Marine’s leading scorer with fifteen goals.

Surrounded Conor McDonagh still manages to lay the ball off - Photo Alex White Photography
The return of Conor McDonagh from Hungerford Town in the new year proved timely. His arrival coincided with a marked upturn in Marine’s form – he brought added intelligence and subtlety to Marine’s attacking play. His close control, ability to retain possession, and knack for creating space in tight situations provided a valuable added dimension. Since re-joining, he has contributed three goals while also proving highly effective in creating opportunities for others.

Jonny Asamoah, meanwhile, offers exciting promise - his pace and close control marking him out as an exceptionally exciting prospect for the future. His exquisite finish against Bishops Cleeve was a goal to remember.

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

There are, despite the challenges of the 2025/26 campaign, clear and substantive grounds for optimism. Most notably the trajectory of the team across the season which points unmistakably in the right direction. From a position of uncertainty and fragility in the early months Marine have evolved into a side capable of competing with, and often matching, the stronger teams in the division.

Central to this progress has been the resilience shown in the face of adversity. Injuries to key attacking players could easily have derailed the season entirely. Instead, others stepped forward. Sid Gbla’s emergence as a consistent goal-scoring threat, supported by the intelligence and creativity of Conor McDonagh, ensured that the side retained both a cutting edge and a capacity to adapt.

Equally encouraging has been the development of younger players within the squad. Across the pitch emerging talent has not merely been blooded but has contributed meaningfully. This is not short-term necessity, but long-term investment. The progress of these players offers the promise of continuity and growth, rather than the need for wholesale rebuilding.

Defensively, too, there are reasons for confidence. Despite upheaval in personnel, a cohesive and increasingly assured unit has taken shape. Performances in the latter part of the season, coupled with a strong defensive record relative to league position, suggests foundations that can be built upon with confidence.

Underlying all of this has been the leadership of Bobby Wilkinson and his management team – Mike Percival and Lea Barkus. Tasked with assembling a squad from nothing, navigating injuries, fixture disruptions, and a plethora of challenges, the management team instilled organisation, belief, and resilience. Their work has not simply been reactive; it has been constructive, laying down principles and standards that have gradually taken hold.

What is most notable is the collective spirit that has emerged. This is a group that learned, adapted, and grew together. The improvement in results is matched by an improvement in assuredness that made the team increasingly difficult to defeat.

Looking ahead there is a justified sense that season 2025/26 can represent not an end point but a foundation for even better times in 2026/27.