Mens · Premier Division
Playwell remember Johnny Simpson before digging in for a 2‑1 derby win over Kingsbridge
2‑1Playwell United vs Kingsbridge Athletic· 26 Oct 2026· Home
Playwell United paused to remember Johnny Simpson before Monday's local derby at Mill Lane Stadium, then worked hard for a 2-1 win over Kingsbridge Athletic, digging in late after Ethan Pullen and Jordan Raikes had put the home side two goals up.
Remembering Johnny Simpson
It is with great sadness that the club shares the news of the passing of Johnny Simpson, who was tragically killed in a cycling accident. Johnny was only 12 years old and was a much-loved member of our U13 boys' team.
Before kick-off, players, coaches and supporters came together to observe a minute's silence in Johnny's memory, and our players wore black armbands as a mark of respect.
Everyone at the club sends their deepest condolences to Johnny's family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time. Johnny will be sorely missed by all who knew him, and he will always be a part of our club family.
Rest in peace, Johnny.
Before kick-off, players, coaches and supporters came together to observe a minute's silence in Johnny's memory, and our players wore black armbands as a mark of respect.
Everyone at the club sends their deepest condolences to Johnny's family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time. Johnny will be sorely missed by all who knew him, and he will always be a part of our club family.
Rest in peace, Johnny.
Telford back to set up Pullen
A close game was expected, and it was good to have midfielder Jamie Telford back in the side. Telford provided the assist for the opener in the 16th minute, when winger Ethan Pullen reacted to a rebound in a goalmouth scramble and finished from close range to make it 1-0.
There was a warm welcome, too, for winger Sam Whitmore, playing his debut game after stepping up from two years in the reserves.
Playwell doubled their lead ten minutes into the second half. Midfielder Liam Granger found winger Jordan Raikes on the counter-attack, and Raikes sent a powerful finish from long range into the far corner for 2-0.
There was a warm welcome, too, for winger Sam Whitmore, playing his debut game after stepping up from two years in the reserves.
Playwell doubled their lead ten minutes into the second half. Midfielder Liam Granger found winger Jordan Raikes on the counter-attack, and Raikes sent a powerful finish from long range into the far corner for 2-0.
Fresh faces from the bench as Playwell dig in
Manager Shaun Bennet turned to the bench in the 68th minute, bringing on defender Danny Pryce for striker Karl Neville, and the change strengthened the defence. Three minutes later, defender Ryan Alderton replaced fellow defender Luke Sherwood to add fresh legs late on.
Playwell were awarded a penalty in the 76th minute, but it came back off the post. Kingsbridge then pulled a goal back from a corner in the 82nd minute to make it 2-1, and the home side had to dig in to see out the closing stages. The second half brought one yellow card for Playwell and two for the visitors, and the lead held for a hard-earned win.
Playwell were awarded a penalty in the 76th minute, but it came back off the post. Kingsbridge then pulled a goal back from a corner in the 82nd minute to make it 2-1, and the home side had to dig in to see out the closing stages. The second half brought one yellow card for Playwell and two for the visitors, and the lead held for a hard-earned win.
Pullen gets the nod
Bennet named Pullen Player of the Match for the goal that set Playwell on their way.
Bennet delighted with a hard-earned result
Manager Shaun Bennet said: "I'm delighted with the result. We expected a close game and we had to dig in late on, but the players worked hard, played well together and defended well, while still creating chances. The subs made a difference too. There are still things we can improve, but I'm really pleased with how we earned that win."
On the road to Stanwick
Playwell's next game is away to Stanwick City at the Stanwick Leisure Centre on Saturday, 7 November, with kick-off at 2:00pm. There's almost a fortnight to wait, and after working so hard for this result the team will be looking to build on it. If you can make the trip, it would be great to have your support.
Thank you, Dalton Decorators
Your continued support as our match sponsor makes a real difference to everyone at Playwell United. Dalton Decorators: We paint a good picture.
Dalton Decorators
www.daltondecorators.co.uk
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