First team – Page 9 – Willand Rovers FC

Rovers Secure Rhomey Ashby-Hammond ✍

Posted on 8 December 20258 December 2025 by Max Fournier

Willand Rovers are delighted to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Rhomey Ashby-Hammond following an impressive debut performance on Saturday.

Rhomey arrives at Silver Street regarded as an exciting young goalkeeper with strong potential and a clear desire to lock down the number one shirt.

Already armed with valuable Southern League experience, having previously featured for Gosport Borough, and has also gained senior minutes with Alton Town and Street FC, Rhomey will be looking at continuing his development at senior level with the Rovers. The 19 year old shot-stopper is part of a long line of talented footballers to come out of the football programme at Millfield School, which is recognised as one of Europe’s leading independent schools for sport.

Rhomey has the benefit of coming from a strong footballing family and will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of his brothers, Taye Ashby-Hammond and Luca Ashby-Hammond, both of whom have progressed through the professional academy system at Fulham and gained experience in the English Football League. The latter of the two is currently turning out for local League One side, Plymouth Argyle.

Everyone at Willand Rovers is pleased to welcome Rhomey to the club and looks forward to working with him as he continues his development.

Welcome to the Willand Rovers Family, Rhomey 💚

Josh Ford Makes His Return to Willand Rovers

Posted on 6 December 20255 December 2025 by Max Fournier

Willand Rovers are pleased to announce the return of central defender Josh Ford, who returns to Silver Street from Western League side Bridgwater United.

Ford is already a familiar face to Willand supporters. He previously represented the club during the 2023/24 season, making 20 appearances and scoring once, providing steady performances and a strong presence at the heart of the defence.

Having begun his career with Queens Park Rangers, Ford has gone on to build a solid non-league résumé. He has featured for Melksham Town, Bristol Manor Farm, Paulton Rovers, Frome Town, Larkhall Athletic, and Yate Town — where he captained the side to promotion to the Southern Premier League in 2019. Across these clubs he has earned a reputation as a committed, no-nonsense defender and a dependable organiser at the back.

Ford’s experience and calm influence will add strength to the squad and offer valuable support to the club’s younger defenders as they continue their development.

We’re delighted to welcome Fordy back to Silver Street and look forward to seeing him in a Willand shirt once again.

Bateson Checks into Silver Street

Posted on 1 December 20253 December 2025 by Max Fournier

Willand Rovers is delighted to announce the arrival of talented front man Charlie Bateson.

This exciting striker has already set an impressive goal scoring record for such a young man, having netted 15 times this season for Street FC to add to the many goals he scored previously whilst with Shepton Mallet FC. With such a record Charlie has attracted interest from other Southern League clubs so we are delighted that Charlie has chosen to join Willand Rovers to further his footballing career.

Our Media team caught up new signing, Bateson, and this what he had to say about linking up with his former Manager: “Having worked with Watto previously, I know his ambition and work ethic aligns with mine. I can’t wait to give my all for the football club and help support the team.”

/ “I am ready to showcase my ability at the next level.” – Charlie Bateson /

We also managed to catch up with Rovers Gaffer, Ben Watson, and he shared his thoughts on his latest addition: “I am delighted Charlie has decided to join Willand Rovers FC. His talent, personality and work ethic are all the ingredients to help push the club forward. I shared our club values and ethos, and our ambitions are very much aligned; he can’t wait to get going on Wednesday.”

/ “Charlie is someone who wears his heart on his sleeve and will give his all every time he plays.” – Ben Watson /

Bateson comes straight into the squad for our Wednesday evening league match at Silver Street against Malvern Town.

Welcome to the Willand Rovers family Charlie.

Download or View – Willand Rovers F.C v Bideford – Matchday Programme

Posted on 28 November 2025 by anthonyryder

Click here to view or download the programme

Match Report WRFC Vs Inkberrow

Posted on 17 November 2025 by anthonyryder

The stage is set for another round of Southern League fixtures. This time at the ever-famous Silver Street. Willand welcomed Sporting Inkberrow in the first competitive fixture between the two sides. The Rovers came into this one on a mixed run of form and hoped to lift themselves away from the relegation zone.

The starting XI remains relatively unchanged, with a few additions in recent weeks clawing their way into the starting lineup. The game started off well for the home side, with the whites having a lot of momentum and energy. Inkberrow grew into the game and started having chances too.

Inkberrow took the lead in the 25th minute with a comfortably taken shot. Inkberrow had chance after chance, but at half time it’s still Willand Rovers 0-1 Sporting Club Inkberrow. The second half started the same as the first, with the Rovers looking to get back into the game with some good chances.

The away side would get back into the swing of the game and eventually started to control possession and were pushing for a second. That second wouldn’t come, as the full-time scoreline read Willand Rovers 0-1 Sporting Club Inkberrow. The visitors take all three points, and now the Rovers will be looking for points next week.

Willand are away next week to Bashley; if you can get down there, your support is needed to help motivate the lads and keep our Southern League status. Get behind the lads, and let’s get three points on the road next week in a relegation battle.