THERE hardly seem to be enough houses in Brierley to raise a football team, but time was when the village boasted one of the finest sides in the Forest.

A recent Review featured a photograph of an old Brierley team and prompted Mrs Betty Simmonds, of Five Acres, near Coleford, to search out the family photographs.

And the rummage paid off, bringing back many memories of the years when Brierley ruled the North Glou­cester League roost.

The teams here all include her late husband, Mr Bryan Simmonds who was goalkeeper not only for Brierley but for his departmental side which competed in the Lydbrook Cable Works Football Cup.

The 1945-46 team enjoyed a particularly successful season.

They were beaten only once and won both the league title and the League Cup. The photograph was taken outside the Swan Inn at Brierley.