BRISTOL RHYTHM AFC SECURES 3-1 VICTORY OVER 865 ALLIANCE

In their first match of the 2025 NPSL season, Bristol Rhythm AFC demonstrated real class against 865 Alliance, winning 3-1 in front of nearly 500 home fans.  A revitalized team oozing with confidence, the Rhythm certainly look tough to beat at the moment. 

The match itself began slow as both teams struggled to find their footing, but turned in favor of the Rhythm in the 9th minute when Callum Hudson scored the opener. From then on, Bristol dictated the pace of the game, breaking into the final third and playing it out the back to generate a plethora of opportunities.  The Rhythm pressed the ball relentlessly and earned a second goal right before halftime, scored by Alex Panner.  Bristol’s victory was secured when Felix Billard tucked away a tidy goal in the second half to make it 3-0.  Although 865 would go on to score later in the second half, it wouldn’t be enough to surge a comeback.

“The quality [in the squad] has really stepped up,” stated head coach Louis Sharp, when asked what the difference is from this season compared to last. “I think we have a product to sell now, people have seen what we offer both on and off the field…and we have a clearer idea of how we want the boys to play.” 

All three of Bristol’s goal scorers tonight are new arrivals for the club, Callum Hudson scoring the opener, Alex Panner netting the second, and Felix Billard closing it out. 

“The team is just going to get better and better,” stated Panner when asked how they can carry on this momentum. “We have to stay humble, put in the work, and the results will continue to come.” 

Last time these two teams met, 865 narrowly came out on top in Knoxville, beating the Rhythm 1-0.  This reverse fixture was sure to produce some excitement, considering all the new players Bristol added to their squad sheet. 

The Rhythm have most notably added some much-needed size and athleticism into the squad for this season. 

“We really play well together- there’s a lot of chemistry in the team this year,” Adam Cooil stated. “You just feel it in the changing room, we really want to win, and that’s the biggest difference.”

Up until the dying moments of the match, Bristol demonstrated their newfound quality, mopping up everything defensively and giving the fans something to be hopeful about. 

Bristol Rhythm AFC will look to carry this momentum going into their next match away at Hickory FC on May 16th. 

By Parker W. Cox
Photo Credit: Austin Pantaleo