Corsham Print
Wiltshire Senior League
2022-23 Season Preview
Premier Division
The 47th Season of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League
gets underway this coming weekend on what is scheduled to be one of the warmest days of the year. The Premier Division this season will revert back to the FA recommended size of 16 teams but there is also the re-establishment of a Division 1, initially with seven teams, but which will hopefully grow in size in the coming seasons. The last time a Division 1 of teams with senior status facilities was staged was way back in 1997-98 when Melksham Town Reserves were the champions.
When the action does get underway this weekend the anticipation is for another keenly contested battle for the league title with Trowbridge Town
and Devizes Town
being strongly tipped by managers in the league to be the two sides fighting it our for the league title. Relegated from the Toolstation Western League Devizes Town will been keen to bounce back up to Step 6 at the first attempt, whilst Trowbridge Town finished last season on a high and have ambitious plans to return to the National League System. Last seasons top two Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development
and Pewsey Vale
both look to be on something of a re-build after a couple of strong seasons but could again feature in the mix. It looks like the Premier Division is set to be even stronger than last season with two sides who had good seasons in 2021-22 in other leagues joining the Premier Division, the first being Blunsdon
who were unbeaten in winning the Swindon & District League Premier Division last season and the other being the champions of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League in Season 2017-18, Kintbury Rangers.
Once again there are a number of changes in the dugout ahead of the new season with new managers at Devizes Town, Kintbury Rangers, Ludgershall Sports, Odd Down Development, Pewsey Vale, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development, and Shrewton United. Further details of these managerial changes, key player movements and manager expectations where we have been able to catch up with the team managers ahead of the season are included in our team-by-team season preview below.
Blunsdon
Final Position in 2021-22:
1st (Champions) in Swindon & District League Premier Division.
Features of 2021-22 Season:
Season 2021-22 was to be the most successful season in the short history of Blunsdon. They have been an upward trajectory for a number of seasons, but last season was to be the best of the lot with Blunsdon going unbeaten in all 16 of their league games, 15 of which were won, their only dropped points coming in a high-scoring 3-3 draw against nearest rivals Nine Elms. As well as their league success, Blunsdon also made the final of the prestigious Wiltshire Junior Cup and went close to doing a league and cup double, eventually losing the final against Tisbury United following a penalty shoot-out after it had finished 0-0 at the end of 90 minutes. Their league title success entitled them to apply for promotion to the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League and they decided it was the right time to step up and return to the league they last graced back in Season 2013-14. This coming season will be their first in the Premier Division and the first time they will have played in the Wiltshire Senior Cup, although the former Blunsdon adult club, Blunsdon United did play in the competition in the mid-1980s.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Lee Toomey (21 goals)
Manager:
Ian Rosewell is now entering his eighth season in charge of Blunsdon, the longest serving manager of any of our Premier Division clubs.
Key players retained:
Ian has been able to retain 95% of last season’s successful side with the only departures being due to family and work commitments. The retained list includes the three strikers who scored over 50 goals between them last season, Lee Toomey (21 goals), Nick Craft (17) and Eliot Wheatley (14).
New signings:
As well as retaining the bulk of last season’s squad Ian has also brought in some new additions for this season’s first venture into the Premier Division. Goalkeeper Jonathan Walters joins from Stratton Juniors where he made 19 appearances last season to provide competition for the number one shirt. More Premier experience is added with the capture of Wes Britten from Pewsey Vale who made 13 appearances last season for the successful Pewsey side. Other additions include Sean Creeley, who joins from Swindon & District League side Nationwide, and Jack Hargreaves who is coming back from a serious injury and was previously with Hellenic League Division One side Cirencester Town Development. The final addition is young forward Harry Kearns who has been playing Sunday football up to now.
Manager expectations:
This season is going to be a different challenge for Ian’s side. Last season they went into all their matches as favourites whilst that will not be the case this coming season. Ian has high hopes that his side will be competitive and that is the overall aim, and he is targeting a top half of the table finish, but it will be very much defined by how well they go in the first half of the season. Ian sees this as the biggest challenge his group of players have faced but the squad are looking forward to it and certainly looking forward to visiting some new grounds with top quality pitches, with away trips to Salisbury’s Raymond McEnhill Stadium, Odd Down and Devizes Town in the first month of the season.
Whilst most of the teams will be an unknown quantity to Blunsdon this season the sides who Ian fancies to do well are Devizes Town, Trowbridge Town, Pewsey Vale, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development and Salisbury Development.
Best moment last season: Reaching the Wiltshire Junior Cup Final, whilst Ian noted they did not quite win it they went close, eventually losing on penalties. Ian went into the final without his top scorers, and feels they could well have won it in 90 minutes if they had not missed the game. It was a bitter sweet occasions as....
Worst moment last season: Losing that cup final on penalties.
Recent league record against other sides:
The only two sides Blunsdon have previously played in league fixtures are Melksham Town Reserves and Malmesbury Victoria Dev in Season 2013-14. Whilst a Wootton Bassett Town Development side were also in Division 1 that season, this was a third team. Blunsdon’s record against the two sides was not good losing all eight games (the sides played each other four times) with some heavy defeats against both sides.
Known pre-season results:
Blunsdon have had a good pre-season that has seen them lift the Fatboys Charity Cup organised by Shrivenham, defeating fellow Premier Division side Wroughton 4-1 in the final. Their only defeat came at the hands of Step 6 side Clanfield 85.
16-Jul-22 Faringdon Town (A) Won 6-0
21-Jul-22 Clanfield 85 (A) Lost 0 - 3
23-Jul-22 Shrivenham Dev (A) Won 2-1 (Fat Boys Charity Cup SF)
30-Jul-22 Wroughton (N) Won 4-1
(Fat Boys Charity Cup Final)
06-Aug-22 Cricklade Town (H) Won 4-1
Opening fixtures: The fixture scheduling sees quite a tough start for Blunsdon with away trips to Salisbury FC Development and one of the favoured teams in Devizes Town, they also have current champions Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development in their first home game of the season.
Tue 16-Aug-22 RWB Town Dev (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Salisbury FC Dev (A)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Wroughton (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Devizes Town (A)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Stratton Juniors (H)
Calne Town Reserves
Final Position in 2021-22:
6th
Features of 2021-22 Season:
Adapted quickly to life back in the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League having been promoted from the Trowbridge & District League, winning six of their first eight games, their only defeats coming at the hands of eventual title challengers Pewsey Vale and Trowbridge Town. Those opening six victories saw double figure scores registered against both Stratton Juniors and Purton. They were to remain in the top five all season until the final game of the league season when they were displaced by Malmesbury Victoria Development. They could well have challenged for league honours if it had not been for departures from their struggling first team in the Hellenic League and a run of seven games without a win, six of which were lost, in a spell from January to March which ended any such aspirations. They were one of five teams to register over 100 goals last season, eventually ending on 110 with Kassa Anderson their leading scorer on 19 goals.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Kassa Anderson (19 goals)
Manager:
Tom Boakes and James Stobbart remain as joint managers having taken over part way last season when George Bettles made the decision to concentrate on playing for the club’s first team as they battled to avoid relegation from the Hellenic League Premier Division.
Key players retained:
Calne Town Reserves are one of several Premier Division sides who are having to do a major rebuild following departures of players from last season’s squad. At the time of writing just a handful of regular players from last season’s squad remain. This includes forward Kian Fulford who scored five goals at the back end of last season. Also back are Jake Brand, player manager Tom Boakes, Duncan Edwards and Oscar Webster.
New signings:
Striker Brett Fairclough returns to Calne having joined Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development for a short period of time last season. Fraser Blake has been signed from Devizes Town and Purton’s stand-out player from their difficult season Bonsa Teshome has also moved across to Bremhill View. Calne Town have some talented youngsters coming through from their Under 18s with manager Boakes mentioning Ben Harris, Duncan Edwards and Ryan Flynn as they who the club expect to do well this coming season.
Two of Calne Town Reserves new signings Brett Fairclough (picture courtesy of Steve Green) and Bonsa Teshome
Manager expectations: As noted above Calne have had to undertake a rebuild of the side during the summer and will call heavily on their Under 18 side this season, with a few experienced heads around them. Manager Boakes is realistic about their chances this coming season and will be happy with a mid-table finish, anything above mid-table would be a bonus. Calne have been slowly building up their side and expect results and performances to improve over the season as it will take a few games for the youngsters to build up their confidence at this level.
Managers best moment last season: The 3-2 win away at Melksham Town Reserves where they won after being one nil down early on. This ended the run of seven games without a win and kick-started a much better run of results to close out the season.
Managers worst moment last season: The last game of the season against Malmesbury Victoria Development which saw Malmesbury equalise with virtually the last kick of the game which ultimately cost Calne Town Reserves the fifth place finish having occupied a top five position all season up to that point.
Recent league record against other sides:
Known pre-season results:
Calne Town Reserves pre-season has involved three games against Trowbridge & District League sides, all of which have been close affairs. A narrow defeat to last season’s champions of the Trowbridge & District League The Duke was followed by a 3-1 win over FC Devizes United. Their final game saw them draw 0-0 with new side Park United.
14-Jul-22 The Duke 3 (H) Lost 2-3
23-Jul-22 FC Devizes United (H) Won 3-1
23-Jul-22 FC Devizes United (H) Won 3-1
27-Jul-22 Park United (H) Drew 0-0
Opening fixtures:
Sat 13-Aug-22 Trowbridge Town (A)
Wed 17-Aug-22 Melksham Town Res (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Pewsey Vale (A)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Marlborough Town (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Malmesbury Vics Dev (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 RWB Town Dev (H)
Wed 17-Aug-22 Melksham Town Res (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Pewsey Vale (A)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Marlborough Town (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Malmesbury Vics Dev (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 RWB Town Dev (H)
Devizes Town
Position in 2021-22:
21st (bottom) in the Toolstation Western League and relegated
Features of 2021-22 Season: Devizes Town used an incredible 92 different players in the Western League last season and it was a season the club will want to forget after they lost their status at Step 6 of the National League System after 55 years in the Western League having finished bottom of the table. Devizes won just six of their 40 league games last season but started the season with a couple of drawn games, but a 6-1 home defeat to Sherbourne Town started a run of nine defeats on the bounce. This included further heavy defeats against Wincanton Town (1-9) in the league and Badshot Lea (0-10) in the FA Vase. The first win of the season came at the end of September when they returned from AEK Boco with all three points following a 2-1 win. There were to be just five more wins all season and they finished two points adrift of Bishops Lydeard at the bottom of the table after having had three points deducted for playing an ineligible player against Bishops Sutton in October. Without that points deduction Devizes would have avoided relegation, Bishops Lydeard the team just above them being given a reprieve from relegation due to spaces in the National League System.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Bevan Cross (5)
Manager:
George Bettles - Was manager of Calne Town Reserves at the start of last season and had assembled a strong side that was challenging at the top of the table. However, some impressive performances for the Calne Town first team in the Hellenic League saw him relinquish the reserve team management seat and concentrate on playing in the Hellenic Premier Division for the second half of the season. Joining George in the dugout is Clive McDaid.
Key players retained:
Of those 92 players used last season, very few have remained at Devizes following their relegation. Those that do remain include Ben Tylee, Matthew Lever, and Matthew Russell. The departures not only include a high proportion of last season’s first team squad but also all the exciting Under 18 side that did the league and cup double last season.
New signings: A very high proportion of transfers that took place last season in the Premier Division of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League were between the reserve sides of Calne Town and Devizes Town. With Devizes Town first team now dropping down to the Wiltshire Senior League the number of players making the 8-mile trip down the A3012 and A342 has gone to a whole new level. With George Bettles taking over as manager he has brought a number of players across with him who were playing for Calne Town in the Hellenic Premier League last season. The players moving with him from Calne Town first team last season include centre-half Jack Coward, Kieron Gleed, Jamie Walters, Jordan Kirk, Billy Gleed and striker Kassa Anderson, the latter being Calne Town Reserves leading scorer last season with 19 goals whilst also making 11 first team appearances. Other astute signings include bringing in Jamie Cunning from Corsham Town Development, who will also be part of the new management team at Devizes, and Jamal Chevelleau who scored 12 goals in just 10 appearances for Calne Town Reserves at the start of last season before going to play at a higher level.
Another key late signing is experienced goalkeeper Kent Kauppinen.
Jamal Chevelleau and Jamie Cunning two of Devizes Town's summer signings (pictures courtesy of Steve Green and Martin Stokes)
Manager expectations:
Having assembled such a strong squad with several players who were playing in the Hellenic League Premier Division last season, George is confident going into the season that his side will be there or thereabouts in the title race as Devizes Town aim to get back to Step 6 at the first attempt. George noted that promotion was key and whilst he wanted to be bold about his team’s chances, it was not necessarily about winning the league, although in reality his side may need to win the league to achieve their promotion aim. He sees Trowbridge Town as his sides’ main rivals for the title and with both sides keen to progress to the National League System one or other may need to win the league in order to finish above the other to achieve the promotion aim, with just one team allowed to progress under current FA rules.
Most of the Premier Division managers are tipping these two sides to battle it out for the title this season and the consensus view on how the managers see it finishing this season is shown at the bottom of this season preview.
Best moment last season: Not first team related, but the Under 18 team at the club doing the league and cup double.
Worst moment last season: Being relegated from the Toolstation Western League after over 50 years playing in that league.
Best moment last season: Not first team related, but the Under 18 team at the club doing the league and cup double.
Worst moment last season: Being relegated from the Toolstation Western League after over 50 years playing in that league.
Recent league record against other sides:
With Devizes Town being in the Western League they have not played any of the current Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League sides in a league fixture in the past ten seasons. They have however met Trowbridge Town and Wroughton in the Wiltshire Senior Cup in recent seasons. In 2018-19 they defeated Wroughton 4-1 but the following season in 2019-20 lost 2-1 to Trowbridge Town.
Known pre-season results:
Devizes have had a good pre-season, going close against a good Step 6 side in Wincanton Town, who finished 3rd last season in the Western League, and then winning all of their other pre-season games.
15-Jul-22 Heytesbury (A) Won 7-2
23-Jul-22 Sturminster Newton (H) Won 2-0
3-Aug-22 Newbury Town (H) Won 7-1
Opening fixtures:
Sat 13-Aug-22 Stratton Juniors (A)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Marlborough Town (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Wroughton (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Salisbury FC Dev (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Blunsdon (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Kintbury Rangers (H)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Marlborough Town (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Wroughton (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Salisbury FC Dev (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Blunsdon (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Kintbury Rangers (H)
Frome Collegians
Position in 2021-22:
8th
Features of 2021-22 Season:
Frome had been in fifth place at the time the 2020-21 season was brought to a premature end and started the new season well, going unbeaten in their opening four games which included taking four points over a much-fancied Corsham Town Development side. The next six games saw four more wins, the only defeats in that spell coming against two of the teams at the top of the table, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development and Calne Town Reserves. Frome drew in the return against Calne just over month after the initial meeting but two defeats in the same week followed. Frome bounced back with an excellent 2-0 win over the young Salisbury FC Development side but the fixture the following week will be remembered for all the wrong reasons as Frome suffered a 9-1 hammering in their local derby game with Trowbridge Town, the first time in four league meetings that Trowbridge had defeated Frome. Frome were to win half of their remaining 18 games and secured an excellent 0-0 draw at home to Trowbridge as they restored some local pride after that earlier heavy defeat at the hands of their near neighbours. Frome went into their final game against Malmesbury Victoria Development knowing that a win would secure a fifth-place finish in the table. However, a 4-1 defeat meant that in the end they finished two points behind Malmesbury who secured that fifth spot with the win with Frome having to settle for a final eighth place finish in what was a tight final league table below the top four positions.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Barry Sandquest (14 goals)
Manager:
Karl Freeman – Now in his 6th season in charge having joined Frome in March 2017 and overseen the promotion from the Mid-Somerset Premier Division to the Wiltshire Senior League. Second longest serving manager at one of the Premier Division Clubs, with just Blunsdon’s Ian Rosewell having been longer in the dugout of one of this season’s Premier Division sides.
Key players retained:
Virtually all of last season's squad have returned for this coming season and that now includes last season's leading scorer Barry Sandquest who committed to another season at the Old Showfield Ground in the days just before the opening round of fixtures. Manager Karl Freeman will also have Oliver Brook and Pete Weston back in who were both amongst the goals last season, in fact the scorer of every single goal for Frome last season is back for the new campaign.
New signings:
Karl has made four new signings in the summer. Goalkeeper Josh Scrivens joins from Mid Somerset League Premier Division side Coleford Athletic where he was the leading appearance maker for his club last season. Striker Jack Newman also moves across from another Mid Somerset Premier Division side Peasedown Albion where he scored 30 goals in 30 appearances last season and as already been finding the net in pre-season for Collegians. Returning to the club from Radstock Town is midfield player Morgan Marsh who made ten appearances for Radstock last season in the Western League. The final new signing is defender Corey Thomas.
Barry Sandquest and Pete Weston who are both back for another season with Frome Collegians
Manager expectations: Karl believes that the Premier Division will be just as strong a division as last season, if not stronger. He is expecting to see a couple of sides in and around the top of the division - Devizes Town, having been relegated from the Western League, he would still expect them to be a strong side and will no doubt have the resources in place to get a strong squad together, with the aim of bouncing straight back up. Karl feels Trowbridge Town assembled a good squad during last season, and he knows they have added to this squad during the summer. There are a couple of unknowns for him with Blunsdon and Kintbury Rangers. Kintbury were one of the top sides when they were part of the league a few seasons ago, so Karl questioned whether we should expect the same again. He also commented that the same goes for the reserve/development teams, where you never know what calibre of player could turn up...most of them will have access to first team sides at least a level or two, sometimes even three above ours, and he felt that showed in last season’s final positions with five of the top seven, being these sides. He stated that it is difficult to say what the mid to lower part of the table will look like, but as he is definitely expecting another testing season in a competitive division.
Managers worst moment last season:
By far the worst moment of last season was the 9-1 away defeat at near neighbours Trowbridge Town which Karl described as embarrassing for the club and the players.
Managers best moment last season:
The return match against Trowbridge when Frome secured a 0-0 draw. Whilst not a win, these were the only points that Trowbridge dropped in a 12-game unbeaten run at the end of the season and was a massive turnaround from that first meeting of the two sides and restored some pride after that earlier humiliating defeat.
Recent league record against other sides:
Known pre-season results:
16-Jul-22 RWB Town Dev (A) Won 3-0
20-Jul-22 Peasedown (A) Drew 2-2
23-Jul-22 Radstock Town Res (A) Lost 2-4
26-Jul-22 Seend United (H) Drew 2-2
30-Jul-22 Frys Res (H) Won 5-1
6-Aug-22 Melksham T Dev (A) Won 3-1
Opening fixtures:20-Jul-22 Peasedown (A) Drew 2-2
23-Jul-22 Radstock Town Res (A) Lost 2-4
26-Jul-22 Seend United (H) Drew 2-2
30-Jul-22 Frys Res (H) Won 5-1
6-Aug-22 Melksham T Dev (A) Won 3-1
Sat 13-Aug-22 RWB Town Dev (A)
Wed 17-Aug-22 Odd Down Dev (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Kintbury Rangers (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Melksham Town Res (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Marlborough Town (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Trowbridge Town (A)
Wed 17-Aug-22 Odd Down Dev (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Kintbury Rangers (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Melksham Town Res (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Marlborough Town (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Trowbridge Town (A)
Kintbury Rangers
Position in 2021-22:
2nd Hellenic League Division 2 South.
Features of 2021-22 Season:
Kintbury Rangers started the 2021-22 season with a draw againt Wantage Town Dev and followed it a week later with their first win of the season, a 3-1 home success over Newbury. Their first defeat of the season came at the hands of eventual champions Highworth Town Res, Kinbury being narrowly beaten 2-1 at home. A four-game unbeaten run followed with three of those games being won but the run was ended in painful fashion when they were beaten heavily away at Swindon Supermarine, 6-1 the final score. They then recorded their biggest win of the season a 12-0 thrashing of Marlborough Town Development. Probably the most pleasing win up to that point came in their next game with a 3-1 win over a Hungerford Town Swifts side that included a number of ex-Kintbury players who had played for them when they were last in the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League. A third defeat of the season at the hands of Wantage Town Dev was the to be the last for a while as Kintbury went on a run which saw them win six straight games in a row without conceding a goal and included a second win of the season over Hungerford Town Swifts. The run was ended by a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Newbury but that was to be the last loss of the season as they remained unbeaten in their last ten games of the season, nine of which were won including a victory over the champions Highworth to secure second place in the table three points ahead of third placed Swindon Supermarine. Two players Joshua Davis (27 goals) and Aidan Maycock (22) were the main source of goals last season with Charlie Allsop netting ten.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Joshua Davis (27 goals)
Manager:
Phil Sanchez is the new man in charge this coming season, joining from Hungerford Town Swifts, and will be assisted by Glenn Head and Neil Williams as Kintbury return to the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League after a two-season absence playing in the Hellenic League Division 2 South, although one of those seasons saw them play just three games.
Key players retained:
Two of the top three strikers from last season had -re-signed at the time of writing, the two being Aidan Maycock and Charlie Allsop. As well as these two regulars from last season, others who have committed again for the current season are Theo Pennicot-Bowen and Simon Banner.
New signings:
Three players, Aaron Wallington, Cameron Sanchez and Oakley Sanchez have followed the manager from Hungerford Town Swifts.
Charlie Allsop who scored 29 league goals for Kintbury in their title winning season of 2017-18 could be back scoring in the Premier Division this season
Manager expectations: Phil is expecting his Kintbury side to do well on their return to the Premier Division of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League, tipping his side for a top three finish. A bold statement but of the 16 teams coming to the starting line this season Kintbury have the best win ratio in Premier Division games (70%), the highest average points per game (2.25), the highest average goals scored per game (3.5) and the lowest average goals conceded per game (1.2). The other sides Phil is tipping to do well are the top two from last season Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development and Pewsey Vale, and he also expects Salisbury FC Dev, Trowbridge Town and Devizes Town to be in the mix.
Best moments of last season:
Doing the league double over Hungerford Town Swifts.
Worst moments of last season:
That 6-1 away defeat at Swindon Supermarine.
Recent league record against other sides:
Known pre-season results:
9-Jul-22 Westwood Wanderers (A) Abandoned due to injury, Kintbury leading 3-0
16-Jul-22 Wantage Town (H) Lost 0-3
23-Jul-22 S.Supermarine Dev (H) Lost 1-2
26-Jul-22 Milton United (H) Drew 1-1
30-Jul-22 Letcombe (H) Lost 1-5
2-Aug-22 Burghfield (H) Lost 2-5
6-Aug-22 Mortimer FC (H) Won 6-1
16-Jul-22 Wantage Town (H) Lost 0-3
23-Jul-22 S.Supermarine Dev (H) Lost 1-2
26-Jul-22 Milton United (H) Drew 1-1
30-Jul-22 Letcombe (H) Lost 1-5
2-Aug-22 Burghfield (H) Lost 2-5
6-Aug-22 Mortimer FC (H) Won 6-1
Opening fixtures:
Sat 13-Aug-22 Pewsey Vale (A)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Salisbury FC Dev (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Frome Collegians (A)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Shrewton United (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Odd Down Dev (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Devizes Town (A)
Sat 13-Aug-22 Pewsey Vale (A)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Salisbury FC Dev (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Frome Collegians (A)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Shrewton United (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Odd Down Dev (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Devizes Town (A)
Malmesbury Vics Dev
Position in 2021-22:
5th
Features of 2021-22 Season:
After winning half and losing the other half of their opening six games Malmesbury then went on a five-game unbeaten run, winning the first four of those five games and scoring 30 goals in the process. This run of games included an impressive 5-2 away win against Pewsey Vale who had won all nine of their previous league games before their colours were lowered by Malmesbury. The last game of the unbeaten run saw an entertaining 4-4 draw with Corsham Town Development. There were also plenty of goals in their next fixture but unfortunately for Malmesbury Trowbridge Town scored eight of the nine that day in an 8-1 defeat at Woodmarsh. Malmesbury met Trowbridge again three games later and highlighted their inconsistency by this time securing an excellent 1-1 draw against another of the title challenging sides. Malmesbury were also one of the few sides to take points off the eventual champions Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development, coming away from the Gerard Buxton Ground with a point following a 1-1 draw. In the end Malmesbury had the equal highest number of drawn games in the division, with three of their seven draws coming in a seven-game unbeaten run at the end of the season. A final game win over Frome Collegians saw Malmesbury secure a fifth-place finish, their highest ever position in the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League.
Top scorers in 2021-22:
Joe Tranter and Harrison Archer (21 goals)
Managers:
Troy Prentice is in charge for a fifth successive season and is now the longest serving manager in the Premier Division of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League, although if you count seasons in other leagues both Ian Rosewell of Blunsdon and Karl Freeman of Frome have been in the hot seat of their club for longer. Troy will once again be joint manager with Dave Sheppard for a fourth consecutive season.
Key players retained:
Once again Troy has retained the core of last season’s successful squad although George Evatt and Harrison Archer, last season’s joint top scorer, are expected to feature more for the first team this coming season. The other joint leading scorer Joe Tranter will be back looking to hit more goals than the 21 he scored last season. Former Purton players Jack Duckers and Callum Hall are also retained and bring the experience to the young Malmesbury squad.
New signings: Troy welcomes back former captain Sam Brown who has been playing for Avonvale United in the Stroud & District League and also welcomes back a couple of former players who return from university. In addition, there are a number of promising youngsters from last season’s U18 side that won the North Wilts & District League Cup in this season's squad.
Joe Tranter and Jack Duckers who will once again be back scoring goals at the Flying Monk this season (pictures courtesy of Brendon Rice)
Manager expectations:
The main role of the Development team continues to be about bringing young players on for the first team, whilst trying to be as competitive as possible in the Wiltshire Senior League and making sure the team avoids any chance of relegation. Last season saw Troy and David’s side achieve their highest ever position in the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League. Troy anticipates his young side will continue that inconsistency which sees them take points off the top sides and then drop points against the sides they are expected to beat. Like a number of the Premier Division managers Troy is tipping Trowbridge Town, Devizes Town and Pewsey to be battling it out for the title. He is also tipping Blunsdon to do well and expects them to surprise a few of the fancied sides.
Managers best moments of last season:
Taking points off the top two sides - Malmesbury beat and drew with Pewsey Vale in their two fixtures and also picked up a point away at eventual champions Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development.
Managers’ worst moment of last season:
The 8-1 defeat away at Trowbridge Town at the beginning of October.
Recent league record against other sides:
Known pre-season results:
16-Jul-22 Marlborough Town (A) Lost 1-5
23-Jul-22 Down Ampney (A) Drew 3-3
27-Jul-22 Minety (H) Lost 2-63-Aug-22 Sherston Town (H) Won 15-0
6-Aug-22 Stratton United (H) Won 6-1
9-Aug-22 Tetbury (H) Won 4-0
Opening fixtures:
A delayed start to the season for Malmesbury as the local carnival seeing activity at the Flying Monk means the ground is not available and scheduled opponents Shrewton’s pitch is unavailable due to cricket.
Wed 17-Aug-22 Trowbridge Town (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Marlborough Town (A)
Wed 24-Aug-22 RWB Town Dev (H)
Wed 17-Aug-22 Trowbridge Town (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Marlborough Town (A)
Wed 24-Aug-22 RWB Town Dev (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Calne Town Res (A)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Wroughton (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Wroughton (H)
Marlborough Town
Position in 2021-22:
14th
Features of 2020-21 Season:
Marlborough Town started last season well under new manager Steve Chadwick drawing with Odd Down Reserves and then winning 5-1 away at home against Stratton Juniors. A tough run of fixtures against three of the sides who would eventually finish in the top five then saw three defeats. The run of defeats was ended by a comfortable win over bottom side Purton, which was repeated soon after in the Wiltshire Senior Cup. These wins against Purton would be the only ones for Marlborough in a run of ten games that yielded just two draws in addition to those wins over Purton. The depressing run of results was ended with wins over fellow strugglers Ludgershall Sports and Purton (again) and eventually manager Chadwick called it a day to be replaced by his assistant Kenny Muir. Following that third win over Purton at the beginning of November, Marlborough suffered nine straight defeats, the run being finally ended by an impressive 2-2 draw with Melksham Town Reserves, the second time Marlborough had drawn by that score with Craig Kent’s side. Another excellent draw with Odd Down, again the second draw of the season with the same opponent followed and set Marlborough up for a semi-final Wiltshire Senior Cup clash with Bemerton Heath Harlequins. Marlborough had been given a bye to the semi-final after their First Round win over Purton following a mix-up at the Wiltshire FA with the First Round draw for the competition that saw an odd number of teams at the semi-final stage. There was to be no cup upset in the semi-final though as Marlborough fell to an 8-0 defeat against their Step 6 opponents who at the end of the season won promotion back to Step 5. When back in league action, a win for Marlborough Town over Calne Town Reserves was followed by three straight defeats to end the season, with Marlborough finishing in 14th place just above what were to be the relegation positions at the season end.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Zach Symon (21 goals, with 15 coming in games against Purton!)
Manager:
Kenny Muir, who took over part way through last season from Steve Chadwick, will once again be the man in charge at Elcot Lane this coming season with Malcom Ford running the Development team in the Hellenic League Division 2.
Key players retained:
Marlborough have a squad of around 40 players for their two teams this season with most of last season’s squad returning for another season. Regulars from last season who are back include Harry Womersley, Kieran Maidment, Simon Neale, Henry Johnstone, Jacob Woolliams and Robert Harland. Maidment, who was forced to play over 20 games in goal last season will be back out on the pitch this coming season with a new keeper having been recruited during the summer. Last season’s top scorer Zach Symon has been playing in pre-season but will be returning to University, as is Daniel Burke, so both are unlikely to feature too often this coming season.
New signings:
The top two scorers last season in Pewsey Vale Development's championship winning side in Division 2 of the Swindon & District League are back at Marlborough. Aaron Presley scored 19 last season and Nathan Good netted 15 times but both return to Elcot Lane for this coming season. There are also four other players coming across from that successful Pewsey Development side including goalkeeper Bradley Little who will be Marlborough’s first choice keeper this season. The other three to depart Pewsey Vale Developments title winning squad are Luke Little, Adam Bukowski and Ali Mair.
Manager expectations:
Kenny noted that his squad has much more depth and quality this coming season meaning his Marlborough side should be a lot more competitive. There is a lot more experience than the side had last season and the bad run of results last season was when a number of the key older players were unavailable. When everyone was available Kenny felt his side were able to compete but there were long spells where there was not a full squad and it reflected in that long run without a win between November and March. The key this season will be to making Marlborough a hard side to beat. Like the majority of managers Kenny expects Devizes Town, Trowbridge Town and Pewsey Vale to be the teams battling it out at the top of the table.
Best moment last season:
Winning 1-0 at Calne Town Reserves, a side Marlborough had lost 12-2 to in a pre-season friendly.
Worst moment of last season:
The 12-game run without a win between November and March.
Recent league record against other sides:
Known pre-season results:
Opening fixtures:
Marlborough Town have played four pre-season friendlies, winning all four including a 5-1 win over fellow Premier Division side Malmesbury Victoria Development.
Opening fixtures:
Sat 13-Aug-22 Melksham Town Res (H)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Devizes Town (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Malmesbury Vics Dev (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Calne Town Res (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Frome Collegians (A)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Pewsey Vale (H)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Devizes Town (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Malmesbury Vics Dev (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Calne Town Res (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Frome Collegians (A)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Pewsey Vale (H)
Melksham Town Reserves
Position in 2021-22:
9th
Features of 2021-22 Season:
Melksham Town Reserves started last season in good form winning three of their opening four games, their only defeat being a 4-1 home reverse at the hands of Corsham Town Development. September was not a good month for Melksham although it started well with a comfortable 6-2 win over Wroughton. However, four straight defeats in the other games in September, including heavy home losses at the hands of Frome Collegians and Salisbury FC Development, knocked Melksham out of their stride. The run of defeats was ended by a big 8-2 win away at Ludgershall and it prompted a mini revival that saw Melksham go unbeaten for five games including high scoring wins over Purton and Malmesbury Victoria Development ended by defeats against the top two Pewsey Vale and Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development. Melksham did well against the teams below the top four but lost seven of the eight games played against the top four, their only win being an away success at Corsham Town Development. A poor end to the season which saw them lose five of their last seven game saw them miss out on a fifth spot which looked to be within their grasp as the season moved into its final two months.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Tom Mack (10 goals)
Manager:
Craig Kent starts his second season in charge at Melksham Town Reserves looking to improve on last season's 9th place finish in his first season at the Oakfield Stadium after his move from Cricklade Town.
Key players retained: Lenny Gale, Tom Arliss, Aaron Masson, Elliott Corp, Matt Caslin and Cameron Pearce are all back for another season at Melksham. In fact, the only real loss from the side that ended last season is leading scorer Tom Mack who has made the move to join Jamie Jordan at Trowbridge Town.
New signings:
The one key signing made by Craig is that of Adam Mitchell, the experienced striker moving across from Corsham Town Development following their withdrawal from the league. Mitchell previously played for Melksham Town Reserves in both 2018-19 and 2019-20. There are the usual flow of talented players from the club’s Under 18 side with Rueben Rule and Charlie Warren set to feature in the Development team this coming season.
New signing Adam Mitchell who rejoins from Corsham (picture courtesy of John Cuthbertson) and Tom Arliss who are both expected to be key players for Melksham
Manager expectations:
Craig will be looking and expecting to improve on last season’s mid-table finish although so tight was the table below the top four that in reality Melksham were just one win and a few goals off finishing fifth last season. Like most of the managers Craig sees Trowbridge Town as favourites for the title with the other main challengers expected to be Kintbury Rangers, Devizes Town and Pewsey Vale.
Best moment of last season:
Winning away at Corsham Town Development on a Friday night under the floodlights in front of a large crowd.
Worst moment of last season: Both games against Marlborough Town who have become a bogey side for Craig, first when at Cricklade Town and now again in his new role at Melksham. Melksham play Marlborough Town in their first game of the season!
Recent league record against other sides:
Worst moment of last season: Both games against Marlborough Town who have become a bogey side for Craig, first when at Cricklade Town and now again in his new role at Melksham. Melksham play Marlborough Town in their first game of the season!
Recent league record against other sides:
Known Pre-season results:
9-Jul-22 Cirencester T Dev (A) Lost 2-3
16-Jul-22 Westbury Utd Res (A) Lost 1-2
28-Jul-22 Shrivenham (A) Lost 1-5
Opening Fixtures:16-Jul-22 Westbury Utd Res (A) Lost 1-2
28-Jul-22 Shrivenham (A) Lost 1-5
Sat 13-Aug-22 Marlborough Town (A)
Wed 17-Aug-22 Calne Town Res (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Shrewton United (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Frome Collegians (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Salisbury FC Dev (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Odd Down Dev (H)
Odd Down (Bath) Development
Position in 2020-21:
11th
Features of 2020-21 Season:
Odd Down Reserves, as they were last season, were unbeaten after their first three games but would have probably expected to have more points than the five they had after those three games. The first defeat of the season came at the hands of Melksham Town Reserves, but it was a narrow 1-0 defeat, Odd Down pushing their opponents all the way but just not quite getting a result, a theme which would repeat itself over the season. Once again James Riccio’s side won plaudits for the way they played the game even if the results were not enough to see them in the top half of the table. September was a good month for the side as the only defeat was another narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of title chasing Pewsey Vale and a win at the start of October in the Somerset Senior Cup meant it was just one defeat in seven games. Unfortunately, that form did not continue into the rest of October as four of the five other games were all lost. November saw a return to form as they won three out of three including an impressive 1-0 win over Fry Club in the Somerset Senior Cup. They finally went out of the Somerset Senior Cup in the Fourth Round, losing narrowly 2-1 to Nailsea & Tickenham who would go on to win the Premier Division of the Somerset County League and promotion to the Western League. The period just before Christmas right through to the end of February saw Odd Down go on another good run, with just one defeat, another single goal loss to Melksham Town Reserves, in a run of seven games. That run saw five league victories, including wins over Calne Town Res, Salisbury FC Dev and Shrewton United. The final six games of the season saw two wins, two draws and two defeats as Odd Down finished in 11th spot, but just six points adrift of fifth placed Malmesbury Victoria Development.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Charlie Saunders (13 goals)
Manager:
With James Riccio departing to Larkhall Athletic Development the new man in charge at Odd Down, who are also now re-branded as the Development side as is the modern way for second teams, is Mark Brown.
Key players retained:
Just two regular players from last season, Harvey Kendrick and Aidan Maslen remain from last season’s side, along with Shaquile Perkins, Samuel Fordham, Cameron New and Jack Williams who made a handful of appearances between them.
New signings:
With the exception of those named above it will be a whole new squad at Odd Down this season as they club rebuilds following the departure of their manager and team. With the first team just one level above the Development side expect there to be quite a bit of player movement between the two teams this season.
Manager expectations: A journey into the unknown for new manager Mark Brown and his squad as many will be competing against other sides in the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League for the first time. By the same token the Odd Down side will be an unknown quantity to all of their opponents and it will be interesting to see how their early season results go, as these will indicate how competitive they are likely to be in what is shaping up to be a much stronger division than last season.
Best moments of last season:
The run in the Somerset Senior Cup that saw them reach the Fourth Round, losing narrowly to Nailsea & Tickenham, the eventual champions of the Somerset County League Premier Division.
Worst moment of last season:
The number of games lost by just the solitary goal, often scored late, including the games against Melksham Town Reserves, Pewsey Vale and Royal Wootton Bassett Town where a penalty miss could well have seen the destination of the league title go elsewhere if it had been scored.
Recent league record against other sides:
Known pre-season results:
No information traced on friendly games
Opening fixtures:
Sat 13-Aug-22 Blunsdon (H)
Wed 17-Aug-22 Frome Collegians (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Stratton Juniors (A)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Trowbridge Town (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Kintbury Rangers (A)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Melksham Town Res (A)
Wed 17-Aug-22 Frome Collegians (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Stratton Juniors (A)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Trowbridge Town (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Kintbury Rangers (A)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Melksham Town Res (A)
Pewsey Vale
Position in 2021-22:
2nd
Features of 2021-22 Season:
When Season 2020-21 was curtailed the four sides that had looked most likely to see their campaign turn into a championship winning season were Pewsey Vale, Melksham Town Res, Royal Wootton Bassett Town (RWBT) Dev and Wroughton. Pewsey led the way having won 12 of their 14 games, losing just once but had not played either RWBT Dev or Wroughton and still had another game against Melksham to come and so the title race was still very much all to play for. Season 2021-22 saw both Pewsey Vale and RWBT Dev continue where they had left off the previous season. Right from the start both dominated matters. Pewsey won their opening nine league games and finally tasted defeat in the league at home against Malmesbury Vics Dev in their tenth league fixture whilst RWBT Dev won ten of their opening eleven fixtures, their only dropped points coming in a hard fought 2-2 daw against Calne Town Reserves who were also going well at the time. Prior to the top two sides meeting in mid-October, Pewsey dropped further points against Trowbridge Town, this after having led 4-1 at one stage. They were pegged back by Trowbridge and had to share the points following a 4-4 draw, but they returned to winning ways ahead of the RWBT Dev game with a big 8-1 win over Devizes Town Res. The game on 16th October between the top two sides saw Pewsey Vale return from the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground with all three points following a 3-1 away win which put them firmly in the driving seat at the top of the table.
The two teams continued to grind out results with no quarter given by either side, although both had a few scares along the way. Having lost the Pewsey game, RWBT Dev went on a 16-game unbeaten run, winning 15 of those games. Pewsey won ten of the eleven games after that win over RWBT Dev but were made to work hard for all three points by Trowbridge Town, Odd Down Reserves, a resurgent Wroughton side and Frome Collegians. Indeed, it was Frome who were take points off Pewsey in that run of eleven games in the return fixture between the sides, holding the title chasers to a 1-1 draw at the Old Showfield Ground. Pewsey suffered only their second league defeat of the season at the beginning of March, going down 3-2 away to Corsham Town Development, a result which put the destiny of the title in RWBT Dev’s own hands. Whilst Pewsey still led the table by six points at that stage their title rivals had three games in hand but with the two still set to meet in the return fixture against each other.
After that defeat to Corsham, Pewsey then went on an unbeaten run of six games, five of which were won, leaving them with just the return game against RWBT Dev. However, their title rivals also kept winning as they went on that 16-game unbeaten run and went into their final three games two points clear at the top and with a game in hand. They still had some tough games to play though, as well as the second game with Pewsey they still had both Trowbridge Town and Salisbury FC Dev to play. First up was Trowbridge Town who came into the game in fine form, unbeaten in nine games since a narrow 1-0 defeat to their opponents and they extended that excellent run with a narrow 2-1 win on a warm afternoon at Woodmarsh. This was only the second defeat of the season for RWBT Dev and set up a winner takes all encounter at Pewsey Recreation Ground on Saturday 23rd April.
Pewsey went into their final game against their main title rivals one point clear at the top with both teams knowing that a win would give them the title. A draw would mean RWBT Dev, who had a superior goal difference, would then need to avoid defeat in their final game of the season away at Salisbury FC Dev to take the title. In a tense affair played in front of a crowd of over 300, a solitary early goal from RWBT Dev’s Dale Richards secured the title for the visitors negating the need for them to get a result in that final game at Salisbury. So close but yet so far for Pewsey and if Season 2020-21 had gone to the full duration they would probably have had a league title to go with the Fountain Trophies Cup that season.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
James Guthrie (34 goals)
Manager: Last season’s manager Alistair Tuttle has stepped away after having been at the helm for four of the past five seasons, but will no doubt be an interested spectator this coming season with his son Sam part of the Pewsey squad. There will however be a familiar face in the dugout with Darren Tapper part of last season’s three-man management team that also involved Alan Blake taking over from Alistair.
Key players retained:
Whilst many of the regulars are back for another season, including the experienced Ryan Banks and Liam Edmondson and, probably the top goalkeeper in the division last season, Louie Latouche, the area where players will be missed is in the striking department. James Guthrie and Harry Hoareau scored 65 goals between them last season and with Hoareau moving to London and Guthrie currently playing for Melksham Town in the Southern league, although he is scheduled to dual sign for Pewsey, that is a lot of goals for Pewsey to replace. Other departures from last season include James Turner who will be playing for hometown club Wroughton this season, Wes Britten who has moved to Blunsdon and Ryan Thomas who is out injured.
New signings:
Most of the new players will come from Pewsey’s Under 18 team who reached the final of the Wiltshire FA Youth Cup last season.
Goalkeeper Louie Latouche and captain Liam Edmondson will once again be at the heart of the Pewsey defence that has conceded just 38 goals in their last 46 league games
Managers expectations:
No real expectations. Pre-season has been good, but Darren just wants the players to enjoy themselves and hopefully want to play each week (last season Pewsey never had the same side two weeks in a row due to availability). Darren commented that Pewsey are a small village club with no playing budget, it is just about everyone enjoying themselves and hopefully the results will come. Like most managers in the division Darren can not see beyond Trowbridge Town and Devizes Town for the league title this season.
Managers’ best moment of last season:
Hard to single one particular high point but competing for the title was obviously enjoyable.
Managers’ worst moment of last season: Not playing games on a regular basis in the period after Christmas in January, February and March and in particular the lack of home games in that period. Just one home game was played in a 126 day period partly as a result of having so many home games scheduled at the start of the season (six of the first seven were at home).
Managers’ worst moment of last season: Not playing games on a regular basis in the period after Christmas in January, February and March and in particular the lack of home games in that period. Just one home game was played in a 126 day period partly as a result of having so many home games scheduled at the start of the season (six of the first seven were at home).
Recent league record against other sides:
Known pre-season results:
12-Jul-22 Shrivenham (H) Won 3-1
19-Jul-22 Cirencester T Dev (A) Drew 1-1
23-Jul-22 New Milton Town (H) Won 1-0
30-Jul-22 Ludgershall Sports (A) Won 3-1
6-Aug-22 Shrivenham Dev (H) Won 3-0
Opening fixtures:6-Aug-22 Shrivenham Dev (H) Won 3-0
Sat 13-Aug-22 Kintbury Rangers (H)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Shrewton United (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Calne Town (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Stratton Juniors (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 RWB Town Dev (A)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Marlborough Town (A)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Shrewton United (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Calne Town (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Stratton Juniors (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 RWB Town Dev (A)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Marlborough Town (A)
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Dev
Position in 2021-22:
1st (Champions)
Features of 2021-22 League Season:
Royal Wootton Bassett Town had been going well in both the two seasons cut short by Covid and carried that good form into the 2021-22 season winning their first eight games scoring 50 goals in the process. The first dropped points came in a hard fought 2-2 draw away at Calne Town Reserves, another side who had started the season well. Two further wins set Steve Yeardley’s side up nicely for the big showdown at the Gerard Buxton Ground against the other side who were going well, Pewsey Vale. Pewsey had lost just once in their opening 12 league games and had won 10 of those games. It was very much advantage Pewsey after they came away with all three points following a 3-1 win. Royal Wootton Bassett Town bounced back from this set back to win their next seven games including a hard fought 1-0 win over the other side in the title race, Trowbridge Town. A midweek draw against neighbours Malmesbury Victoria Development was a minor setback as they won their next nine games to keep the pressure on Pewsey who had also dropped points against Malmesbury and had been beaten by Corsham Town Development. After that defeat to Corsham, Pewsey then went on an unbeaten run of six games, five of which were won leaving them with just the return game against Royal Wootton Bassett Town. Royal Wootton Bassett went into their final three games two points clear at the top and with a game in hand. They still had some tough games to play though, as well as Pewsey they still had both Trowbridge Town and Salisbury FC Development to play. First up was Trowbridge Town who came into the game in fine form, unbeaten in nine games since that narrow 1-0 defeat in the first meeting, they had also won eight of those nine games and extended that excellent run with a narrow 2-1 win on a warm afternoon at Woodmarsh. This was only the second defeat of the season for Royal Wootton Bassett Town and set up a winner takes all encounter at Pewsey. Pewsey went into their final game against their main title rivals one point clear at the top with both teams knowing that a win would give them the title. A draw would mean Royal Wootton Bassett Town, who had a superior goal difference, would then need to avoid defeat in their final game of the season away at Salisbury FC Development to take the title. In a tense affair played in front of a crowd of over 300, a solitary early goal from Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development’s Dale Richards secured the title. Matt Bennett finished as joint top scorer in the division with Trowbridge Town’s Scott Baker both smashing 42 league goals and Bennett’s teammate Dale Richards was not far behind on 35 goals.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Matt Bennett (42 goals)
Manager:
Stephen Yeardley stepped down at the end of the season and Craig Jones has the unenviable task of following title winning manager but there is no pressure or expectation from the club of repeating last season’s triumph due to a major rebuild having to be done over the summer. Last season Craig was part of the joint management team at Wroughton and initially both he and Ben Jarrett were to also jointly run Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development, but Ben had second thoughts and opted to return to Wroughton.
Key players retained:
It is something of a total rebuild after last season’s title triumph with just five, potentially six, of the regulars from last season’s side returning this season. Both full-backs Ben Spackman and Harry Walters are back at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, along with midfielder players George Lance, Mani Meses and Kevin Lartey. Lance is set to skipper a side who this season will have an emphasis on youth. Last season’s captain Nick Mason, Jon Davis, Ben Brown and Josh Connolly all deciding to play for the Veterans’s side this coming season. Leading scorer Matt Bennett is currently part of the first team squad but is likely to make himself available if not selected for the first team but fellow striker Dale Richards, who played in some of the pre-season games, but will now not be signing this season. Influential centre back Nathan Hawkins has moved to London.
New signings:
Craig has brought experienced defender Ian McDermid with him from Wroughton with most of the other new signings coming from last season’s successful Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 18 side including Sonny James, Jowan Partridge, Zane Pinnock, Charlie Stammers, Joey Warren, Euan Spackman and Seb Smith.
Two key signings retained from last season's title winning side Harry Walters and George Lance (pictures courtesy of Carlos Green)
Manager expectations: After last season’s success, given the extent of the rebuild, there are no real expectations of challenging for the title, but the aim is to further develop the youngsters who did so well with last season’s Under 18s. Two of those, Jowan Partridge and Sonny James have already been involved in the first team during pre-season friendlies and done well.
Best moment last season:
Winning the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division for the first time with a 1-0 away win at nearest rivals Pewsey Vale emulating the feat of the First Team in 1986-87.
Worst moment of the season:
The serious injury suffered by young Jamie Ash on his full debut for the team away to Purton just before Christmas.
Recent league record against other sides:
Known Pre-season Results:
16-Jul-22 Frome Collegians (H) Lost 0-3
19-Jul-22 RWB Town U18 (A) Won 4-1
23-Jul-22 Kingsdown Lions (H) Won 2-0
3-Aug-22 Tetbury Town (A) Lost 1-2
6-Aug-22 Down Ampney (A) Lost 1-3
Opening Fixtures:19-Jul-22 RWB Town U18 (A) Won 4-1
23-Jul-22 Kingsdown Lions (H) Won 2-0
3-Aug-22 Tetbury Town (A) Lost 1-2
6-Aug-22 Down Ampney (A) Lost 1-3
Sat 13-Aug-22 Frome Collegians (H)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Blunsdon (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Trowbridge Town (A)
Wed 24-Aug-22 Malmesbury Vics Dev (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Pewsey Vale (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Calne Town Res (A)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Blunsdon (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Trowbridge Town (A)
Wed 24-Aug-22 Malmesbury Vics Dev (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Pewsey Vale (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Calne Town Res (A)
Salisbury FC Development
Position in 2021-22:
7th.
Features of 2021-22 League Season:
Salisbury FC Development finished in seventh spot in their first season in the league, level on points with Calne Town Reserves and would no doubt have finished higher if their leading striker Devon Arnold had played all season, but the impressive youngster made the step up to the first team midway through the season. Salisbury won four of their opening five fixtures, their only defeat coming away at Pewsey Vale. The next run of seven games saw them win four and lose three, but the three defeats were all by a single goal against sides who were to finish in the top four, Corsham Town Dev, RWBT Dev and Trowbridge Town. They bounced back from the last of those defeats by winning their next two games against Marlborough Town and Stratton Juniors, but results were about to change. Around this time Arnold was called up to Steve Claridge’s first team and Salisbury also suffered a setback when the influential Alfie Hawke picked up an injury that kept him out for several weeks. Just two wins were secured in their next 12 games, a narrow 2-1 win away at Frome Collegians and a 7-0 success over Devizes Town Res. They did finish the season though in similar form to how they started winning four of their last six games and drawing with champions Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development, a result which could have been even better but for a late equaliser. On their day Salisbury were a match for any side but found it tough to take points off the top five, with that draw in the final game being the only point they picked up against the top five finishers but four of the defeats to those sides were by single goal margins.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Devon Arnold (27 goals)
Manager: Mark Winter, Head of Youth at Salisbury FC, will once again be the man in charge of the Development team, assisted by Nick Edwards.
Key players retained:
Salisbury are one of a number of clubs having to do a major re-build ahead of the coming season with key players from last season moving up to play their football at higher levels in the National League System. Top scorer from last season Devon Arnold is now a key part of Steve Claridge’s Southern League squad at Salisbury whilst three of Salisbury’s most influential players from last season, captain Alfie Hawke, Layton Tulk and Owen Taylor are all at Bemerton Heath Harlequins. There will be a few others also not returning this season due to work commitments and university. One of the key players from last season who is back is Aiden Savage.
New signings: Whilst there is a major overhaul of the squad manager Mark Winter has noted that he has a cracking group of 16-year olds ready to take the place but continues to try and convince a few more senior players to help support the side in what will be their first venture into adult football. Some of the young players have been with professional clubs but are now back playing for their local side. A couple to watch out for are striker Brad Waters who has returned to the club and been scoring in pre-season and Carsen Arnold, Devon’s younger brother.
New signings: Whilst there is a major overhaul of the squad manager Mark Winter has noted that he has a cracking group of 16-year olds ready to take the place but continues to try and convince a few more senior players to help support the side in what will be their first venture into adult football. Some of the young players have been with professional clubs but are now back playing for their local side. A couple to watch out for are striker Brad Waters who has returned to the club and been scoring in pre-season and Carsen Arnold, Devon’s younger brother.
Aidan Savage, one of Salisbury's top performers last season who will again be at the Ray McEnhill Stadium this season
Manager expectations:
This will depend a lot on player availability. The club have an absolutely outstanding group of Under 18s who will be playing in the South West Counties League which means they will not always be available to the Development side to call on. All will be available at the start of the season with the South West Counties League starting at the beginning of September so Mark is hoping his side will get off to a good start to the season and in the meantime strengthen the squad for once the Under 18 League gets under way.
Managers’ best moments last season:
The two games against Pewsey Vale and Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development at the end of the season. Although Pewsey won 1-0 the young Salisbury side were in the game throughout, and Pewsey nicked a goal to take all three points. Against Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development in the final game of the season Salisbury were as close as possible to full strength and but for a late equaliser from the champions would have taken all three points. These two games showed Mark Winter that his side could match the top teams in the division when at full strength.
Managers’ worst moment of the season:
The period of bad results mid-season included defeats to Wroughton and Frome Collegians which coincided with Alfie Hawke being injured and Devon Arnold having secured a place in the first team. Whilst it was pleasing to see a player progress to the first team squad which at the end of the day is the objective for the Development side, the absence of these two key players was reflected in the team’s results.
Recent league record against other sides:
Known Pre-season Results:
6-Jul-22 Bashley Dev (H) Won 4-2
12-Jul-22 Brockenhurst 10 (H) Lost 4-10
23-Jul-22 Fawley AFC Dev (D) Drew 2-2
27-Jul-22 Petersfield Town (H) Lost 1-7
12-Jul-22 Brockenhurst 10 (H) Lost 4-10
23-Jul-22 Fawley AFC Dev (D) Drew 2-2
27-Jul-22 Petersfield Town (H) Lost 1-7
Opening Fixtures:
Sat 13-Aug-22 Wroughton (H)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Kintbury Rangers (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Blunsdon (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Devizes Town (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Melksham Town Res (A)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Kintbury Rangers (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Blunsdon (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Devizes Town (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Melksham Town Res (A)
Shrewton United
Position in 2021-22:
12th
Features of 2021-22 Season:
Shrewton’s 2021-22 Season was one of inconsistency that saw them struggle to take points off all the top sides with the exception of Trowbridge Town. A very tough opening set of fixtures for Joe Sheldrake’s side saw them play three of the fancied sides in their opening three games and they took just one point from those games, this coming in an impressive 3-3 draw away to Trowbridge Town. Back-to-back wins against Ludgershall Sports and Devizes Town Reserves got their season up and running and a defeat to Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development and a Wiltshire Senior Cup exit at the hands of Bemerton Heath Harlequins did not knock them out of their stride as they won five league games on the bounce against Marlborough (twice), Trowbridge Town, Melksham Town Reserves and Stratton Juniors. However, three straight defeats then followed highlighting their inconsistency with one of those defeats being against Stratton Juniors who they had defeated 9-0 in the first meeting. Manager Joe Sheldrake eventually departed part way through the season to be replaced by Matthew Sleeman. The inconsistent form continued with some good results either side of the Christmas break being followed by no win at all in the month of February. The month of March saw them return to form going unbeaten with a couple of wins and three draws but a win and a defeat in their final two games in April summed up their season. In the end, a points deduction for fielding an ineligible player saw them finish 12th rather than in ninth place where they would have been without the points deduction.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Charlie Utterson (15 goals)
Manager:
One of Shrewton’s all-time great players from their Western League days Jesse Walters is the new manager in charge at the Recreation Ground this coming season, looking to bring back the team spirit that made Shrewton one of the top sides in the Wiltshire Senior League.
Key players retained:
Whilst there is something of a rebuild this coming season Jesse will be able to field a mix of youngsters and senior experienced players. Jesse has retained the experience of both Craig Lewis and Lee Weeks for another season who will be key to the development of the younger players. Also returning to Shrewton are Ben Jenks, Elliott Smith and Dalitso Mandson who scored three times in six appearances at the back end of last season. Last season’s captain Jake Watson is currently playing at Andover Town in the Wessex League but it is expected he will dual sign for Shrewton
.
New Signings:
The main key signing of the summer is Tyler Brockway who was a key part of the Amesbury Town squad that were promoted from the Wessex League Division One to the Wessex Premier Division in Season 2018-19. Most of the other new signings will be youngsters.
New Shrewton manager Jesse Walters whose side will once again be able to call on the experience of Craig Lewis
Manager expectations: Shrewton are on a bit of a rebuild, with the manager looking to be competitive and to restore some of that team spirit that Shrewton sides of old were renowned for, where everybody is keen to play each week, noting that the team had faltered a bit over the last season or so.
Best moment last season: Biggest win last season was that 9-0 success over Stratton Juniors but Shrewton also took four points from their two games with Trowbridge Town.
Worst moments last season: Having the three points deducted that cost them a few places in the final table and losing the return fixture with Stratton Juniors after winning so comprehensively in the first game.
Recent league record against other sides:
Known pre-season results:
Tue 16-Aug-22 Pewsey Vale (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Melksham Town Res (A)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Kintbury Rangers (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Stratton Juniors (A)
2-Jul-22 Blandford United (A) Lost 2-3
9-Jul-22 Westbury Utd Res (A) Lost 2-7
Opening fixtures:
Due to cricket Shrewton as always have to start the first month of the season on the road.9-Jul-22 Westbury Utd Res (A) Lost 2-7
Tue 16-Aug-22 Pewsey Vale (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Melksham Town Res (A)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Kintbury Rangers (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Stratton Juniors (A)
Stratton Juniors
Position in 2021-22:
13th
Features of 2021-22 Season:
Stratton Juniors had a tough start to the season conceding 18 goals in their first two games including a 13-0 defeat against Calne Town Reserves. The first win of the season came in their third game, a 2-0 success over another struggling side Purton. A second victory was secured in their fifth game of the season, but five straight defeats followed, including an early exit from the Wiltshire Senior Cup. Two of those defeats saw nine goals conceded in each game, including a 9-0 home defeat at the hands of Shrewton United. A new manager was appointed, Neil Lee moving to Stratton from Swindon & District League side Redhouse. The new manager brought in a number of new players and Stratton’s results improved, winning half of their six games in the period running up to Christmas, including a 3-1 win over Shrewton, a remarkable turnaround after the result in the first meeting. The New Year did not quite yield a new dawn, as Stratton started the New Year with four straight defeats. However, Stratton did pick up two impressive wins against Wroughton and Salisbury FC Development at the end of February showing that they could get results against sides above them on their day but the only other victories in their final 11 games came against the bottom three sides. They lost all six of their final run of games, suffering another double figure defeat, this time losing 12-0 to eventual champions Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Corey Cullen (17 goals)
Manager:
Neil Lee who took over part way through last season returns for the new season and is also one of two managers who is also the chairman of their club this season, the other one being Trowbridge Town’s Jamie Jordan. This season Stratton Juniors have the added excitement of playing at their new ground at Merton Fields which is scheduled to be officially opened on 4th September although is already being used and will stage a couple of league games before that official opening.
Key players retained:
A sizeable proportion of last season’s squad have returned for the new season at the new ground. The returning players include last season’s top goalscorers Corey Cullen and Moses Naisarani, Oliver Surridge, Alex Hiscock, Lewsi Taylor, Damian Smolinksi and Ryan Cooper.
New signings:
New signings include Steven Kier who played for Neil at Purton, Chris Rivers who joins from Hellenic League side Shrivenham and former Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development striker Josh Bolton. Whilst not strictly a new signing the return of centre half Jason Gunnett who was forced to miss most of last season is like making a new signing.
Two of Stratton's new signings Steven Kier and Josh Bolton.
Managers expectations:
The aspiration this season is to stabilise away from the relegation positions in the table, ideally safely in midtable. With the new ground there is expectation and anticipation of a much better season without any of the heavy defeats suffered last season.
Managers best moment of last season:
The two highlights were beating Shrewton 3-1 after losing 9-0 to them in the first meeting between the two teams and then beating Salisbury FC Development on their own ground.
Managers worst moment of last season:
Neil was not in charge when they suffered their biggest defeat of the season at Calne but was in charge when his side were beaten 12-0 by the eventual champions Royal Wootton Bassett Town.
Recent record against other sides:
Known pre-season results:
2-Jul-22 B. Cannings U18 (H) Won 3-2
8-Jul-22 Old Town Ath (H) Won 5-1
15-Jul-22 Clanfield (A) Lost 0-10
21-Jul-22 Shrivenham Dev (H) Drew 2-2
26-Jul-22 Cirencester T Dev (A) Lost 0-4
30-Jul-22 Down Ampney (A) Lost 1-6
8-Jul-22 Old Town Ath (H) Won 5-1
15-Jul-22 Clanfield (A) Lost 0-10
21-Jul-22 Shrivenham Dev (H) Drew 2-2
26-Jul-22 Cirencester T Dev (A) Lost 0-4
30-Jul-22 Down Ampney (A) Lost 1-6
6-Aug-22 Clanfield Dev (H) Lost 1-2
Opening fixtures:
Sat 13-Aug-22 Devizes Town (H)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Wroughton (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Odd Down (Bath) (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Pewsey Vale (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Shrewton United (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Blunsdon (A)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Wroughton (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Odd Down (Bath) (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Pewsey Vale (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Shrewton United (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Blunsdon (A)
Trowbridge Town
Position in 2021-22:
3rd
Features of 2021-22 Season:
Trowbridge Town were unbeaten after their three opening games last season the only dropped points coming in a 3-3 draw against Shrewton United. The unbeaten start was ended by Corsham Town Development who left Woodmarsh with all three points and were to be the only side to do that all season. Trowbridge then lost just once in their next 12 games, that a 2-1 defeat against Shrewton United in the return league fixture. The eight wins in that 12-game run saw them score eight twice in games against Devizes Town Reserves and Malmesbury Victoria Development and also defeat Step 6 side Warminster Town in the Wiltshire Senior Cup. The unbeaten run was brought to an end by Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the next round of the Senior Cup and Trowbridge then suffered back-to-back defeats for the one and only time all season when Pewsey Vale defeated them in the league. Their final run in of 16 games saw Trowbridge lose just once more, that a narrow 1-0 defeat at the Gerard Buxton Ground against eventual champions Royal Wootton Basset Town Development. Fourteen of the remaining 15 games in that final run in were won the only other dropped points coming in a 0-0 draw with near neighbours Frome Collegians. The run saw them avenge that defeat to the eventual champions and set up a winner takes all title decider between the top two. That run at the end of the season is the main reason why most people are tipping Trowbridge for the title this coming season. Striker Scott Baker finished as the division's top goalscorer with 43 goals.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Scott Baker (43 goals)
Manager:
Jamie Jordan starts his second season in charge at Trowbridge Town and has also taken on the role of Club Chairman just ahead of the season. Trowbridge Town definitely feels like an ambitious club looking to return to former glories, with plans in place to secure floodlights at Woodmarsh with a lot of work already undertaken pre-season at the ground with a view to making the step up if in a promotion position come the end of the season. With Devizes Town also keep to bounce straight back it may mean that to gain promotion you will need to win the title if the FA rules of only taking one side from each National League Feeder division are adhered to.
Key players retained:
Most of last season’s successful side have been retained with the only departure being Jamie Hughes who has retired. It looked like they may also start the season without star striker Scott Baker who was away travelling but returned just ahead of the season.
New signings:
With the demise of Corsham Town Development Trowbridge manager Jamie Jordan quickly moved in to capture two of their star players in Ben Wickens and Adam Shipman. Wickens scored 25 goals last season for Corsham and adds further fire power to an already prolific front line of Scott Baker and Mark Robinson. He has also secured the signing of youngster Tom Mack from Melksham Town Reserves, who was Melksham’s top scorer last season. Two further signings are Alistair Bradley from Devizes Town and Liam Watson from Western League side Radstock Town.
Leading scorer Scott Baker is expected to be back in a Trowbridge shirt although may miss the start of the season but Trowbridge have plenty of other options in the goal scoring department with the recent capture of Ben Wickens from Corsham Town seen here in pre-season (picture courtesy of Martin Pearce)
Manager expectations:
Jamie very much expects his side to be up there challenging for honours this coming season, with Devizes Town, Pewsey Vale and Kinbury Rangers as the main challengers he sees to Trowbridge. The last three games at Woodmarsh last season saw crowds of over 100 at all three games and Jamie is hopeful that the feel good factor generated at the end of last season will carry over into this season.
Best moment last season:
The win over Warminster Town in the Wiltshire Senior Cup which came before Jamie’s side really got into the groove. This win set in motion the fine form that saw Trowbridge lose just twice more in the league all season, both defeats coming at the hands of their title rivals Pewsey Vale and Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development.
Worst moment last season: Losing at home to Corsham Town Development, their only defeat on home soil all season.
Worst moment last season: Losing at home to Corsham Town Development, their only defeat on home soil all season.
League record against other sides:
Known pre-season results:
Like last season Trowbridge have tested themselves against several sides at a higher level in pre-season and run most of them close drawing with both Corsham Town and Calne Town.
02-Jul-22 Westbury United (H) Lost 1-4
09-Jul-22 Warminster Town (H) Lost 2-312-Jul-22 Corsham Town (H) Drew 2-2
15-Jul-22 Bradford Town (H) Lost 1-2
19-Jul-22 Gillingham Town (A) Won 8-0
23-Jul-22 Trowbridge Legends (H) Won 1-0
26-Jul-22 Heytesbury (A) Won 4-3
30-Jul-22 Calne Town (H) Drew 1-1
6-Aug-22 Gala Wilton (A) Won 4-2
Opening Fixtures:
Sat 13-Aug-22 Calne Town Res (H)
Wed 17-Aug-22 Malmesbury Vics Dev (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 RWB Town Dev (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Odd Down (Bath) (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Wroughton (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Frome Collegians (H)
Wed 17-Aug-22 Malmesbury Vics Dev (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 RWB Town Dev (H)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Odd Down (Bath) (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Wroughton (H)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Frome Collegians (H)
Wroughton
Position in 2021-22:
10th
Features of 2021-22 Season:
The key feature of Wroughton’s 2021-22 season was the poor start they made which saw them lose their opening four games, although the first two games were against the two sides who in the end would battle for the league title. They finally ended the run of defeats with a victory away at Devizes Town but another three defeats, including a 7-0 loss at Malmesbury Victoria saw Wroughton down at the bottom end of the table after their opening eight games, seven of which had been played away from home due to cricket. They started to get their act together mid-September a 2-2 draw against Odd Down Reserves was followed by a 4-1 win at Stratton Juniors in the Wiltshire Senior Cup. They then brought that cup form into the league winning their next four league games to open up a bit of a gap over the bottom sides in the table. A seven-game unbeaten run finally came to an end in a narrow 2-0 defeat at home to title chasing Pewsey. Wroughton then gave Step 6 side Malmesbury Victoria a close game in the Wiltshire Senior Cup, just two months after that heavy defeat to their Development side. Another unbeaten run of six games either side of Christmas, five of which were won, saw them continue their climb up the table. Their final run of ten league games saw them win more than they lost and they finished the season with back-to-back wins against Odd Down Reserves and Frome Collegians to finish 10th but just one win and three points off fifth place so tight were things in the middle of the table.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Jonathan Peachey-Score (13 goals)
Manager: Last season’s joint management team of Ben Jarrett and Craig Jones have had an amicable separation during the summer. Initially both had departed to Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development but Ben felt there was unfinished business at Wroughton and opted to return with Craig remaining at Royal Wootton Bassett. Ben returns this season hoping to carry on the good work that was done in the second half of last season after that tough start.
Key players retained:
Virtually all of last season’s squad have returned including experienced defender Chris Flannagan, strikers Sam Long and Jonathan Peachey-Score, centre back Luigi Hernandez and Ollie While. Three players have departed to Kingsdown Lions, with Tyler Wilkinson now back playing for father Adie Wilkinson and Scott Stone and Will Midler also joining the Lions.
New signings:
A couple of key signings see local player James Turner join from last season’s successful Pewsey Vale side and youngster Bertie Jacques-Mathias move across from Royal Wootton Bassett Town where he had been a part of the successful Under 18 team last season. With a newly established Development side Ben noted that there are five of six players who he can call on from that side which should help with the operation of the Wiltshire Senior League side this season.
Two of last season's key players from last season striker Sam Long and defender Luigi Hernandez are back at the Weir Field this season
Manager expectations:
Ben comes into the new season with high expectations that his side can carry on where they left off last season and his tipping his own side for a top three finish. The key will be to get off to a good start this time round and also turning into wins some of the games that last season ended all square. Ben will certainly be looking to get that first win in one of their opening two or three games this time round. He sees the title once again being a close-run affair with the teams at the top continuing to grind out results from the start and carrying it on throughout the season. The two teams he is tipping to battle it out for the title like many of the Premier Division managers are Devizes Town and Trowbridge Town.
Manager’s best moment last season: The 4-0 away win at Odd Down Reserves in what was his side’s best performance of the season by far.
Manager’s worst moment last season: Losing 7-0 away at Malmesbury Victoria Development was the lowest point of the season with Ben not knowing at that stage how he would stop the rot. From a personal point of view also, pulling a hamstring away at Devizes Town Reserves when called into action and trying to keep up with one of the Devizes youngsters was also painful!
League record against other sides:
Known pre-season results:
As with a lot of sides availability of players in pre-season has been patchy. When they have gone into games with close to a full squad they have done well in games.
05-Jul-22 Calne Town (H) Drew 3-3
09-Jul-22 Minety (A) Lost 2-3
13-Jul-22 Wroughton (H) Lost 2-4
23-Jul-22 Faringdon Town (A) Won 3-0 (Fat Boys Charity Cup SF)
26-Jul-22 Fairford Town (H) Lost 1-2
30-Jul-22 Blunsdon (N) Lost 1-4 (Fat Boys Charity Cup Final)
Sat 13-Aug-22 Salisbury Dev (A)
Tue 16-Aug-22 Stratton Juniors (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Devizes Town (A)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Blunsdon (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Trowbridge Town (A)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Malmesbury V Dev (A)
09-Jul-22 Minety (A) Lost 2-3
13-Jul-22 Wroughton (H) Lost 2-4
23-Jul-22 Faringdon Town (A) Won 3-0 (Fat Boys Charity Cup SF)
26-Jul-22 Fairford Town (H) Lost 1-2
30-Jul-22 Blunsdon (N) Lost 1-4 (Fat Boys Charity Cup Final)
8-Aug-22 Redhouse N) Won 2-1 (Faringdon Thurs. Mem. Cup)
Opening fixtures: Due to cricket at the Weir Field, Wroughton will start their season on the road with six away games, including a tough opening set of games against Pewsey Vale and Royal Wootton Bassett Town who were two of the leading sides last season.
Tue 16-Aug-22 Stratton Juniors (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Devizes Town (A)
Tue 23-Aug-22 Blunsdon (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Trowbridge Town (A)
Tue 30-Aug-22 Malmesbury V Dev (A)
Last Season
Finally a reminder of what happened last season in the Premier Division:
All Time Premier Division Record of the 16 Teams
Predictions
By way of added interest we have this season asked the managers from the Premier Division and Division 1 to predict how they think the final league table will look come the end of the season. All were asked the question ahead of the publication of this review with, in most cases, limited information on how other sides were shaping up apart from seeing their pre-season results. The submissions will be turned into a competition and come the end of the season we will see who has the honour of being the most 'in the know' manager for the entry that is closest to the final positions. During the season there will be periodic updates as to who is currently leading the competition.
Points will be awarded as follows:
- League position correctly predicted (5 points)
- Team one place either side of predicted position (3 points)
- Team two places either side of predicted position (1 point)
- Team more than two places from predicted position (minus points calculated by taking the difference between the predicted position and actual position (maximum negative points for each team would be -15)).
The table below is the consensus view of how the managers think the Premier Division will look with entries having been received from 19 of the 23 team managers.
Division One
Devizes Town Res
Final Position in 2021-22:
15th in Premier Division
Features of 2021-22 Season:
A season that had an optimistic start with a narrow 2-1 defeat against the eventual champions followed by a big 7-1 win over Ludgershall Sports but it went downhill from there. Manager Tom Bull departed to be replaced by Jason Muir who himself was then replaced by Duncan Sterling. After that win over Ludgershall, Devizes went 19 games without a win, losing 18 of those 19 games. An 8-0 win over Purton ended that dismal run and sparked their best spell of the season which saw them win three in five, one of the defeats being another narrow one against the eventual champions. However, they ended the season with six straight defeats and finished in 15th spot, above Ludgershall Sports on goal difference only.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Caleb Hollow and Sam Dodds (5 goals)
Manager:
Tom Bull who started last season in the manager seat returns to run the Reserve side again this season.
Key players retained and new signings:
Last season Devizes Town Reserves very much relied on their Under 18s and with that whole side having departed to Bishops Cannings, it is very much all change at Devizes, although one of the two leading scorers Sam Dodds remains at Nursteed Road. With a strong squad having been assembled by the first team, expect the Reserve side to also benefit and have a much better season than last season.
Best moment last season:
A 3-1 home win over Malmesbury Victoria Development who were to finish 5th.
Worst moment last season: A 16-1 defeat away at Calne Town Reserves.
Worst moment last season: A 16-1 defeat away at Calne Town Reserves.
Known pre-season results:
25-Jun-22 Wroughton Dev (H) Won 5-1
6-Jul-22 The Duke (H) Won 2-127-Jul-22 Potterne (H) Won 2-1
Opening fixtures:
Sat 13-Aug-22 Kingsdown Lions (H)Sat 20-Aug-22 Purton (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Ludgershall Sports (A)
Kintbury Rangers Development
Final Position in 2021-22:
5th in Division 2 of the North Berks League
Features of 2021-22 Season:
Season 2021-22 saw Kintbury Rangers second side, now rebranded as a development side, finish in fifth spot in the North Berks League Division 2 winning half of their 16 league games and drawing three. Season 2022-23 sees them join their first team in playing in the Wiltshire Senior League, this being the first time that a Kintbury Reserves or Development side has played in the Wiltshire Senior League.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Harry Skeates (10 goals)
Manager:
Kintbury Rangers Development will this season be managed by Tom Head.
Key players retained and new signings:
Most of last season's squad are back for this coming season including the two leading scorers Harry Skeates and Samuel Crawford. Other regulars from last season returning are Matthew Lavers, Macauley Sanchez and Connor Markou.
Best moment last season:
Two 8-1 wins against Letcombe Reserves and Lambourn Sports towards the end of the season.
Worst moment last season: Losing both games to league winners Stanford-in-the-Vale without scoring a goal.
Worst moment last season: Losing both games to league winners Stanford-in-the-Vale without scoring a goal.
Known pre-season results:
16-Jul-22 Redhouse (H) Drew 1-1
30-Jul-22 Reading YMCA (H) Drew 2-206-Aug-22 Bicester Town Colts (H) Lost 2-4
Opening fixtures:
Sat 13-Aug-22 Pewsey Vale Dev (H)Sat 20-Aug-22 Ludgershall Sports (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Larkhall Ath Dev (A)
Kingsdown Lions
Final Position in 2021-22:
N/A - new side this season.
Features of 2021-22 Season:
N/A/ - new side this season.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
N/A - new side this season.
Manager:
Kingsdown Lions started out as a Youth Football club called Lydiard Youth who were established in 1999 and are now one of the biggest clubs in terms of number of teams in the North Wilts & District Youth League and are based at Kingsdown School in Swindon. Season 2022-23 sees them enter both an Under 18 side and an adult side in the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League for the first time. The adult side will be managed by Adie Wilkinson who led Wroughton to the Corsham Print Wiltshire League Premier Division title in Season 2018-19.
Playing squad:
There will be a few familiar faces from Adie's old Wroughton side at Kingsdown this coming season with five of the squad that won the Premier Division of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League joining Adie at his new club. That includes his two sons Callum and Tyler Wilkinson, the latter joining from Hellenic Premier League side Shrivenham, Jordan Lea, Louis O'Shea and veteran Lee Curtis who is also part of the management team at Kingsdown. Others moving from Wroughton are Josh Barnfield, Scott Stone and Will Midler.
Other signings include Jack Harper from Hellenic League Division 1 West side Cirencester Town Development and Ollie Hunt.
Manager expectations:
With the squad he has assembled Adie is confident of achieving promotion in their first season and that is their aim and believes his side would be immediately competitive in the Premier Division. He has heard good things about Larkhall Athletic Development and expects them to be one of their main challengers for the Division One title, with the two sides meeting in Kingsdown's second game of the season.
Known pre-season results:
23-Jul-22 RWBT Dev (A) Lost 0-2
30-Jul-22 Marlborough T Dev (A) Won 4-002-Aug-22 Highworth T Dev (H) Won 6-0
09-Aug-22 Wroughton Dev (H) Won 3-1
Opening fixtures:
Sat 13-Aug-22 Devizes Town Res (A)Sat 20-Aug-22 Larkhall Ath Dev (H)
Larkhall Athletic Development
Final Position in 2021-22:
N/A - new side this season.
Features of 2021-22 Season:
N/A/ - new side this season.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
N/A - new side this season.
Manager:
The man in charge at Larkhall Athletic Development is James Riccio who manager at Odd Down Reserves last season and has taken almost all of last season's regular Odd Down side with him to Larkhall. Larkhall's second string have a strong historic record in the Somerset County League before they folded and James will be looking to recreate that success with the re-formed Development side by achieving promotion to the Premier Division at the first attempt.
Playing squad:
As noted above the bulk of last season's Odd Down side have followed James to Larkhall including the two leading scorers, captain Charlie Saunders and Angus Williamson. Others regulars from Odd Down to move to Larkhall include James Book, Marley Carpenter, Lewis Dixon, Oliver Eglon, Brad Evans, James Payton, and Ben Riccio who was impressive in the Premier Division last season.
Former Bath and England international rugby player Matt Banahan has also moved across from Odd Down.
Manager expectations:
James is expecting to go up at the first attempt and he has tipped his own side to take the league title, with Ludgershall Sports and Kingsdown Lions as his main rivals. His side are also being tipped by most of the other managers to win Division 1 this season.
Known pre-season results:
9-Jul-22 Mendip Broadwalk (A) Lost 1-2
16-Jul-22 Glastonbury FC (A) Won 3-0
20-Jul-22 Oldland Abbot's (H) Drew 3-3
23-Jul-22 Cam Valley (A) Won 1-0
Opening fixtures:
Sat 20-Aug-22 Kingsdown Lions (A)Sat 27-Aug-22 Kintbury Rangers (H)
Ludgershall Sports
Final Position in 2021-22:
16th in the Premier Division.
Features of 2021-22 Season:
One of a number of sides to have a very tough Season in 2021-22. They started by losing all of their opening nine games. The run of defeats was finally ended with a 4-0 win over bottom of the table Purton. Ludgershall suffered three more defeats before the second win of the season, a 2-0 home success over Devizes Town Reserves. Just two more victories were secured before they were forced to end their season early having seen manager Andy Fennell depart to Andover and a large element of the squad required to work due to the issues in Ukraine, those victories coming against Marlborough Town (3-1) and Stratton Juniors. Ludgershall finished level on points with Devizes Town Reserves but an inferior goal difference saw them finish second from bottom in the table.
Top scorer in 2021-22: Luke Holden (8 goals)
Manager:
Benn Pike is the new manager at Ludgershall Sports this coming season.
Key players retained and new signings:
A good proportion of last seasons squad have returned to Astor Crescent including Nathan Collins, Stuart Evans, leading scorer Luke Holden, Cameron Metcalfe, Gavin Richards, Ryan Morrison, Kiefer Roper, Ryan Morrison and Alexander Stout. Lewis Pickernell, who last played for the club in Season 2019-20 also makes a return.
Best moments last season:
The 3-1 wins over Marlborough Town and Stratton Juniors.
Worst moment last season: Having to end the season early due to the service personnel not being available due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Worst moment last season: Having to end the season early due to the service personnel not being available due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Known pre-season results:
2-Jul-22 Stockbridge (H) Lost 1-3
12-Jul-22 Andover N Street (H) Lost 1-2
26-Jul-22 PALS FC (H) Lost 1-2
30-Jul-22 Pewsey Vale (H) Lost 1-3
6-Aug-22 AV FC (H) Won 2-0
Opening fixtures:
12-Jul-22 Andover N Street (H) Lost 1-2
26-Jul-22 PALS FC (H) Lost 1-2
30-Jul-22 Pewsey Vale (H) Lost 1-3
6-Aug-22 AV FC (H) Won 2-0
Sat 13-Aug-22 Purton (A)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Kintbury Rangers (A)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Devizes Town Res (H)Pewsey Vale Development
Final Position in 2021-22:
1st in Division 2 of the Swindon & District League
Features of 2021-22 Season:
Romped to the Division 2 league title in the Swindon & District League winning all 16 of their league games, finishing six points clear of Shield & Dagger who were mainly made up of the Purton side from Season 2020-21. Somewhat frustratingly five of the sixteen league games saw points awarded to Pewsey when opponents called off. This and other issues around player eligibility were some of the reasons why they were one of the main clubs asking for the formation of the new Division 1.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Aaron Presley (19 goals)
Manager:
Kierron Kiff is the new man in charge of Pewsey Vale Development this season.
Key players retained and new signings:
A number of last season's successful squad have moved to Marlborough Town including the two leading scorers Aaron Presley and Nathan Good.
That said they still retain a core of last season's successful squad and will also no doubt be using a number of players from the Under 18 side that made the final of the Wiltshire County Youth Cup last season. Former Purton manager Frank Hunt has also joined.
Best moment last season:
The 7-0 away win against their nearest rivals Shield & Dagger.
Worst moment last season: All the games that did not take place.
Worst moment last season: All the games that did not take place.
Known pre-season results:
No pre-season games found for Pewsey Vale Development.
Opening fixtures:
Sat 13-Aug-22 Kintbury Rangers Dev (A)Sat 27-Aug-22 Purton (H)
Purton
Final Position in 2021-22:
17th (Bottom) of the Premier Division.
Features of 2021-22 Season:
Season 2020-21 was one Purton will want to forget very quickly. During the summer manager Wayne Petrie departed to run Shield & Dagger in the Swindon & District League and Purton appointed former Marlborough Town manager Andy Ealey in his place. It was to prove to be an unsuccessful appointment. Purton lost all ten of their opening games, with three of the defeats being by double figure scores. Ealey departed during this run of games and was replaced by Frank Hunt as player manager. New players were recruited and there was some initial improvement in results with the run of defeats being ended by a 3-1 win at Devizes Town Reserves. It was to prove to be a brief respite though, as Purton lost all of their next 14 games, with another five double figure score defeats. A second win of the season was secured on the 19th of February with a 4-3 away win at Ludgershall Sports and credit to Hunt for keeping the side going when others may well have given it up. There was to be no further wins as they lost their last seven games.
Top scorer in 2021-22:
Baillie Nicholls and Melvin Tatah (3 goals)
Manager:
Andi Phillpott is the new manager at Purton for this coming season, looking to enjoy a much better season than his predecessor endured last season.
Key players retained and new signings: There will be a complete new squad at Purton this season with Philpott having recruited a squad of 20 at the time of writing.
Best moments last season:
The two away wins, 3-1 at Devizes Town Reserves and 4-3 over Ludgershall Sports.
Worst moment last season: All those double figure defeats against the top sides in the division.
Worst moment last season: All those double figure defeats against the top sides in the division.
Known pre-season results:
30-Jul-22 Shield & Dagger (H) Lost 0-7
Opening fixtures:
Sat 13-Aug-22 Ludgershall Sports (H)
Sat 20-Aug-22 Devizes Town Res (H)
Sat 27-Aug-22 Pewsey Vale Dev (A)Predictions
As with the Premier Division all of the managers of the teams in the Premier Division and Division One were asked to predict the final positions in Division 1. The table below is the consensus view of how the Division 1 is expected to look based on the entries received from the 19 team managers.
Opening Weekend Fixtures
11 August 2022
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