Redhouse who didn't waste their 2nd chance & make it through to the Veterans' League Cup Final with a win on penalties against Chippenham
Another week of postponed games in the Veterans’ divisions as, not only the wettest March in 40 years, but also the change of ground for the Wiltshire FA’s County Senior Cup and one side being unable to raise a side saw four games postponed, including one of the two semi-finals in the Veterans’ League Cup.
The cup semi-final that did go ahead was at Green Lane on Tuesday night where Redhouse
from the North Wiltshire Division were up against Chippenham Town
from the Mid-Wiltshire Division. Redhouse had been beaten in the quarter-final by Corsham Town but had been given a reprieve when it transpired that Corsham had played an ineligible player who had scored two of their goals in their 3-0 win. Having been given that second chance Redhouse were determined to make the most of it. The two sides produced an entertaining game that was just missing goals. Both sides had chances, but their neither side being able to finish them off it remained 0-0 at the end of 50 minutes meaning a penalty shoot out was needed to settle matters. The shoot out saw Redhouse come out on top winning 5-3 to book a place in the final where they will meet either Bradford Town or Melksham Town whose semi final was one of those postponed games with the sides set to try again on Monday night. The date and venue for the final has yet to be finalised with the other semi-final still to be played and with the two Mid Wiltshire Division sides still having five league games to play and Redhouse having seven, with all three still involved in their respective title race.
As well as the cup match there were two league games played this week, with one in each of the two divisions.
In the Mid Wiltshire Division Devizes Town
had the chance to move top of the table with a win against FC Calne. Devizes had defeated FC Calne 5-3 back in February but FC Calne had been in decent form in recent weeks and that form continued on Monday night at Green Lane as they avenged that earlier defeat. A goal in each half saw FC Calne run out 2-0 winners with the goals coming through player-manager Stuart Ballinger and Paul Maddox.
The scheduled game in the Mid Wiltshire Division between Westbury United and Corsham Town was forced to be moved to another night at short notice with the Wiltshire FA's Senior County Cup being moved to Meadow Lane. Attempts were made to move the game to the Thursday night but at such short notice Corsham were unable to raise a side for that night and the continued wet weather would almost certainly have impacted the fixture if they had.
In the North Wiltshire Division league leaders Cricklade Town
were up against an AFC Swindon
side they had defeated 9-0 at the beginning of February. Whilst AFC Swindon once again fell to defeat against the leaders, it was a much improved performance with Cricklade this time being restricted to four goals. On target for Cricklade were Phil Corcoran with two, Jamie Richards and a 25th goal of the season from TJ Bohane that saw him move joint top of the goal scoring chart in the North Wiltshire Division and the top scorer in terms of just league games.
The scheduled game in the North Wiltshire Division between Blunsdon and Royal Wootton Bassett Town was postponed with Blunsdon unable to raise a side, with the Stratton derby between Stratton Juniors Black and Stratton Juniors Orange off due to a waterlogged pitch.