FC Chippenham went into their game with bottom of the table Pewsey Vale on Thursday night knowing that a victory would see them crowned champions. They had won all of their last six games to get to this position after their come from behind win at Royal Wootton Bassett Town on Tuesday night. With Pewsey having won just the one game all season FC Chippenham started as clear favourites but would have been wary that Pewsey could still rise to the occasion and take points off FC Chippenham, especially if nerves get the better of the title favourites. Those nerves could have easily kicked in when Pewsey took the lead through Harry Wolmersley but FC Chippenham held their nerve and came from behind for the second time in the week. They scored six unanswered goals to run out 6-1 winners and claim that league title, pipping Shrivenham by a single point. There were six different scorers for FC Chippenham, with Ben Patey, Charlie Morgan, Josh Gale, Fabian Stanislas, Jack Brain and Louie Lang all scoring, the latter netting his eleventh of the season to finish as the top scorer in the whole division for the season. 

Having sat top of the table last season when Covid-19 curtailed the 2019-20 Season, FC Chippenham were able to see this one through to the end and go one better than the last completed season, when they had finished as runners-up. Congratulations to manager Steve Billett and his team, that run of victories at the end, with all the pressure that Shrivenham had put on them with their results, showed great nerve and character. In the end Shrivenham had to settle for second place but a special mention also to Paul Whitewood and his side who were excellent all season, losing just two games, both by a single goal in the away games against the two Chippenham sides.

Royal Wootton Bassett Town and New College also concluded their season on Thursday night. When the two sides had met the previous week, New College had edged a close contest 3-2 and another close game was anticipated. In terms of the league table the result would have no impact on final positions but both sides would want to end the current campaign with a win. That honour resides with Royal Wootton Bassett Town who emerged as 2-1 winners on the night. Harry Farrow put them ahead on 37 minutes but New College equalised after half time with a long-range effort from leading scorer Sam Morse that deceived the Royal Wootton Bassett keeper and ended up in the back of the net. Will Jeary put the home side back in front seven minutes from time and that was to be the end of the night’s scoring. Royal Wootton Bassett Town finished in sixth place, three points behind Radstock the side just above them in the table. New College finished in seventh spot, seven points behind Royal Wootton Bassett Town.

Next Season

With the Under 18 Division now concluded for this season and with the AGM just three weeks away, thoughts now turn to next season. The Under 18 Division is set to be joined by at least two new sides for next season, with both Calne Town and Devizes Town set to re-enter Under 18 sides. With the anticipation that the existing eight sides will again compete this will give a division of at least 10 sides but there is still the opportunity for new sides to join but they need to get in touch with the league fairly quickly with the AGM coming up. Any interested sides should contact the League Secretary Jim Thorn at jim.thorn@wiltshireseniorleague.co.uk.

In addition, the league has canvassed the current Under 18 clubs as to whether there is any interest in an Under 20s Division in addition to the Under 18s. With the current U18s having had two very interrupted seasons and the lack of playing time means that some may not be ready to move up into senior football. Rather than risk losing some of these to football, an U20s Division would give them the chance to play for another two seasons against players of their own age and develop further. If sufficient clubs are interested (say six), then we will run it. If an U20s Division was to run, fixtures could either be midweek or Saturdays, depending on what clubs prefer and having regard to facility availability. A further suggestion for the U20s Division, is that we permit, say three over age players. Again, if this is what clubs want, we will allow it and it could become an opportunity for Development teams to join.

Results

Thursday 3rd June 2021

FC Chippenham 6 Pewsey Vale 1

Royal Wootton Bassett Town 2 New College 1

4 June  2021