There was a full programme of games in the Under 18 Cup competition this week and in Group A, AFC Aldermaston put themselves within touching distance of the final when they avenged the only defeat they have suffered in the competition so far, winning away at Calne Town on Thursday night. However, they left it very late. Trailing to a first half goal from Calne’s Harrison Sartin, Billy Rampton continued his recent good form in front of goal scoring an equaliser a minute from time, netting for the fifth consecutive game. It got even better for AFC Aldermaston when, deep into injury time, Muhaimin Shah popped up with a winner for the visitors. The victory means that AFC Aldermaston now need to avoid defeat in their game on Monday night against Royal Wootton Basset Town  to secure their place in the final. Royal Wootton Bassett Town know they must win on Monday night and then also win their final game against New College if they are to pip AFC Aldermaston to that place in the final.

Royal Wootton Bassett Town set up Monday’s big decider with a 4-2 away win at New College Swindon. Royal Wootton Bassett Town led 4-0 at the break thanks to two goals from Jowan Partridge plus one each from Zane Pinnock and Kevin Prouse, Prouse taking his total for the season to eleven, Baafour Acheampong and Denis Nae with the New College goals in the second half.

In Group B Devizes Town lost their 100% winning start in the cup when they were held to a 0-0 draw in a game of limited chances for either side. Having lost three times previously to the league champions Melksham Town would have been pleased with their point on the night even though their chances of prgressing in the up competition were effectively ended. Whilst Devizes lost that perfect winning start to the cup campaign, they are now unbeaten in eight games in all competitions and their two fixtures with Radstock Town will probably now decide who progresses from Group B.

Radstock Town moved to within three points of Devizes at the top of the group with a game in hand following a 3-0 home win over Pewsey Vale. Daniel Orford put them 1-0 up just after the half hour mark and Thomas Hobbs extended the lead on the hour. A second from Orford ten minutes from time made sure of the three points for Radstock.

1 April 2022