Mid Wiltshire Division

Bradford Town went into their final game of the season knowing they needed to defeat Chippenham Town Yard Dogs if they were to finish their games at the top of the table. It was not to be their night though. Despite two goals from Steve Tweddle, who took his total for the season in all competitions to 27, Yard Dogs also scored twice through Ryan Nicholls and Rob Pocock to ensure a share of the points which meant Bradford Town ended one point short of Melksham Town’s tally. Congratulations to Melksham Town manager Darren Perrin and his side on their title triumph as they went one better than last season’s runner-up position. A good season for Bradford Town as well though, in addition to finishing runners-up in the league they also lifted this season’s Wiltshire FA Veterans’ County Cup.

The previous night last season’s champions Corsham Town played their final game of the season knowing they were already assured of third spot in the table. Opponents Amesbury Junior were looking to get a win from either this game or their final fixture to overhaul FC Calne for fourth spot.  Two goals from player manager Iain Walker saw Amesbury get those three points with a game to spare, Simon Gray replying for Corsham as it finished 2-1 to the visitors Amesbury. Amesbury’s game next week against Chippenham Town Yard Dogs is the final fixture to complete the division.

North Wiltshire Division

There was just the one game in the North Wiltshire Division this week with South Cerney being unable to raise a side for their scheduled game against Cricklade Town on Wednesday night.

The one game that did take place was at the top of the table between league leaders Redhouse and Royal Wootton Bassett Town who sat third in the table one point behind the leaders. It was Royal Wootton Bassett Town who went in front a ball over the top seeing Chris Head clear of the Redhouse defence and he smashed a low shot into the net past Stewart Thompson in the Redhouse goal for 1-0. Redhouse got themselves back on level terms when a ball into the box was controlled on his chest by Tafari Anderson who then hit a sweet volley under the body of Royal Wootton Bassett Town keeper Nick Warren to make it 1-1. Dave Rendle went close with a header to putting Redhouse in front, but the games pivotal moment came shortly after and it again involved Rendle. A ball over the top was controlled with his head by Rendle and as he advanced on goal Royal Wootton Bassett Town’s keeper Warren came charging out and body checked the Redhouse striker which resulted in the award of a penalty and a red card for Warren. Rendle took the resulting penalty himself and made no mistake sending the stand-in keeper the wrong way, firing into the corner to the keepers right for 2-1.

Second half saw Redhouse sit back and soak up the pressure limiting their opponents to shots from distance. They made sure of all three points when some neat inter-passing saw Rendle in on goal and he coolly finished for his 24^th of the season and leadership of the divisions' goal scorers’ chart as it finished 3-1 to Redhouse. The win saw Redhouse move three points clear of Priory Vale who they are set to meet in the final game of the season. With an eleven-goal advantage in terms of goal difference, as long as they avoid defeat by six or more goals, they will be crowned champions of the North Division.

Your Sport Swindon were at the Redhouse v Royal Wootton Bassett Town game and the highlights can be viewed by clicking on the link below or using the link from the Your Sport Swindon page on the website.

15 April 2022