The Under 18 Floodlight Division in the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League saw three games played this week, with two of the games featuring the top four sides in the division. When the title race is finally decided the teams may look back at this week as being a vital one in the ultimate destination of the league title.
The two big games were at the backend of the week but before that there was another entertaining game involving Kingsdown Lions on Tuesday night at Kingsdown School. Last week they had pushed league leaders Royal Wootton Bassett Town all the way, leading 2-0, but in the end falling to three goals in the last 20 minutes. Once again on Tuesday night they let a two-goal lead slip, this time against Warminster Town. It was all level at half time at 1-1 but two goals after the break saw Kingsdown 3-1 up but, for the second week running, they allowed their opponents to get back into the game as Warminster Town scored two of their own to level matters up at 3-3. At least this week Kingsdown did not concede a winner and, whilst no doubt frustrated with dropping the two points, having lost 4-1 to Warminster earlier in the season will be pleased with the progress they are making this season. On target for Kingsdown were Josh Atwell, who bagged a brace and doubled his total for the season, and leading scorer Nicholas Wilkes with his eighth of the campaign. All three of Warminster Town’s goals were scored by Toby Worts who took over as Warminster’s leading scorer as a result with five goals to his name.
On Thursday night the improved weather this week came too late to save the game at Radstock Town but the game between league leaders Royal Wootton Bassett Town and third placed Calne Town was switched to the 3G at the Gerard Buxton Ground allowing that game to go ahead. The two sides had drawn 1-1 back in September at Bremhill View and the home side knew their unbeaten start to the season was set to be tested by a Calne Town side who had won five of their opening eight fixtures. It was close throughout the first half, but it was the visitors who got themselves in front from a corner two minutes from half time. Fraser Blake fired in the corner to the far post and the kick completely deceived Jack Rae in the Royal Wootton Bassett Town goal and ended up in the back of the net for 1-0 to Calne. It remained that way until deep into the second half. Last week Royal Wootton Bassett Town had scored those three times in the last 20 minutes to secure the points at Kingsdown and it was around the 70th minute mark that they got themselves back into this game from the penalty spot after a body check on the edge of the six-yard box. Harry Bunce fired the spot kick low and into the corner of the net for 1-1. Six minutes later the home side were in front for the first time, an excellent Charlie Stammers cross from the right to the far post was headed in by leading scorer Jacob Rendell-Haines for his ninth of the season. The home side made sure of all three points right at the end of the game, substitute Flynn Walters smashing a shot with his left foot from the edge of the 18-yard box that gave the Calne keeper no chance, going in just under the crossbar for 3-1. For the second week running the league leaders had hit three goals in the final 20 minutes to seal all three points.
The final game of the week on Friday night was another top end of the table clash with Bishops Cannings, level with Calne Town in third place, up against second in the table
Kintbury Rangers on the 3G pitch at Green Lane. In an entertaining game between the two title challengers, both of whom played some neat passing football, Kintbury Rangers twice got themselves in front in the first half only to be twice pegged back by Bishops Cannings. James Tomlinson put Kintbury ahead with his eighth goal of the season but Caleb Hollow restored parity for Bishops Cannings. The same player then went close to making it 2-1, his powerful half-volley from distance coming back off the post. However, it was Kintbury who restored their lead, Joseph Sheridan firing in to make it 2-1, joining his fellow strike partner Tomlinson on eight goals for the season. Both teams continued to create chances in what was turning into an enthralling first half, but the next goal was to go Bishops Cannings way, Harvey Swain bringing it all square again and it remained 2-2 at the break. The second half saw the game continue to be end-to-end only this half the goals were missing. Both teams created numerous chances and the only surprise was that there were to be no more goals. There was late drama in injury time when a Bishops Cannings player went down in the opposition box, but the penalty shouts were waved away and the two sides had to settle for a point apiece. Having lost three games already the dropped points were most damaging to Bishops Cannings title hopes. For Kintbury, a win in their game in hand over the league leaders would see them move to within a point of the leaders, and with eight games still to go they remain on course with their title challenge. They still have Royal Wootton Bassett Town and Bishops Cannings to play in what is shaping up to be another fascinating title race in the U18 Division.
League Table
Leading Scorers
Results and Next Week's Fixtures
28 January 2023