There were just two fixtures in the Veterans’ Divisions of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League in the first week of the New Year, both games played were in the North Wiltshire Division at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground. On Wednesday evening Coate maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a narrow 1-0 win over Penhill United, Paul Stonehouse with the only goal of the game early in the second half. The win for Coate saw them move above their beaten opponents into third spot, six points behind Cricklade Town in second place but with three games in hand. Coate’s unbeaten start to the season is likely to face its sternest test when they meet Mid Wiltshire Division leaders Corsham Town in the semi final of the Wiltshire Veterans’ County Cup tonight.

The other game was a rare Friday night fixture in the North Wiltshire Division between league leaders Redhouse and Royal Wootton Bassett Town. There was an opportunity to have the 8.30PM slot at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground on a more regular basis but with a few teams reluctant to play on a Friday night the slot has now been taken by a club outside the league for training and is no longer available. Redhouse and Royal Wootton Bassett Town were two sides willing to play on a Friday night and, whilst the first meeting of the season between the two sides had been a close-run affair that ended in a draw, the return fixture saw the leaders Redhouse secure a comfortable 3-0 win. The victory saw them open up a ten-point lead at the top of the table, although they have played three more games than second placed Cricklade Town. On target for Redhouse were David Pratt, who bagged a brace, and David Rendle.