Once again there was a curtailed programme of games last week in the Under 18 Floodlight Division of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League as just two of the four scheduled games went ahead, both games being played on 3G, with the two games scheduled to be played on grass both postponed due to waterlogged pitches.

On Friday night FC Chippenham picked up their biggest win of the season with a 5-0 victory over Radstock Town. Cameron Ladner-Poole led the way for Chippenham scoring a hat-trick to take his total for the season to five, with further goals coming from Hartley Newson and Edward Oatley. The win for FC Chippenham saw them move level on points with Kingsdown and to within a point of their beaten opponents.

The previous night league leaders Royal Wootton Bassett Town had entertained Calne Town at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground. When the two sides had met at Calne back in November Royal Wootton Bassett Town had returned with all three points following a 3-1 win. The return fixture on Thursday night saw Calne Town avenge that earlier defeat in style. Royal Wootton Bassett Town went in front though, Rhys Westlake scoring a carbon copy goal to the two he scored the previous week, getting on the end of a Freddy Allman cross from the left for his eighth goal of the season. Thomas Gates then went close to getting an equaliser, heading just over. They got back on level terms in the 23^rd minute, Euan Ballinger firing in from just inside the 18-yard box after the home side failed to clear the ball properly. Calne Town then went in front four minutes before the break. A free kick from the left was initially cleared by Royal Wootton Bassett but the ball was recycled into the box to the far post and with the home defence ball watching Thomas Gates crept in behind the last defender to head his side in front. They went further in front within five minutes of the restart, Rhys Westlake being caught in possession just inside his own half. Calne broke quickly and an initial shot from the edge of the box was saved by keeper Thomas Davis but unfortunately for him he pushed the ball straight into the path of Asher Jones who had a simple tap in for 3-1. Harry Hynes wrapped up the scoring on the night on 74 minutes with a fourth for Calne firing in from the far corner of the net with a low drive from the right-hand side of the 18-yard box. Calne had further chances to extend their lead, twice being denied by excellent saves from Davis. The closest the home side went to a second goal was a brave header from Westlake at the far post which went just wide but on the night they had been well beaten by an impressive Calne Town performance. The win keeps Calne in the title race though both Bristol Manor Farm and Kintbury Rangers remain favourites as they have games in hand. Your Sport Swindon were there with their cameras to capture the action and subscribers can view the highlights by clicking on the link below or clicking on the link from the Your Sport Swindon page of the League website where you will also find the links to other games in the League covered by Your Sport Swindon.

This coming week attention switches to the League Cup with the two semi-finals set to take place. On Monday night the two leading contenders for the title go head to head for the first time this season when Bristol Manor Farm host Kintbury Rangers in the first cup semi final. Then on Friday night Kingsdown host cup holders Calne Town in the other semi final. In addition to the cup games there are two league games on Thursday night.

3 March 2024