Royal Wootton Bassett Town who completed their fixtures with a 3-2 win at Wims 11
When the fixtures for the Under 18 Floodlight Division were published at the start of the season the final round of games were scheduled to take place in week commencing 26th February 2024. As we approach the end of March unfortunately the division is a long way from being finished due to a combination of the awful wet weather, County Cup competitions, abandoned games and teams being unable to raise a side, particular on a Friday night.
Whilst a couple of teams have half of their league fixtures to play one team did become the first across the five divisions making up the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League to complete all of their league fixtures this week, that team being Royal Wootton Bassett Town U18s. Having the advantage of playing on a 3G surface and playing on the traditional U18 game night of a Thursday, they have just got on with their fixtures and, despite having two opponents postpone games when unable to field a side, last Friday night saw them complete their fixtures with a 3-2 away win against Wims 11, just three weeks over the original target end date. On Friday night at Moredon it was Wims who went in front through Rhys Alexander to go into the half time break one goal to the good. Finn Skittrall then equalised for the visitors early in the second half only to see Wims go back in front thanks to a stunning strike into the roof of the net from Josh Ibitoye. Royal Wootton Bassett once again got themselves back on level terms, Joe Beavis with his seventh goal of the season. With the game finely poised Wims had a player sent off and the visitors took full advantage to score a winner through substitute Michael Junior Zumaro. Royal Wootton Bassett Town finished their games sat top of the table, seven points clear of second placed Kintbury Rangers who still have seven games to play. Bristol Manor Farm, who are ten points behind the leaders, have an additional game to play and are one of the two sides who still have half their league games to play.
Kintbury Rangers and Bristol Manor Farm are set to meet in the league for the first time this coming Monday night. There was a dress rehearsal for a game which could go a long way in deciding the title last Monday when the two sides met in the semi-final of the League Cup. A close affair was anticipated, and it proved to be just that with the two sides all square at one apiece at the end of 90 minutes, but two goals for Kintbury in extra time ensured it is they who progress to the final where they will meet Calne Town on Thursday 18th April at Melksham. Regan Lashenko with the Bristol Manor Farm goal, with James Tomlinson, Rhys Atkins and Aydan Hutchings getting the three Kintbury goals. Unfortunately, the referee reported that there was misbehaviour at the end of the game which has been passed on to the respective FA’s who could well be observing Monday’s crucial encounter with the ability to instruct the League to impose points deductions for continued misbehaviour by players. It is to be hoped that this coming Monday’s game is played in the right spirit because we would like to think that the league title will be decided on the pitch rather than as a consequence of a discipline imposed points deduction.
There was one other game played in the league, that game was at
Calne Town on Thursday night with
Radstock Town the visitors. The two sides had to settle for a point apiece, Asher Jones with his tenth of the season for Calne, with Lex Southall replying for Radstock Town.
Player Registration Deadline
Clubs across all Divisions of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League are reminded that the deadline for player registration and transfers is Sunday 31st March. With some teams still having half their fixtures still to play it is anticpated to be a busy week ahead for the Registration Secretary.
24 March 2024
