Tonight, at the Oakfield Stadium, home of Melksham Town FC, sees the fourth staging of a Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League U18 Floodlight Division League Cup Final. The League Directors, Officers and Management Committee would like to congratulate both Calne Town and Kintbury Rangers on reaching tonight’s final. Thank you also to Melksham Town for hosting the Cup Final for the second succsessive season.

Tonight’s final sees Calne Town looking to retain the cup they won last season when they defeated Radstock Town 3-0 in the final. Through no fault of their own Calne have had to play just one game to reach tonight’s final. With just ten teams initially in the league they received a bye in the First Round and then drew Bradford Town in the Quarter Final. However, before that game could be played Bradford Town pulled out of the league giving Calne another bye through to the semi-final. In that semi-final Calne Town were up against Kingsdown and needed penalties to secure that second consecutive cup final appearance after it finished 1-1. Calne had also been in the inaugural U18 Floodlight Division final, losing narrowly to New College back in Season 2018-19.

Tonight’s opponents Kintbury Rangers are making their first appearance in a League Cup Final but look favourites to retain the League crown they won last season in what was their first season in the U18 Floodlight Division. There path to final saw them defeat Wims 11 in the First Round thanks to three second half goals from Kian McNally, Cameron Squires and James Tomlinson in a 3-0 win which saw Kintbury safely through to the quarter final where they would be home to Radstock Town. That game took place on a on a snow-covered pitch in January which saw no goals in open play but produced an excellent game of football between two evenly matched sides. In the end with no goal after 90 minutes nor again after 30 minutes of extra time, penalties were needed to settle matters. Kintbury Rangers put all four of their opening penalties away, but Radstock missed their fourth kick giving Kintbury the chance to win it with their final kick which they duly did to win 5-3 on penalties. Kintbury Rangers met Bristol Manor Farm in the semi-final, their main rivals for the league title. 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. Regan Lashenko with the Bristol Manor Farm goal, with James Tomlinson, Rhys Atkins and Aydan Hutchings getting the three Kintbury goals.

Kintbury Rangers and Calne Town have met just the once so far in the league, way back in September when Calne edged a close game by the odd goal in five at Bremhill View. That is Kintbury’s one and only defeat so far this season in their 11 league games played so far. It should be an excellent cup final between two good Under 18 sides.

Tonight’s game kicks-off at 7:45PM and admission to the game is £3, which will include a programme.

18 April 2024