Corsham Print
Wiltshire Senior League
Season 2019-20 Round-ups
Veteran's Divisions
Vets Round-up 7 October 2019
Stratton Juniors & Swindon Rovers Start With Wins
After a delayed start whilst a pitch was secured for a number of the Vets sides the first games in the new Vets Divisions of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League were able to get under way this week, with two fixtures played in the North Wiltshire Division.

On Monday night Swindon Rovers travelled to Shrivenham to play the Defence Academy UK in the first fixture of this new venture. A close game ensued played in a good spirit. The visitors Swindon Rovers took an early lead when Christian Northway scored after just five minutes and that was the only goal of the first half. It remained close until seven minutes from the end of normal time when Swindon Rovers were awarded a penalty which was put away by Andy Hayward. Swindon Rovers wrapped up the three points two minutes from time when Ryan Turner scored from a free kick to make it 3-0. However, there was still time for the Defence Academy to score a consolation goal deep into injury time through Julio Albert-Rodriguez to make the final score 3-1 to Swindon Rovers.

The following night the second game played in the North Wiltshire Division saw AFC Swindon and Stratton Juniors meet at New College. Both these teams had been members of the Wiltshire FA Flexi-League but had both finished at the wrong end of the table in the last season played under the Flexi League concept and were keen to get their new campaign off to a winning start. It is Stratton Juniors who have that honour after they ran out 5-1 winners thanks to two goals from Nathan Hopes and one a piece for Charlie Knowles, Simon English and a Matt Tate penalty. The consolation goal for AFC Swindon was scored by Paul Dodson.

Both the initial fixtures were played in a good friendly spirit and it is pleasing that this category is now up and running. 

Vets Round-up 15 October 2019
Simpkins and Stoddart Roll Back The Years
Swindon Rovers made it two wins from their opening two games with a victory over AFC Swindon in the Vets North Wiltshire Division last night. The final score makes it look a comfortable win but it was a lot closer than the final 6-2 score line would suggest. Until the last ten minutes of the match AFC Swindon were very much in the game until Swindon Rovers scored three unanswered goals in those closing minutes to give them a four-goal advantage at the final whistle.

AFC Swindon had gone in front when the former Fairford Town and Wootton Bassett Town prolific striker Lee Stoddart scored in the 9th minute. Stoddart then doubled the lead in the13th minute with his second of the game as the striker showed he has not lost the knack of scoring goals for whoever he plays. Swindon Rovers got themselves back in the game on 18 minutes when Stuart Foulkes set up Darren McGowen to make it 2-1. Just before the half time break Swindon Rovers introduced substitute Mark Simpkins who was to have a dramatic impact on the game in the second half although it remained 2-1 to AFC Swindon at the break courtesy of those two Lee Stoddart goals.

Three minutes after the restart Swindon Rovers were back on level terms as Simpkins set up Peter Smith for the equaliser. Simpkins then went from provider to scorer as he put Swindon Rovers in front for the first time on 35 minutes.

AFC Swindon went close to getting back on level terms as the game moved into the final ten minutes, twice hitting the post. However,  a minute after the second near miss Swindon Rovers then went down the other end to score and give themselves a vital two-goal cushion, this time Smith setting up Simpkins for his second of the game. Stuart Foulkes went close to extending the lead further, but his effort was well saved by the AFC Swindon keeper. Swindon Rovers were not to be denied though as Simpkins completed a second half hat-trick to make it 5-2. That was not the end of the scoring though as deep into injury time Simpkins got his fourth of the game to round off an impressive second performance for his side as they ran out 6-2 winners over an AFC Swindon side who had been well in the match until those final ten minutes.

The win lifted Swindon Rovers to the top of the early table in the North Wiltshire Division.

Vets Round-up 28 October 2019
Marlborough Carry on Where they Left Off in the Flexi-League
Whilst the Mid Wiltshire Division of the Veteran's League is yet to get up and running, two more games have been played in the North Wiltshire Division. Marlborough Town, the last winners of the Wiltshire FA Flexi League played their first game when they met Stratton Juniors at New College. Marlborough carried on where they left off last season, winning 5-1 to show that they will once again be the team to beat this season. Two goals for both Ryan Banks and Richard Clark for Marlborough, Stratton’s consolation goal was scored by Vincent McMackin.
 
Last Monday the Defence Academy entertained AFC Swindon at Shrivenham with both sides looking to pick up their first points of the season. That honour goes to the Defence Academy who ran out comfortable 6-2 winners on the night to move third in the table. Star of the show was Julio Albert Rodriguez who hit a hat-trick to add to the goal he had scored in their opening game against Swindon Rovers, William Boreham scored twice, and Spencer Belcher-Marks added another. In reply for AFC Swindon there was an own goal from Defence Academy’s Todd Hoyt and one from Stuart Dash. There are scheduled to be two more fixtures in the North Wiltshire Division next week with AFC Swindon meeting Defence Academy in the return fixture and Swindon Rovers hosting Marlborough Town.

The Mid Wiltshire Division is set to kick-off next Monday when Holt host Royal Wootton Bassett Town Yellow, with another game scheduled for Tuesday.  Clubs in the Mid Wiltshire Division should note that Chippenham Yard Dogs will not now be running in the league this season.

All Vets sides are reminded that they need to have players registered with the Registration Secretary no later than 12 noon on the date of the players first match.   Clubs should check on the Whole Game System that the player in question is in their list of registered players before allowing them to play. Further details on the rules regarding qualification of players can be found on Pages 28 and 45 of the League Handbook. The rules can also be accessed on the League website by using the following link: www.wiltshireseniorleague.co.uk/vets-division

Clubs are also reminded of the need to send the Registration Secretary a team/result sheet and referee report for each completed game. All sections of results sheet need to be completed ensuring that scores are indicated, that sportsmanship marks, final scorers are filled in and the sheet is signed. The result sheet can be completed using Full time, but the Registration Secretary still needs a copy scanned and emailed or posted to him. The referee report can also be completed online in Full time or scanned and sent to the Registration Secretary. These reports must be completed, and a copy with the Registration Secretary within 3 days of the fixture.

Wiltshire Veterans Cup
The draw for the First Round of Wiltshire FA’s Veteran’s County Cup has been made by the Wiltshire FA and is as follows:

Wiltshire Veteran’s Cup
First Round Draw
Stratton Juniors v FC Calne
Marlborough Town v Cricklade Town
Melksham Town v AFC Swindon

Swindon Rovers bye
Holt bye
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Blue bye
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Yellow bye
Trowbridge Tigers bye

Vets Round-up 5 November 2019
Much Closer Affair in Second Meeting
Two more fixtures in the veterans Division this week with the action commencing on Monday night with a quick-fire re-match between AFC Swindon and the Defence Academy just seven days after the first meeting between the two sides. The first meeting had seen the Defence Academy win 6-2 but it was a much closer affair this time round. However, two goals from Lee Stoddart, taking him to four for the season, were not enough to give AFC Swindon their first point of the season as they went down to their fourth defeat of the campaign. On target for the Defence Academy were Ian Thornton, who also scored twice on the night, and James Schofield in a 3-2 win that put them level on points with Swindon Rovers at the top of the table ahead of Rovers game against Marlborough Town.

On Tuesday night both Swindon Rovers and Marlborough Town went into their game at New College with 100% records from their opening league fixtures in a bonfire night meeting that had the potential to be a real sparkler. In the end Marlborough ran out comfortable winners as last season’s Flexi League winners showed that they will again be the team to beat. They raced into a 3-0 lead but on the stroke of half time Leon Hills pulled one back for Swindon Rovers. There was to be no comeback though as Marlborough scored four unanswered goals in the second half to finish 7-1 winners on the night to move top of the table. Marlborough’s goals came courtesy of Rich Clark with a hat-trick and two for both Ryan Banks and Dennis King.

It is disappointing to report that, following the recent withdrawal of Chippenham Yard Dogs, the Mid Wiltshire Division has also now lost FC Calne due to a shortage of players and lack of a home venue. FC Calne hope to solve these issues in time and re-join the league in subsequent seasons. In light of these two withdrawals the league is now looking into combining the two divisions into one division.

North Wiltshire Division Results
AFC Swindon 2 Defence Academy 3
Swindon Rovers 1 Marlborough Town 7

Vets Round-up 12  November 2019
Stratton Juniors Hold New Leaders
There was one game in the Veterans Division of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League and it saw Swindon Rovers move top of the North Wiltshire Division table following an entertaining draw with Stratton Juniors. Neil Feline put Swindon Rovers in front after 16 minutes and it remained 1-0 at half time. Soon after the restart Stratton got back on level terms and then seven minutes later went in front for the first time, the two Stratton goals coming courtesy of Sam Hudson and Vince McMackin. Then seven minutes from time Swindon Rovers scored the vital equaliser to move above both Marlborough Town and Defence Academy at the top of the table, although both these sides have games in hand over the new leaders.

Results -  North Wiltshire Vets Division
Swindon Rovers 2 Stratton Juniors 2
 
Vets Round-up 19 November 2019
Vets Divisions Amalgamated
Nick Warren and Paul Davis who were both on the score sheet in the 3-1 win over Swindon Rovers
As a result of Chippenham Yard Dogs and FC Calne being unable to play in the Veterans League this season due to pitch and player availability, the Mid Wiltshire Division was left with just three teams. The clubs in the Mid Wiltshire Division were consulted about amalgamating with the North Wiltshire Division and both Royal Wootton Bassett Yellow and Trowbridge Tigers were happy to play in an amalgamated division.  The two divisions have therefore been combined into one division. Understandably, the travelling would be too much for Holt and they have withdrawn from the league for now. Between now and the end of the season, the league will liaise with the Wiltshire FA to drum up interest in Mid and South Wiltshire and hopefully resurrect the Mid Wiltshire Division for next season.  

Action in the Vets Division this week saw two games played. On Monday night Defence Academy went into their game against Stratton Juniors knowing that a point would take them back top of the table. However, a win for Stratton Juniors would also see them go above their opponents to head the table. As a result, a close encounter was expected and so it proved with the two sides sharing four goals and the points. On target for Stratton Juniors were Ryan Mason and Matt Tate, the latter scoring from the penalty spot for his second goal of the season. Jim Schofield and Will Boreham with the two goals that sent Defence Academy top of the table.

The following night Royal Wootton Bassett Town Blue finally got their campaign under way away at Swindon Rovers. It was the home side who had the better of things in the first half and led 1-0 at the break courtesy of a goal from Richie Lester. The second half saw Royal Wootton Bassett Town step up their game and some clinical finishing saw them score three unanswered goals through Paul Davis, Nick Warren and Pete Wilson to take the three points as they ran out 3-1 winners. Despite the defeat Swindon Rovers stay second in the table behind Defence Academy on goal difference only.

Results -  North Wiltshire Vets Division
Defence Academy 2 Stratton Juniors 2
Swindon Rovers 1 Royal W. B. Town Blue 3
 
Vets Round-up 26 November 2019
Midweek Action (Or Lack Of It) This Week
Not much midweek action to report on this week as the weather once again decimated the scheduled fixtures. All the scheduled games in the Under 18 Division were postponed this week and just one of the three scheduled games in the Vets Division went ahead, that game being the game between AFC Swindon and Swindon Rovers on the New College 3G pitch. Swindon Rovers went into the game knowing that a point would take them back top of the table. A goal in the very first minute through Peter Smith put Swindon Rovers ahead and they further extended their lead on nine minutes when the same player scored his second of the game after being set up by Darren McGowan. That was to be the end of the scoring in the opening half and there was to be no further goals in the second either as the 2-0 win sent Swindon Rovers three points clear of the Defence Academy at the top of the table, although Rovers have played at least two more games than all of their rivals.

Hopefully the weather will relent next week allowing the U18 games and the veterans game being played on grass to get the go ahead, in addition to the scheduled game on the New College 3G pitch.
Vets Round-up 3 December 2019
Trowbridge Tigers win their Opener
In the Vets Division just the one game was played this week, this on the 3G pitch at New College on Tuesday night when AFC Swindon hosted Trowbridge Tigers. Trowbridge were playing their first game of the season following the amalgamation of the two Vets divisions. Goals for AFC Swindon from Lee Stoddart, with his fifth of the season, and Christian Kostiuk, who netted his first of the season, were not enough to give AFC Swindon their first points. Clifford Sakyi amongst the goals for Trowbridge Tigers, scoring twice in their 5-2 win, the other Trowbridge goals being scored by Marc Sheppard, Lee Mattravis and Lee Ritson.

Results - Vets Division
Tuesday 3rd December
AFC Swindon 2 Trowbridge Tigers 5

Vets Round-up 10 December 2019
Dennis is the Penalty King
Two of the three scheduled games in the Vets Division were played this week and both were close affairs. On Monday night Marlborough Town travelled to Shrivenham looking to maintain their 100% record against the Defence Academy. The Defence Academy went into the game knowing a win for them would see them go level on points with Swindon Rovers at the top, with Rovers then scheduled to play the following night. The game on Monday night was to be decided in the very last minute when Marlborough Town were awarded a penalty. Dennis King stepped up to take the spot kick, held his nerve and fired in to give Marlborough Town a narrow 1-0 win to maintain that winning record. The win lifted Marlborough into second place in the table as they moved above the Defence Academy.

On Tuesday night the league leaders Swindon Rovers were once again in action playing their seventh fixture of the season, this time in the reverse match against Stratton Juniors, the two sides having drawn 2-2 in their first encounter last month. In a game played on the 3G pitch at New College, it was Swindon Rovers who were on top and created most of the chances in the first half, but the two sides turned around at the break with the game yet to see a goal. The deadlock was finally broken seven minutes into the second half when Swindon Rovers went in front and they then scored a second within a minute to extend their lead, Stuart Foulkes and Peter Smith with the opening two goals. That goal for Smith took him on to four for the season. Five minutes later Swindon Rovers’ Leon Hills went close to extending the lead further, but his effort was well saved by the Stratton keeper. However, he was not to be denied for long, adding a third for Rovers seven minutes from time to put Rovers 3-0 in front. Stratton Juniors responded almost immediately to going further behind, pulling the deficit back to two within a minute of that third Rovers goal. Mark Brimson the scorer for Stratton, notching his first of the season for what turned out to be a consolation goal as Swindon Rovers saw out the closing minutes of the game to run out 3-1 winners. That win sent them four points clear at the top of the table but having played four more games than second placed Marlborough who, having won the Flexi-League last season, once again look the team to beat this season.

The scheduled game at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground on Monday night between the two Royal Wootton Bassett Town sides was postponed with the Yellow side still to get their season underway and with the Blue side having just the one game so far and with both having some catching up to do in their fixtures in the New Year.

Vets Division Results
Defence Academy 0 Marlbrough Town 1
Stratton Juniors 1 Swindon Rovers 3

Vets Round-up 7 January 2020
League and Cup Action for the Vets
Action from AFC Swindon's county cup game at Melksham Town
(Picture courtesy of Starsphinx whose Wall Art & other products can be found at starsphinx.com/art)
Two league games in the Veterans Division this week saw wins for both Marlborough Town and Defence Academy who closed the gap to league leaders Swindon Rovers as a result. Marlborough Town maintained their 100% winning start to the season with their fourth consecutive victory, the latest success being a narrow 2-1 win over Royal Wootton Bassett Town Yellow who were playing their first game of the campaign. On target for Marlborough were Ryan Banks, taking his total for the Marlborough Vets side to five, and Lee Curtis, Andy Gibson replying for Royal Wootton Bassett Town. The win saw Marlborough stay in second place but move to within a point of Swindon Rovers, and with three games in hand on the leaders, Marlborough remain the favourites to be the initial champions of the Veterans Division.

Defence Academy, in third place, are two points behind Marlborough Town following a 2-0 victory over Trowbridge Tigers. Goals from Gavin Anderson and Ian Thornton did the damage for the Shrivenham based side.

As well as the two league games this week, AFC Swindon from the Veterans Division were also in action in the Wiltshire FA County Cup, playing away at Melksham Town. There was to be no first win of the season for the Swindon side though as they went down to a Steve Tweddle hat-trick plus further goals from Mark Badman, Mark Brown, Tom Staddon and an own goal as Melksham ran out 7-0 winners on the night to progress to the quarter final stage. Despite the defeat no doubt the AFC Swindon players enjoyed the experience of playing at the InfiLED Stadium.

Melksham will be joined in the quarter finals by Marlborough Town, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Blue, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Yellow, Stratton Juniors, Swindon Rovers and Trowbridge Tigers from the Veterans Division of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League plus St. Andrews/Holt FC.

Results
Vets Division
Defence Academy 2 Trowbridge Tigers 0
Marlborough Town 2 Royal Wootton Bassett Town Yellow 1

Wiltshire Veterans Cup
First Round
Melksham Town 7 AFC Swindon 0
Vets Round-up 14 January 2020
Win for Stratton Juniors & Vets County Cup Draw

Last season's Stratton Vets side

Just one of the three scheduled Veterans fixtures survived the wet weather this week and once again it was the game played on the 3G at New College. Stratton Juniors only win of the season ahead of their meeting on Tuesday night with AFC Swindon had been against the same opponents in their opening fixture of the season, when they had won 5-1. Since then they had picked up a two more points from a couple of hard fought 2-2 draws against Swindon Rovers and the Defence Academy but had lost in the return fixture with Swindon Rovers and had also lost in their second fixture of the season to Marlborough Town. AFC Swindon had yet to pick up a point from six games ahead of the match but have shown signs of improvement as the season has progressed. They remain without a point after Tuesday’s encounter after Stratton Juniors completed the double over them, Vincent McMackin firing a hat-trick with Simon English netting twice in a 5-2 win. Lee Stoddart and Christian Kostiuk replied for AFC Swindon, both scoring for the second consecutive league fixture.
AFC Swindon Vets (picture courtesy of Christian Kostiuk)
The other news in the Vets Division this week is the publication by the Wiltshire FA of the quarter final draw for their Veterans County Cup with six sides from the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League Vets Division still involved in the competition. The tie of the round sees Marlborough Town, who have a 100% record in the league so far this season, travel to the InfiLED Stadium to take on Melksham Town, a team from outside the league. Swindon Rovers have also been drawn away to a side who are not competing in the league this season as they take on St Andrews (formerly Holt FC). The other two ties are all Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League affairs with Royal Wootton Basset Town Blue home to Trowbridge Tigers and Stratton Juniors at home to the other Royal Wootton Bassett Town side. The full draw is:

Melksham Town v Marlborough Town
St Andrews v Swindon Rovers
Royal W.B.T. Blue v Trowbridge Tigers
Stratton Juniors v Royal W.B.T. Yellow

Vets Round-up 21 January 2020
Marlborough Maintain 100% Record
Once again just one game in the Vets Division survived the weather, that being the game played on the 3G pitch at New College, with the three games scheduled to be played on grass all being postponed. The two Royal Wootton Bassett Town sides and Trowbridge Tigers certainly now have some catching up to do with their fixtures. 

The game that did go ahead saw Marlborough Town maintain their 100% record with a 4-0 win over AFC Swindon and go top of the league table. On target for Marlborough were Ryan Banks, Darren Cummins, Rich Clark and Dennis King, the latter scoring from the penalty spot. The win saw Marlborough move two points clear of Swindon Rovers having played two games less with Marlborough now five from five.
Vets Round-up 28 January 2020
Defence Academy Rewarded with Big Win
Postponements were again the theme in the Veterans division but for once the game that did go ahead was on grass at the Defence Academy. The home side were rewarded for their endeavours with getting the game on by being able to field a full-strength side for the first time this season and secured their biggest win of the season as they ran out 9-0 winners over Royal Wootton Bassett Town Yellow. Star of the show was Jim Schofield who smashed seven past the visitors, Will Andrew with the other two goals for the Shrivenham based side. The scheduled game at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground was postponed as was the scheduled fixture on the 3G at New College with Trowbridge Tigers unable to raise a side on the night.

Vets Round-up 4 February 2020
Wins for Defence Academy & RWBT Blues
Kick-off in the AFC Swindon v RWBT Blue fixture
(picture courtesy of Mike Wray - Your Sport Swindon)
Defence Academy Swindon returned to the top of the Vets Division table on Tuesday night with a hard fought 2-0 win over Stratton Juniors. Once again it was Jim Schofield doing the damage, having hit seven the previous week in the Academy’s 9-0 win over Royal Wootton Bassett Town Yellow, he scored both of the goals that secured the three points against Stratton that sent his side back to the top of the table.

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Blue were playing only their second game of the season due to pitch issues when they travelled to New College to take on AFC Swindon who themselves were playing their ninth fixture of the season. AFC Swindon were still looking for that first elusive point, whilst their opponents had won their only game played ahead of the fixture. With Royal Wootton Bassett Town Blue 3-1 to the good it looked like AFC Swindon would again suffer defeat, but they fought back to get on level terms at 3-3. However, the point slipped away from their grasp as the final ten minutes saw Royal Wootton Bassett Town Blue score four unanswered goals to give the final score line a somewhat flattering look to it given how hard AFC Swindon had battled on the night. Former Royal Wootton Bassett Town first team player Lee Stoddart scored the opener for AFC Swindon against his old club, his 7th goal of the campaign, Jason Cobb and an own goal from a Stoddart cross with the other two AFC Swindon goals. For Royal Wootton Bassett Town the star of the show was Steve Howse who scored four times, the other goals coming courtesy of player-manager Nick Warren, Martin Ohrland and Steve Shaw.

Your Sport Swindon covered the game between AFC Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett Town Blue, click on their logo below to be taken to coverage of the game.
Pictures above courtesy of Mike Wray
Steve Howse (4), Steve Shaw and Nick Warren  who were all on target for RWBT Blue in their 7-3 win
Vets Round-up 4 February 2020
Yellow Side Get First Win in RWBT Derby
Jon Davis about to strike what turned out to be the winning goal for RWBT Yellow Vets
There was rare Vets Division action on Saturday afternoon when the two Royal Wootton Bassett Town sides met as the two sides looked to play catch up with their fixtures. With the Yellow side having suffered a heavy defeat in their last fixture against the Defence Academy and the Blue side being unbeaten in their opening two fixtures the Blue side went into the game as favourites but in a competitive encounter the honours were to go to the Yellow side who picked up their first win of the campaign with a 1-0 win. The deciding goal came towards the end of the first half when Jon Davis broke down the right flank and chipped the ball into the far top corner of the net to put the Yellow side ahead. Second half saw both sides create chances, with Davis and Chris Cooper being the architects of much of the Yellow sides attacking play, but neither side was able to add to that first half Davis goal. Something of a surprise result given the two sides previous results but a thoroughly deserved win for the Yellow side. On the day the Blues certainly missed the goal scoring prowess of Steve Shaw, part of the management team at the club’s Development Team fixture at Marlborough, and Steve Howse who had hit four in their last fixture with AFC Swindon.

With the Defence Academy having to postpone this and next week’s league fixture and with County Cup games also impacting scheduled league games it means there will be no league fixtures in the Veterans Division this coming week.
Vets Round-up 18 February 2020
Dingle Hat-trick Sends Marlborough Back Top
Tom Dingle who scored a hat-trick to send Marlborough Town back top of the Vets Division
Action in the Vets this week saw one league game played plus two of our sides in Wiltshire FA County Cup action.

In the league Marlborough Town continued their great start to the season with a convincing 7-1 win over AFC Swindon, a win which saw them move back top of the league and maintain their 100% winning start to the season. On target for the new leaders were Tom Dingle with a hat-trick, Lee Curtis and Antony Clark both scoring twice.

There was an exciting tie in the quarter finals of the Wiltshire FA’s County Veterans Cup at the Gerard Buxton Ground. Royal Wootton Bassett Town went in front in the first half through a Steve Shaw goal, but visitors Trowbridge Tigers fought back after the break to go 3-1 up thanks to goals from Phil Lewis, Clifford Sakyi and John Reed. However, the home side got back on level terms with two further goals from Shaw to complete his hat-trick and send the game into extra time. Royal Wootton Bassett Town were much the stronger side in the additional time scoring four unanswered goals through Alex Hill, Martin Ohrland, Gavin Cook and Steve Howse to secure a 7-3 win and join Melksham Town and Stratton Juniors in the semi-finals. The final quarter final tie is scheduled to be between St Andrews/Holt and Swindon Rovers.
Steve Shaw who scored a hat-trick in RWBT Blues 7-3 extra-time win over Trowbridge Tigers in the Wiltshire Veterans County Cup
Vets Round-up 8 March 2020
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Progress in County Cup
Steve Shaw who scored one of RWBT Blue's goals in their 3-1 win over Stratton Juniors in the Wilts Veterans Cup
This week’s Vets action has seen one league game played and a County Cup game involving two teams from the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League Vet’s Division. 

In the league on Tuesday night Marlborough Town extended their lead at the top with a narrow 4-3 win over Stratton Juniors. When the two sides had met earlier in the season Marlborough had been comfortable winners, but this time round Stratton pushed them all the way. On target for the league leaders were Ryan Banks, Lee Curtis, Rich Clark and Steve Wyatt, Vincent McMackin, Anthony McAteer and Neil Tonner replied for Stratton. The win maintained Marlborough’s 100% record in the league and extended their lead at the top to five points over second placed Defence Academy who have played one game more.

On Sunday the first semi-final in the Wiltshire FA Veteran’s Cup took place and it saw Stratton Juniors playing their second game of the week as they travelled to the Gerard Buxton Ground to meet Royal Wootton Bassett Town Blue on the 3G pitch. Unfortunately for Stratton they were again on the wrong end of another close contest as they went down 3-1. Vince McMackin was again on the score sheet with his eighth of the season, with Royal Wootton Bassett Town’s goals coming from Gavin Cook, Martin Cooper and Steve Shaw. Royal Wootton Bassett Town Blue will now meet either fellow Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League side Swindon Rovers or Melksham Town in the final.

Veterans Division
Tuesday 3rd March 2020
Marlborough Town 4 Stratton Juniors 3

Wiltshire Veterans Cup
Sunday 8th March 2020
Royal W. Bassett Town Blue 3 Stratton Juniors 1
Ryan Banks who was again amongst the goals as Marlborough Town maintained their 100% record in the league
Vets Draft Constitution Season 2020-21 - 15 June 2020
The Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League hopes to run at least two Veterans’ Divisions during the 2020/21 season, which will be regionalised - a North Wiltshire based division (Swindon) and second for Mid/South Wiltshire.

The list of teams looking to take part next season has increased as a result of the assistance from the Wiltshire FA in soliciting new teams. The latest list of clubs who have shown an interest in running next season is as follows:

AFC Swindon
Defence Academy FC
Devizes Town 1 FC*
Devizes Town 2 FC*
Chippenham Yard Dogs FC*
FC Calne*
KLMC FC*
Marlborough Town FC
Melksham Town FC*
Redhouse FC*
Royal Wootton Bassett Town FC
St Andrews*
Stratton Juniors FC
Swindon Rovers FC
Trowbridge Tigers FC

* denotes new Club to be elected into the League at the AGM

The League arranges fixtures with the aim of each team playing at least one fixture a fortnight - matches are generally 25 minutes each way with players being over 35.

The modernised playing format includes making use of 3G FTP pitches during midweek.  The League hires the venues and the home club is responsible for reimbursing the League.  The league hope to make use of three pitch slots next season -

New College, Swindon on a Tuesday night (8:30pm to 9:30pm)
Green Lane Playing Fields, Devizes on a Monday and Tuesday night (9:00pm to 10:00pm)

And, if a club has their own pitch (either 3G or grass with floodlights), they are welcome to enter and host their opposition.

The league format is 11v11 and players are registered using the FA Whole Game System whilst fixtures, referee appointments, results and tables are published on the FA Full-Time website.  All new clubs/teams will be given training and access if they are not familiar with these systems.

    Annual League fees are £30
    Players' Registration fees are £2 each
    Referees' fees are £30
    Pitch hire fees are £80 (this should only have to be paid once a month on average)
    The League will give each Club a set of 8 water bottles plus coloured bibs for substitutes

In addition to these league fixtures, Wiltshire FA also run a County Cup Competition for Veterans' teams.

For more information or to register an interest in joining please contact Jim Thorn on 07860 520046 or jim.thorn@wiltshireseniorleague.co.uk

There is still capacity for additional sides who can utilise the third party hired facilities if they do not have their own facility available. Any teams that are interested in entering should contact Secretary Jim Thorn by email at
 jim.thorn@wiltshireseniorleague.co.uk

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