Allpay Park, 6 April 2024

Royal Wootton Bassett Town's place in the Hellenic League Premier Division playoffs may not yet be fully confirmed. But a 1-0 victory courtesy of a dramatic late Tommy Ouldridge goal 'away' at playoff rivals Cinderford Town means that Sam Collier and his team have one foot firmly in the postseason door, with the other just centimetres away from crossing the threshold.

Victory, coupled with Highworth Town's 2-0 defeat against Tuffley Rovers, also means that Bassett should now be firm favourites to finish in third place - which comes with the benefit of having home advantage in the playoff semi finals.

Bassett's visit to Cinderford - moved less than 48 hours before kick off to Westfields' Allpay Park ground due to the Foresters suffering a spate of recent postponements - was a tight, edgy contest with chances at a premium.

But with the game seemingly set to end in stalemate, Ouldridge fired a fine finish into top corner from just outside the box after Bassett recycled the ball following a half cleared corner.

Having won on all three of their planned visits to Hereford this season, this unscheduled trip made it a fine four from four in a city that has been Bassett's home away from home during this hugely successful campaign.

In fairness, a draw would have been a very helpful result for Bassett. But the three points are doubly satisfying given its ramifications.

These are outlined in full below. But essentially Bassett will now finish above Slimbridge if they avoid defeat against the Swans next Saturday (that could be confirmed sooner if Slimbridge fail to beat Mangotsfield United in midweek).

And Highworth and Cinderford - nine and ten points behind respectively both with three games in hand and a match against each other to play this Thursday - now have a huge amount of work to do if they are to overhaul Bassett.

The playoff race - updated state of play

The title race

Following Corsham Town's surprise 2-2 home draw against Longlevens, Worcester City will be crowned champions if they record just a point more - their next game is away against Thornbury Town on Tuesday

Corsham are guaranteed a runners-up finish. But the remaining three playoff spots are still up for grabs.

Bassett's playoff hopes

Bassett theoretically need just a point against Slimbridge next Saturday to qualify- but their playoff place could be confirmed earlier if Slimbridge fail to beat Mangotsfield United on Wednesday or if Cinderford lose to Highworth on Thursday.

Either way, Bassett's place will only really be in any peril if they lose at Slimbridge, Cinderford and Highworth draw, and both those teams then win all of their other three fixtures (a tough ask considering Cinderford are due to play Worcester and Highworth are still to face Corsham).

The battle for third place

Bassett are in the driving seat - but still likely need a result in their final game.

In order for Slimbridge to overtake them, they must now beat Mangotsfield on Wednesday and then win against Bassett on Saturday.

Cinderford have to claim ten points from their remaining four games, hope Bassett lose against Slimbridge and overturn a four goal deficit on goal difference.

Even if Bassett beat Slimbridge, Highworth can still take third - but only if they win all four of their outstanding fixtures. If Bassett draw, Highworth need ten points from those games. If Bassett lose, three wins out of four will see the Worthians finish ahead of Bassett.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 6th April 2024 at 22:09