Tuesday 17th April 2018

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 15 Blues seek to complete the first part of a potential treble this Sunday when they face Castle Combe Colts in the final of the Wiltshire County Cup.

Already into the final of the North Wilts League Cup and well-placed for a tilt at the Division One title, Bassett are enjoying a record-setting season.

And victory in Sunday's game, which takes place at Melksham Town's Oakfield Stadium (1.30pm kick off), will see them become the club's first youth side to be crowned county champions since Bassett's Under 11s triumphed in 2006-07.

In their way stand league rivals Castle Combe Colts, who are currently third in the league, a place below Bassett.

The teams have already met twice so far this season, with the Blues winning comfortably on both occasions. They triumphed 5-0 in a league meeting back in November before sealing an 8-1 victory in a North Wilts Cup quarter final tie in December.

Yet, Bassett can ill-afford to be complacent going into a final which Castle Combe's players will no doubt be pumped up for.

They have enjoyed a hugely impressive run to the County Cup final too. In the opening round, Castle Combe defeated Durrington Youth 10-1, before racking up a goal more in a 11-1 second round thrashing of Mere Town Youth.

That set up a third round trip to Warminster Highbury Reds. And a tight encounter was edged 3-2, the first of three narrow victories, all won by the odd goal in five, to book a final place, all of which demonstrated great character.

In the quarter finals they saw off North Wilts League Division Two title contenders before beating Division One rivals Lydiard Millicent Juniors in the last four.

Bassett received a bye in the opening two rounds, their first round game against Highworth Town Juniors J being awarded.

When they first set foot on the pitch in the third round the Blues came back from the long journey to face Alderbury Juniors Warriors 8-0 victors, the goals being shared between Landon Golding (2), Thomas Pitt (2), Nathaniel Bell, Michael Gilder, Billy Saunders and Daniel Warre.

That set up a tricky quarter final tie away against main Division One title rivals Swindon Supermarine R. But Bassett were brilliant, recording a 4-0 triumph courtesy of goals from Bell, Golding, Warre and Jack Langcaster.

Their semi final game – again on the road, this time at Trowbridge Youth Lions – was frustratingly postponed three times. The wait to play the game finally ended at the weekend, and it was more than worth a wait as the teams played out a thrilling encounter.

Trowbridge went ahead, holding the lead up until quarter of an hour remained before Ben Cardus equalised with his first goal of the season. Bassett were then awarded a penalty with two minutes remaining, which Warre – having missed earlier from the spot – tucked away to seal the win.

The Blues will now be hoping to taste success in the final and seal their first of, hopefully, three pieces of silverware this season.

And it would be great to see them cheered on by a healthy contingent of Bassett support!

Last modified on Tuesday 17th April 2018 at 08:00.