Saturday 23rd March 2024

Royal Wootton Bassett Town further enhanced not just their playoff hopes, but their chances of a top three Hellenic League Premier Division finish without even having to kick a ball this week as three rivals all dropped points.

Tuesday night had seen Slimbridge (1-0 away at basement dwellers Wantage Town) and Cinderford Town (2-1 at Thornbury Town) both record wins by the narrowest of margins to initially keep pace with Sam Collier's side.

Highworth Town then dropped points on Thursday night as they were held to a 1-1 draw away at Mangotsfield United. The Worthians slipped up again on Saturday as they lost 1-0 to Westfields.

Inactive in midweek, Roman Glass St George lost ground on Saturday with a 3-1 defeat at Cinderford. And Slimbridge slipped up too, requiring a late equaliser to claim a point in a 2-2 draw at home against Hereford Pegasus.

Roman Glass must now win all of their remaining games and hope Bassett lose their three remaining fixtures to finish above Sam Collier's side. Slimbridge, meanwhile, cannot afford to lose when they host Bassett next week if they are to finish ahead of Collier's team.

Indeed, Bassett can now punch their playoff ticket with victory against Slimbridge.

Having failed to win against Pegasus, the Swans are probably outsiders in the race for a top three finish (which would guarantee a home semi final).

And the points Highworth have dropped this week arguably put Bassett in the driving seat - albeit with some work still to do. Bassett lead the Worthians - who have three games in hand by nine points. Bassett's advantage over Cinderford (their final opponents) is eight points with the Foresters also holding three games in hand.

Victories on Saturday for current leaders Corsham Town (1-0 against Hereford Lads Club) and title favourites Worcester City (4-1 against Brimscombe and Thrupp) mean they have all but guaranteed at least a top two placing.

Last modified on Sunday 24th March 2024 at 08:58.