Wednesday 3rd April 2024
It's now the business end of the season - and there are a pair of vital games involving Royal Wootton Bassett Town's Women's and Men's First Team sides this weekend.
On Sunday the Women's First Team entertain Ilminster Town in the quarter finals of the South West Regional Women's Football League Divisional Cup (Gerard Buxton Sports Ground AGP, 2pm kick off).
Both teams were relegated last season and have enjoyed successful league campaigns. Bassett are confirmed as runners-up in the South West Regional Women's Football League Eastern Division, while Ilminster are one of three teams still in the mix for the Western Division title, currently sitting top.
Both have their eyes on cup success too - with a semi final date away at Weston Super Mare or AEK Boco to play for on Sunday.
League rivals last season, Bassett recorded a double over Ilminster - including a 5-0 home victory. But Ilminster have a clear advantage in the teams' historical head-to-head record, having won six of eight previous meetings.
Admission on Sunday is £4 for adults, £2 for concessions and free for RWBTFC youth members.
Prior to that Saturday sees the Men's First Team visit fellow playoff contenders Cinderford Town (3pm kick off).
Please note the game will take place at Westfields FC's AllPay Park ground.
Depending on midweek results, the game could see a win being enough to confirm a playoff place. Alternatively, it could see Bassett need to get a result to avoid having to go into their final game of the season at Slimbridge likely needing a win. That is how tight things are currently and how important Saturday is.
Sam Collier's side came from behind to earn a late point against the Foresters when the teams met at the Sustain Stadium in January - and Bassett will have to be at their best to get something from a ground that is always a difficult place to visit.
Bassett did triumph on their last visit to Cinderford though - turning around a 2-0 deficit before winning on penalties in a dramatic 2020-21 FA Cup preliminary round tie.
The Development team also face a tough tes away against Wiltshire League Premier Division high-flyers Kintbury Rangers on Saturday (3pm kick off). Currently second, Kintbury are looking to keep in touch with title favourites Amesbury Town.
Bassett's earlier season meeting did see Mark Simpkins' side take a point off Rangers in a hugely exciting 4-4 draw. With what Kintbury are playing for, Bassett will have to be at their best in order to have a chance of coming home with something to show for.
Last modified on Friday 5th April 2024 at 09:04.
