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Ladies take it to the wire

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies' hard-fought 2-0 victory away against mid-table Oldland Abbotonians means the destination if the South West Women's Football League Eastern Division title will be decided on the final game of the season.

After their midweek draw away against Frome Town, Becky Gammon's team needed to record a win to keep their hopes of laying their hands on the trophy alive.

And a workmanlike display against their Bristol-based opponents saw them do just that.

A slow start from the visitors contributed to a goalless opening period.

However, ten minutes after the restart Laura Gammon struck into the bottom corner after good passing play in the box to give Bassett the lead.

Leading by a single goal, Bassett remained somewhat tense - understandable given the circumstance.

But Michelle Rich would calm those nerves on eighty minutes, completing a fine run by rounding the 'keeper and slotting home.

To finish top, Bassett do still need help from elsewhere on the final day of the campaign.

Should they win or draw against Cheltenham Town Development and Portishead lose against Almondsbury (or Bassett win and Portishead draw), then the title will be Bassett's.

Barring a substantial, unlikely swing in goal difference, then victories for both Bassett and Portishead will see the Somerset-side crowned champions.

Swindon Town Development, who face Swindon Spitfires on the final day, are not out of the running either. A healthy win for them, coupled with defeats for Bassett and Portishead would mean they jump from third to the summit.

With the Robins Development squad three points behind, a draw will be enough for both Bassett and Portishead to guarantee at least runners-up though.

Whatever happens, it's poised to be a thrilling finale, with one of three excellent, worthy teams lifting the trophy.

Credit: Stuart
Last modified on Sunday 13th May 2018 at 17:10