Royal Wootton Bassett Town moved back within just one point of a place in the Hellenic League Premier Division top five after a 2-1 derby win at Cirencester Town kept their playoff push on track.

While 15th in the table, Cirencester have been on a strong run of late, winning four - including away at second place Mangotsfield United, drawing one and losing one in their last six league games.

Sam Collier and his side therefore knew that a tough encounter was going to be in store. But Bassett held their nerve to notch another big three points in the playoff race.

The visitors led early after being awarded a sixth minute penalty for a handball in the box. The ice cool Jack Hobson-McVeigh stepped up to the mark and stroked the ball home to put Bassett ahead.

Bassett were in front for just quarter of an hour though. Shortly after seeing a header well saved by Dan Brabham, Cirencester captain Aidan Bennett got the better of the Bassett 'keeper to cap a well worked move.

After an evenly matched opening period, the teams ultimately went into the break level.

But Bassett would strike what proved to be the decisive goal shortly after the restart as a Kyle Witt strike took a deflection and found its way past Ronnie Newberry.

Bassett then saw out the remainder of the game, the defence offering Cirencester little as the home side struggled to muster a response after going behind again.

Bassett certainly did what they had to do - win. And to make the afternoon even better, results elsewhere went their way.

Pershore Town's defeat against Tuffley Rovers means Bassett move into sixth, three points ahead of the Plums (who do still have a game in hand).

Indeed Pershore slipped to eighth - beneath Worcester Raiders who Bassett host on Tuesday.

More importantly, Bassett also closed the gap on Highworth Town - who currently occupy the fifth and final playoff spot - after the Worthians were held to a 1-1 draw by Fairford Town. Highworth's advantage over Bassett is now just one point. They do, like Pershore, have a game in hand to play, but the pressure is building.

What is clear is that the final few weeks of the season will be full of intrigue with plenty of twists and turns to come.

Adding to the drama is the number of games the contenders for fifth still have to play against each other (assuming Hartpury University, Mangotsfield, Roman Glass St George and Sporting Club Inkberrow lock down the top four spots).

After hosting Raiders, Bassett visit Pershore.

Highworth still have Pershore and leaders Hartpury University to play.

In addition to Bassett and Highworth, the Plums' final six games also see them face Hartpury and Mangotsfield.

Raiders and Fairford may fancy their chances too - and still have to face each other.

Fairford also must take on Sporting Club Inkberrow and Roman Glass St George.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 22nd February 2025 at 19:36