Royal Wootton Bassett Town and Worcester Raiders played out a 1-1 draw at the Sustain Stadium - a result that doesn't do either side too much of a favour in the tense race for the Hellenic League Premier Division playoffs.

Bassett had led midway through the first half when, from twenty yards out, Brad Pagliaroli whipped a stunning free kick into the top right corner. A phenomenal set piece, the Bassett forward left a despairing, helpless Charlie Emery in the Raiders goal absolutely no chance to keep the ball out.

But Raiders levelled ten minutes before the half time whistle. A move that began with Sam Whitton picking out Jake Collins with a fine pass ended with Simeone Okoro firing at goal, with his shot proving too powerful for Bassett 'keeper Dan Brabham - who got a hand to the ball - to keep out.

The pieces of the promotion and playoff puzzle have now started to fall into place.

Combined with Pershore Town's heavy defeat against Hartpury University, the draw between Bassett and Raiders means that Hartpury and Mangotsfield United are both now guaranteed a top five finish.

Roman Glass St George are four points away from joining them, with Sporting Club Inkberrow requiring two wins to seal a playoff spot (though both teams realistically need less).

In the race for fifth, Bassett are now three points behind Highworth Town, who comfortably beat Slimbridge in the evening's other game. The Worthians still boast a game in hand and can strike a decisive blow by winning that.

The positive is that Sam Collier's side now hold a four point lead over Pershore - who Bassett meet next in the league. Pershore do possess a game in hand, but now surely have to beat Bassett if they are to retain any hopes of overhauling them.

Raiders remain seventh, two points behind having played a game more, while Fairford Town trail by six points with two games in hand to spare.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Tuesday 25th February 2025 at 21:55