Laura Jefferies scored the only goal of the game as Royal Wootton Bassett Town earned an important derby win over Corsham Town to move up to third in the South West Regional Women's Football League Division One North.

Coupled with Cirencester Town's narrow defeat against league leaders Gloucester City, the result took Bassett above the Centurions.

And Adam Wood's side also pulled to within a point of Bitton, with a move up into second place next on Bassett's list of targets for the remainder of the season.

Against Corsham, Bassett didn't just have to battle a tough opponent who have found their form, but also the conditions on a blustery February afternoon.

As a consequence the game wasn't much of a spectacle. But Bassett did enough to pull through.

Neither side created much in the first half - with Bassett playing against the wind in the opening 45 minutes.

The game did open up a little after the restart, though clear chances were at a premium.

Gabby Menghini and Tia Mahadevan threatened early on for the visitors, the latter forcing a save from Millie Powell.

A dangerous Jefferies set piece delivery flashed across the face of the Corsham goal, with the touch it needed to be directed in not forthcoming.

Back at the other, Amy Hards steered wide from a Katie Evans cross.

The only goal of the game then arrived. Jefferies delivered another free kick into the area that Corsham 'keeper Lily Lewis rose to punch. However she could only clear the ball as far as Jefferies, who - at the second attempt - produced a cross-cum-shot that sailed in at the far post.

That would be all that Bassett needed as they made it three league wins in a row - a number they'll be looking to stretch to four away against strugglers SGS Olveston United next week before a potentially decisive run of games featuring away derby trips to Corsham and Cirencester and a home encounter with Bath City.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 23rd February 2025 at 19:44