Two goals. Another clean sheet. Three more points. And - most importantly- one step closer to taking over top spot in the South West Regional Women's Football League Division One North.

Royal Wootton Bassett Town's 2-0 triumph against Mangotsfield United saw them pull within three points of leaders Corsham Town with two games in hand still to play.

Top spot could therefore belong to Bassett by this time next weekend if James Lally's side can claim victory against either Stockwood Wanderers or Cirencester Town - their opponents on Thursday and next Sunday.

Victory in both games would see Bassett, barring any huge shifts in goal difference, require just one win from their final two fixtures to seal the title.

While claiming their latest victory and another clean sheet, Bassett were not quite at their best against Mangotsfield.

Indeed they were rather lucky to have not fallen behind in an opening period that saw the visitors squander a series of gilt-edged chances.

Mangotsfield should really have been ahead when Adele Elliott shrugged off the attentions of Alice Bowden to get on the end of a long throw in behind the defence but she could only find the side netting.

After Bassett gave the ball away in their own half, Elliott teed up an unmarked Brooke Moore who skied over the bar.

Their best opportunity to go ahead then fell to Moore after Mangotsfield won a penalty but she dragged her spot pick onto the left post.

Bassett had their moments too with Poppy Wannell dragging wide and Honor Fraser firing over when through one-on-one.

But they wound up going ahead shortly before the half time. Lauren Bulley's finish wasn't the prettiest but it was a vital goal as she steered in from a Fraser cut back after good work to win back the ball from Tori Taylor and Elle Scott's pass into the right channel.

Bassett then doubled their lead shortly after the restart as captain Laura Jefferies swung in a corner that evaded everyone and found its way in at the far post.

The second goal seemed to settle Bassett.

And Wannell was inches away from making it three after picking off a pass before narrowly dragging wide of the post.

A third goal wasn't needed though as Mangotsfield created little in the second period - and Bassett sealed another crucial three points in a thrilling title race.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 26th April 2026 at 20:50