With two games to go in the South West Regional Women's Football League Division One North, Royal Wootton Bassett Town are in top spot.

How they reached the summit was eventful and drama-filled though as Bassett - playing the majority of the match with ten players - came from behind to earn a 2-1 victory in a feisty derby against Cirencester Town.

Megan Young's last minute goal snatched victory, ensuring Bassett finished a tumultuous few days on a high and with their fate in their own hands. Just.

Thursday's shock defeat against Stockwood Wanderers turned this game into one Bassett had to win to avoid having to rely on results elsewhere in their final two games to overtake Corsham Town.

And it looked as though Bassett's afternoon was destined to end in what would have been a disappointing, dispiriting draw too.

Bassett didn't make things easy for themselves after Poppy Wannell was dismissed in the first half. The young forward let her emotions in the heat of the battle get the better of her, with the referee initially sending her to the sin bin for her language before upgrading that to a red card after Wannell did not back down.

Bassett then saw what seemed to be a perfectly legitimate goal from Hannah Gulliver ruled out for offside when she bundled in the rebound after a Mia Mugford shot was saved.

To compound matters, Cirencester quickly went up the other end and took the lead through Annie Martin.

Bassett now had to chase the game short-handed.

The hosts eventually levelled when player of the match Briony Hurd found the net following an Elle Scott free kick delivery.

Then, in the final minute, a Scott corner fell to Young, who - much to the delight (and relief) of her team - put the ball away.

It was all too much for Cirencester too as defender Sarah Rayworth decided to deliver an elbow to the ribs of Bassett's Lauren Bulley.

That massively unspotting act earned her a deserved straight red card - with the referee also calling time.

Bassett had snared the victory they needed.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 3rd May 2026 at 21:50