The only remaining unbeaten side in the Hellenic League Premier Division - and the only team yet to taste defeat in all competitions thanks to their runs in the FA Cup and Vase, Cirencester Town continued their strong early season form as they claimed the derby spoils against Royal Wootton Bassett Town.

Jonny Aitkenhead's side were unable to build on Saturday's morale boosting first victory of the season against Droitwich Spa, falling to a 3-0 defeat against the Centurions.

Forcing a change in a key spot, the Bassett boss had to do without 'keeper Josh Sawyer - the hero of Saturday's victory. In his place came debutant shotstopper Leimar Dinnall, who was given the awkward task of stepping in between the sticks among a group of players he was meeting for the first time.

And it proved something of a baptism of fire for the young 'keeper as he was beaten with only seven minutes on the clock as Jayden Stratford found the net. It was a somewhat fortunate goal, coming at the third bite of the cherry for Cirencester. From Dan Hill's cross Ross Langworthy struck the bar before Jamol Dare saw an effort from the rebound blocked by Harry Messenger. But the ball then fell to Stratford who swept home from close range.

Bassett had a great chance to equalise midway through the half when Jack Coward shed his marker to meet Rudi Hopkins' corner. But the towering defender planted his header just wide of the right post.

Soon after Stratford added a second for Cirencester to put Cirencester firmly in charge of the game despite not necessarily being at their best. Rhys Wells whipped in a free kick from the left side and, in among a crowded group of players, Stratford stabbed in a first time effort.

It could have been three before the break too as Dare drove narrowly beyond the top right corner with a powerful shot from range.

The visitors then stepped up a gear in the second half.

The period began with a pair of chances for Stratford as he flashed wide and forced Dinnall to tip wide.

Bassett struggled to find a breakthrough against Cirencester's strong defence

And some gloss was added to the scoreline eight minutes from time when Ross Langworthy netted Cirencester's third and final goal of the night, collecting Fin Bell's pass before dancing past two defenders on the edge of the box and slotting home.

Ed Oakley did have a chance to snatch a consolation when he beat an onrushing Connor Johns to a ball over the top and rounded the 'keeper. He was still a distance from goal though and guided just wide of the left post with his effort.

Play returned to the other end with Cirencester not yet finished and only a composed one-on-one save from Dinnall denied Bell after he worked his way through on goal.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Thursday 17th September 2026 at 07:06