The Moonraker Print Senior League Weekly Bulletin

Season 2021-22 Issue No. 1 Saturday 14 August 2021

1 Corsham Print INTRODUCTION Wiltshire Senior League Welcome to what is the first of a weekly bulletin that we will issue this coming season. The bulletin will be published on a Saturday morning Wiltshire Senior Football League Limited Registered Company No 13134006 ahead of our games in the Premier Division that week.

Board of Directors The dust has barely settled on the interrupted 20/21 season, pre-season J R Gingell, B L Busson, A Cripps, friendlies are well underway and 21/22 is upon us already. League P M Cook, R Cook, M Smedley, J T Thorn, Mrs M Withers, S Withers Officers haven’t had a break at all, much like several clubs, especially the Vets who completed their season towards the end of July. Behind the scenes, fixtures have been compiled, players registered, Referees Official Website: www.wiltshireseniorleague.co.uk registered, handbooks completed and the website and social media constantly updated. I think we’re all hoping for a Covid free season but, Facebook: www.facebook.com/ groups/276875335809043 judging by the number of pre-season friendlies that I’ve seen postponed, we could well be in for a tricky few months yet. Twitter: @WiltsLeague

President: Vacant Unfortunately, the annual problems with Whole Game System and Full- Time haven’t gone away. At the time of writing, the number of Secretary / Chairman: J R Gingell Manager details in Full-Time is in single figures and, out of 48 teams, Vice Chairman: S Withers that’s not good. I do believe it’s a system problem and not down to the Hon. Secretary: J T Thorn (07860 520046) clubs. When the systems work, they’re very good and save a lot of time [email protected] but, when they don’t, we’re all wishing for a return to pen and paper. I’ve Hon. Treasurer : R Cook raised the problem with the FA and hope they can resolve it very quickly. Hon. Fixture Secretary: P M Cook On the playing side, we’re bucking the national trend and increasing in Hon. Registration Secretary : B L Busson number. As you’re aware, we lost Town and Lambourn Sports from the original constitution of the Premier Division, but have since Hon. Referees’ Appointments Secretary: A Cripps elected FC Development who, along with Town Res are the two new teams in a 17 strong Division. From what I’ve seen on social Assistant Referees’ Appointments Secretary: C Nunn media and results of pre-season friendlies, it looks like being another very competitive season. I won’t name names but, I suspect that there could be Hon. Discipline Secretary: Mrs M Withers at least half a dozen teams who could be in with a chance of the title and Hon. League Welfare Officer: R Cook the opportunity for promotion to Step 6. Hon. League Media Officer: M Smedley We kick off the U.18 Floodlight Division in September with 10 teams in Management Committee the Division and welcome AFC Aldermaston to their first season with us, P Boyles, Mrs J Kuczynski, R Austen, J Calne Town after a one year absence plus Town after an absence Sheldrake, P Avenell of over 7 years. Clubs voted to restart the season after the second Club Representatives: lockdown ended and, with great co-operation of clubs, the season concluded at the end of May, though honours weren’t decided until the Premier Div. - Craig Kent ( Town Res); U18 Div. - P Avenell (Calne last game. The U.18 Division is always difficult to predict with younger Town); Veterans’ Divisions - Terry players coming in and older players moving on. It will be interesting to McCosh ( Town Yard see how this Division develops. Dogs) The Veterans Divisions have grown in number again. Our inaugural Life Members season in 2019/20 had 8 teams, but was unable to complete because of M G Benson, P M Cook, J R Gingell, D Covid. 2020/21 saw us more than double to 17 teams in two regionalised C Kilford, A M Pickett, R J M Wirdnam Divisions and we’ve increased again for 21/22. We welcome Cricklade Vice Presidents Town, Priory Vale, South Cerney Rangers and Old Boys plus a M W E Farrow, Mrs C Hill, P R Mundy, second team from Junior to the league. Again, with great co- D Perry, D Picter, C Plaister, D E C operation from clubs, we were able to complete season 20/21 and some Walker teams have set the standard very high. The other teams now know what Season 2021-22 they’ve got to do to challenge for honours and I suspect that the two Issue Number: 01 regionalised Divisions will be very competitive. Date: 14 August 2021 In conclusion, I wish all an enjoyable, successful and Covid free season. I

Cover Photo: Taken by John Cuthberston. hope to see most of you at some point during the season. Corsham Town Res v Odd Down Res in the Fountain Trophies Cup last season. Jim Thorn Hon. General Secretary Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League

2 PREMIER DIVISION PREVIEW FRIDAY 13TH & SATURDAY 14TH AUGUST 2021

The opening game at Melksham on Friday sees one of the new managers, Melksham’s Craig Kent, who made the move from Cricklade Town in the summer, take on one of the managers who is the joint longest serving within the Premier Division in Troy Prentice. Prentice will be hoping his side can repeat last season’s impressive opening day 3-1 win at the InfiLED. Their record at Melksham, however, is not a good one. That win last season was the only one they have secured in the eleven league meetings that have taken place between the two sides in the past ten seasons. A number of Cricklade Town players have followed manager Craig Kent to Melksham, including forwards Will Backhouse and Jason Tatum, and it will be interesting to see how quickly Kent’s new side gel. have also made some astute signings in the summer with the former Purton trio of Jack Duckers, Joe Dorey and Callum Hall all making the move to Malmesbury but Melksham, who sat second in the table when last season was brought to an early end, will start as pre-game favourites.

Footnote Result : Melksham Town Reserves 3 Malmesbury Victoria Dev 1 (HT 1-1)

An early goal from Elliott Corp put the home side ahead early on but a stunning strike from Jack Duckers put Malmesbury level on 15 minutes and it remained 1-1 at the break with the visitors just about shading the first half after a shaky first ten minutes. Will Backhouse put Melksham back in front and Alex Baker then added a third after good link- up play. Melksham then had substitute Jason Tatum sent off, picking up two yellow cards but held out to secure the opening day win and the three points.

3 PREMIER DIVISION PREVIEW FRIDAY 13TH & SATURDAY 14TH AUGUST 2021

One of the teams who have had a good pre-season are newly promoted side Calne Town Reserves, who are being tipped by many as possible title contenders based on their form in pre-season and some of the friendlies they played at the back end of last season. Calne were champions of the Premier Division back in Season 2012-13 when playing as Wilts Calne Town and having gone unbeaten in the & District League last season will be looking to maintain that winning feeing in competitive fixtures when they open up against Shrewton United on Saturday. Calne’s record against Shrewton in the league is not a good one with Shrewton having won six of the last eight league meetings between the sides. Whilst Shrewton’s results in pre-season do not match those of their opponents, Calne would be foolish to underestimate one of the sides who always do well when the league season comes around and Shrewton manager Joe Sheldrake will go into the new season in a confident mood with the added bonus of having no suspensions hanging over from the previous season, which has been an issue in previous years. .

4 PREMIER DIVISION PREVIEW FRIDAY 13TH & SATURDAY 14TH AUGUST 2021

Frome Collegians were having an excellent second season when matters were brought to an early end in the league and sat in fifth place in the table having won more than half of their games played. They also had the Premier Division’s leading scorer Jake Wright who scored 19 goals in league and cup matches. They open their season with a home game against Corsham Town Development, who remain without a manager following the departure of Jamie Moss in the summer. The two sides met in both the league and Fountain Trophies Cup last season, Frome securing an impressive 5-0 away win in the league and then the two sides drawing 1-1 in the Fountain Trophies Cup group game. Frome have lost a couple of key players in the summer but retained the majority of the side that has done so well for them in recent seasons. Corsham, as they were for much of the Fountain Trophies Senior Cup where they made it through to the final, are expected to field a young side this coming season but have retained all of the squad from last season.

5 PREMIER DIVISION PREVIEW FRIDAY 13TH & SATURDAY 14TH AUGUST 2021

Odd Down Reserves received many plaudits from those that played and watched them last season and demonstrated in the Fountain Trophies Cup that they are a team to be reckoned with this coming season. They will once again be a very young side but with their first team now just one level above the Reserves there is likely to be more overlap between the two sides than there was last season. Whilst they have lost a few players to university they also have one returning from uni in Angus Williamson who has been amongst the goals in pre-season. Saturday sees them up against a Marlborough Town side who have had a traumatic summer with manager and player departures resulting in a difficult pre-season. New manager Steve Chadwick, previously with Town Development, is also expected to have to rely on a youthful side this season given the exodus of players from last season. The one and only previous meeting between the two sides saw Odd Down win 4-1 at Elcot Lane last season.

6 PREMIER DIVISION PREVIEW FRIDAY 13TH & SATURDAY 14TH AUGUST 2021

Saturday’s games see two of last season’s top four, Pewsey Vale and Wroughton, meet at Pewsey Recreation Ground. Pewsey were top of the table when last season was brought to a premature end and they then went on to win the Fountain Trophies Cup, defeating Corsham Town Reserves 1-0 in the final. Wroughton meanwhile sat in fourth spot having won eight of their opening ten games and technically are still the defending champions with the last two seasons having been curtailed due to Covid. Whilst Pewsey Vale are a settled side with virtually all of last season’s successful squad assembled by manager Alistair Tuttle still intact, Wroughton under new manager Ben Jarrett will be a very much changed side this coming season, with a high percentage of last season’s squad having either moved on elsewhere or taking a break from the game. One player who is back for Wroughton is leading striker Shane Hibbert who hit four goals in an 11-1 win the last time the two sides met back in Season 2019-20. Pewsey are now a much different proposition than they were that day, and it will be interesting to see if they continue where they left off last season against what is expected to be a youthful looking Wroughton side.

7 PREMIER DIVISION PREVIEW FRIDAY 13TH & SATURDAY 14TH AUGUST 2021

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development were very much in the title race last season having lost just two games, winning nine. With star player Bailey Gallagher having progressed to the first team this season, manager Steve Yeardley has replaced him with a familiar face to the club with Matt Bennett returning to the Gerard Buxton Ground from Wroughton. With the influential Tony Joyce leaving the area with his work, Yeardley has also brought in the experienced Josh Connolly from Marlborough Town to provide support to his young side, although the centre-back will miss the opening game against Devizes Town Reserves due to suspension. Strikers Dale Richards, Tyler Sheppard and Manuel Mesas are all back this season along with the experienced centre-back George Drewitt. Devizes meanwhile are expected to have a much better season under new manager Tom Bull. They showed improved form at the back end of last season and carried that on in the Fountain Trophies Senior Cup. They are unbeaten in pre-season which included three games against fellow Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League sides. Saturday’s game will be played on the 3G pitch at the Gerard Buxton with the Hellenic League having changed the first team fixture for Royal Wootton Bassett Town against Chipping Sodbury Town to a home match. .

8 PREMIER DIVISION PREVIEW FRIDAY 13TH & SATURDAY 14TH AUGUST 2021

Another side who will focus on youth this coming season are the new side Salisbury FC Development who kick-off their season at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium against Purton. It will be interesting to see how the new side get on against one of the established clubs in the league. Salisbury FC will be an unknown quantity for all the sides in the Premier Division but with ambitions to progress their Development side up the National League System they will be a competitive, well-coached and skilful side. Salisbury FC will also know little about the sixteen new sides they are set to play this coming season and everyone will be watching their early results with added interest.

Note The scheduled fixture between Ludgershall Sports and Stratton Juniors was postponed by Ludgershall Sports due to a lack of players available.

9 FROM THE ARCHIVES - PREMIER DIVISION REWIND This week we go back 10 years to …...Saturday 16th August 2011 What happened in the Premier Division of the Wiltshire Senior League 10 years ago this week? We have located Ray Burroughs round-up of the action that week from the archives and also the final table for the season showing how the season ended up. Ten years ago six of the current members of the Premier Division were in what was then the Plaister Autos Wiltshire League. Current sides Ludgershall Sports and Calne Town Res (Wilts Calne Town) were getting their seasons off to a winning start, whilst Corsham Town Reserves started their season with a draw. There were defeats for current Premier Division sides Devizes Town Reserves, Wroughton and Marlborough Town. Results AFC Bradford Town 7 Blyskawica 2 Corsham Town Reserves 2 FC Sanford 2 FC Chippenham Youth 1 Devizes Town Res 0 Ludgershall Sports 3 Wroughton 0 Marlborough Town 1 Moredon Cheney 7 Purton Res 1 Amesbury 0 Southbrook 1 Vale of Pewsey 0 Wilts Calne Town 3 RGV Shrewton 0

Round-up Newly Promoted FC Sanford blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Wiltshire League Premier Division reigning champions Corsham Town Reserves. Visitors Sanford were 2-0 up at the break courtesy of strikes by Danny Hiscocks and Stuart Helmsley, but after the resumption the hosts converted a couple of rare chances to equalise through Richard Bolter and Liam Fullam. Joint Sanford manager Les Gill said: “We thought if we picked up a point we would have been happy, but as it turned out we should have taken all three.” Moredon Cheney recorded an emphatic 7-1 win at Marlborough Town, and Cheney boss Lee Ashby was delighted with the result. He revealed: “We have brought in two or three new signings including Rob Curtis and Jake Lloyd and they both scored a couple each, with Jamie Ashby completing a hat- trick. “It would be nice to think we could be challenging for the title at the end of the season.” Southbrook left it late to defeat visitors Vale of Pewsey, scoring the only goal of the game with just eight minutes to go, Jamie Lovell heading in from a corner. Home side Bradford Town continued their cracking pre-season form by bludgeoning Blyskawica 7-2. Sam Jordan and Steve Roddy both bagged doubles with further efforts coming from Mark Robinson, Russ Whatley and Nathan Glass. Calne Town gained a 3-0 win over Shrewton thanks to goals from Mark Dolman, Josh Summers and Andy Laws. Premier Division new boys Ludgershall Sports got off to a good start with a 3-1 victory over visitors Wroughton, courtesy of first-half efforts from Mason Sharpe, Michael Owen and Chris Smith (penalty). Purton Reserves, under new boss Albert Dearing, had keeper Wesley Clarke to thank for a goal-less first half against Amesbury. But after the interval the Red House side took the initiative and a strike from Reece Gilliver gave them a 1-0 win. FC Chippenham Youth had a 16-year-old young striker by the name of Charley Austin leading their attack against Devizes Town Reserves and won 1-0. Manager Dave Ferris said: “Young Austin ran his socks off in the second half and had a great game, and a goal from Tom Jones gave us the points.”

10 PREMIER DIVISION FIXTURES & LEAGUE TABLES August Fixtures (subject to possible change due to changes in higher league fixtures) Midweek fixtures kick-off 7:45PM unless stated, Saturday games kick-off at 3:00PM

Tuesday 17th August 2021 Tuesday 24th August 2021 Marlborough Town v Stratton Juniors (6:15PM) Calne Town Res v Wroughton Trowbridge Town v Calne Town Res (6:15PM) Ludgershall Sports v Shrewton Utd (6:15PM) Pewsey Vale v Shrewton United Marlborough Town v Pewsey Vale (6:15PM) Purton v Stratton Juniors (6:15PM) Wednesday 18th August 2021 Frome Collegians v Odd Down Res (6.15PM) Wednesday 25th August 2021 Devizes Town Res v Ludgershall Sports Corsham Town Dev v Frome Collegians Malmesbury Vics Dev v Purton Devizes Town Res v Trowbridge Town Melksham Town Res v Corsham Town Dev Malmesbury Vics Dev v Royal W. Bassett T Royal W. Bassett Town v Wroughton Odd Down Res v Melksham Town Res

Saturday 21st August 2021 Saturday 28th August 2021 Calne Town Res v Stratton Juniors Devizes Town Res v Wroughton Devizes Town Res v Melksham Town Res Frome Collegians v Stratton Juniors Frome Collegians v Wroughton Ludgershall Sports v Royal W. Bassett Town Ludgershall Sports v Odd Down Res Marlborough Town v Malmesbury Vics Dev Marlborough Town v Royal W. Bassett Town Odd Down Res v Shrewton United Pewsey Vale v Salisbury FC Dev Pewsey Vale v Calne Town Res Purton v Corsham Town Dev Purton v Melksham Town Res Trowbridge Town v Shrewton United Trowbridge Town v Corsham Town Dev

Tuesday 31st August 2021 Purton v Marlborough Town (6:15 PM) Pewsey Vale v Ludgershall Sports

CURTAILED 2020-21 SEASON

11 U18 DIVISION - SEASON 2020-21 REVIEW

When the 2019-20 Season was curtailed, it was noted that the Under 18 competition was shaping up to be the most exciting yet since the competition transitioned to the league from the Wiltshire FA. Well, that was well and truly repeated in Season 2020-21 with six sides still having title aspirations when the action re-started in April after lockdown. Melksham Town had started their season with three straight wins before having a bad patch either side of lockdown, suffering five straight defeats. They finally ended that run with a narrow 1-0 win at Pewsey and then never looked back after that, defeating Chippenham Town twice and winning five of their last six games. Their only dropped points came in a 3-3 draw at Royal Wootton Bassett Town. That bad run during mid- season meant they missed out on honours but a good season for Colby Cain’s side. Radstock Town remained in the mix until late on, but in the end too many drawn matches early in the season saw their chances disappear and Royal Wootton Bassett Town fell away when they were unable to win games at the back end of the season against the top sides. This left Chippenham Town, FC Chippenham and to battle it right to the end for the league title. The teams entered May with Chippenham Town and Shrivenham level on 23 points at the top with three to play. FC Chippenham were some 13 points adrift but had four games in hand. That first week of the month saw Chippenham Town travel to Shrivenham for a game which was expected to have a big say in the destination of the title. A win for either side would put them in pole position for the title, but a draw had the potential to put FC Chippenham’s title aspirations back in their own hands. At the end of the ninety minutes the sides could still not be separated and more importantly this then put FC Chippenham’s destiny back in their own hands. Shrivenham won both their last two games to finish on 30 points, losing just two games all season, both by a single goal in the away games against the two Chippenham sides. Chippenham Town lost to Melksham Town in one of their remaining two games meaning the title would go to either Shrivenham or FC Chippenham. By the time both Shrivenham and Chippenham Town had finished, FC Chippenham still had two games to play and were on a winning run which stretched to five games with just Royal Wootton Bassett Town and Pewsey Vale to play. They needed to win both games to win the title. In the first game on the 3G at the Gerard Buxton they found themselves 3-1 down and, whilst they pulled one back, with five minutes to go they still trailed. However, the award of a penalty saw them get back on level terms and an excellent late free kick fired into the top corner saw them take all three points. The final game against Pewsey saw them go behind again but six unanswered goals later they were champions. Their run at the end of the season had seen them win seven straight games to pip Shrivenham by a single point. Well done to FC Chippenham on taking the title and to Shrivenham on achieving runners-up. In fact, well done to all the Under 18 sides who played their part in what was a fascinating, if difficult and disrupted, season, with all the fixtures being completed.

12 U18 DIVISION FIXTURES

September Fixtures (subject to possible change) Midweek fixtures kick-off 7:30PM unless stated. All games are league games unless otherwise stated.

Note: No fixtures have currently been scheduled for FC Chippenham as it is not certain they will be participating this coming season. Tuesday 31st August 2021 FA Youth Cup Shepton Mallet v Devizes Town

Thursday 2nd September 2021 FA Youth Cup Radstock Town v Bishops Sutton (7:45PM) Royal W. Bassett Town v Paulton Rovers

Thursday 9th September 2021 Calne Town v New College Swindon Devizes Town v Pewsey Vale Melksham Town v Royal W. Bassett Town Picture: Mike Wray Radstock Town v AFC Aldermaston (7:45PM) Radstock Town v Shrivenham (20 May 2021)

Tuesday 16th September 2021 Calne Town v Pewsey Vale Melksham Town v New College Swindon Royal W, Bassett Town v Devizes Town* Shrivenham v Radstock Town* (*Games this week subject to FA Youth Cup)

Monday 20th September 2021 AFC Aldermaston v New College Swindon

Thursday 23rd September 2021 Calne Town v Devizes Town Pewsey Vale v Shrivenham Radstock Town v R. W. Bassett Town (7:45PM) Picture: Steve Green Royal W. Bassett T v New College (3 June 2021)

13 VETERANS’ DIVISIONS - SEASON 2020-21 REVIEW

Home Games Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League - Mid Wiltshire Veterans' Division Season 2020-21 Away Games Total

Corsham Melksham VFC Bradford Marlboro St Amesbury Trowbrid Chipp Yard FC Calne Pld W D L For Ag Pts Goals Points Town Town Devizes Town Town Andrews Junior Tigers Dogs H 1 - 0 1 - 1 2 - 0 5 - 1 5 - 1 5 - 0 3 - 1 7 - 0 9 - 0 9 8 1 0 38 4 25 1 Corsham Town 63:10 49 A 1 - 4 1 - 0 4 - 0 W - L 2 - 1 4 - 0 9 - 0 2 - 1 2 - 0 9 8 0 1 25 6 24 H 4 - 1 1 - 0 2 - 1 W - L 7 - 0 5 - 0 3 - 1 7 - 0 5 - 1 9 9 0 0 34 4 27 2 Melksham Town 55:13 46 A 0 - 1 0 - 2 W - L 1 - 1 4 - 0 W - L 4 - 1 6 - 3 6 - 1 9 6 1 2 21 9 19 H 0 - 1 2 - 0 2 - 0 3 - 1 3 - 0 1 - 2 8 - 0 4 - 2 3 - 1 9 7 0 2 26 7 21 3 VFC Devizes 52:15 41 A 1 - 1 0 - 1 2 - 1 1 - 0 6 - 2 2 - 2 9 - 0 1 -0 4 - 1 9 6 2 1 26 8 20 H 0 - 4 L - W 1 - 2 5 - 1 1 - 2 4 - 2 8 - 0 2 - 2 2 - 0 9 4 1 4 23 13 13 4 Bradford Town 43:22 28 A 0 - 2 1 - 2 0 - 2 1 - 3 4 - 0 4 - 0 2 - 0 6 - 0 2 - 0 9 5 0 4 20 9 15 H L - W 1 - 1 0 - 1 3 - 1 2 - 2 4 - 1 2 - 1 6 - 2 2 - 0 9 5 2 2 20 9 17 5 Marlborough Town 33:26 26 A 1 - 5 L - W 1 - 3 1 - 5 1 - 2 L - W 2 - 1 4 - 1 3 - 0 9 3 0 6 13 17 9 H 1 - 2 0 - 4 2 - 6 0 - 4 2 - 1 0 - 0 3 - 2 1 - 0 10 - 0 9 4 1 4 19 19 13 6 FC Calne 33:41 24 A 1 - 5 0 - 7 0 - 3 2 - 1 2 - 2 0 - 0 1 - 2 2 - 1 6 - 1 9 3 2 4 14 22 11 H 0 - 4 L - W 2 - 2 0 - 4 W - L 0 - 0 1 - 1 3 - 1 5 - 1 9 3 3 3 11 13 12 7 St Andrews 18:34 20 A 0 - 5 0 - 5 2 - 1 2 - 4 1 - 4 0 - 0 0 - 0 0 - 1 2 - 1 9 2 2 5 7 21 8 H 0 - 9 1 - 4 0 - 9 0 - 2 1 - 2 2 - 1 0 - 0 2 - 2 1 - 0 9 2 2 5 7 29 8 8 Amesbury Junior 19:59 12 A 1 - 3 1 - 3 0 - 8 0 - 8 1 - 2 2 - 3 1 - 1 0 - 2 6 - 0 9 1 1 7 12 30 4 H 1 - 2 3 - 6 0 - 1 0 - 6 1 - 4 1 - 2 1 - 0 2 - 0 1 - 2 9 2 0 7 10 23 6 9 Trowbridge Tigers 20:55 11 A 0 - 7 0 - 7 2 - 4 2 - 2 2 - 6 0 - 1 1 - 3 2 - 2 1 - 0 9 1 2 6 10 32 5 H 0 - 2 1 - 6 1 - 4 0 - 2 0 - 3 1 - 6 1 - 2 0 - 6 0 - 1 9 0 0 9 4 32 0 10 Chippenham T Y.D. 09:70 03 A 0 - 9 1 - 5 1 - 3 0 - 2 0 - 2 0 - 10 1 - 5 0 - 1 2 - 1 9 1 0 8 5 38 3

Home Games Away Games Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League - Veterans' North Division Season 2020-21 Stratton Swindon Royal W. AFC KMLC Redhouse Pld W D L For Ag Pts Juniors Rovers Bassett T Swindon H 0 - 2 2 - 2 6 - 1 1 - 0 11 - 0 5 3 1 1 20 5 10 1 KMLC A 4 - 0 1 - 0 3 - 2 2 - 0 7 - 0 5 5 0 0 17 2 15 H 0 - 4 3 - 2 7 - 2 4 - 0 11 - 1 5 4 0 1 25 9 12 2 Redhouse A 2 - 0 0 - 2 1 - 4 3 - 1 6 - 0 5 3 0 2 12 7 9 H 0 - 1 2 - 0 2 - 0 3 - 3 7 - 0 5 3 1 1 14 4 10 3 Stratton Juniors A 2 - 2 2 - 3 2 - 2 3 - 2 3 - 0 5 2 2 1 12 9 8 H 2 - 3 4 - 1 2 - 2 0 - 5 8 - 0 5 2 1 2 16 11 7 4 Swindon Rovers A 1 - 6 2 - 7 0 - 2 2 - 1 4 - 0 5 2 0 3 9 16 6 H 0 - 2 1 - 3 2 - 3 1 - 2 4 - 0 5 1 0 4 8 10 3 5 Royal W. Bassett T A 0 - 1 0 - 4 3 - 3 5 - 0 3 - 1 5 2 1 2 11 9 7 H 0 - 7 0 - 6 0 - 3 0 - 4 1 - 3 5 0 0 5 1 23 0 6 AFC Swindon A 0 - 11 1 - 11 0 - 7 0 - 8 0 - 4 5 0 0 5 1 41 0

Despite the elongated season the Veteran’s divisions were a resounding success last season with the influx of new sides, certainly stepping up the standard over the inaugural season. In addition, in the Mid Wiltshire Division, the fact that a number of clubs utilised their own pitches, initially at Melksham Town and Corsham Town, but later joined by Bradford Town, Chippenham Town Yard Dogs and Devizes Town, not only improved the experience for the players but also made it easier for the fixture secretary to ensure the games were played. Some of these clubs also allowed other teams to utilise their grass pitches which greatly assisted the job of scheduling the fixtures and meant the programme could be completed more quickly. In the North Division, Stratton Juniors also starting utilising their grass pitch at Meadowcroft towards the end of the season which again helped expediate matters in the North Division. A big thank you to all the clubs who made their pitches available in this way, it was very much appreciated. The Veterans’ sides must compete with other sides at clubs for the use of the facilities and will often be at the back of the queue behind reserve and U18 sides and the co-operation provided this season in staging games on pitches other than New College and Green Lane has been outstanding. On the pitch both title races have been exciting affairs. In the North Division, right from the start it looked to be a two-team battle between KMLC and Redhouse for the title, although Stratton Juniors towards the end put some pressure on the top two. After just one win in their first four games, Stratton Juniors went the rest of the season unbeaten in the league, a run which included a win over Redhouse and a draw with KMLC. When the season had been brought to a premature halt in December KMLC headed the table on goal difference from Redhouse, who at that stage had won all three of their games. When the season finally resumed at the very end of March, KMLC carried on where they had left off, smashing 11 unanswered goals against bottom side AFC Swindon. Redhouse also came back in style, defeating Swindon Rovers 7-2 and then also scoring 11 against AFC Swindon. 14 KMLC then got behind with their league fixtures due to progress in the Veterans’ County Cup and by the beginning of June Redhouse, despite losing to Stratton Juniors, were six points clear of KMLC, who had played two games less, and who had also been overtaken by Stratton. However, the latter had just two games to play, and no doubt rued the poor start to the season as they ran out of games in their quest for honours. One of those two final games was against KMLC and when the two sides drew 2-2 on the opening day of June the title destiny for Redhouse was very much in their own hands. Avoid defeat against KMLC in their next game and then win their two final games against Swindon Rovers and AFC Swindon and they would be champions. The big game between the two main title challengers took place on the second Tuesday in June was not the close affair that had been anticipated, as KMLC brushed aside their nearest rivals with a 4- 0 victory. Two hard fought wins against Royal Wootton Bassett Town, both games being won with late goals, then put KMLC in pole position. Whilst expecting to have to win their final game against Swindon Rovers to lift the title, a surprise 4-1 defeat for Redhouse at the hands of Swindon Rovers saw KMLC crowned champions before their final game. As noted above they still went out and won that final game against Rovers in another close game that indicates that there should be a few more teams involved in the title race in the North Division in Season 2021-22. Well done to KMLC and Redhouse in taking the title and runners-up spot in the North Division this season. KMLC also made the semi-final of the Wiltshire FA’s Veterans’ County Cup, losing on penalties to eventual winners Melksham Town. The key game of the league season was at the beginning of May when Melksham Town visited the Southbank Ground. Melksham went into the game unbeaten having won all but one of their games to that point, the only dropped points having come in a 1-1 draw with Marlborough Town. On a wet and windy night, the game was played in atrocious conditions. A solitary goal from Simon Gray settled matters in Corsham’s favour thus ending Melksham’s unbeaten run. The win for Corsham meant that the top three sides in the division had all now dropped five points. Melksham remained six points clear at the top but both VFC Devizes and Corsham Town had two games in hand on the leaders and could draw level if they won those games in hand. Both Corsham and Melksham also still had to travel to Devizes in their remaining fixtures. All three leading sides from the Mid Wiltshire Division had also progressed to the semi finals of the Wiltshire County Veterans’ Cup. Both semi-finals were to be tight affairs. As noted above Melksham needed penalties to see off KMLC in their semi-final and in the all Mid Wiltshire Division tie, a solitary goal from Simon Gray saw Corsham defeat VFC Devizes. The final at Green Lane was a physical affair of a high standard that Melksham dominated for much of the match and, despite going down to ten men, were comfortable 3-1 winners. Having lifted the County Cup, four days later they were back at Green Lane for a vital league game against VFC Devizes and the cup final exertions had taken their toll as Devizes became only the second side to defeat Melksham all season, 2-0 the final score. This meant the meeting between VFC Devizes and Corsham Town at the beginning of July was as good as a title decider and a solitary goal from Stuart Skinner edged it for Corsham who were now firm favourites to lift the crown. The title was confirmed when VFC Devizes were held to a 2-2 draw by a much-improved St Andrews side which also meant Melksham Town were guaranteed runners-up spot. St Andrews then defeated VFC Devizes in their final game of the season. Well done to Corsham Town and Melksham Town on their league honours and also on their cup final appearance and to Melksham on lifting the cup. An excellent first season in the league for both clubs. The only blemish on the exciting season in the Mid Wiltshire Division was the need to award five games due to teams not being able to raise sides, with Marlborough Town being the guilty party on three such occasions, but the games had come thick and fast and it is a credit to all the Veterans’ sides that there were no more such occurrences given the short time frame that the games were concluded. Hopefully next season can be played at a more leisurely pace.

15 VETERANS’ DIVISION FIXTURES

September Fixtures (subject to possible change) (see Website & FA Full-Time for kick-off times)

Mid Wiltshire Division North Wiltshire Division

Monday 6th September 2021 Tuesday 7th September 2021 Amesbury Junior v Amesbury Junior Badgers AFC Swindon v Swindon Rovers Bradford Town v Melksham Town Marlborough Town v KMLC Chippenham Town YD v Trowbridge Tigers Corsham Town v Devizes Town Wednesday 8th September 2021 FC Calne v St Andrews Royal W. Bassett Town v South Cerney

Monday 13th September 2021 Monday 13th September 2021 Amesbury J. Badgers v Chippenham T YD Redhouse v Stratton Juniors Devizes Town v Bradford Town FC Calne v Amesbury Juniors Tuesday 14th September 2021 Melksham Town v Corsham Town KMLC v Royal W. Bassett Town St Andrews v Trowbridge Tigers Swindon Old Boys v Priory Vale

Monday 20th September 2021 Wednesday 15th September 2021 Amesbury Junior Badgers v Devizes Town Cricklade Town v Marlborough Town Bradford Town v St Andrews Chippenham Town YD v FC Calne Tuesday 21stSeptember 2021 Corsham Town v Amesbury Junior Redhouse v AFC Swindon Trowbridge Tigers v Melksham Town Swindon Rovers v South Cerney

Monday 27th September 2021 Wednesday 22nd September 2021 Amesbury Junior v Bradford Town Stratton Juniors v Priory Vale Devizes town v FC Calne Melksham Town v Chippenham Town YD Monday 27th September 2021 St Andrews v Corsham Town Cricklade Town v Royal W. Bassett Town Trowbridge Tigers v Amesbury Jun Badgers Tuesday 28th September 2021 KMLC v AFC Swindon South Cerney v Marlborough Town

Wednesday 29th September 2021 Swindon Old Boys v Redhouse

16 OUR FEEDER LEAGUES

Both our two feeder leagues, the Swindon & District league and the Trowbridge & District League have shown an increase in numbers over Season 2020-21. Trowbridge & District League The Trowbridge & District league will once again have two divisions, with 12 sides in the Division 1 and 11 teams in Division 2, an increase of one side per division over last season. For the past two seasons the league has provided promoted sides to the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League with Devizes Town Reserves returning to our league after relegation the previous season and Calne Town Reserves returning after a four-season absence. The league gets under way this coming Saturday, August 14th with the following fixtures: Division 1, Saturday 14 August 2021 Freshford v Marshfield v Kew PR The Duke v Staverton Rangers Utd v Semington Magpies Westbury Utd Res v Melksham Town Dev Heytesbury and Warminster Town Res are the other sides in the division this season.

Division 2, Saturday 14 August 2021 Potterne v Calne Eagles Utd v Bromham Owls The Stiffs v Westbury Utd A Trowbridge Town Res v Dilton Marsh Wanderers Aces FC, Shrewton Utd Dev and Bradford Town A are the other sides in the division this season. Swindon & District League The Swindon & District League is set to have 3 divisions in Season 2021-22 with an overall increase of three teams over Season 2020-21. The last side to be promoted from the Swindon & District League were Stratton Juniors. Bassett Bulldogs had also been promoted from the league but dropped back down after one season. This coming season they will play in Division One. The constitution of the three divisions is as follows: Premier Division Division One Division Two Ashton Keynes Bassett Bulldogs Blunsdon FC Development Blunsdon FC Cricklade Town Reserves Hatherop Down Ampney KO Plastering Town Development Intel FC Moredon FC NALGO Sports Club Lower Stratton Pewsey Vale Development Paragon FC Nationwide Ramsbury Priory Vale Nine Elms Redhouse Reserves Redhouse North Swindon Shield & Dagger Swindon AFC Spectrum Siddington Sportz Central Swindon Centurians

The league is set to commence on Saturday 4th September.

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