Robson Taylor Chippenham Sunday League News 2007/08  RSS feed | About

Gary Robinson

Steeple Ashton Rangers need just one point from their home game against Chippenham-based Three Crowns United to be crowned champions.

Riverside Renegades replaced Rangers at the summit last night after beating North Star B in their final match of the campaign, but the Steeple Ashton side remain favourites for the title.

But Rangers won't be taking anything for granted as Three Crowns United have suffered just one defeat in their last 10 games and will pose a serious threat to the hosts' hopes of glory.

Home advantage for Nathan Holloway's Steeple Ashton side may well give them the edge as they face a Three Crowns side who look set for a third place finish, but the visitors could surprise their hosts who go into the game on the back of a 8-0 success over Old Road Tavern and bidding for a 17th straight victory which includes a 3-2 triumph over their guests back in November, when goals from Lee Mounty, Matt Grist and Marc Sheppard helped them to a narrow win.

Three Crowns won 5-1 last weekend as both Mike Cassidy and Gary Robinson scored doubles with Marcus Young's single completing victory over Kings Arms (Market Lavington).

Steeple Ashton, who are unbeaten at home, will be well aware of their opponents' potential, especially as they were given an almighty scare in the earlier meeting.

Steeple Ashton have the firepower to out-gun the Three Crowns, but they could get caught out by the likes of Paul Maddox, Young, Cassidy and co who will prove a handful for the hosts' defence. If Steeple Ashton fail to keep the shackles on the visitors' trio of strikers one of them could strike goal and cause an upset to leave the hosts sweating for another week to see it they can finish top of the pile.

Kings Arms (Market Lavington) v Wanderers

AT one stage this season Trowbridge-based Wanderers were in with a good chance of claiming an automatic promotion spot before a considerable loss of form saw them pick up just two points from a possible 14.

Now they are struggling to finish in the top half of the table.

Oli Turner's Wanderers are currently in sixth place but unless they defeat Kings Arms at Northbrook they could slip down another place if Corsham United were to claim victory in their final match of the campaign.

Wanderers won the reverse fixture 3-0, with the goals being shared by Domonic Shepherd, Carl Mackness and Craig Harman, and even though the visitors to Northbrook are predicted to keep up their unbeaten record against John Dix's side, having won four of the previous five encounters and drawn one they will be given a rough ride as they look to pick up their first win since they beat Corsham United in February.

Turner could be tempted to give a fit again Domonic Shepherd a starting place but he might also risk the ageless Tim Cross from the start of what should be an evenly matched encounter.

Kings Arms are likely to be without goalkeeper Curtis Marsden, who broke a thumb in Sunday's loss against the Three Crowns, and his replacement could be the player who draws the short straw.

Kings Arms might be weakened in defence but as long as they have Steven Foord available up front they will have a chance of getting at least a point from the match that has a draw written all over it.

Chippenham United RAOB v North Star B

CHIPPENHAM United RAOB, who conceded eight goals last Sunday when they were put to the sword by Steeple Ashton Rangers, lock horns with North Star B, who go into the match at Stanley Park on the back a 8-0 thumping by Riverside Renegades last night.

So with both teams hoping to recover some pride the match should be an entertaining one that is likely to provide a lot of goals.

The teams met earlier in March and on that occasion Chippenham United edged an eight goal thriller, winning 5-3 thanks to goals from Steve Shipway, Alan Woodward, Gavin Freegard, Carl Stammers and manager Richard Thorne, who has done well to turn around the fortunes of his ailing side who had tumbled from the top flight to Division Four in consecutive seasons.

Thorne could have walked away from the team on numerous occasions but he didn't and is now starting to see his efforts rewarded.

United might not be in position to challenge for silverware this season but Thorne, along with his right hand man Steve Shipway, is building a team that if they can turn draws into wins should be serious challengers for promotion this time next season.

United have 21 points at present and they should improve on that tally but even though they have beaten North Star before they may well have to settle for point in the reverse fixture as the Star, who have lost five games on the trot, seek revenge for their earlier defeat.

11:56am Friday 2nd May 2008

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