Exeter march on in Royal Wootton Bassett six a side

In what were quite possible some of the worst conditions to hit the Leisure Leagues Royal Wootton Bassett Monday six a side for a long time the teams continued to demonstrate why this is undoubtedly one of the best leagues around. 

In Game 1 Bailey's Boys continued to keep up the pressure on league leaders Exeter Gently with a comfortable 5-1 win against Sloblins. However, the boys in blue might have expected and hoped for a few more goals in this game. Given how close it is at the top there is every chance that the league could be decided by goal difference and with Exeter putting 11 past Sloblins earlier in this season the boys in blue will feel this was an opportunity missed. From Sloblins perspective they will be delighted to have got through the game with their dignity intact as well as recording a goal against a team that supposedly better teams have struggled to get anywhere near.

In the other early kick of the Plough secured a 1-1 draw against Bass Rugby. Both teams like to use the counter attack to get in behind their opponents and in this game these tactics largely cancelled each other out. The Plough's new Monday goal keeper made some good saves to keep Bass at bay but captain Josh Billingham believed that his boys at least deserved a point from the game.

In game three The Underdogs played Athletic Bilbao Baggins in what was an entertaining end to end game between two athletic sides. Athletic went into the game expecting a win but were surprised to be put under the cosh early by a well organised and energetic Underdogs side that continue to make huge improvements in the league. The points were salvaged by an impressive hat-trick from Sam Ricketts who took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half and refused to give in. 

The next two games both represented excellent wins for 2 Goals 1 Cup, who beat FC Guava 5-2 with an excellent display of finishing, even if their defence left something to be desired, and Who Ate All Depays who defeated the Unplayables 3-1. Justin, captain on Unplayables said after the game that they just did not get anywhere near the performance level that they know they are capable of. They thanked Jasons men for a hard fought battle and good game all round but know they could, and perhaps should have made a better fist of the battle that they had in front of them. Both 2 Goals and Who Ate sit just behind the top two and are looking take advantage of any slip up they might make in the second half of the season.

The final game of the night also represented the game of the night as Gangsters Allardyce took on Exeter Gently. Before the game many were expecting a tough fought battle between two sides that have fought over the Leisure Leagues trophy at the Gerard Buxton for many seasons. Unfortunately for the spectators Gangsters never really seemed to get into the game. They failed to represent any real threat to Exeter's goal and Callum was left hunting for the ball after getting frustrated at the lack of service. Exeter had no such problems. As soon as possible captain Pete Leppan would encourage his men to hit their target man up front Ryan Wallace who added another brace to his already fine goal tally for the season. The other goals were added by Noah who made an impressive contribution on his first start for the team. 

As a result of this fixtures the league remains as close as ever with just one point separating the top two. 

In other news a new team has joined the waiting list for this league so we are closer than ever to being able to offer a two division league next season. 

For other interested teams there is now limited availability to get your team registered. I am happy to arrange friendlies for new teams until a position becomes available so get yourself registered now. 

You can do this by signing up here: https://www.leisureleagues.net/league/gerard-buxton-sports-ground/swindon-monday