Weekend preview: Season starts with derby date

Royal Wootton Bassett Town finally get their South West Regional Women's Football League Division One Eastern campaign started on Sunday. And it doesn't get any more exciting than an opening day derby as Bassett visit near neighbours Purton (Red House, 2pm kick off) as Adam Wood and his team aim to bounce back following last year's relegation. Newly promoted after finishing as unbeaten Wiltshire County Women's League champions, Purton represent relatively new opponents for Bassett despite the proximity between the teams. Indeed the sides met for the first time last year in a Wiltshire County Cup quarter final with Bassett winning 3-1 courtesy of Libby Davies' brace and a further goal from Hannah Gulliver. It should be a cracker to begin the season - so please do come along to Purton to cheer Bassett on! Prior to that, Saturday sees the Development team also face recently promoted opposition as Mark Simpkins' side venture south to face Ludgershall Sports in the Wiltshire League Premier Division (3pm kick off). Both teams will be aiming to make a solid start to the second month of the campaign.