Cirencester's cup run and Bassett's derby double dominate Hellenic week
No club in the Hellenic League has had a week quite like Cirencester Town's. The Centurions began it by putting three past Royal Wootton Bassett Town in a derby that manager Jonny Aitkenhead's opposite number could only describe with resignation, Jayden Stratford scoring twice and Ross Langworthy adding a third late on. That result kept Cirencester the division's only unbeaten side across all competitions, and the club immediately turned attention to a home Emirates FA Cup tie against National League South opposition Farnham Town, urging supporters to help pack The Talent Hire Stadium to 500 for the first time in years. The tie could not be settled on the night, sending Cirencester to a replay at Farnham's Memorial Ground, with the winner set to face either Merthyr Town or Truro City.
For Royal Wootton Bassett Town, the derby defeat was followed by an away trip to high-flying Westfields, where Ed Oatley, only in his second appearance since arriving from Calne Town, struck a long-range winner before the interval to give Bassett a first away league win of the season. Off the pitch, the club confirmed a new stadium sponsorship deal with Mercedes-Benz of Swindon, while their women's side reached the third qualifying round of the Women's FA Cup for a fifth consecutive season courtesy of a Megan Young brace against Gloucester City, setting up a trip to Bridgwater United.
In the FA Vase, the competition claimed several Hellenic League scalps. Hereford Pegasus went out to Ludlow Town despite, in their manager's words, having "enough of the ball and enough opportunities to win the game" without taking their chances. Corsham Town fell 2-1 away at Cirencester, Pershore Town 88 lost 2-0 to Abbey Hulton United, and Malmesbury Victoria were beaten 5-1 at home by Portishead Town after welcoming the Western Premier side for what their programme called "a cracking day". Roman Glass St George exited on penalties away at Avonmouth after a 2-2 draw.
