Match Preview – FGR Women host Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies (2pm – 16/01/22)

When FGR host Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies on 16 January it will be 36 days since their last fixture, following postponements of their last two scheduled fixtures. However, FGR should go into the game, and the new year, full of confidence having shown how well they can more than compete at this level, with the young side improving as the season progresses. This is the sides last home fixture for over a month – so why not join us in supporting the Women at Chalford.

Last Time Out For FGR

Sadly Sunday’s trip to Bishops Lydeard was postponed due to heavy rain meaning our last recap still holds true.

With several regular starters missing, particularly at the attacking end of the pitch, Chris Hicks made several changes as FGR overcame Middlezoy Ladies First team 4-1 in their home fixture in the 5th tier of Women’s Football.

Charlie Rowlands scored a hat-trick, with captain Hattie Jones also registering her 9th league goal in 8 league games from midfield. Middlezoy’s Chloe Snook who has been in rich scoring form and sits third in the goal scoring table this season scored Middlezoy’s only goal of the game as the FGR defence, which included a returning Sam Morris, held firm.

A strong team performance from FGR impressed an enthusiastic crowd which continues to grow. But there were also some strong individual performances, with Zoe Boyd who has mainly been used as a full back, pushed further forward. The FGR player who is known for her ball carrying ability asked lots of questions of the Middlezoy defence. Holly Hughes who recently re-joined FGR for a second spell also continued her impressive form from left back with. At right back Rosie Dimmery continued to demonstrate why she has a reputation for her consistent performances.

The Opposition

Royal Wootton Bassett Town will be making their shortest trip of the season when they travel to FGR. Managed by Graham Fletcher, the Wiltshire side play in blue shirts with yellow sleeves, blue shorts and blue socks.

Bass, as they are affectionately known by supporters, come into the game off of a thrilling 3-3 draw with league leaders Sherstone Town Ladies, having gone ahead twice before showing good resolve to salvage a draw. Many similarities can be drawn between RWBTL and FGR – both have some very exciting young players mixed with some experienced members of the team and both seem to be growing and improving as the season progresses.

Ones To Watch

RWBTL are captained by Laura Jefferies who is described as a solid centre back who is equally happy to bring the ball out from the back and is a threat at set pieces. Jefferies was part of Bass’ double winning side in 18/19 – a season where she won Player’s Player and Manager’s Player of the seasons and is a popular figure at the Gerrard Buxton Ground. Jefferies also briefly had a spell as a player-manager.

Up front RWBTL boast a host of threats, but the majority of the team’s goals have come from Libby Davies who has already scored 26 league goals this season, including 5 hattricks, placing her top in the race for the golden boot. Davies who first appeared for Bass two seasons ago spent last year out on loan at Melksham before returning to RWBTL for the start of this campaign where the exciting forward has become an integral part of their team. FGR will also need to be wary of young forward Poppy Wannell who has broken into the first team this season and is a very exciting prospect having come through the club’s youth teams.

Last Meeting Between The Sides

The last time the two sides met was at the Gerard Buxton Stadium in November with FGR registering a 5-3 win. On that day RWBTL Libby Davies scored a brace with Amber Egerton also finding the back of the net. For FGR, captain Hattie Jones and attacker Ella Hitchcox both scored twice with pacey Nynka Rucker also notching for the Green and Blacks.

Highlights of the match can be found here.

Head To Head At A Glance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know?

The two opposing managers know each other well. Fletcher is the former manager of Cheltenham Town Ladies where he had FGRs Chris Hicks on his coaching staff, with the two of them sharing a successful period at the club.

Looking Further Ahead

Sunday’s fixture at home to Bass is the last for FGR as they then embark on 4 away trips in a row before returning to Chalford for a home match on Sunday 20 February when they host AFC St Austell Ladies at 2pm.