New Year Preview: Tough test to start 2023
Royal Wootton Bassett Town start the new year with a test as tough as they come with Hellenic League Premier Division title chasers Malvern Town the visitors to the Sustain Stadium on Monday 2 January (3pm kick off).
Sam Collier will be hoping his team produce a resolute display equal to that they put in the last time the Hillsiders visited North Wiltshire, with Bassett triumphing 2-1 against Malvern back in February courtesy of goals from Sam Packer and Chris Taylor.
Bassett, who have been competitive in all fixtures so far this campaign against the division's leading lights, pushed Malvern all the way in this season's reverse fixture too, succumbing to a defeat by the narrowest of margins when they met in Worcestershire in mid-October.
Malvern are in outstanding form though. In the ten league games they have played since then, Malvern have dropped just five points - all against Wantage Town - and they currently sit top of the table, three points clear of Cribbs.
They have played two games more than Cribbs though, so a win is therefore a must for Malvern as they aim to hold their rivals at bay in what is looking like it will be a two-horse fight for the title.
Bassett will be hoping to dent those hopes on Monday - and from their most recent meetings with Malvern, it's clear that a result for Sam Collier's side is possible.
Admission for Monday's fixture is £6 for adults, £3 for concessions and free for RWBTFC youth members.