Women’s season preview: Fresh start as Bassett seek to bounce back up

Since the Women's First Team was reformed for the 2009-10 season, Royal Wootton Bassett Town had been on a consistent upward trajectory. Climbing from Division Three of the Gloucestershire County Women's League, Bassett reached the fifth tier of women's football in the space of a decade. Last season, however, saw Bassett experience their first major setback. Although reaching the Wiltshire County Cup final, the team struggled throughout their South West Regional Women's Football League Premier Division campaign, not winning their first game until April and ultimately suffering relegation to Division One Eastern.

However, as disappointing as that is, a change of manager and the prospect of facing unfamiliar opposition means it is the perfect time for a fresh start. And there is hope that Bassett's stay at tier six will be a short one.

The appointment of Adam Wood means that a manager who knows how to deliver results is now at the helm. Stints with Oxford City Development, Abingdon United and Swindon Town Under 16s have all seen Wood lead his team to titles. Taking over a team on the back of relegation is a new challenge, but the Bassett boss has what it takes to return the team to success.

He has certainly been busy since assuming the role in early July, recruiting in areas of need - including attracting players with experience at a higher level as well as promising young talent, while keeping hold of a number of important players who have tasted success with Bassett in the past. There will be competition for places across the pitch, with selection headaches a positive problem to have.

Those players will face a range of opponents new to Bassett. Indeed, of the nine teams they will face, Bassett have previously played a grand total of five competitive fixtures against just three of the sides - Frome Town, Poole Town and Purton. And Bassett first met Poole and Purton last season.

While their opponents will largely be new, they will represent a tough challenge, with Bassett also set for plenty of travelling. Five sides - Purton, Bath City, Pen Mill, Ridgeway and Shaftesbury - all carry positive momentum into the season after promotion winning campaigns. Frome finished third in the Eastern Division last season, while Weymouth (7th) and Stockwood Wanderers (10th) complete the line-up.

Bassett can take confidence though from a preseason that has seen them record impressive results and deliver solid performances against higher level opponents.

Wood's side's preparations began with a heavy win against Wiltshire County League side Kingsdown Lionesses before a 4-2 loss at the hands of Gloucestershire County League Cirencester Town. The result of that second game served as a wake-up call though, with Bassett responding by comfortably seeing off tier six newcomers Bitton 4-1 and drawing 0-0 away at tier five Eastleigh. A narrow 3-2 defeat against last season's Division One Eastern champions Pucklechurch Sports followed. Then in their final game against Cardiff Met, Bassett led at half time before succumbing to a 5-1 loss against one of Wales' leading sides.

Up next is Bassett's season opener against local rivals Purton. Here's hoping that brings the first of many successes in what's set to be an exciting season!