Sam’s Section: Southern League action as Gloucester hunt down top spot and Cleeve look to maintain play-off fight
Leagues are really taking shape as we enter the final weeks of a snowy November and it’s great to see Gloucestershire represented in many promotion fights.
This week I delve into some exciting fixtures at the top end of the Southern League divisions as Gloucester City and Bishops Cleeve face testing clashes in their bid for promotion and top spots.
Walton & Hersham v Gloucester City (Southern League Premier South, Saturday November 23rd, Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub, KO 3pm)
Gloucester City head into this weekend looking to keep the pace on league leaders Merthyr Town but have a tough task away at fourth placed Walton & Hersham, who they face for the first time in the clubs history.
City aren’t currently in their finest form being winless in their last four matches in all competitions and face a Walton side who have lost just one of their six games.
Mike Cook’s side fell to a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Bracknell Town last weekend, just their second in the league this season, so will be hoping for all three points which could take them level on points with leaders Merthyr.
Merthyr have a fierce fixture themselves as they host third placed AFC Totton who will be looking to pounce on any City slip up to go second.
Bashley v Bishops Cleeve (Southern League Div One South, Veho Community Stadium, Saturday November 23rd, KO 3pm)
In the second division of the Southern League South, Bishops Cleeve look build on a fantastic 2-0 victory over Bristol Manor Farm on Tuesday night against Bashley.
Cleeve sit sixth with only goal difference keeping them out of the play off spots but their opponents, Bashley, sit seventh level on points with Cleeve adding some extra tension on this clash.
A win at the Veho Community Stadium would see Cleeve record a third straight win in the league and potentially move as high as third if results go their way, just another positive in Cleeve’s incredible season so far.
Cleeve and Bashley might be keeping an eye on fixtures above them with that chance to gain some positions as Melksham Town (5th) travel to Tavistock, Evesham United (4th) face leaders Yate Town and Helston Athletic (3rd) take on Didcot Town.
Follow Sam Yapp on Twitter (X) @SJY_Journo for more
READ MORE: Check out this Saturday’s fixtures in and around Gloucestershire right here
READ MORE: Check out this Sunday’s Women’s fixtures in and around Gloucestershire right here
Cover photo taken and copyright Jamie Brain Photography. Visit his Instagram @jamiebrain_photography
