Weekend preview: Collier set for landmark as Bassett visit Raiders

Saturday's Hellenic League Premier Division visit to Worcester Raiders (3pm kick off) represents a landmark occasion for Sam Collier as it will be his 400th match for Royal Wootton Bassett Town as either a player or manager. And the Bassett boss will be hoping his team continue their excellent run of recent league form against a Raiders side who are also pushing for a playoff place. Bassett are unbeaten in their last eight league games, having taken 22 from 24 points. But, just as with last week's game against Sporting Club Inkberrow, that streak is set for a stern test at the Sixways Stadium, with Raiders boasting one of the division's best defensive records. Bassett will be looking to repeat the outcome of last season's trip to face Raiders that saw Collier and his team come from behind to win 2-1. However, Raiders do hold the upper hand overall against Bassett, having won twice - including a 3-1 home win in 2022-23 and emphatic 4-0 victory in Wiltshire last season. Their only other meeting ended in a draw. On Sunday, Bassett travel to AFC St Vallier in the South West Regional Women's Football League Division One North (2pm kick off) for the teams' first ever competitive meeting. Facing a team Bassett are currently jockeying for position with in the top half, Adam Wood and his side will be looking to bounce back from last week's narrow defeat against leaders Gloucester City. Meanwhile, there's home action for the Development team on Saturday as they entertain Larkhall Athletic Development (Sustain Stadium, 2pm kick off). Both teams are at the wrong end of the table and will be pushing for a crucial three points. For Bassett, it's a chance to seal a season double over Larkhall having triumphed 4-2 away from home just over a fortnight ago. Admission on Saturday is £4 for adults, £2 for concessions and free for RWBTFC youth members.