Article by Johnny Davies

Bishops Cleeve prepare to face Bashley away with both teams fighting for playoffs

Coming off the back of a big 2-0 win against Bristol Manor Farm on Tuesday, Bishops Cleeve have a quick turnaround to face another strong opponent in Bashley.

Bishops Cleeve currently sit sixth in the table, just one place off of the playoffs, but on the same points as Melksham Town who are occupying that fifth place.

Bashley are also having a strong season, sitting seventh in the table, and are also on the same points as Melksham and Cleeve.

Melksham Town however have two games in hand over Cleeve, but Cleeve have a game in hand over Bashley, giving them a slight edge going into their away match.

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Bashley, on the other hand, have had more time to rest for this matchup, having not played Tuesday.

However, Bashley's last game was also against Bristol Manor Farm away, a game in which they lost 2-0, which gives even more confidence to the away side.

Goal difference is also vital in the Southern League South Division One, with every team close together, every goal matters.

And the goals have come well for Bishops Cleeve, sitting currently on a +11 goal difference, a big gap from their opponents who currently sit on a +1 goal difference.

Central Defender Matt Liddiard spoke after their big away win at Manor Farm on the upcoming game in Hampshire, and how they can bring their defensive display into the game

"We go into every game wanting to win, coming off the back of two wins, with both performances being good"

"We're coming up against teams around us, if not above us, and performing well. It definitely gives us the confidence going into the game against Bashley."

"It's going to be another tough opposition but we've just got to keep going and replicate our performances."
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It's been a strong season for captain Ross Langworthy, picking up nine goals and an assist this season, working hard overall to give his side big results.

Bishops Cleeve have also had a strong season so far in general and have amassed a wider audience this year, especially after their FA Cup run beating Torquay United and earning a replay against Chesham United.

It was difficult for Bishops Cleeve midway through the season, losing a star attacker in Jay Malshanskyj and having a few poor results against sides lower down in the table.

However that hasn't stopped Bishops Cleeve from picking up, and the team has stuck together well, and are now on a good run of form against sides that are around them in the league.

Cleeve will hope to carry on this form against sides around them when they travel Hampshire on the 23rd November 2024

This big matchup in against Bashley is another chance to show to people that they are a club on the up.

Photo Credit: Henry Nunn
Instagram: @henrynunn_

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