Cracking weekend in store if winter weather holds off (From Gazette Series)

Cracking weekend in store if winter weather holds off

FOOTBALL followers will be hoping that the wintery weather holds off this weekend as teams in the Gazette area take part in some potentially crucial matches.

After eight successive away games, Slimbridge return to Wisloe Road to entertain Hungerford Town in a Hellenic League Challenge Cup first round tie (3pm).

Doug Foxwell's side are also at home on Tuesday night when Toolstation Western League First Division side Longwell Green Sports are the visitors for a GFA Trophy second round match (7.45pm).

Both games will be played to a finish, with extra time and penalty shoot-outs being used if necessary.

Wotton Rovers have a massive game in the County League tomorrow.

Still without a point, Rovers travel to third-from-bottom DRG/Stapleton and must surely take something from the game if they are to ever get their season going.

There are two huge games in Northern Senior One as well. The game of the day is at Kingswood, where the third placed hosts welcome top side Longlevens, who beat Warden Hill United 7-0 in their last game.

It is sixth against fifth at Berkeley, where Town face Brimscombe & Thrupp.

Elsewhere in NSL One, Cam Bulldogs will fancy their chances of taking three points from their home game with Huntley, as will Sharpness, who entertain Shortwood United Reserves.

Dursley Town have a tough task at home to Newton Heath in Division Two, while Charfield will hope to build on last week's success in their home match with Whitecroft.

All Northern Senior League games kick-off at 2.30pm.

Sunday sees Dursley Town Ladies and Cam Bulldogs Ladies meet for their return league meeting.

The clash was not supposed to go ahead until January but the Bulldogs' scheduled opponents Bristol & West have a rearranged county cup tie to play and Town had a blank fixture.

The game will give Dursley the chance to make up for their 2-1 defeat at Cam last month.

Dursley Town Ladies v Cam Bulldogs Ladies is a 2pm kick-off at the Recreation Ground.