Now that we know all four of the Cricklade Shield Semi-Finalists, I thought it would be the perfect time to write a little preview of the games. I have already seen two of the semi-finalists, Jovial Monk and Swindon AFC, play more than once in the competition. However, having not seen either Kingswood Reserves or Stratton United play (I plan to fix this on Wednesday), I can only base assumptions on their form during the group and knockout phases. Luckily for me, they met in a group game, which gives a little indication. Having said that, in a one-off Semi-Final, form can sometimes go out of the window.

Let's take that Semi-Final first. Stratton United of the Stroud & District League Division 4 (Step 13) v Kingswood Reserves, Stroud & District Division 7 (Step 16). As I said, I have not seen either of these sides play, so I am very much looking forward to being at the game this coming Wednesday evening. Stratton, you have to say, hold all of the cards in terms of playing three divisions higher than their opponents and having already beaten Kingswood 3-1 in the group stage. Then again, in the last 16, Kingswood ran out 2-0 winners over Kingshill Sports who also play in the Stroud & District League, in Division 8, two divisions above Kingswood, so they have form in beating higher ranked opponents. They progressed through the Quarter-Final by means of a 2-0 walkover after Redhouse Vets conceded the game. Stratton defeated Kingswood's league-mates Minety Development in the last 16 before also creating something of a cupset in the Quarter-Final when they recorded a 2-1 win over Step 8 side Ashton Keynes.
With a place in the Final at stake, I am expecting a competitve game on Wednesday.

The second Semi-Final features two teams that have made a big impression on me in this competition. Jovial Monk are the only Sunday league team in the competiton but they have already shown that they are more than capable of mixing it with the Saturday teams. This was clearly demonstrated when they held Step 8 side Nalgo Sports to a 1-1 draw, before beating them in a penalty shootout in their last 16 tie. Their thoroughly professional performance in seeing off Siddington 5-1 in the Quarter-Final should also serve as a warning, especially the fact that they were annoyed to concede a late goal even though the game was already in the bag. Swindon AFC, who I saw take apart Step 7 Ludgershall Sports on Saturday, will no doubt be up for anything thrown at them in the Semi-Final. Their performace at the weekend was very impressive indeed, completely domintaing a team two divisions above them and, although they did not win a group match, their dogged display at Redhouse showed that they can also dig in if need be.

So, who's going to progress to the Final? Well, to be honest, your guess is as good as mine. Stratton should be favourites against Kingswood Reserves but after last weekend's three underdog wins, who knows how it will go. I'm looking forward to watching it unfold on Wednesday evening. As for the other game, I certainly would not like to call that one, but I do think it will also be a game well worth watching. Date and time will be announced on the #BotP Twitter feed wjhen known.

Good luck to all involved. Whoever gets to the Final, I hope I will be there to see it.

I was going to write a little 'story so far' piece at the end of the group stage, but the last 16 matches came on me so quickly, I never go around to it. So, as we head into the Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals of both the Cup and Shield, I thought it might be a good time to recap and reflect, whilst looking forward to the prospect of some great games to come in following weeks.

I managed to get to five games during the group stage and so far, I have taken in one of the knockout phase games. Two things have struck me at all of the games I have seen. First of all the games have been played in an exceptional spirit. Maybe everyone is just happy to get back playing competitive football, but I have hardly seen any bad tackles and few complaints to the referee. A refreshing change from the pro game at the moment. Secondly, and possibly the thing that has caught my eye the most, is the overall standard of football. This, across the board, has been very high. I have seen games between committed teams, seen some excellent build-up play, dogged defending, and fantastic goals. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every game I have been to so far. It would be impossible to say which game was my favourite, but some of the standout incidents have been:

• Scott Smith grabbing all five goals as Chesterton beat Jovial Monk 5-1. Despite his scoring feat, the goal of the game was scored by Jovial's Number 7, a superb 25 yard dipping drive.
• The array of fantastic strikes on display in the Nalgo Sports v Swindon AFC game when both sides decided to have their own goal of the season competition.
• A lovely sunny & warm day out at Minety where both the home side and visitors Tredworth showed us some great football. Thanks also for my Minety mug (it is in regular use).
• Swindon's fantastic performance at Redhouse, where they held the group leaders for 80 minutes before finally succumbing to a couple of late goals.
• Lambourn's blistering start at Stanford where they scored within 15 seconds of kick-off and were two up inside three minutes.
• Probably the best 0-0 game I've had the pleasure to witness as Hatherop and Redhouse went head to head in the Last 16. Redhouse's football in the first half was a joy to watch at times only to be denied by a determined Hatherop side, who played their way back into the game and won on penalties. 

So, what's to come? There's still one Last 16 game to play in the Shield, Ludgershall Sports take on Quedgeley Wanderers Reserves on Saturday. The winner of that game will face Swindon AFC in Quarter-Finals. Elsewhere in the Shield, Stratton, who beat Ashton Keynes 2-1, and Kingswood Reserves who were granted a home win after Redhouse Vets pulled out, are through to the Semi-Finals where they face each other. The remaining Quarter-Final sees Jovial Monk face Siddington, a game that Base of the Pyramid will hopefully be covering on Saturday.

In the Cup, the Quarter-Final ties are all yet to be played. Minety, who have already put out a team from four divisions above their level in the last 16 now face Purton who are five divisions above them. Wickwar Wanderers from the Stroud & District Division 1 face Cricklade Town Reserves, looking to also overcome a three division disadvantage. Shrewton United of Step 7, take on Step 8 side Hatherop and there's an all Wiltshire Senior League clash between Odd Down Reserves and Malmesbury Victoria Development. 

It's impossible to even guess who is going to come out on top in either competition but, if the groups were anything to go by, there's plenty of exciting football to come.