Frustrating day as Bassett held by ten man Fairford

Royal Wootton Bassett Town have now gone three Hellenic League Premier Division games without recording a victory following a 1-1 derby draw against basement dwellers Fairford Town

Royal Wootton Bassett Town suffered a frustrating day as they dominated their derby encounter with Fairford Town, but could only come away from the game with a point as they were held 1-1.

Rich Hunter's side created countless chances, but were ultimately punished for their profligacy against opponents who played the majority of the game with ten men after Josh Gregory was sent off in the first half for a two-footed lunge.

Having failed to find the back of the net in the opening period, Bassett eventually went ahead on the hour thanks to Sam Packer's sublime finish. Gio Wrona played a corner low to the edge of the area where Harvey Scholes was lurking. The midfielder then steered the ball towards goal, and, from six yards out and with his back to goal, Packer produced an audacious back heel flick which crept past Charles Steward.

The goal should really have spurred Bassett on to victory. Yet they were guilty of a defensive lapse three minutes later that allowed Fairford to pull level.

As Liam Gale strode forward, he drew the attentions of three Bassett defenders before slipping a reverse pass through to the overlapping Dan Reynolds, who arrowed a first time shot beyond Dan Lawrence and into the bottom corner.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 29th October 2017 at 20:35