Sunday 22nd April 2018
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 15 Blue became just the fourth side in the club's history to secure a County Cup title as they saw off the spirited challenge of Castle Combe Colts with a convincing 3-0 victory.
Bassett's performance was impressive throughout, there being no sign of nerves on an afternoon when they had the opportunity to seal the first part of a potential treble.
And they were ahead early on as Nathaniel Bell found the back of the net, latching onto a through ball before coolly rounding the 'keeper and tapping in.
Two earlier meetings this season against Castle Combe had seen Bassett record 5-0 and 8-1 victories, so that early goal may have been considered a sign that Bassett were again going to canter to victory.
Though they were rarely threatened, that wasn't quite how the game played out as their opponents held out until Bell doubled Bassett's lead ten minutes before half time, perfectly controlling a chipped ball in behind the defence before steering home.
Jack Langcaster added another before the break, tapping in from close range after a low drive from outside the box could only be tipped away by the Colts' 'keeper, to put Bassett in a commanding position that they would not let slip.
The triumph is a historical one as they matched the achievements of the 2006-07 Under 11s - the only other youth side to previously win County Cup honours - and 1998-99 and 2000-01 first team.
They won't want to stop there this season either as they are in the hunt for the North Wilts League title and through to the final of the League Cup where they will face main title rivals Swindon Supermarine R.
Trio of league victories
They weren't the only Bassett side to record victory this weekend, with three sides triumphing in league action.
A routine 7-0 win away against Purton Youth kept the Under 14 Blues in contention for a top two finish in North Wilts League Division One. Hat-tricks from Otis Lewis and Sebastian Smith headlined their victory, while Matthew Purcell was also on target.
Both Euan Burke and Callum Bridges were playing in their final game of youth football, having started with the club as Under 8s. And they made certain that they would bow out in style, contributing goals in a 5-1 thrashing of Tetbury Town.
On top of the strike from Bridges and Burke's trademark free kick, their team's top scorer Joe Mitchell added to his collection with a brace, with Luke Saunders rounding off the scoring.
Bouncing back from defeat last weekend, the Under 18 Blue team defeated Stratton Juniors 5-1. Scoring were Harvey Coster (2), Bailey Gallagher, Thomas Legge and Finley Sly.
Three points in their penultimate game of the season against FC Chippenham Youth will see the Division One title come down to their final match at home against current leaders Malmesbury Victoria Youth.
Sharing the spoils again
The Under 12 Blues drew for the second game in a row as they shared four goals with Fairford and Lechlade Celts. Jack Blunt and Alec Gawthropp were on target for Bassett.
Elsewhere, there was a narrow defeat for the Under 13 Yellows, who went down by the odd goal in five against North Swindon Lions.
The Under 16 Blues lost 4-0 Castle Combe Colts White, while the Under 12 Whites were beaten 11-1 by Cricklade Youth.
Last modified on Sunday 22nd April 2018 at 20:26.
