Ladies seal top two finish

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies completed an outstanding first season in the South West Women's Football League Eastern Division by securing runners-up spot with a deserved, yet hard-fought 3-0 victory away against Cheltenham Town Development.

As with their triumph over Oldland Abbotonians on Sunday which kept their title hopes alive, Bassett's goals all came in the second half.

The opening period was a tough contest with both teams playing some flowing football and creating opportunities. However, it was to end goalless.

Knowing they needed to get a result, Bassett kicked on after the restart and were rewarded early when awarded a penalty, which Laura Gammon coolly put away.

Ten minutes later they doubled their advantage, creating some much needed breathing room thanks to Hayley Huckin's fine chipped effort from the left side.

Huckin then added some extra gloss in the closing stages with a great strike that found the bottom corner via the post.

The results crowns a season in which Becky Gammon's side have lost just two league games, with the home defeat against Portishead Town likely to prove the meagre difference between finishing as champions and in second place.

In all areas of the pitch Bassett have shown quality in their inaugural campaign playing outside of County League football. A stern defence, which has conceded a league low 23 goals, and an outstanding attack containing three players who have scored at least ten goals this season have combined to deliver another hugely successful year for the side, who it is hoped will continue to develop next season.

For now though they can deservedly bask in the glory of what they have achieved just a year after gaining promotion.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Thursday 17th May 2018 at 22:50