Late barrage brings heavy cup defeat

Royal Wootton Bassett Town crashed out of the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup at the first hurdle as they were defeated 4-0 by Tuffley Rovers.

Three late goals condemned Royal Wootton Bassett Town to a heavy 4-0 loss against Tuffley Rovers in the opening round of the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup.

Against a Rovers side who were much-improved from the outfit Bassett thrashed 6-1 on the opening day of the league campaign, Sam Collier's team put in a disappointing performance, though credit must go to Tuffley who defended well and did not allow their visitors to get into any sort of rhythm.

Tuffley went in front after just ten minutes. The goal came somewhat against the run of play, but was well taken as Dominik Kent latched onto Lee Smith's pass and produced a composed finish to slot beyond Connor Thompson in the Bassett goal.

Chances were evenly distributed for the remainder of the half. For Bassett, TJ Bohane volleyed narrowly over from the edge of the area and Iggy Ilott fired over from a good position following good work from Tony Joyce and Brad Pagliaroli. Meanwhile, Ryan Dobbins and Kieran Alder both shot just off target for the hosts.

There continued to be little to separate the teams following the restart, though Thompson was forced to pull off a good save with his feet to deny Tuffley a second early on.

But, with quarter of an hour remaining, Tuffley grabbed a second, sparking a collapse from Bassett. It was something of a scrappy finish from the former Fairford man Smith, whose shot looped in off Thompson after Bassett failed to clear, but was symptomatic of the veteran forward's poacher's instincts.

Five minutes later, Ashley Bird beat an onrushing Thompson to reach a pass played in over the top and, after deftly knocking the ball over the 'keeper, he nodded into an empty net.

Brett James then completed the rout, stealing possession off Joyce, who had been played a hospital pass, before steering beyond Thompson.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 30th September 2018 at 13:35