TJ Bohane scored a penalty and two free-kicks in a whirlwind ten minute first half spell to secure a 3-1 away victory against Tuffley Rovers for Royal Wootton Bassett Town.
Royal Wootton Bassett Town overcame an early deficit - as well as the blustering wind and driving rain - as TJ Bohane's ten minute hat-trick secured a 3-1 triumph away against Hellenic League Premier Division basement dwellers Tuffley Rovers.
Repeating his feat against Tuffley on the opening day of the campaign, Bohane's three-timer was a set-piece masterclass as he fired in a penalty before twice finding the net from free kicks.
It was something of an achievement that the game went ahead. And Bassett will be thankful that the referee allowed the game to be played to a conclusion despite the conditions getting worse as the game went on.
Whether Sam Collier would have felt that way after falling behind in the 14th minute is questionable, though there can be no complaints about the goal his goal conceded as Henry Birkett smashed in a stunning strike from 25 yards.
Bassett were soon back on level terms though, earning a penalty which Bohane coolly put away.
Bohane then put his side in front on 23 minutes. Awarded a free kick on the edge of the area that was arguably somewhat harsh on the hosts, the forward stepped to the plate and curled an exquisite strike into the top left corner beyond the reach of home 'keeper Kane Winman.
Three minutes later he had his hat-trick. Bassett were given another free kick in an advantageous position, which Bohane struck. The ball took a deflection, wrong-footing Winman who was just unable to recover as it trickled over the line.
Both teams battled on for the remainder of the contest, Tuffley fighting valiantly to try and get back in the game. But the best opportunity they could muster came early on in the second period and fell to Brett James, who shot narrowly wide after his progress had been slowed by the churning mud.
The result means Bassett are now six games unbeaten in the league as they try and keep pace with the sides above them and maintain the small advantage they hold over the chasing pack, the members of which all have multiple games in hand.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 15th December 2018 at 19:34
