Nick Stanley's first half volley and an outstanding safe from Gary Aulsberry with twenty minutes remaining helped Royal Wootton Bassett Town earn a hard-earned point away against fifth place Ascot United.
Royal Wootton Bassett Town picked up a valuable point on their travels, holding fifth place Ascot United to a 1-1 draw. Moments of excellence at both ends of the pitch contributed to that result, with Nick Stanley scoring with a fine volley to give Bassett the lead before 'keeper Gary Aulsberry pulled off a stunning save with twenty minutes remaining to preserve parity.
Chances were at something of a premium in the opening period. Still, when the visitors went ahead their goal arrived somewhat against the run of play. It was brilliantly taken though, the in-form Nick Stanley striking a sweet volley past the 'keeper from the edge of the box after the hosts failed to clear an attack.
Bassett held the lead going into the break, but were pegged back on the hour mark. Half time substitution Luqman Kassim brought Ascot level, finishing well when one-on-one with Aulsberry after the Bassett defence had stopped playing.
At the other end, Brad Pagliaroli came close to restoring Bassett's advantage as he hit the post with a volleyed drive from the edge of the box.
Ascot held the upper hand though as the game drew closer to its conclusion. And they thought they had grabbed a second when Lamin Sankoh struck a stunning long-range shot that appeared destined for the top corner, only for Aulsberry to somehow claw the ball away.
Callum Carlisle then headed narrowly wide from a corner before Kassim forced a solid save from Aulsberry following a swift counter.
But, after Bassett saw penalty appears for a handball turned down, the final chance of the match fell to the visitors as, catching Ascot on the break, they found themselves in a two-on-one situation with Danny Lachacz and Stanley bearing down on goal. The opportunity fell to the former, but he fired over.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 2nd March 2019 at 21:40
