Bassett exit Premier Shield

Royal Wootton Bassett Town exited the 1st Office Wiltshire Premier Shield at the first hurdle after being beaten 4-1 away against Westbury United.

Royal Wootton Bassett Town now have just league position to play for in their 2019-20 season after being eliminated in the opening round of the 1st Office Wiltshire Premier Shield. Sam Collier's side were beaten 4-1 away against Western League Premier Division outfit Westbury United as they bowed out fo their final cup competition of the campaign.

The Bassett boss was forced to ring the changes and the team had a rather unfamiliar feel to it: Callum Parsons returned after a number of weeks away, Development team manager Steve Yeardley started at centre half, while promising 16-year old George Ford made his debut as a substitute.

Nevertheless, despite that much-changed side - and the final score, Bassett's performance was not that bad. However, they lacked the cutting edge to threaten Westbury. In contrast, the hosts' potency was on full display as they scored three well-worked team goals on their way to booking their place in the competition's quarter finals.

Driving rain blighted the first half. And, after Declan Lehmann had made a pair of good saves to deny Mark Robinson, the first of which led to Callum Demkiv striking the rebound against the bar, it appeared as though the game was headed into half time goalless.

But Matt Jones was on hand to ensure Westbury went in ahead, steering in at the far post after a corner was swung in.

Bassett had an early chance after the restart when Caine Bradbury curled a free kick narrowly wide.

Westbury eventually doubled their advantage though. Catching Bassett on the break, a swift counter saw Demkiv release Joe Stradling, who produced a smart finish to make it 2-0.

Demkiv then soon made it three as he took advantage of a lapse in defensive concentration before Sam Jordan made it four with an excellent finish.

There was still time for Bassett to grab a consolation and Parsons did just that. Matching the quality of Jordan's goal, Parsons' 25-yard stunner found the net via the underside of the crossbar.

It meant the visitors could finish the night with at least one highlight. Now all attentions turn to the league and edging away from the lower reaches of the Hellenic League Premier Division.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 9th October 2019 at 21:50