Sunday 7th September 2025

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 14 Girls began their season away to Marlborough Youth Raiders at Elcot Lane on a tricky, sloped pitch - and in a dramatic contest won 4-3.

Bassett made a great start despite having to adapt to losing and gaining players over the summer. And the away side took the lead when Mia Hughes found the back of the net from picking up a stray ball.

They then doubled their lead through Elise Dart, who showed great determination when calling for the ball, and tucked it away with ease.

Bassett then claimed their third through a lovely display of teamwork - Elise won the ball and played in Alisa Allan, who drove down the left wing and unselfishly squared the ball for Sienna Matthews to slot home.

That meant that at half time the Blues were 3-0 up.

But for the second-half, Bassett would face the challenge of kicking up the slope.

Some sloppy play resulted in the away side conceding two in three minutes. Chloe Parkins made some strong saves, but Marlborough put pressure on the Bassett defence, catching them out at the back and bringing the score level.

Both teams fought hard for the winning goal, until the Marlborough keeper picked up the ball outside the box and Mia Hughes struck in a free kick, sealing a dramatic Bassett victory.

Bassett were tough and gutsy from start to finish and worked well as a team. Player of the match went to Lily Lloyd, who was solid in defence in her first league game for Bassett.

The Under 13s had their first league game at home against Wroughton Wroughton on Saturday, and earned a 2-0 win.

The players pushed hard in the first half, despite strong winds and bumpy terrain, but neither team managed to find the back of the net and could have been more clinical in front of goal.

However, Bassett got off to a flying start in the second half.

Hollie Peachey hit a lovely cross over the top of the Wroughton defenders to Christina Croft, who dinked the ball over the keeper with an excellent header, putting the Blues in front.

Not long after, Ava Merwood-Palmer slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.

Player of the match went to Aamira Sakiru, who was solid at the back and intelligent on the ball. The girls didn't stop working hard from start to finish, and it was a thoroughly deserved win.

The Under 16s had a tough game away to Melksham Town Lionesses, against who they lost 7-2.

Bassett started off really well, working together as a team and creating chances through on goal. Unfortunately, they were lacking that final finish and then conceded a few goals themselves.

With ten minutes of the first half to go, the Blues got a goal back after some fantastic play by several players and onto Daisy Bundy, who cut inside and placed the ball over the keeper.

Bassett came out strong in the second half, but unfortunately Melksham bagged a few more goals.

Tilly Bevis had plenty of shots and claimed her first goal of the season through a great strike over the keeper.

Unfortunately, Bassett were defeated, but the scoreline didn't reflect the game as the Blues played some lovely football. Well done to new players Megan, Julia and Maisie on making their debuts.

Player of the match went to Maisie Wilkinson, who had a fantastic game as right back - calm on the ball and linking up well with her teammates.

Last modified on Sunday 7th September 2025 at 22:47.