A 35th minute strike from Roger Frost, in this Wilts Senior Cup replay, was enough to see Wootton Bassett overcome a strong Bemerton side and earn a quarter final clash at home to Supermarine on January 2. In a splendid tussle, which was equally as absorbing as last week's game, Bassett always looked on top, though once again Bemerton just would not give up, and pushed hard right to the end. It was a game which started with Bassett winning the early midfield tussles, enabling them to control the pace of the game. The back four looked comfortable and most Bemerton advances were snuffed out before danger loomed. The success of the Bassett midfield allowed the creation of a number of early chances, notably for Damon York, who unfortunately seemed to have left his shooting boots at home. McKay, on the left-hand side of midfield, looked to be back to something like his best after two disappointing performances, and indeed the goal was engineered from that side. York made amends for his earlier misses when following a strong run down the flank, he beat his man and crossed for the onrushing Frost to side foot home. Bemerton's first half efforts had been mainly trusted to set pieces where their height would worry any side, until just before half time, when a rasping drive was well turned over the bar by Twine, deputising for Rees, who has a back injury.

The first 20 minutes saw Bassett still in control but failing to create the clear-cut chances that they did in the first half. Notable chances again fell to York, and also to Hanrahan who chose to shoot, when perhaps a square ball to a better placed Harrison would have produced dividends. Vines came the closest to adding to the lead, but his header was saved on the line. Gradually Bemerton started to come back into the game, and, as last week, threw caution to the wind for the last 15 minutes. However, unlike last week Bassett got extra men behind the ball when required and showed a determination not to surrender the lead. Although there were nervous times for the Bassett supporters, Bemerton throwing the ball forward and into the box at every opportunity, Bassett held firm, and in the end deserved the victory. The one sour note of the day was that Peter York who limped off following a heavy tackle early in the second half, has unfortunately broken his shinbone, although it is not currently known how long he will be side-lined for. Next week it is back to the bread and butter of the league when Bassett entertain Corsham at home.

Credit: Paul Harrison
Last modified on Sunday 15th November 2020 at 18:43