Wootton Bassett doggedly fought their way through to the Wiltshire Senior Cup semi-final by defeating Supermarine 1-0 in this quarter final replay. Supermarine can class themselves a little unlucky because for most of the game they held the territorial advantage, but despite this it was Bassett who created the clearer of the chances and the score could easily been 2 or 3. Right from the off, Supermarine pushed forward with great purpose and Bassett were for the most part pinned in their own half. Some solid defending by the Bassett back four limited Supermarine to long range efforts and slowly Bassett began to get into the game. With the midfield becoming more determined and winning more of the ball the front three began to get some good service and support. When York switched flanks to the right halfway through the half Bassett had assumed control and proceeded to have their best period of the game. After 25 minutes Harrison released York down that right flank. He made his way into the penalty area before unleashing a firm drive which had Spackman beaten but also beat the far post. Five minutes later it was York again tormenting Humphreys on the right and his hard and low cross was bundled in by Hanrahan with Spackman in close attention, to give Bassett the lead. Bassett stayed in control until half time, York continuing to cause problems, but could not add to their lead.

The second half saw Supermarine once more come out in determined mood and take the game to Bassett, who perhaps gave ground to them too easily. Once again, the back four proved solid and for the most part only allowed Supermarine half chances. Their best chance came with 20 minutes remaining when Shearan's header was rather fortunately tipped over by Rees, although there were also a number of goalmouth scrambles when Bassett had their supporters' nerves on edge. Unfortunately, the competitive nature of the game spilled over into a number of minor brawls the result of which saw Supermarine Hughes enter the referee's book. Despite conceding territorial advantage Bassett always looked dangerous on the break and should have wrapped the game up with 15 minutes remaining when York failed to score with only Spackman to beat. Indeed, it was York, the player, of the first half, who was to miss another golden chance with 2 minutes left. The victory sees Bassett go through to the semi-final against Bromham, the other semi-finalists being Ferndale and Purton. It's cup action again next week for Bassett when they face another quarter final tie, this time in the Ghia Senior Cup, away against Sanford.

Credit: Paul Harrison
Last modified on Sunday 15th November 2020 at 20:13