This match played at Calne Town's ground, was billed as the David v Goliath fixture. Wootton Bassett, champions elect of the First Division, against Bromham from the 2nd Division. Both teams enjoying a very long successful run of wins and both then expecting to carry it on just one more game to reach the Senior Cup final. As it was, the match got off to an explosive start. Damon York put Wootton Bassett ahead after six minutes, only for the Bromham captain, Ferris, to reply almost immediately from a superbly struck free kick from 20 yards. The equaliser seemed to stir Bassett to increase their work rate and to sharpen their play. 'Jacko' Frost led their front line marvellously well, laying off first time balls to teammates with great accuracy, setting up numerous opportunities to put Bassett in front. From a jinking run from the same player, the ever-industrious Paul Harrison broke free from his midfield marker to meet 'Jacko's' cross to put Bassett ahead in the 15th minute. This time, however, Bassett did not allow Bromham the chance to reply and exerted even more pressure in an attempt to go further ahead. It was during this phase that Taylor, in the Bromham goal, made some super saves to keep his side in the match. Steve Ackrill, Wootton Bassett's very talented centre-half, thwarted many of Bromham's attempts to get back into the game. His aerial strength and speed on the 'deck' stood him in good stead on many occasions. Five minutes before the interval he stole forward into Bromham's area to pivot quickly onto a loose ball to smash Bassett further ahead. Half time: Wootton Bassett 3, Bromham 1.

The second half saw Bromham push forward at every opportunity, putting the Bassett defence under considerable pressure for long periods. Martin Rees, in the Bassett goal, came to their rescue on a number of occasions, whilst at the other end Bassett breaks were denied by stout defending and an increasingly heavy pitch. More goals were, however, not forthcoming for either side and the game ran out to finish as a 3-1 victory for Bassett. Full marks must be awarded to Bromham for such an honest, gutsy performance. Despite being behind for so long, all tackling was sharp yet clean. The referee, who ran the game to his usual high standard, had one booking to make for a mis-timed tackle. For Bassett there were many fine performances, none more so than from skipper of the day Paul Harrison. Bassett can now look forward to the final in April against either Purton, from the Hellenic League, or Ferndale and can feel confident of beating either side on the day.

Wootton Bassett: M.Rees, M John, J.Haines, G.Bartlett, S.Ackrill, T.Vines, P.Harrison, G.McKay, D.York, S,Thomas, R.Frost. Sub: G. Dixon

Bromham: S. Taylor, P.Moxom, S.Hulme, P.Macey, K.Whitebread, D.O'Meara, P.Bennet, P.Ferris, I.Muspratt, P.Romans, G.Merrett. Sub: N.Bennet

Ref: Mr R.S. Tilling

Linesmen: Mr D.F. Roberts and Mr K. M. Little

Credit: Rod Carter
Last modified on Sunday 15th November 2020 at 21:34