Wootton Bassett travelled to Salisbury on Saturday to take on the current league leaders Old Manor. On a very heavy pitch Bassett had the advantage of a strong swirling wind at their back in the first half. The early exchanges quickly highlighted the speed the ball spun off the muddy pitch making it very difficult for good football. Bassett however began to dominate for long periods and had a number of chances to take the lead, the best of these falling to McKay, after good work by Hanrahan, but his half-hit shot was smothered by the keeper. Old Manor broke away rarely, but on one occasion, goalkeeper Rees did remarkably well to save a goal-bound attempt with his legs. The first half finished level but Bassett centre-half Bowden hobbled off nursing a badly gashed leg.

From the restart Old Manor surged forward and caught Bassett desperately covering for the injured Bowden. Following good work from Tutton the ball found its way to Rushton who struck the ball superbly to put his side ahead. Bassett brought on substitute Haines for skipper Bowden and a reshuffle in the side saw them recover from the early setback and make a concerted effort to recover the points. Paul Harrison came close on a number of occasions but Old Manor defended desperately to clear their lines. However, Bassett would not be thwarted and with only five minutes remaining Hanrahan jinked past three defenders to lay a superb ball into the six-yard box. For once the ball broke Bassett's way and Harrison struck a superb goal into the Old Manor net. When the referee blew the final whistle, everyone involved in the match, officials and players, must have been satisfied to have served up such an open enterprising match with 100% commitment from all concerned. Next week Bassett face Bromham in the semi-final of the Wiltshire Senior Cup to be played at Calne Town's ground, kick-off 2pm.

Credit: Alan Hamilton
Last modified on Sunday 15th November 2020 at 21:33