Sanford
3 ‒ 2
Wootton Bassett TownWBTFC

WBTFC Scorers:
Steve Ackrill, Gerry McKay

Bassett loses game and unbeaten tag

Wootton Bassett's unbeaten start to the season finally ended on Saturday, as did their dream of winning the treble - League, Senior Cup and Ghia Senior Cup - when they were defeated 3-2 by Sanford in the quarter final of the Ghia Senior Cup.

In truth, although they nearly forced extra-time when Harrison's last minute shot went just wide, it was a disappointing performance from Bassett, allowing themselves to be knocked out of their stride by Sanford's stronger tactics, tactics which cost Sanford three bookings.

The first half saw Bassett start the livelier of the two sides. Gaining control of the game they pushed forward consistently over the first half-hour through few clear-cut chances were created. Frost did find himself clear, but his shot didn't even trouble Maggs in the Sanford goal. Bassett's pressure paid dividends in the 25th minute when Ackrill rose well at a corner to put a header in that Maggs allowed to slip through his hands. Following the goal Sanford came a little more into the game and an effort from Casey was well saved by Rees.

Bassett's performance in the second half of games has been somewhat lacklustre at times this season, and so it proved on Saturday. Seemingly content to hold their lead they dropped off the pace and allowed Sanford to take a grip. Their equaliser came after 65 minutes. Either the ball was greasy or it was just one of those afternoons for the goalkeepers as this time it was Rees turn in the Bassett goal to not cleanly hold a header and the Sanford centre forward bundled it home.

The second followed five minutes later when a cross from the right was headed firmly into the net by the Sanford centre forward, the ball looping over Rees. Bassett responded immediately by pushing Johns forward leaving only three at the back. This move proved counter-productive when in the 75th minute Haines under hit his back pass, following a long through ball and the Sanford centre forward helped himself to a hat-trick, firing wide of Rees. Bassett to their credit, kept pushing and following a series of corners, reduced the deficit when McKay shot home. This set the game up for a frantic last few minutes, though this time Bassett did not find the last minute equaliser they have a couple of times recently in the league.

Next week its back to the all-important league when Bassett entertain Oldacre, who have a few ex-Bassett players, kick-off 3pm.

Credit: Paul Harrison
Last modified on Sunday 15th November 2020 at 20:36

Sanford
3 ‒ 2
Wootton Bassett TownWBTFC

WBTFC Scorers:
Steve Ackrill, Gerry McKay