Wootton Bassett's fine unbeaten start in the league ended in this Tuesday evening game that was action packed from start to finish. Ferndale opened the game in a hungry mood and were 2-0 up within 10 minutes. The first was a fine team move. A deep cross from the right was headed back across goal by Slattery for the unmarked Black to head home. It was Black who also got the second, turning inside John, and unleashing an unstoppable drive. This lightning start to the game left Bassett sluggish, but gradually they began to get themselves back into the game and half chances fell to Harrison and Hanrahan. Bassett's first came on the half hour when a fine flick on by Frost was met by York who made no mistake.

The second half saw Bassett take full control of the game in their quest for an equaliser, Ferndale being pinned in their own half for long periods. Bassett thought they'd found the equaliser when after 70 minutes Frost crossed for the unmarked Harrison, but with time on his side he somehow contrived to head high and wide. However, five minutes later Vines picked up a loose ball in the box and shot home. Bassett pushed on relentlessly and thought they had the winner with 10 minutes left. A long throw was headed out to the apex of the box from where John let fly with a shot which curled all the way into the far corner of the net, giving Sharkey absolutely no chance. Unfortunately for Bassett the referee gave offside against a player on the far side, though how he could be seen to be interfering with play was impossible to understand. The decision proved a vital one when five minutes later Ferndale made a rare attack the result being Benson firing home the winner. The goal proved a double blow when Bassett's captain, Harrison was carried off with a torn knee ligament that is likely to see him play no further part this season.

Credit: Paul Harrison
Last modified on Sunday 15th November 2020 at 20:49