Wootton Bassett clinched the Wiltshire League championship on Saturday with a fine display at Amesbury. They had always looked likely to win the title, starting the season with an unbeaten run of 19 league games, but a bad patch in March meant it proved to be a little longer coming. The performance at Amesbury, was an impressive one, Bassett were nearly always in control and played some lovely touch [sic] football. Playing against a strong wind in the first half Bassett created a number of good chances. Hanrahan had the first chance, but he decided to try to square the ball for York when it looked as though a shot may have been better rewarded. York, Frost and Johns all had shots that were just wide before, in the 37th minute, Johns determination took him through a couple of tackles, and he fired home. Amesbury's chances in the first half came mainly from set pieces where their height was an advantage, and from a couple of long-range efforts.
The second half saw Bassett continue to go forward and they should have increased their lead 15 minutes into the half when a header from Frost rebounded off the bar to York who somehow also headed against the bar when it seemed easier to score. Ten minutes later the woodwork again denied Bassett when McKay beat his man and let loose a shot that unfortunately hit the bottom of the post. Amesbury introduced their sub and pushed an extra man forward in search of an equaliser and had a good spell midway through the half when Bassett seemed to slacken off but failed to create any clear cut chances. The extra man forward meant there was more space in their defence and Bassett started to make the most of it. York, twice and McKay both found good shots on goal but the Amesbury keeper was equal to them. The second goal came with 10 minutes remaining when Frost, who had been a handful for Amesbury all afternoon, showed some lovely skill and laid the ball through to York who was left to beat the keeper from eight yards. Bassett's quest for honours is not yet over as next Saturday, April 30, they face Purton in the final of the Wiltshire Senior Cup, to be played at Chippenham's ground. It should prove a cracking derby well worth watching and supporting your local team.
Credit: Paul Harrison
Last modified on Monday 16th November 2020 at 20:43
