On a pitch still quite hard from recent frosts, Wootton Bassett Reserves entertained Old Manor in Division 3 of the Wilts County League. Bassett started off at a good pace and appeared to be coping with the state of the pitch better than Old Manor, and following a free kick just inside the Old Manor half, Thomas floated the ball into the Old Manor goal area. The ball went into the net over the head of the badly positioned Old Manor 'keeper to open the score for Bassett. This setback brought out the fighting spirit in Old Manor who then took control of the game and gave Bassett a lesson in coping with difficult pitches, and their determination paid dividends, and midway through the first half, scored twice to take the lead 2-1. Shortly before the interval with Bassett looking very ragged, Davies the only Bassett player showing any drive, won the ball in midfield. Seeing the Old Manor 'keeper once again badly positioned he chipped the ball over the 'keeper's head to bring the scores level at 2-2. When the first half came to an end Bassett were lucky to be going in with the scores level, following what must have been their worst showing of the season so far.

Whatever Bassett management had to say during the half time break may never be known, but Bassett started the second half a transformed team. For the first 20 minutes Old Manor hardly got out of their own half with Bassett playing the type of game they should have been playing before the interval. Bassett were at last showing the will to win with Davies, Burke and Serratore in midfield stamping their authority on the game. Advances by Old Manor into the Bassett half were dealt with by the Bassett back four. The way Bassett were playing was certain to produce goals and Bell, MacLeod. Thomas and Burke came close to scoring on many occasions. Their persistence finally paid off with goals from Burke, Bell and Davies (2). Davies completing his hat-trick in his first full game for Bassett this season. A good recovery by Bassett in the second half following what can only be described as a dismal first half, and they were the eventual winners 6-2. They collected two more points in the league and are now well on course for a maximum six points from their December fixtures. If Bassett can regenerate the enthusiasm and determination they showed in their second half performance against Walcot next Saturday, they will finish the year well placed in the league.

Credit: Unknown
Last modified on Tuesday 17th November 2020 at 21:31