This Jekyll and Hyde team called Wootton Bassett caught a cold by taking another beating on Saturday. That is six points Ardley have now taken off Bassett this season and from 15 goals scored by them, seven have been picked out of the Town net.

After the previous week's performance against Rayners Lane, this week's had to be seen to be believed. One might think they were having nightmare as Bassett lacked cohesion, commitment and courage while Ardley had it all.

The first eight minutes were not too bad as Bassett started well enough. But on 10 minutes, Bassett had a real let-off when Ardley struck a post and the ball rebounded into Stevens hands. But the keeper then promptly delivered the ball up field to Lee Dorrant who ran through the Bassett defence unopposed, before shooting from the edge of the box for the first goal.

Bassett did try to come back, but moves were easily broken up. Chris Sachno in Ardleys's goal did not look too confident, but Dave Hawkins touchline pleas to test him fell on deaf ears. On 38 minutes. Ardley were two up. A cross from the left found Mick Heys unmarked 10 yards out and, while keeper Stevens tried to get to him, Heys got the touch and it stayed that way until half-time.

The second half started with Ricard Casey on for Scott Vincent, who had been injured after a collision with Sacho. Bassett tried to claw their way back into the game and, for long periods, they dominated by pushing ever deeper into Ardley territory - but to no avail. The game then swung in the 53rd minute when Bassett's David Guthrie was subjected to a tackle by Lee Dorrant that was out of the 'Vinnie Jones Video of Cloggers'. Unfortunately, Guthrie retaliated and this normally 'play football with a smile man was sent off, along with the perpetrator of the crime. Although clearly upset by this incident, Bassett tried harder to get back into this game but, to be fair, the ball did not run kindly for then.

Then they were hit on the break in the 80th minute. An all-out attack on Ardley's goal resulted in a long ball out of defence finding No 3 Pete Allison on his own. A minute later, Ardley had claimed a fourth, scored by Yan Hawtin. Though perhaps a controversial effort, it did not matter, the goal stood. And despite Bassett trying for a consolation in the final ten minutes, everything was against it.

Credit: Wilts & Glos Standard
Last modified on Friday 1st January 2021 at 12:12