On the afternoon of the game most would have said that this was a poor performance by Bassett, especially against a side two divisions below them. But in the cold light of day, it could be considered a cynical and efficient performance. They did what they had to do, against a side who were 'up for it'.

Right from the kick-off, Wroughton took the game to Bassett and pinned them into the last 25 yards. But rarely did they get any further Bassett seemed too casual, too relaxed and seemed to lack any bite. Wroughton, on the other hand, had nothing to lose and so they threw men forward. Any Bassett attacks broke down with some fine defending, particularly by Reid who put in some timely tackles. But Bassett's goal was never really under threat, except for a free kick just outside the box which brought a fine diving save from Paul Stevens.

Then, in the 29th minute, Bassett scored. A loose clearance found Gavin Barron in midfield unmarked. His lovely pass to Nigel Packer, alone on the right, led to his superb cross to the far post finding Sean Clark whose scissor-kick left the Wroughton keeper standing. Wroughton did not lose heart and, in the last 15 minutes of the half, were unlucky not to go in on equal terms.

The second period was very much like the first with Wroughton taking the game to Bassett. Again, Bassett were strong at the back, except for one instance when Wroughton's No 10 was sent through on his own with only Stevens to beat. The keeper seemed to spread himself too early, but as the forward went to go round him Stevens shot out a foot and took the ball for a great save.

Wroughton were never going to score now. Then in the 86th minute, the killer goal was scored. A quite ordinary throw-in on the half way line was flicked on to a completely unmarked Rick Casey. He rounded the keeper to put the ball into the empty goal. And so Bassett have got a semi-final spot against Highworth in the Senior Cup.

Credit: Wilts & Glos Standard
Last modified on Friday 1st January 2021 at 12:41