With five regulars out of the side for this semi-final tie played on a rain soaked Supermarine's pitch, Wootton Bassett fought hard but were finally overcome in extra time on Saturday. Bassett started as though they were on fire, pushing Highworth back into their own area. Rick Casey causing the opposing defence all sorts of problems with his runs at defenders, often getting to the by line and sending over dangerous crosses. It was one of these which found an unmarked Gavin Barron who should have put Bassett one up, but he put the ball over the bar

The half continued in much the same way with Paul Stevens in Bassett's goal mostly a spectator. The goal that Highworth were defending became a nightmare for them. The area was by now a quagmire of mud and water but, no matter how they tried, Bassett were denied the goal they so deserved as a goal-less interval arrived.

Highworth started the second half much more positively and it was Bassett's turn to defend in that sea of mud. And there were one or two anxious moments. Bassett were still battling hard and were rewarded on 61 minutes. A comer on the right was not cleared properly and the ball fell to Neil Timbrell a good 25 yards out. His volley was superb as the ball sped into the top, left-hand corner to give the goalkeeper no chance. This perked Basset up no end and Highworth seemed to wilt a little and, as the half progressed, there looked as if there was no way back for them. But then they had some fortune. A free kick on the left, just outside the penalty arca, was fired in hard and hit Donnely before flying into the net on 71 minutes. Minutes later, there was a race for the ball between Casey and the Highworth keeper. Casey got there first to head over the keeper, only to see the ball stick in the mud on the line and finally cleared.

And so into extra time. The first period ended in stalemate with Bassett now looking very tired. They had their substitutes on now as Harrison and Parker, who had played their hearts out, were replaced by Pocock and Flavell, and Vincent by Jeremy Newton. But the second period belonged to Highworth. In the 110th minute, Tucker picked up a loose ball mid-way in Bassett's half and was allowed to run with it into the area, his shot giving Stevens no chance. Bassett came back at them and a fine fun and cross by Newton saw Flavell put his shot, under pressure, round a post. Then on 121 minutes, Highworth clinched the final place. A stupidly taken free kick saw Dom Franklin robbed of the ball. It was sent to O'Driscoll, free on the right, and he made no mistake.

Credit: Wilts & Glos Standard
Last modified on Friday 1st January 2021 at 13:10