Wootton Bassett started at their usual fast standstill and kept up that pace throughout the entire 90 minutes. And although some may think they just deserved their win, in reality victory was secured by three superb saves by keeper Paul Stevens in the second half when Bassett were under the cosh for long periods.

On the whole, though, it was a poor game. Bassett started, as usual, in their slow manner but never seemed to be able to pick the pace up. Attacks at both ends fizzled out, passes went astray and, at times, there seemed to be old scores' to be settled before the game of football. Referee Mr Faulkner must have been in a good mood as he was lenient to offences on both sides.

However, both defences were on top and neither keeper had much to do. Bassett came closest to scoring in the first period when a shot from Vincent beat the keeper but just shaved a post.

The second half start with Clanfield the more determined of the sides and Bassett having to defend desperately at times. But it was not until Bassett had scored that Clanfield had a real go at them. In the 57th, minute a low cross was sent into the box. Karl Little, who was facing the crosser with his marker beside him, turned his man and fired low into the net for a good goal. Then came the pressure by Clanfield and Stevens' superb display. In a period of 15 to 20 minutes, he dived to his left to hang on to a ball that was surely goal bound. Again, he stepped in to his left to turn away the ball away for a corner, another effort that was surely, on its way in.

Soon after, he dived to his right to push away a ball that, had it not gone in, would surely have found the head of a Clanfield forward. Clanfield did not give up completely, but it was not to be their day and as the pressure eased Bassett came back at them. Vincent was put clear, only to be brought down as he rounded the keeper. The referee waved play on as he thought Bassett had the advantage and Clanfield's No 5 cleared while one or two spectators thought that the shirts didn't clash that much!

Credit: Wilts & Glos Standard
Last modified on Friday 1st January 2021 at 13:17