Hallen needed all three points from this game if they were to stay in touch with leaders Purton. And, at the end of 90 minutes, they had done enough to get one, a result they just about deserved. But again, Bassett can thank keeper Paul Stevens for the fact they only managed to share the spoils.

Bassett started off playing some sparkling football that left Hallen floundering. Things looked really promising for Bassett with good build-ups that just failed, either with the final pass or shot going round a post or over the bar. After some constant pressure and forcing a couple of free kicks on the edge of the area, Bassett got their goal after 14 minutes. A kick was awarded on the edge of the box on the left. The floated cross found Kevin Moloney who knocked the ball back to the 18-yard line. It was here that Scott Vincent was lurking, and his superb drive found the bottom left-hand corner of Moore's net. Hallen then came at Bassett and the 25th minute saw the first of Stevens saves, diving to his right he pushed a fierce drive from Andy Hicks round a post. Some 10 minutes later with Martin Cook through on his own, Stevens spread himself on the edge of the area to deny Hallen a goal.

The second half started with Hallen putting Bassett under the cosh and, try as hard as they might, Bassett could not really get from under it. But it must be said, Hallen did not look like scoring. Bassett's defence held out well and Stevens was not called on to do anything spectacular. Hallen by now were getting frustrated and with so many committed forward, Dominic Franklin started breaking from the back. He had two or three excellent runs and, had the ball run more kindly, the result could well have been different - as it should have been in the 70th minute. A cross from the left found a completely unmarked Rick Casey on the six-yard line with the keeper stranded. And to say he missed, would be an understatement. Then came Hallen's goal on the 84th minute, a soft effort - but they all count. A long throw on the right was knocked on by Dean Blake. Bassett couldn't clear and it fell to the feet of an unmarked Martin Cook who couldn't miss from six yards.

Credit: Wilts & Glos Standard
Last modified on Friday 1st January 2021 at 14:56