Considering that this time last season, 10 of the 14 in Saturday's squad were playing Wiltshire League Division 2 football, this result was not so bad for those concerned. And surely it augers well for the future of Wootton Bassett Town Football Club. Although manager Dave Warren may be disappointed Bassett didn't get a draw - and they did miss a penalty - he must be pleased with the football and the never-say-die spirit in this young squad.

Captained by old boy' Barry Giles and with the experience of Paul Harrison, Simon Green and Kevin Flavell, who had a blinder, Bassett took time to settle. The pace of the game, maybe, was something the youngsters were not used to. However, they managed to put one or two attacks together, one of which ended with Harrison's shot being desperately saved by Easington's keeper. But as the half progressed. Easington gradually took control of the midfield. Bassett's youngsters, keen not to make mistakes, didn't put a foot on the ball to slow it down and ended up giving it away far too much. Easington were rewarded in the the 37th minute when a cross found Easington's No 10 on the six-yard line, his volley giving Reid no chance.

The second half started badly for Bassett as, in only the 46th minute, they were two down. The ball was lobbed up into the area and, with defenders standing watching, the No 9 got a toe to the ball and found the net. Then things changed for the better as far as Bassett were concerned. Slowly but surely, they got on top and Easington were defending what seemed endless waves of Bassett attacks. They had no answer to Lee Stoddart's pace and it was Stoddart who was brought down in the 75th minute by two desperate defenders he had left for dead. Unfortunately, Bassett missed from the spot. Nevertheless, they did not give up and continued their pressure which led to them reducing the arrears in the 89th minute when Lee Stoddart scored. A lovely through ball found him outrunning two defenders, and although this time they let him stay on his feet, it was too late to affect the end result.

Credit: John Reynolds
Last modified on Monday 25th January 2021 at 13:52