Saras got out of jail on Saturday when Wootton Bassett squandered a two goal lead to allow them to take all three points. This was a top take on middle-of-the-table clash with the Cheltenham opposition looking for the points to stay in the title race and Bassett needing to improve their league position. And how well Bassett started as they startled Saras with the quality of their football. They always looked dangerous, although some of the crosses were not quite on the spot.

It was Saras that forced home keeper Kevin Read to make the first of many good saves, this time diving to his left to push out a fierce drive from Justin Powell. But Bassett keeping their shape and continuing to play football were rewarded in the 26th minute. A superb run down the left by Jeremy Newton showed Sara a clean pair of heels. His pin-point cross was met perfectly by Gary Ashford whose header left James Crowest with no chance. Straight from the restart, Bassett won the ball and a drive from Dominic Machell hit the foot of a post with Crowest again a beaten keeper. And this is how it stayed until half-time.

Bassett kicked-off the second half and immediately won a corner. Taken by Newton, it was met by Simon Green who put Bassett two up on 46 minutes. The football, it seemed, was paying off and with several Saras defenders arguing amongst themselves, it looked like Bassett had cracked it.

Unfortunately, it was not to be, Saras pressed the Bassett goal and on 53 minutes Justin Powell got the first of his trio that undid the home side. Unmarked he got his head to a cross from Sean Bryan to loop his effort past a diving Read. Five minutes later he equalised. His fierce drive hit the underside of the bar and crossed the line with Read getting no chance.

Bassett then won a free kick but Paul Harper's effort hit the bar and went over. But it was not all over as Saras came back on 81 minutes to take the lead. Then Bassett defenders stood and watched a loose ball on the spot. Only two players reacted – keeper Read and Powell. Powell though, just got there first and popped his third into the goal. Bassett did not give up and went after Saras in the remaining 10 minutes. A cross, again by Newton, was met by Justin Hyde whose thunderous volley beat Crowest, hit the underside of the bar and came out. For all Bassett's efforts there was to be no reward.

Credit: John Reynolds
Last modified on Saturday 2nd January 2021 at 17:27