From The Evening Advertiser, Tuesday March 8th 1999

Wootton Bassett reached the final of the Wilts Senior Cup beating Corsham Town 2-1 in an exciting semi-final played at Chippenham Town's ground.

Corsham had the edge for the first 20 minutes and Bassett were forced to defend for long periods. However as the game progressed Bassett came more into the game and 10 minutes before the break following a good move Jeremy Newton cut inside the Corsham defence to score.

Three minutes later Corsham were on level terms when a free kick from the edge of the area was well stopped by Bassett keeper Tom Fuller but the ball ran free for Rob Humphries to score from the rebound.

After the break Corsham once again had the better of the opening session, Fuller making several good saves in the Bassett goal.

Ten minutes from time Wootton Bassett snatched the winner when a long throw was flicked on for Simon Green to score with a looping header over the Corsham keeper.

Internal Club Match Report on this game (author not known)

Bassett took a while to settle into this Senior Cup Semi Final and it was Western League side Corsham Town who had the best of the encounter for the first 25 minutes. When Bassett finally started to get their game together Micky Goodwin was the first to almost score when after 27 minutes he attempted to chip the Corsham keeper but only narrowly missed the target. On the half hour, Richard Merchant narrowly missed with a good effort. With 10 minutes of the half remaining Jeremy Newton, who up until then had been somewhat subdued, collected the ball just over the halfway line, attacked the defenders and unleashed a powerful drive which beat the Corsham keeper to give Bassett a 1-0 lead. Bassett had defended well to keep Corsham at bay but with 3 minutes of the half remaining, Corsham equalised from a free kick from just outside the penalty area.

Corsham again had the best of the spoils in the opening minutes of the second half and it needed a first class point blank save from the somewhat 'lardy' Tom Fuller in the Bassett goal after 3 minutes to keep Bassett in the game and from that point it was an evenly contested half which was delicately poised and some resolute and at times desperate defending by both sides ensured the scores remained level with extra time looking a distinct probability. With 12 minutes of the game remaining and following some extended Bassett pressure, Simon Green headed the ball home following a corner to give Bassett a 2-1 lead. Although Corsham responded well they were not able to break down the Bassett defence in which skipper Simon Green was outstanding. With 3 minutes remaining, further pressure from Bassett earned them a free kick 25 yards from goal and Paul Harper's well-placed kick was tipped over the bar by the Corsham keeper.

Not a classic game but on the day Bassett did enough to ensure they secured a place in the County Cup final.

Credit: Ray Burroughs
Last modified on Monday 25th January 2021 at 21:58