From The Evening Advertiser, Wednesday May 12th 1999

In one of the most exciting finals seen at the County Ground for many years, a goal in the first period of extra time by Richard Merchant gave Wootton Bassett a 3-2 victory over Pewsey Vale.

Pewsey had competed in the final on three previous occasions and won the trophy in 1991/92. Wootton Bassett appeared in the final on three occasions, finishing runner-up each time.

In a hectic opening ten minutes in pouring rain, play switched from end to end with a greasy ball causing difficulties for both keepers.

A fumble by Bassett keeper Fuller from a corner was scrambled away and at the other end an in-swinging corner hit the far post with Pewsey keeper Flippance a spectator.

A long range effort from Jeremy Newton again brought Flippance in action and a header from Richard Merchant flashed just wide of the post.

It was no surprise when the first goal came after 15 minutes. Bassett's defence failed to clear and the ball ran loose to Richard Pearson who sent a 25 yarder flashing into the net.

The game continued to flow from end to end with Bassett's Lee Stoddart and Jeremy Newton looking dangerous on the break and long throws by Paul Harper causing havoc in the Pewsey penalty area.

Just before the break Richard Merchant went close to equalising, his shot spilling out of Flippance's arms but no one was on hand to pick up the loose ball.

After the interval another long throw by Harper was almost headed into his own goal by Pearson and a free kick by Brian Blake just cleared the Bassett bar.

Pewsey, coming under increasing pressure, brought on subs Alan Newman and player-manager Robbie Lardner but the changes failed to halt the dangerous runs of Newton and Stoddart and midway through the half a through ball by Paul Harper, who was having a great game, was picked up by Lee Stoddart who ran through to shoot past the keeper.

Harper was again provider shortly after with a brilliant curling free kick into the box that was met by central defender Paul Davis with a diving header to give Bassett the lead.

Almost immediately Pewsey fought back to equalise when a corner on the left was met by Brian Blake whose powerful header gave Fuller no chance.

Still chances came at the end before the game drifted into extra time.

The all important goal came five into the first half of extra time when yet another pinpoint free kick by Harper was headed goalwards by Merchant. Keeper Flippance failed to hold the effort and the ball spilled over the line and into the net.

Bassett found the net shortly after through Micky Goodwin but the goal was disallowed for off side.

Pewsey piled on the pressure in the second period of extra time but stout defending and a couple of good stops by Fuller kept Bassett's lead intact and in a quick break Stoddart found himself with only the keeper to beat but shot straight at him.

Bassett manager Dave Warren said after the game "I'm delighted with my side's victory and the final was a credit to both teams."

Trophies were presented by Richard Gardner, vice chairman of the Wilts FA and assistant secretary Mike Benson.

Before the kick off, both sides observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect for Mick Parry, secretary of the Wilts FA, who died on Sunday.

Credit: Ray Burroughs
Last modified on Friday 4th September 2020 at 16:10