Bassett won this Swindon and District League fixture, putting in a much-improved performance compared to the last match at Highworth. The team remembered how to pass and, playing with defensive discipline, were rewarded with a victory against a useful Malmesbury side who included an exceptional young player (Sam Higginbottom) who orchestrated much of their play.

Malmesbury took the lead in a tight first half, but Bassett got back into the match thanks to a powerful long-range shot from Tom Marchment, easily the best goal Bassett have scored all season.

In the second half, some excellent passing involving Nathan Douglas, Sean Toomey and Callum Snooks resulted in Robert Leighfield putting Bassett in front. The final pass was an excellent cross from Callum Snooks, who had his best game for the team despite not getting on the score sheet himself. It was another of his passes that enabled Nathan Douglas to put Bassett further in front and Stuart Smedley also went close from another ball from Snooks. At the other end, Daniel Strange marshalled the Bassett defence well and, when the defence were breached, the ever-dependable Simon Anderton kept the Malmesbury strikers out. Malmesbury did manage a late goal but Bassett held on for the victory. All in all this was a good all round performance.

Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 3rd January 2021 at 17:59