Despite the final score this was another excellent performance from Bassett against the strongest side in the league. Westlea had won 17-0 the previous week, this against a side that Bassett lost to earlier in the season, and for much of the game Bassett matched their opponents. Westlea took the lead when Bassett's defence found themselves defending the wrong side of the Weslea forwards but Bassett fought back well. Robert Leighfield and Stuart Smedley went close and it was these two players who linked up for the Bassett equaliser, Robert Leighfield putting Stuart Smedley through to score with a chip past the Westlea goalkeeper. In defence Bassett worked hard in the first half with Sean Toomey. Phillip Forster, Tom Marchment and Daniel Strange, in particular, all outstanding. The defence limited the chances of the Westlea strikers and, when the defence was breached, Simon Anderton in the Bassett goal kept the opposition out.

In the second half Bassett continued to play well but fell behind due to a defensive lapse. Westlea went further ahead when a kick out from Simon Anderton went straight to a Westlea player who ran on to score. The match was played on a larger than normal pitch and towards the end of the match the Bassett side began to tire and allowed their opponents a further goal. It appears that most weeks the opponents are physically stronger than Bassett, something I have also noticed watching the Under 11's, could it be something in the Wootton Bassett drinking water I wonder? Stuart Smedley went closest again to scoring for Bassett, but they were unable to add to their first half goal. Next week Bassett entertain Highworth Town at Rylands Way, kick-off 2PM, with Bassett looking to avenge their heaviest defeat of the season, 1-5 back in November.

Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 3rd January 2021 at 18:40