Wootton Bassett needed to win their last two matches against two of the top sides to ensure they finished outside of the bottom three and probable relegation. Following this excellent win over high flying Westbrook, Bassett are halfway towards what would be a great escape. Fielding a full-strength side for the first time in months Bassett were clearly up for this match and showed their intent in the early stages as they dominated the play. Jonny Aitkenhead, Josh Dimond and Phillip Tearle were involved in most if Bassett's early attacking moves and it was the latter who scored after eight minutes with what was to be the only goal of the game. Picking the ball up on the right-hand side of the pitch, he rounded one defender and hit the ball towards the goal from 25-yards out. It may well have been intended as a cross, but the ball sailed over the head of Perry Boyes in the Westbrook goal and into the corner of the net. Bassett continued to create the better chances, with both Phillip Tearle and Matt Purse going close with shots from the edge of the box. The visitors looked dangerous on the break and particularly from set pieces. It was from a corner that Westbrook could and should have equalised, the ball eluded the whole of the bassett defence and was met on the run by Westbrook's influential captain Gary Devenney. Unfortunately for Westbrook he was leaning back, and the ball skimmed the top of the bar rather than finding the net. Every time Westbrook had a corner they looked like scoring, but Bassett, who rode their luck at times, went in at half time one goal to the good.

The second half was played in driving rain but both sides continued to play some attractive football, in particular the home side whose short passing opened up the Westbrook defence on a number of occasions. Jonny Aitkenhead (twice) and Sean Toomey both had one on ones against the keeper but on each occasion Perry Boyes in the Westbrook goal, with help from recovering defenders, was able to stop Bassett extending their lead. A vital win for Bassett but credit to both sets of players who continued to try and play a passing game in difficult conditions.

Man of the Match: Josh Dimond

Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 21st November 2020 at 21:37