Wootton Bassett travelled to near neighbours Pewsey Vale for the first time in the Hellenic League on Tuesday night. In a very close game, the only thing that divided the two sides was a tremendous volleyed goal scored on 15 minutes from Craig Wall, following a cross from the right wing.

This was a tight match from start to finish with both sides playing some excellent football. Allan Pluckrose, who looks to be a great signing for the club, superbly marshalled Bassett's defence. Another defender to play well was Steve Woodman as Pewsey's lively forwards were limited to just one clear chance in the whole of the first half.

Up front, Neil Bridges and Nick Tooley, worked tirelessly and created at least three good chances for Bassett but unfortunately these were not converted into goals.

In the second half the game remained nip and tuck. Whilst Bassett had much of the play, they were unable to create any real clear-cut chances.

Pewsey's front two remained a constant threat to Bassett on the break and it was the home side who went closest to scoring again in the closing ten minutes of the match. Pewsey were firstly denied by the cross-bar and then twice by the post as they went in search of the second goal which would secure all three points.

In the dying minutes Bassett threw centre-half Stuart Lamont up front in search of the elusive equaliser, but it was not to be.

Despite the result Bassett should not be too despondent as this was a good hard working team performance in which a draw would not have been an unfair result.

If the team can continue to play with the same level of commitment and find that killer touch in front of goal this should not be a season like the last, when the side was battling to avoid relegation.

The Club has clearly made some excellent summer signings, despite the lack of finance available to the team management.

Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Thursday 27th August 2020 at 12:49