Wootton Bassett remain top of the table after a below average performance against an improved Rodbourne side whom they beat comprehensively in their first game of the season.
Wootton Bassett opened well with Craig Mooney and Jordan Embling both going close and after 5 minutes a nice move involving Nicholas Southern and Alfie Passingham saw James Tasker's shot well saved on the line. Tasker was involved in the first goal when his run and pass released Mooney, who crossed for Passingham to fire Wootton Bassett ahead. At this stage Wootton Bassett were well on top with Joel Swann, Embling, Tasker and Mooney all putting shots just wide and the back three of George Bartlett, Leigh Little and Southern all having a quiet afternoon. This was the lull before the storm which saw Ferndale pushing forward and attacking and were rewarded after 15 minutes of play when good movement by their 4 man midfield released their forward to put the ball round an advancing Jamie Wakefield which left a simple tap in to make it 1-1. Jordan Daley limped off and was replaced by Martyn Plaistow at left wing back and was immediately in the game releasing Mooney whose shot forced an acrobatic save from the Ferndale keeper. Wakefield then again showed why he is one of the best keepers in the league, ping at the feet of the Ferndale forward to save and then sending the ball out to Little whose through ball reached Swann who was brought down on the edge of the box. From Jackson's free kick Mooney, Plaistow, Embling and Swann all had shots blocked inside the 18 yard box before Passingham swept the ball home and at half time it was 2-1.
With harsh words said at half time the boys responded. From the start of the second half Jackson, Mooney and Tasker all having shots saved before the tireless Passingham rattled the crossbar after thundering down the right hand side. James Pringle replaced Jackson and this caused a reshuffle with Little going into midfield, Pringle to left back. Plaistow, impressing at left wing back, shot from 20 yards and forced the keeper into a smart save to his left and gave Wootton Bassett a corner, from which Passingham popped up to head just wide. A tiring Tasker was replaced by Dean Ireland and he passed to Mooney who swept the ball across for Swann to toe home and finish the scoring. Wootton Bassett, who in the end deserved to win, will need everybody to perform better in their last two games if they are to stand any chance of the title as they now can't afford to drop any points.
On a bright note, the only girl to play and train with the side, Debbie Osborne looks to have hit the big time this week having been asked to train with the Swindon Town Girls side. Well done Deb. She becomes the second player to be picked up by STFC after Marcus Welch signed for the Youth Academy last season.
Credit: Unknown
Last modified on Saturday 28th November 2020 at 17:51
