Tuffley Rovers
Wootton Bassett TownWBTFC
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WBTFC Scorers:
Geoff Swatton (2)

Swatton Brace Ends Losing Streak as Bassett Win 2-0 at Tuffley

Glevum Park, Wednesday 24 September 2003

Two Geoff Swatton goals and some fine goalkeeping from Rich Stevens secured Bassett's first win since playing Didcot away in August. The young side pulled through just after some nerve-racking defending late in the match.

Both teams started the game well with it being a physical opening ten minutes. Tuffley though had the first chance of the game when on nine minutes Allan Tatton shot straight at Rich Stevens.

Bassett were forced to make an early change when on ten minutes Paul Patel suffered a groin strain and had to be replaced by talented youngster Lee Bowen. Bowen immediately got into the action when after fifteen minutes he shot just wide after intercepting a deflected Geoff Swatton shot.

Colin Pacey nearly capitalized on some poor communication between Neil Bridges and Stevens in the 22nd minute when he stole the ball from between the pair but hit over from ten yards out.

Bassett were in the lead in the 26th minute when Swatton scored on the half volley from fifteen yards out, hitting into the far corner, after receiving a Paul Davis pass from a Bridges corner.

Pacey, though, continued to threaten Bassett and two minutes later he hit wide from the edge of the area after going past Neil Bridges from a Leon Cornwall free kick.

In the 34th minute Pacey put in a corner to Carl Creswell but Creswell could only head over from close range.

In the 41st minute Rich Stevens pulled off a fabulous save from a thirty yard screamer from Steve Hiskey, Stevens tipping over. Stevens forced off another save three minutes from the break when he comfortably saved a twenty yard effort from Jonny Meadows.

Bassett broke immediately after Stevens flipped the ball out to Bridges who made a great run, crossing into Swatton who made no mistake of putting the ball away.

Bassett were nearly only a goal ahead going into the break and on the stroke of half time when Meadows shot from the edge of the area, Stevens though tipped wide.

Stevens continued to keep everything out in the second half and on 51 minutes he saved a Hiskey overhead kick. This before he made a brilliant save to tip a Pacey header just over on 54 minutes.

The first booking of the game was brought out on the hour mark when Steve Hiskey got booked for a dirty foul on Matty Bennett. Swatton and Cornwall got booked seven minutes later for a mini scuffle.

Swatton came close again in the 66th minute when he connected with another Neil Bridges ball but Swatton hit over from twenty five yards out. A minute later and Swatton laid through Lee Bowen but a weak shot from Bowen brought an easy save from Tuffley 'keeper Eric Barratt.

Soon Bassett had another booked when in the 77th minute Andy Hallett got booked for a late challenge. Bassett took this opportunity to make a change bringing Ben Jarrett on for Matty Bennett.

Seven minutes from time Michael Evans had a good chance for Tuffley as Rich Stevens saved his twenty yard effort.

A minute later Geoff Swatton made a great run but his shot from fifteen yards was easily saved by Barratt. Bassett then brought Rob Hopkins on for Ben Gascoyne.

Bassett continued to struggle to hold Tuffley out and two minutes into stoppage time Bassett had a scare when Allan Tatton hit wide from the edge of the area.

Bassett took away three points and got a confidence boost before their Supplementary Cup tie with First Division West outfit Easington Sports.

Manager's Man of the Match: Andy Hallett

Scoop's Man of the Match: Rich Stevens – had a great game making some important saves. Close winner just beating Neil Bridges for Man of the Match.

Scoop Rating: 8/10 – A good performance to end a long losing streak. A good team performance to keep out high flying Tuffley.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Thursday 3rd September 2020 at 09:08

Tuffley Rovers
Wootton Bassett TownWBTFC
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0 ‒ 2
Wootton Bassett Town Logo

WBTFC Scorers:
Geoff Swatton (2)