Pegasus Juniors
Wootton Bassett TownWBTFC
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4 ‒ 3
Wootton Bassett Town Logo

WBTFC Scorers:
Geoff Swatton (2), Dave Tyler

Bassett Break Down Big Time at Pegasus

Hereford Leisure Centre, 20th November 2004

Wootton Bassett Town slumped to yet another defeat, going bottom of the table in the process, as they threw away a 3-0 lead to lose 4-3 away at Pegasus.

Bassett's inability to defend from crosses cost them dear as three of the four Pegasus goals came from a cross.

After 44 seconds, it looked good for Bassett as the on fire Geoff Swatton struck the ball in from twenty-five yards; capitalizing on a defensive error as the Pegasus defence failed to clear a long boot up field from Ian Gill.

Bassett were on the back foot for most of the first half though with the home side wasting many chances.

Rob Aldrich and Leigh Harris both came close but failed to hit the target before Lawrence Helme struck well over the bar.

Andy Hallett came to Bassett's rescue in the 24th minute as he headed off the line from a powerful Helme shot as Gill was caught off his line.

Bassett picked up the pace and both Swatton and Magani had half chances saved before Swatton doubled the advantage nine minutes before the break, placing the ball in the far corner after a through ball from Tom Messenger.

Both Rob Alrdich and Dave Hart were booked for Pegasus before the break for foul and abusive language aimed at one of the referee's assistants.

Three minutes after half time, Matt Bennett had a shot tipped over by Scott Hodgetts. Hart headed wide at the other end following a Helme free kick before Bassett looked to have sealed the game.

Dave Tyler received a pass from Bennett and saw Hodgetts off his line and chipped the ball over him, into the back of the net.

Rich Gee replaced Ben Gascoyne in the 55th minute before Pegasus pulled one back – Hart firing in a brilliant effort from twenty yards – leaving Gill with no chance.

Ash Bradshaw was then brought on for John Magani on the hour mark.

Bassett began to sit back in the midfield, allowing Pegasus to push on to them, this proved to be Bassett's downfall.

Halfway through the second period, Leigh Harris headed in from a corner unmarked.

Tom Messenger was booked a minute later for Bassett before great work by Bennett set up Swatton, whose shot on the turn went over when Swatton could have done better.

Gill then saved from a Chris Hyde shot before Aldrich struck over for the home side with fifteen minutes left.

With ten minutes remaining, Hodgetts kept out a Tyler shot after Bennett laid the ball back.

With five minutes remaining, Bassett were forced to reorganise things at the back as Rich Gee picked up a knock and Mark King had to replace him. This forced workhorse Dave Tyler to shift to the back and took out some bite in the midfield.

With two minutes left, Pegasus levelled things up with another header from a cross and they did the same in the 90th minute to seal an improbable victory.

The players have gotten the team to the bottom of the table – as they self-destructed again – it is now their duty to resurrect their season, starting on Wednesday with a six pointer against Shortwood.

Scoop's Man of the Match: Geoff Swatton – the lone striker again, but worked superbly all day long. Gutted to lose after both his goals.

Scoop Rating: 6/10 – A good first half performance, but looked well off the pace in the second half, conceding silly goals. Another devastating loss with the only plus being the side managing to score three goals.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Tuesday 15th September 2020 at 10:03

Pegasus Juniors
Wootton Bassett TownWBTFC
Pegasus Juniors Logo
4 ‒ 3
Wootton Bassett Town Logo

WBTFC Scorers:
Geoff Swatton (2), Dave Tyler