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Wootton Bassett Town clinched another vital point against fellow strugglers Chipping Norton Town in a game that produced no goals thanks to another stern performance by the Bassett defence and a great save by Chipping Norton 'keeper Alan Judge to deny Lee Morse; it was Bassett's first clean sheet since the 16th October against Milton.
Rich Willis could have opened the scoring in the early seconds for Bassett when Lee Morse sent a ball over the top of the defence. Willis' soft header was easily snared by ex-Reading and Oxford 'keeper Judge though.
In the third minute Morse nearly provided for Willis again, but this time a deft touch by Willis after a low free kick was put just wide of the upright.
Chipping Norton were again exposed at the back in the 25th minute when a Willis ball ricocheted off Andrew Helby into the path of Dave Tyler. Again though Judge had no problem and easily collected Tyler's effort.
Tyler was close again three minutes later but blasted high and wide following good link up play between Willis and Morse – the latter providing the ball to put Tyler through.
The home side had their only chance of the half with three minutes to go in the opening period when the Bassett defence stood off allowing Gary Wilson a chance at goal, but his shot went dangerously across the face of goal and wide.
The second half began with Wilson coming close as he shot wide from the edge of the area.
On the hour mark, a Bassett attack broke down allowing Chipping Norton to counter attack and left Bassett exposed at the back. A Jamie Clarke shot from a very tight angle flew across goal and just wide.
Midway through the second period Ash Bradshaw was replaced by Mark King after Bradshaw suffered a knock.
Then with sixteen minutes to go Morse should have broke the deadlock. Rich Willis flicked a long ball from the back by Andy Hallett on to the feet of King. King and Morse were two on one with an exposed Chipping Norton centre back and King played in Morse. Morse's shot was straight at Judge though and the 'keeper was able to parry the ball away.
The last chance of the match fell to Willis as he blasted just over from twenty-five yards.
Missed chances cost Bassett the chance to leapfrog Pewsey in the table. However, they do move within one of their relegation rivals with two game still in hand and Bassett remain upbeat about their survival chances.
Scoop's Man of the Match: Rich Gee – solid at the back again, doing as he needed marking his man out of the match. All three defenders had good games continuing their good run of form; Ian Gill looked comfortable between the sticks yet again.
Scoop Rating: 7/10 – Should have won the match as they held Chipping Norton to only two chances and had the better of the play in difficult conditions.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 16th September 2020 at 12:52