The Southbank, 12th November 2005

Wootton Bassett Town, dreaming of promotion back to the Hellenic Premier Division, were once again shown they aren't ready for the step us yet after losing to Toolstation Western League side Corsham Town 3-0 in the Wiltshire Senior Cup.

As in previous games against teams on the next rung of the Non-League ladder, Paul Burke's side showed well – keeping their opponents in check for long periods but two late goals in the last five minutes ultimately condemned Bassett to defeat.

Corsham put Bassett under pressure early as the visitors rode their luck for a period of time, but Corsham failed to convert a string of opportunities.

Dave Hopkins wasted a good opportunity as he blasted over from the edge of the area after a Scott Lye corner fell to him six minutes in. Lye then had a powerful shot deflected into the hands of Chris Hawkins ten minutes later.

On 18 minutes Toby Colbourne was gifted with an easy chance as he latched on to a lofted ball and found himself one-on-one with Hawkins. However, his shot was poor and was easily saved by Hawkins.

Bassett then suffered two twisted ankles in a short space of time as Ben Gascoyne and Matty Bennett both went down forcing Chris Mills and Chris Hawkins to replace the pair.

Craig MacLaren was booked for a mistimed challenge in the 37th minute, two minutes before Corsham took the lead.

A free kick 30 yards out and from the right was tipped onto the bar by Hawkins and the ball bounced across the six-yard box with a whole host of attempted shots and clearances before Jerad O'Pray tapped in from six yards out.

Bassett continued to ride the pressure as an unmarked Frank Coleman shot straight at Hawkins after Lye had squared to Coleman.

Mark King replaced Sam Lawro – who showed well in his first start – on the hour mark before Chris Mills nearly gave away a second but Lye failed to capitalize on Mills' poor pass and struck over.

Steve Bunting had Bassett's first chance of the game in the 64th minute but his powerful 25-yarder was straight at Craig Chaplin.

Five minutes later Steve Tucker knocked the ball back to King, who took on a couple of defenders before unleashing a 20-yard shot but Chaplin saved once more.

Corsham countered after King's effort and Colbourne was presented with another situation where he had only Hawkins to beat but his shot from the edge of the area went wide.

Hawkins then watched a Hopkins free kick from 30 yards bounce out off the bar and cleared to safety.

Colbourne continued his dour day in front of goal when he once more had just Hawkins to beat after Steve Yeardley was caught appealing for offside; Colbourne though attempted a lob which didn't even trouble Hawkins.

Dan Beck and Colbounre both had chances but Hawkins saved from both before substitute John Eldred doubled the lead with three minutes left, striking into the bottom corner after Colbourne had a shot blocked.

After a King foul in injury time led to the third with the young Bassett forward being booked for his actions. Colin Towler was at the far post to head in from the free kick and make the scoreline flatter the hosts as they were made to work by Bassett but Corhsam's strength and fitness was the difference on the day.

Scoop's Man of the Match: Steve Yeardley – led from the back and coped well with the pressure being put on by Corsham; also denied their forwards a number of chances with some timely tackles.

Scoop Rating: 6/10 – Did well against a Corsham team who, for a team a level above Bassett, weren't great. Bassett played some good football but the final ball up top was missing as Bassett only had two real shots on goal against a sturdy defence.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Thursday 17th September 2020 at 18:55