Pewsey Recreation Ground, 23rd February 2008

Week after week, it's beginning to be the same old story for Wootton Bassett Town as their season long struggles continue. Pewsey Vale - and forward Craig Wall in particular - were the latest to deal the side a hammer blow, recording a rather comfortable 3-1 victory.

Wall continued his rich vein of form against Bassett, bagging a brace. However, none of his side's goals were of the impressive variety. Three times though they capitalised on crucial Bassett errors to condemn their visitors to a 13th loss this season.

The deadlock was broken early. Six minutes in, Chris Oram rose highest amongst a crowd of players to nod home Shaun Carter's cross after Carter had been allowed to roam free at the far post following a Tom Ritchie free kick.

Minutes earlier Daniel Hogan had the chance to give his side the lead but wasted a golden opportunity, firing wide on the bounce after getting goal-side of sweeper Stu Hemsley.

Chances in the first half were few and far between for both sides. Half an hour in, Wall found himself in behind the defence after James Turner's ball over the top, but the forward didn't connect properly and fired well wide from distance.

Ten minutes later Neil Matthews had a chance to equalise at the other end, but headed wide at the far post following a well struck Chris Mills corner.

Two mistakes and a pair of yellow cards for Richie Saunders within the first twenty minutes of the second half well and truly killed the game off though.

With under 47 minutes on the clock, possession was lost from a Luke Jones throw and Pewsey broke through Ritchie. His through ball caught out Paul Patel and Wall slipped in to latch onto it before coolly slotting home from 18 yards.

Ten minutes later Mark Field stole the ball from Rich Gee deep inside Bassett territory. He split the defence with a through ball down the middle, and before 'keeper Sean Purcell was able to get to the ball, Wall nipped in to poke the ball around him and into the bottom right corner.

The first of Saunders' yellows soon followed for a late challenge in the centre of the park. In the 62nd minute he'd received his second for dissent, becoming yet another player in an ever growing line to receive their marching orders at Pewsey.

To Bassett's credit though they kept fighting, and actually played some of their better football following their reduction in men.

The introduction of youngsters Danny Heath and Luke Preston invigorated the side and their link-up play meant the game was played increasingly more in the host's half.

With 64 minutes gone, John Magani saw a shot from a tight angle well blocked by a despairing Andrew Derry before his hard work down the left finally paid off two minutes later.

This time Derry was not able to keep up with his pace and the forward was able to get to the byline, drawing 'keeper Richard Payne's attention, before cutting back for Phil Tearle to tap home.

Sadly though, it was going to take more than one goal for Bassett to salvage anything from the game. And being a man down that mountain was made even harder to climb.

Scoop's Man of the Match: Phil Tearle – along with John Magani, Tearle posed a persistent threat for the Pewsey defence on the wing. He took his goal well and linked up well with the remainder of the midfield.

Scoop Rating: 5/10 – again mistakes proved Bassett's undoing (when was the last time it took a stunning strike to see Bassett off?) and they left themselves a mountain to climb because of them. The side didn't pack in though when the third went in and applied more pressure than their opponents in the game's final half hour, playing seem neat football, despite the fact Saunders had been sent off.

Last modified on Monday 22nd June 2015 at 23:38