Despite controlling the game for long periods, Wootton Bassett Town Under 18s were unable to come up with their second league win of the season as they were held by Amesbury Town to a 1-1 draw.

Chance after chance went begging for Bassett and in the end they were saved by 'keeper Rich Hanley, who kept his cool to brilliantly tip a 12-yard one-on-one effort around the left post after a through ball had split the Bassett defence in the closing minutes.

The resulting corner almost brought a winner for the hosts as it was headed over from close range after slack marking allowed for a free header.

Phil Tearle had given Bassett the perfect start when he rolled his man and fired in on the turn from 20-yards within the first 15 minutes.

However the lead didn't last ten minutes as centre back Luke Watkins was caught upfield, leaving Dan Strange isolated one-on-one. A ball over the top did for Strange as the pacy Amesbury forward broke loose and slotted into the left corner past Hanley.

The game continued to be played predominantly inside Amesbury's half though and chance after chance fell to Bassett.

Dean Wason struck a hard effort straight at the 'keeper after cutting in from the right before two even better chances fell to Watkins and Jamie Hicks.

Amesbury failed to clear from a Bassett corner as Watkins got his large frame in the way and the ball took a fortuitous bounce, leaving Watkins with only the 'keeper to beat. However he blasted wide from all of eight yards.

Then, just before the break, Hicks struck a powerful volley from the edge of the area inches over the bar.

The second half saw Amesbury tighten up and Bassett's chances became limited despite the play again mostly taking place in and around the hosts' box.

Tearle and strike partner James Baker found little service to come by as it seemed as though Amesbury had worked out Bassett's game plan.

The best opening of the half fell again to Watkins as he came close with a shot across goal from the edge of the box before nearly finding the top right corner with a 40-yard strike on the bounce.

It wasn't to be though and in the end Bassett were somewhat lucky to come home with just a point. Three were what they should have taken back from South Wiltshire with them.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 30th December 2020 at 21:56