For the fourth consecutive game, Wootton Bassett Town Under 18's failed to register a point as they fell 2-1 to local rivals Highworth Town in a game which Bassett should have won.

Phil Tearle cut up the Highworth defence like a knife through butter for the entire 90 minutes but was only able to come away with a goal from the penalty spot midway through the second period.

Instead, it was the hosts who snuck away with victory with two fluke goals.

To be fair, the first was an absolute peach as well though. Dan Strange headed a Highworth corner away only as far as Jake Page, who was lurking just outside the box. Without taking a touch, the tricky right winger unleashed a perfect 25-yard left-footed drive that whistled into the top right corner.

However, Bassett should have been comfortably ahead by half time as their slick play opened up numerous opportunities. The finishing touch was not present though as shots were rolled inches wide of either post or straight at the Highworth 'keeper.

The lead was extended inside the first ten minutes of the second period. A low free kick from the right touchline rolled across the edge of the six yard box to Strange, who attempted to hack clear. He connected well with the ball but it struck a Highworth forward and rolled slowly into the bottom left corner.

From then on it was all Bassett – the only other chance the hosts created was superbly tipped round the post by Rich Hanley after taking a deflection off Jonny Aitkenhead, which had initially wrong-footed the 'keeper.

Midway through James Baker easily flew past his man and was upended just inside the box, allowing Tearle to find the back of the net and halve the deficit.

Bassett's late push for an equaliser was relentless and agonizing. Numerous crosses flew in across the face of goal, needing only a touch to divert them into the back of the net but these balls evaded the boot of a Bassett player by mere inches.

Tearle looked to have created the leveller twice in the final ten minutes, using a burst of pace to get past the last man and open up a one-on-one opportunity. However, twice he was foiled by a superbly composed Highworth 'keeper and danger was averted.

Bassett's winless streak therefore continued and they look to another rival – Pewsey Vale – to stop the rot next week.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 30th December 2020 at 22:00