Elcot Lane, 11th October 2008

Wootton Bassett Town advanced to the second round of the Wilts Senior cup, edging a hard working Marlborough Town side by a solitary goal courtesy of Sean Terry.

Terry struck three minutes after half time, curling a perfectly struck free kick into the top left corner. The set piece was hit so decisively that the host's 'keeper Andy Neale stayed rooted to the post, knowing that he could do nothing to alter the ball's final destination.

The goal was really the one moment of quality Bassett provided as their lower league opposition battled hard, frustrating Dave Turner's side, who – despite dominating possession – were forced to either play the ball sideways or back rather than consistently driving forward.

Bassett almost found themselves behind after just nine minutes, when great combination play between Deane Hughes and Aaron Maximen in a tight space in the right corner freed the latter to attempt a lofted shot from twelve yards, but Stewart Thompson made a fine save.

However, that was really the only time Marlborough really threatened, their game plan simply being that of stifling Bassett at the other end, which in fairness seemed as though it was working.

It needed a delightful inside pass from Terry to open up room for a surging Ryan Banks to shoot, but his first time clip from the edge of the box was deflected wide thanks to some tight marking.

From the resultant corner midway through the first period, the ball bounced around the box, falling twice at the feet of Richie Carter in a good position, but on both occasions his efforts were blocked.

Then with half time approaching a lucky bounce fell to Terry, and with Phil Tearle in close proximity, Bassett were dealt a two-on-two situation, which they should really have made the most of.

Instead, Terry short-changed Tearle with the initial pass, forcing the youngster to play the ball back rather than put his marker to the sword. The ball sneaked through to Terry but he could only provide a weak shot that Neale scooped up with ease.

Terry eventually made no mistake on 48 minutes, but after that Bassett failed to kill the game off, and if it were not for an offside flag, Hughes would have had himself the equalising goal on 90 minutes.

It wasn't if there was a shortage of chances to end the tie either.

Just prior to the hour, great hustle from Tearle in the right corner allowed him to the cut the ball back for Terry, who cleverly switched play. The ball fell to Lee Moulton on the left edge of the penalty area and he cut the ball back for half time substitute Steve Yeardley, but his first time side-footed effort rattled the left post.

Moulton himself saw a long range drive sail just over before a Terry bicycle kick forced Neale to tip the ball over the bar on his back foot. From that corner a powerful Carter header flew over, meaning it was left to a late offside flag for confirmation of the victory.

The win gives Bassett their seventh straight triumph, however only one of those has come in the league. A better performance will be required if Bassett are to kick start their league campaign against Tytherington Rocks on Tuesday, following a month off from Division One West football.

Scoop's Man of the Match: Liam Edmundson – effectively supplied support to the wide men from his full back position and also performed his defensive duties with calmness and efficiency.

Scoop Rating: 6/10 – the performance, particularly that in the opening 45 minutes, was not one to savour, but enough was done to deliver victory and avoid slipping on what was a potential banana skin.

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