Wootton Bassett TownWBTFC
Westbury United
Wootton Bassett Town Logo
2 ‒ 2
Westbury United Logo

WBTFC Scorers:
Ryan Banks, Adam Field

Denied at the Death

Rylands Way, 15th August 2009

Wayne Wheeler's headed goal five minutes from time meant Wootton Bassett Town were unable to book a rematch with 2007 FA Cup conquerors Brockenhurst following a stirring 90 minutes of cup football against Westbury United.

Bassett had fallen behind early following a disastrous mix up between 'keeper Stewart Thompson and Sam Collier. Both failed to deal with an innocuous left-wing cross from Matty Smith, gifting Reece Schell the simplest of tap-ins.

However, Dave Turner's side – who endured a barren stretch in front of goal during the preseason – showed fantastic character to come back and eventually take the lead during the second half.

Yet, it ultimately was not to be their day after more generous defending allowed Wheeler to head home unmarked in the heart of the danger area, after Sayeed Ibrahim's long throw had been flicked on.

During the opening period, Bassett were somewhat fortunate to have conceded just once.

Despite Wheeler being reportedly chased by heavyweights Chippenham Town, his strike partner Reece was the bigger threat.

Minutes after opening the scoring, a deft touch from Smith set him in behind the defence, but Thompson parried well at his feet.

Then just before the break, he rolled Luke Sharps with ease before unleashing a well struck effort from 20 yards. But Thompson produced a phenomenal acrobatic save to ensure the ball wound up going over the crossbar.

The hosts were by no means stuck on the back foot in the first half though. A swift move involving Terry Adams and youngster Steve Groom set free Alex Green, and the former Shrivenham front-man forced Nick Evans to parry uncomfortably.

Then, a half cleared corner afforded a double opportunity to Collier, and he was only denied by a goal-line clearance and then a fantastic point blank save.

Redemption was fully secured for the Supermarine boss' son when he initiated the move which led to the equalising goal on the hour mark.

His through ball split the Westbury defence, and Green latched onto the ball before slotting underneath the onrushing Evans. Adam Field then provided the final touch from all of six yards.

Lack of concentration from Groom then nearly gifted pacey left winger Tarick Yactou a second for the visitors, but this was just a minor blip in a half which Bassett generally controlled.

And with 69 minutes on the clock, Banks put his side ahead. He raced down the left hand side before delivering a cross for Green, which the forward controlled brilliantly.

His first touch deserved more as his shot was parried away, but the ball fell straight back to him, and Green – finding himself with his back to goal – laid the ball back for Banks, who almost scorched a hole in the net with a thundering first time drive.

With Adams and Marcus Hall pulling the strings in midfield, it looked as though Bassett would do enough to hold on for victory, but they were let down by another lapse in concentration.

Moments before Wheeler's equaliser, Thompson was equal to a Dan Kovacs drive after an Ibrahim throw had not been fully cleared.

They failed to learn their lesson, allowing Wheeler the freedom of the Bassett penalty area and he gave the Bassett netminder little chance.

Scoop's Man of the Match: Terry Adams – along with Marcus Hall, Adams pulled the strings in midfield, linking up brilliantly with both defence and attack and spread the ball around confidently.

Scoop Rating: 7/10 – two mistakes prevented Bassett from advancing, but other than that it was a confident performance. Bassett more than matched their opponents, who have already played two competitive fixtures so far this season.

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

Wootton Bassett TownWBTFC
Westbury United
Wootton Bassett Town Logo
2 ‒ 2
Westbury United Logo

WBTFC Scorers:
Ryan Banks, Adam Field