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Banksy Masterstroke Gets Bassett Out of Jail

Rylands Way, 17th October 2009

A moment of inspiration from Ryan Banks spared Wootton Bassett Town from having to nurture the feelings of defeat for the first time in over a month. With minutes remaining and his side trailing 2-1, the midfielder struck a quickly taken free kick into an open goal to secure his side a point at home to mid-table rivals Letcombe.

His ingenuity had earlier helped put his side in front, as his cross was turned into the back of the net by visiting defender Joe Kent following a surging run down the left wing midway through the first half to cap off a flowing attack initiated by 'keeper Stewart Thompson.

Just after the half hour he gave Mitch Wyatt the opportunity to double the home side's lead, but his cutback was met with a weak effort from the forward and ultimately blocked.

The earlier goal had come somewhat against the run of play as Letcombe's neat passing game – something predicted by Bassett boss Dave Turner prior to the game – pegged the home side back.

And was it not for some wasteful finishing, the home side may have found themselves behind at the break.

With less than 120 seconds on the clock, Paul Roberts weaved his way through the home defence but saw his shot saved at his feet by Thompson.

Then, a deliciously inviting free kick from Lyle Gifford bounced around the six yard box before exiting play for a goal kick.

Moments before the break, a skewed shot from Letcombe's lynchpin Gifford was fumbled by Thompson, and the ball fell to Roberts, but he failed to guide the ball home from a matter of yards.

Yet, the visitors made amends for their wastefulness almost immediately after the restart, with two goals in quick succession.

On both occasions Bassett were guilty of failing to deal with quick counters, the first resulting in Roberts producing a cool finish after getting in behind the defence.

Then, just after the hour – despite two fantastic saving tackles from Craig Bowden – the ball fell to an unmarked Gifford and he clipped the ball into the top corner with an inch-perfect first time effort. This coming, a matter of seconds after Banks had found the side netting at the other end after great link-up play from Wyatt.

Following a smattering of half chances, which ultimately came to nothing, Bassett appeared headed for defeat, but Banks then played his side's get out of jail free card. 'Keeper Stuart Game flapped at a long ball on the edge of the box, and Banks was there to collect the loose ball.

Almost immediately, he was felled by a clumsy challenge from Harry Trethowan, quickly dusted himself off and curled the ball home.

It secured a much needed point, but Dave Turner will surely be cursing his side's early second half collapse.

Scoop's Man of the Match: Ryan Banks – created the first goal before a moment of genius earned his side a point with time running out. His presence was felt throughout by the opposing defence.

Scoop Rating: 6/10 – not a performance that should be remembered, but it was one which helped earn a much needed point, allowing Bassett to keep in touch with their opponents in the league table.

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