Shrewton United
Wootton Bassett TownWBTFC
Shrewton United Logo
4 ‒ 3
Wootton Bassett Town Logo

WBTFC Scorers:
Terry Adams, Alex Green, Mitchell Wyatt

Collapse Curtails County Cup Hopes

Shrewton Recreation Ground, 14th November 2009

Leading 3-1 at half time against Shrewton United, undoubtedly hopes were high within the Wootton Bassett Town dressing room of a repetition of last year's brilliant run in the Wiltshire Senior Cup.

However, all thoughts of such a thing were ultimately vanquished thanks to a turgid second half performance that allowed the hosts not only to cancel out the deficit, but also go on and grab a winner, securing their progression to the quarter final stage by the odd goal in seven.

And it was a familiar name that proved to be Bassett's nemesis as Jesse Walters – who scored the winning extra time goal in the two side's FA Vase clash three seasons ago – bagged a decisive brace.

He fired the hosts into the lead, but Bassett were the team who stamped their authority on the first half with goals from Alex Green, Mitch Wyatt and Terry Adams giving them what appeared to be a comfortable lead at the break.

But three goals without reply from Walters, Dean Foot and Darren Harding secured an improbable comeback victory and left Bassett with questions to ponder.

Having scored three goals courtesy of three different players, it shows that the current rich vein of form in front of goal does not look like ceasing anytime soon. The last six games have seen Dave Turner's side score at least two goals, with Letcombe being the only opponent against which they failed to find the net on at least three occasions.

While this offers optimism, Bassett's defensive record is cause for concern, with the four goals shipped in the defeat highlighting this. Worryingly only one clean sheet has been kept in the nineteen competitive games played so far this season. At the corresponding point last season that number was five.

It goes without saying that goals are necessary to earn points, but it is the performance of the defence that ultimately determines whether you go home with a win, lose or draw. And with the next four games pitting Bassett against teams close around them in the congested Division One West table, the defensive frailties will need to be ironed out if the team is to earn valuable points to enable them push on and press for one of the three promotion spots come season's end.

Life isn't made any easier given the contests against Headington Amateurs (a newly scheduled fixture), Lydney Town and Cheltenham Saracens are all on the road, with only next week's match with Tytherington Rocks being played at Rylands Way.

Thankfully, the 4-3 defeat to Shrewton was a County Cup tie. But it is imperative that it serves as a lesson for the remainder of the season.

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

Shrewton United
Wootton Bassett TownWBTFC
Shrewton United Logo
4 ‒ 3
Wootton Bassett Town Logo

WBTFC Scorers:
Terry Adams, Alex Green, Mitchell Wyatt