Rylands Way, 14th January 2012

Over the years Easington Sports have typically been frustrating opponents for Wootton Bassett Town - the recent history of the two sides' encounters has been littered with narrow wins, painful losses and unsatisfying draws. And it was to be the latter scenario that played out at Rylands Way this time as the Oxfordshire side held Dave Turner's team to a 1-1 draw, preventing their hosts from taking advantage of teams around them dropping points.

Both teams cancelled each other out in an edgy opening half, and it took until the 63rd minute for the game to finally produce a goal. To Bassett's disappointment it went to the visitors as James Trevitt stabbed home.

Given their recent form the hosts needed at least an equaliser to salvage something from the game. That came with fifteen minutes to go when Matt Bown coolly dispatched a penalty. It was his twelfth goal of the campaign, seven of which have been successful conversions from the spot.

There was to be no winner for either team, both having to settle for a point which did little for their hopes of reeling in Purton and Old Woodstock Town in the battle for third spot. Fortunately for Bassett the draw did not see them heading in the wrong direction. They have now gained just seven points from their last eight league encounters, but remain fifth courtesy of the teams just below them also dropping points.

Time is beginning to run out though if a return to the Hellenic Premier Division is to remain a possibility. A surge in form and rekindling of the spirit of the 2009-10 season is needed.

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