The Bourne, 8th December 2012

Despite getting off to the worst possible start, Wootton Bassett Town's trip to Hook Norton finished with the best possible outcome for Dave Turner's side.

First half goals from Craig Bowden and Steve Yeardley secured a vital come from behind 2-1 victory that reestablished a four point gap ahead of the Oxfordshire side, who occupied third place in Hellenic League Division One West at the beginning of the day.

Having gained 25 points from their last available 30 and gone undefeated in their previous five league encounters, Hook Norton went into the match as the division's form side. Bassett, without a win in any competition since early November, were set to be up against it.

Their task appeared as though it would be even tougher than anticipated when the home side struck within sixty seconds of the opening whistle.

Sloppy defending gifted Hook Norton the lead, and soon after sloppy finishing helped preserve it as Shaun Terry fluffed a sitter.

But Bassett eventually got on level terms when Craig Bowden stroked home a tenth minute penalty.

The decisive goal of the game also came early, Steve Yeardley netting what proved to be the winner at the half's midway point.

Bassett contrived to make life hard for themselves, however, as Terry and strike partner Mark Barnes experienced a rare off-day.

Their profligacy before the break made certain of a difficult time following the restart. Yet Bassett held on in the face of much pressure to make sure second spot remained theirs and to kick start their promotion push.

With the loss against Brimscombe and Thrupp and recent cup commitments it had been a long time since the team could savour three points. How sweet it was that the return to winning ways came against a side threatening to unseat Bassett from their lofty second place spot.

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