Rylands Way, 15th December 2012

Having seen a lead evaporate three times, Wootton Bassett Town were all set for a disappointing 3-3 draw against mid-table North Leigh Reserves. Then a minute into stoppgage time, out of nowhere, they were awarded a debatable penalty which Matt Bown dispatched. Fortunately at that point there was next to no time for the visitors to get on level terms once again. A valuable three points had been secured, though Dave Turner's team made hard work of it.

It had been the perfect of starts for the home side. Just two minutes in, Mark Barnes ended his six week goal drought, grabbing the opener and his 24th of the season.

Yet, not for the first time on the afternoon, the lead did not last long - in the 20th minute Gareth Shepherd equalised. After such a fast start, such a tough contest was not necessarily expected, especially since Bassett romped to a 5-0 victory when the teams met earlier in the campaign.

Quarter of an hour later Bassett were ahead again. Barnes teed up youngster Scott Walduck, who directed his effort between three defenders and into the back of the net.

With half time looming, it appeared as though that would be the last goal of the half. But a minute before the whistle the visitors won a penalty which Alfie Saunders stroked home. Back to square one.

Following the restart it didn't take long for the hosts to stake out another lead as Bown notched, but within two minutes an own goal took the score to 3-3.

Agonisingly the minutes ticked down with Bassett unable to snatch the decisive goal.

However they were let out of jail with the award of a soft penalty in additional time. Ever reliable from twelve yards, Bown found the bottom corner to deliver the points.

Victories all count, no matter how they come. But Bassett will be looking for far fewer days like this as they continue their push for promotion.

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