Bockhampton Road, 6th April 2013
Cue the celebrations: Bassett are going up!
Grounding out a 2-1 victory away against Lambourn Sports courtesy of goals from Shaun Terry and Mark Barnes, Wootton Bassett Town confirmed a top two finish in Hellenic League Division One West.
Sealing the deal with three games still to play emphasises how clinical and consistent Dave Turner's team have been over the course of an historic campaign. What began with a record FA Cup run will come to an end with a second promotion from Division One West in four seasons. The title may ultimately wind up being won by Brimscombe and Thrupp, but there can be no doubting the quality present throughout this Bassett team.
That strength has been highlighted throughout the course of the season most notably by the strike partnership formed between Terry – the wily veteran who creates as many goals as he poaches – and the deadly assassin Barnes – a player averaging a goal per game in the league.
Against Lambourn they again demonstrated their qualities, coming up big when the occasion demanded it.
A goal down when Matt Pedder finished off a decisive break for the hosts, Terry quickly restored parity shortly before the twenty minute mark, smashing a Tom Dingle cut back beyond the reach of the home ‘keeper from twelve yards.
Then early in the second period Barnes coolly slotted home after being put through behind the Lambourn defence.
The two goals would be all Bassett needed, but – unsurprisingly – there were nervous moments. Both Barnes and Terry spurned chances from close range that they should really have converted, while the home side saw an effort strike the crossbar.
Still, the performance – typically professional as Turner demanded – was enough.
Finally over the line, it's time to finish another fine campaign with a flourish and give Rylands Way the send-off it deserves.
For the club the future is bright – confirmation of promotion goes to demonstrate that even further.
Now where's that bubbly?!
Last modified on Monday 22nd June 2015 at 23:38
