Flying Monk Ground, 11th October 2014

Wootton Bassett Town brought their four game losing streak to an end the hard way, labouring to a 3-2 victory after extra time in their Wiltshire Senior Cup First Round tie against County League Malmesbury Victoria.

Henry Traas' scrappy tap in midway through the second period of extra time sealed the win after Bassett were forced to work extremely hard to avoid becoming Malmesbury's second significant Hellenic League scalp in a week.

The Vics' triumph against Bracknell Town in the FA Vase last weekend made clear that this game was going to be no walkover for Paul Braithwaite's team. But the Bassett boss would have wanted his team to have secured safe passage through to the next round of the county competition in much more convincing fashion.

Instead, it took an exerted effort that required them to come from behind.

Little of note occurred in a poor opening half, with the Flying Monk Ground surface hindering the ability for Bassett to get the ball down and play at any sort of speed.

Making matters more difficult, the visitors were quickly undone as Ben Mitchell was lobbed from beyond the halfway line by Chris Andrews.

Steve Yeardley restored parity shortly after the hour mark, firing in after a corner resulted in a scramble inside the hosts' box.

Thereafter play was largely all one way, though for all Bassett's dominance they rarely created any meaningful opportunities in front of goal.

That lack of attacking spark meant an extra half hour would be needed.

And Bassett should have been behind again early on when a clumsy Sam English challenge gifted Malmesbury a penalty. However, Ed Wilkins could only find the post.

Minutes later a moment of Shaun Terry magic put Bassett in front as he despatched a screamer into the top corner.

The lead failed to last though as Jordan Thompson's effort took a deflection on its way past Mitchell, as penalties loomed.

But a lung busting effort from Lewis Petrie to chase down what appeared to be a lost cause finally got Bassett out of their funk. His effort allowed the visitors to get the ball into the penalty area, and Traas bundled home what proved to be the winner.

As ugly a victory as it may have been, it was much needed for a side who looked short of confidence in the Vase defeat against Abingdon United last week.

And the chance now to start a run in the County Cup - an always wide open competition - could just be the lift Bassett need.

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