Dan Bailey's late free kick earned Royal Wootton Bassett Town their first victory at their new home as Ardley United were defeated 2-1.

They opened with a frustrating draw, then suffered a disappointing defeat. Now Royal Wootton Bassett Town can finally celebrate an inaugural triumph at their brand new digs. And, courtesy of Dan Bailey's piledriver of a free kick four minutes from time, they sealed that win in dramatic style as Ardley United were beaten 2-1.

Bailey's effort may have been guided to its destination by a deflection, but it was a stunning strike that capped perfectly the night floodlit football - which for some reason always seems more prone to creating special action - returned to Bassett.

The action was helped by the rain that had fallen on the pitch during the day, the slick grass producing a much sharper, better paced game than the two Saturday fixtures that have so far taken place at the New Gerard Buxton Sports Ground.

That inevitably led to more chances in front of goal. Indeed Steve Robertson, featuring for the first time this season, blazed two good chances over the bar in the contest's early stages.

Finally a goal arrived with half an hour played. Harvey Scholes and Dan Comer combined superbly on the right side, helping tee up Sam Packer who produced a good, low finish from close range to put the hosts ahead.

Ardley got back on level terms four minutes after the restart through Steve Howkins, who coolly dispatched a penalty after George Drewitt had been penalised.

Bailey, however, would have the decisive say, firing home Bassett's first ever winner at their new home.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 19th August 2015 at 22:00