A 90th minute Harvey Scholes wondergoal delivered all three points for Royal Wootton Bassett Town as they edged out strugglers Bracknell Town 2-1.

On an otherwise atrocious afternoon, Royal Wootton Bassett Town's mercurial playmaker Harvey Scholes shone brightest.

Having already provided the assist for Bassett's first of the day - later to be cancelled out by Callum Whitty's stooping header, Scholes' last gasp wonderstrike delivered a 2-1 victory and all three points in a tight contest against lowly Bracknell Town.

After receiving a Sam Packer pass on the right side, Scholes uncorked a sublime curling effort from 25 yards out that left Garry Aulsberry in the Robins' goal no chance as the ball swung beautifully into the opposite top left corner.

The midfielder has scored some outstanding goals since joining from New College in the summer – notably the opener away at then-leaders Thatcham Town a fortnight ago. But this one surely topped the lot.

What it sealed – a vital three points after the disappointment of last week's home defeat – was of great significance too, although it could be argued that a draw would have been a fairer result.

Bracknell certainly seemed to adjust better to the stiff wind which affected play in the opening period.

With the brisk breeze at their backs, Bassett's consistent resort to long balls forward from the back and switches of play was frustrating to watch as the ball inevitably evaded its target, flying swiftly into touch.

And only once did they threaten in the first half. That came on the quarter hour mark when Steve Robertson controlled Scholes' cut back on the edge of the area, turned his marker brilliantly before twisting his way past two further defenders, yet snatched at a right-footed shot, which rolled harmlessly wide.

By that point the visitors had already had two decent chances. After stealing possession as Bassett sought to play out from the back, Adam Cornell spread the ball out to Declan Kirby on the right, with the midfielder flashing his strike across goal and wide.

Then, following a quick free kick routine, an unmarked Cornell guided a header off target from Jamie McClurg's weighted cross.

Midway through the period Bracknell came close again, but Daniel Money hooked straight into the hands of Curtis Meare from close range.

Chances having been at a premium, it therefore remained goalless going into the break. And when the players emerged for play to resume the conditions had become so abject, with rain now lashing down, those in attendance must have got the feeling that they were set to witness a goalless draw.

Within eight minutes of the restart, however, Bassett made sure that wouldn't be the case.

The source of their fortune was down the right wing, with Tyler Sheppard, having held the ball up superbly, feeding Scholes, who then got the better of full back Michael Watson.

It was the second time in a matter of minutes Scholes had sauntered past Watson. On the first occasion he squared for Robertson, but the forward dwelt too long on the ball before being tackled.

Second time round, however, the forward steered home after the initial shot from Scholes' cut back had been blocked.

Although ahead, Bassett didn't look entirely comfortable. And Bracknell – desperate for points given their current plight in the bottom two – were not about to be rolled over.

Emphasising the threat they posted, Johnie Dyer evaded his marker before heading narrowly over at the near post following a whipped in free kick shortly after the hour.

Ever Bassett's weakness, Bracknell eventually equalised from another set piece. With twelve minutes remaining McClurg sent in a corner from the right, which, catching the wind, hung in the air, allowing Whitty to climb highest and send a powerful header from ten yards into the back of the net.

Having by no means been bettered by their hosts, that goal, seemingly setting them up for a point, was what Bracknell probably deserved.

However, Scholes' late, stunning intervention made certain they'd go home empty handed, while simultaneously bringing brightness for Bassett on an otherwise bleak afternoon.

Man of the Match: Harvey Scholes – something of a peripheral figure in the first half, Scholes came to life after the restart. His trickery helped set up Steve Robertson for the opener, while his 90th minute winner was an absolute wondergoal.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 29th November 2015 at 14:30