Royal Wootton Bassett Town Reserves recovered from being two goals and a man down to earn a point against high-flying Melksham Town Reserves courtesy of an Andy Guppy brace.

Following last week's debacle and disappointing defeat away against basement dwellers Sarum Youth, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Reserves staged another fantastic second half comeback display to grab a deserved point against Melksham Town Reserves.

Two goals and a man down following a ridiculous decision to send off Brad Upfold, things got worse for Bassett at half time when 'keeper Jack Gregory was unable to continue through injury. Defender Kyle Brooks went in goal and was replaced in the backline by Dan Murphy, who himself was returning from injury.

With nothing to lose, joint managers Dave Terry and Danny Groom changed the formation to 3-4-2 and went on the attack and very nearly completed another remarkable turnaround to match that which earned victory against Malmesbury Victoria a week and a half ago.

Both teams had chances in the second period, but the Bassett back three and Brooks were superb in keeping Melksham from adding any more to their tally.

Bassett had chances of their own and their pressure and hard work was rewarded when man of the match Andy Guppy scored his second goal of the half to equalise with around ten minutes remaining.

The hosts had a chance to get all three points in the final minute when Scott Walduck was denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity following a foul by the Melksham 'keeper, which amazingly only drew a yellow card from the referee. The resulting free kick came to nothing, but overall it was a very good point gained.

The draw keeps Bassett in eleventh, ahead of Marlborough Town by virtue of goals scored. There's still scope to climb the table too, with Corsham Town Reserves sitting just two points ahead of Bassett.

With a mountain to climb at half time against Melksham, the team spirit and application of everyone involved was very evident and pleasing to see and the Reserves now look forward to avenging last week's loss against Sarum when they visit the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground next Saturday.

Credit: Danny Groom
Last modified on Sunday 10th April 2016 at 12:42