Royal Wootton Bassett Town saw their four game unbeaten league run ended following a 3-1 defeat away against Tuffley Rovers.

After a fine four game run that yielded ten points, Royal Wootton Bassett Town were reminded by Tuffley Rovers that, as much as you write your own luck in football, you can just as often bring about your own demise.

In a lively contest, which saw chances aplenty for both sides, the seconds after Steve Robertson had scored an equaliser for the visitors proved decisive in determining the destination of the points, which the Gloucestershire side eventually earned with a 3-1 victory.

Still celebrating getting back on level terms, Bassett were caught napping as Marcus Foxwell's audacious effort from the halfway line sailed in over the head of 'keeper Curtis Meare to put Tuffley back in front.

And, as much as Bassett tried to get back on level terms, they were unable to find a second, allowing for Warren Mann to wrap up the three points from the penalty spot in the final minute.

After a brief period of quiet to begin the match, the game quickly livened up.

Brett James and Shayne Bradley both narrowly missed the target for the hosts, while Henry Spalding and Steve Robertson did the same for Bassett.

Spalding was the first to draw either of the two 'keepers into action as he raced through only to be denied by a good stop from David Evans.

Tuffley then broke the deadlock on the stroke of half time. It appeared as though the teams were headed into the interval deadlocked, but Foxwell swung in a fine free kick which Bradley stooped to head home at the far post.

Upon the resumption both defences continued to be tested. Robertson again went close before James struck a rasping drive over.

Shortly after the hour Bassett finally got back onto level terms as Robertson demonstrated his predatory instincts, firing home after a deflected cross had spun into his path.

That should have served as a platform on which to build. However, Bassett immediately found themselves back in arrears when Foxwell went for glory from the halfway line and succeeded in beating Meare.

To Bassett's credit, heads didn't drop as Sam Packer danced past four defenders before seeing his progress halted by Tristan Haswell's tackle just as it appeared as though the midfielder would have a shot on goal.

Dale Richards also went on a surging run only to produce an effort that lacked the vim required to beat Evans.

Chasing that elusive equaliser, Bassett were eventually caught out. Rovers continued to threaten with their best opportunities falling to Bradley and Ashley Davies. And eventually they found a third as Mann dispatched the penalty after James had been tripped.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Tuesday 13th September 2016 at 22:13