Dale Richards scored one and set up two as Royal Wootton Bassett Town recorded a stunning 3-1 victory away at second place Thatcham Town.

Dale Richards has cut something of a frustrated figure in recent weeks. Finding starts hard to come by thanks to the consistent early season performances of namesake Jamie Richards at left back, the youth section product has frequently found himself on the bench, being an unused sub on more than one occasion.

However, afforded the opportunity to start in a more advanced role thanks to the absence of both Sam Packer and Steve Robertson, Richards grasped the chance given to him and then some, demonstrating the exceptional talent he possesses in a brilliant 3-1 win at Thatcham Town.

First, his powerful shot got Bassett back on level terms. He then turned provider, teeing up Henry Spalding to put the visitors in front, before finally delivering a wicked cross which was diverted into the net by a Thatcham defender for what proved to be the clinching goal on 65 minutes.

His outstanding contribution was the icing on the cake of a superb team performance, which maintains Bassett's record of having won on all three of their visits to Waterside Park.

Despite going behind, the team demonstrated resilience, discipline and determination, taking the game to a Thatcham team whose sights this season are set on claiming the top spot they narrowly missed out on last time out.

The hosts took the lead after nineteen minutes when Nathan Hawkins, attempting to prevent Jemel Johnson having an easy tap in after a dangerous low ball across the six yard box, had the misfortune to see his clearance strike Dan Comer and roll into the Bassett net.

But Bassett were on terms within six minutes. Henry Spalding, whose pace caused endless problems for the Kingfishers' defence, crossed for Richards who thumped a shot beyond Chris Rackley.

It could quickly have been two for Bassett as Alione Diouf, a tireless performer up front throughout the course of the game, narrowly headed over from a corner.

Spalding did get the second ten minutes before half time, steering in as Richards returned the favour, serving as the young wide man's provider.

With their opponents stocked with attacking firepower, preserving that advantage was never going to be a comfortable task for Bassett.

Yet commanding displays from Hawkins and George Drewitt at centre half and Matt Cheetham in the heart of midfield helped nullify the danger posed by the likes of Johnson and Shane Cooper-Clark, particularly during a spell of heavy pressure early in the second period. Meanwhile 'keeper Curtis Meare - facing the team he started the season with - was also on top form, producing a fine safe before the break to keep his team in front.

That provided the platform for Richards, Spalding and the equally vibrant Lewis Thompson to endanger the Thatcham defence.

Richards nearly made it three for Bassett soon after the restart. Then, shortly after the hour he played a crucial part in his team finally grabbing that crucial goal, spinning in a cross which was knocked in by a home defender.

From there there was no way back for Thatcham, their desperation being all too evident as long ball after long ball was pumped forward in vain.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Tuesday 20th September 2016 at 22:28