Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies kicked off their first pre-season game on Sunday against a newly formed Swindon Supermarine Ladies side.

On a slightly overcast afternoon it wasn't long before Bassett's play got the sunshine out. The fearsome attack force of Lisa Coe, Hayley Huckin, Laura Gammon and Sophie Roberts had the Supermarine defence against the wall from the off. There was lovely interplay between Huckin (on debut) and last season's top scorer Gammon, who set up Amber Egerton for a strike at goal in the opening minutes however her shot was deflected for a corner.

Lisa Coe's brilliant form for Bassett continued as she was a constant threat down the left wing causing the opposition defence constant problems. It was her run down the wing and pin point cross which picked out Sophie Roberts (debut) although the youngster could only head wide.

Bassett must have thought it was going to be the story from last season again, as they were unable to convert the chances they were having. Roberts flicked on to Gammon who steamed towards goal but her shot went over the bar. As the ball was played back in by the Supermarine 'keeper, Huckin picked the ball off the Supermarine midfield and charged forward before sending in a teasing cross, with the keeper unsure whether to stay or go the ball fell to Coe whose strike was tipped out for a corner.

Bassett's foot remained firmly on the gas and 21 minutes in Huckin's surging run forward took out 3 Supermarine players, and with the goal on sight she shot over the bar.

From the touchline it was feared it was going to be one of those days, Laura Gammon was back in the action again and her pass picked out Coe who made no mistake this time placing the ball into the net of the post. Bassett deservedly led 1-0.

It seemed as if the pressure was off as Bassett got their first goal, as number two quickly followed. It was Captain Egerton who picked out Gammon and she coolly finished. Then Coe repaid the favour to Gammon who quickly scored again.

After half time Supermarine battled back at Bassett and pressed more. However the silky passing and movement of Bassett proved too much to handle. Egertonhad the ball played into her in the box but she was hacked down by the Supermarine centre back and won her team the penalty. Naturally, Gammon stepped up to take the penalty but it was blazed over the bar.

Bassett's new look defence dealt with anything that was thrown at them although throughout the game there was very little threat. Nevertheless, they went about their job professionally and did not switch off, constantly breaking any advance by Suprmarine and calmly passing the ball out.

Supermarine's goal was the place to watch as Sam Wood latched on to a through pass and gave it a trademark strike right into the top corner, Bassett 4-0 up with half an hour left to play.

The Bassett manager continued to ring the changes and it wasn't long before the youngsters joined the party. Roberts came back on to replace Emilia Gray and the youngster played beyond her years as she placed three calm and collected finishes to score her first ever Bassett goal and first ever Bassett hat-trick.

The Ladies thoroughly deserved their win and there were a lot of positives to take into the season. Their next friendly fixture is away to FC Chippenham Ladies, with Bassett keen to avenge the scoreline in the last meeting between the two.

Credit: Nik Butler
Last modified on Saturday 20th August 2016 at 20:13