Royal Wootton Bassett Town Reserves became the new leaders in the Wiltshire League Premier Division as they overturned a 2-0 half time to deficit to defeat Cricklade Town 3-2 in a midweek thriller.
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Reserves continue to master the art of the comeback.
Staring at only their third league defeat of the season when down 2-0 at half time against Cricklade Town, leaders going into the match, Dave Terry and Danny Groom's team dramatically turned the game around after the restart, scoring three times without reply to snatch the points - and top spot in the Wiltshire League Premier Division.
It was Groundhog Day for Bassett in the opening period as Toby Clark and Carl Evans had put the visitors in a position of overwhelming strength after a first half in which they had the better of the play.
Their goals, both coming from corners, were rather soft. Clark seized on a loose ball in the box to blast his side ahead, before an unmarked Evans headed home from close range.
However, Cricklade failed to account for the sense of belief and never say die attitude in the Bassett dressing room.
It was the second time this season that Bassett had launch a stunning comeback attempt against their near neighbours. However, unlike on their visit to Stones Lane earlier in the campaign, this one was not to be in vain.
The introduction of veteran sharpshooter Shaun Terry, replacing an unwell Martin Sinclair with 25 minutes remaining, helped swing the game as he netted a brace.
His first came as he stroked in a rebound after fine footwork in the box had initially opened up the space for him to shoot. Terry then steered in a perfectly controlled first time effort to get the hosts on level terms.
Having played intricate, free flowing football throughout the evening, Bassett now importantly had the momentum in the game. And Aaron Labejja bagged the all-important third, uncorking a stunning 20-yard drive that flew into the top corner, to ensure his side scaled the summit.
They may have just a one point advantage having played three more games than their nearest rivals, but Bassett's second string certainly deserve to admire the view from the top of the tree.
It's been earned the hard way, but it's a just reward for the effort put in over the course of the season's opening two months. And long may that continue.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Friday 7th October 2016 at 20:49
