Our Royal Wootton Bassett Town Veterans took on Greendown on the 4G at Gerard Buxton Tuesday night, and a late goal from Bryan Watson meant they ran out 4-3 winners in a competitive fixture.
After a slow start, Bassett gradually settled into the game, although they were thankful for a sharp save from Sean 'Soapy' Boyle to keep the scores level. On 20 minutes Bassett took the lead, when a terrific through-ball from sweeper Dean Ramshaw allowed Martin Cooper to gallop through the left channel and apply a composed left foot finish between the keeper's legs from a tight angle. Pete Yeardley would have been proud!
Greendown struck back immediately, a solo run taking advantage of the Vets defence standing off to dribble through and finish beyond Boyle. This was followed minutes later by a second for Greendown. A harsh free-kick was conceded 20 yards out, and was curled sweetly over the wall, clipping the bar on the way into the top right corner.
Simon Jones came on to give the midfield some legs, and Bassett were playing some good, patient football, looking to use Cooper's and Rob Mitchell's pace to get behind. One such attack caused Greendown to concede a corner, and from this, Cooper's excellent delivery led to much confusion and a blatant shove on Bryan Watson. A penalty was given and duly dispatched calmly by Jones into the bottom right hand corner.
Bassett lost Sal Hayek to a heavy challenge but were exerting good control on the game, with the defence of Lynch, Ramshaw, Gleed and Ian Mitchell strong, protected by 'General' Wood in front. On the occasion Greendown did break through Soapy Boyle saved well with his knees, somewhat unconventionally, but effectively!
2-2 at half time gave the Vets encouragement and after wise words from head honcho Nick Warren, the second half continued in the same vain. A goalmouth scramble Saw Boyle save again with his knees, then chest and, I think, personality to keep the scores level. Soon after, the Vets took the lead. A throw from the right from Jones allowed Cooper to turn his man, accelerate past two defenders and curl a precise left foot shot into the far corner. Exquisite!
The Vets legs started to tire after this, hamstrung by an injury to Cooper's hamstring, and Greendown fought back. Starting to be over-run in midfield, they gradually were pushed to defend deeper and the youthful elements of Greendown started to exert control. It was no surprise when a neat move led to the centre forward finishing nicely, one on one against Boyle.
3-3, and the Vets were now forced to defend stoutly, which they did, Heath and Wood breaking down attacks and limiting Greendown to long-distance sighters. Into injury time and finally Bassett broke down the right, Wood releasing Jones, whose fine cross cut out the defenders allowing Watson, running free in the middle, to finish a difficult chance smoothly first time and give the Vets the 4-3 win.
Afterwards Warren praised the players for their "resilience and teamwork - Kenny Campbell even finished on one leg!"
Credit: 'Junior Striker'
Last modified on Thursday 21st September 2017 at 22:02
