Royal Wootton Bassett Town started their 2017-18 Hellenic League Premier Division campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw away against Brackley Town Saints.
An entertaining opening day encounter saw Royal Wootton Bassett Town overturn a two goal deficit to claim a point away against Brackley Town Saints.
While there will be some disappointment at not having claimed victory, on the whole, Rich Hunter's team - not helped by having to make one of their longest journeys of the season on a Wednesday evening - can be pleased with the result.
Both teams were committed to playing a style of football that was easy on the eye, and were evenly matched throughout.
Yet, a defensive lapse from the visitors and a stunning strike had allowed the Saints to stake out a two goal advantage with just half an hour elapsed.
Josh Bowden was the first to pounce, providing a finish from a telling through ball after Bassett had won back possession before giving it straight back to their hosts.
Nine minutes later the hosts doubled their lead in outstanding fashion as Josh Murphy left Ant Brown with no chance courtesy of a 25-yard rocket.
Bassett were able to get one back with a screamer of their own though.
Eleven minutes before the break, a corner was cleared only as far as Callum Wright, and the midfielder rattled a thirty yard strike into the back of the net.
Man of the match Sam Packer then went close to grabbing an equaliser, being thwarted by a fine save.
It didn't take long for Nathan Gambling to go one better. On the stroke of half time, he latched onto Wright's incisive pass and kept his composure, producing a cool finish.
The second half was a tight affair with neither side able to trouble the scoresheet again, ensuring the spoils were shared.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 2nd August 2017 at 21:49
