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Gambling proves a safe bet from the bench

Lydney Recreation Ground, Tuesday 15th August 2017

Nathan Gambling's late goal earned Royal Wootton Bassett Town a deserved second point of the season as they drew 1-1 away at Lydney Town.

It was fast. It was furious. And come full time, Royal Wootton Bassett Town had earned the point that their performance merited as they held Lydney Town to a 1-1 draw courtesy of substitute Nathan Gambling's assured second half finish.

Lydney's Severnside Gloucestershire outpost has hardly been a happy hunting ground in recent years, but on this occasion a hungry, workmanlike display ensured the lengthy journey home would not be made empty-handed.

A classic dose of midweek football was on offer in a contest that offered much to the neutral.

Bassett were on top in the opening half hour, coming close to taking the lead when Sam Packer struck a post following a great cross from Matt Jones.

However, for the final fifteen minutes until half time momentum swung in favour of the home side.

And Lydney converted that level of pressure into a lead early in the second half. Matt Cheetham was beaten down the line and a low cross was diverted into his own net beyond 'keeper Matt Bulman by Aaron Stevens.

Bassett were desperate to get back into the game, but it appeared as though they'd come up just short.

David Coleman struck narrowly over when through one-on-one while another fine ball into the box from Jones flashed across the face of goal with nobody there to steer it in.

Gambling was then summoned from the bench as the visitors went with three up top.

However, still they found no way through, Coleman being denied.

Finally with ten minutes to go, the breakthrough came. Steve Yeardley played a ball down the line, which Packer latched onto. He then cut a pass back into the box which Gambling - ever the assured finisher - put away.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Tuesday 15th August 2017 at 21:56