A competitive second annual fixture charity match in aid of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund between Royal Wootton Bassett Town Veterans and the RAF FA Veterans took place at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, with Bassett finally coming out on top 2-0. The fixture marks the town's relationship with the former RAF base at Lyneham, and the commemorations to fallen soldiers from the townsfolk, as they were repatriated back to the UK.

A super turnout crowd on a bitterly cold day were treated to a great quality match between two committed and skilful sides. The early exchanges were evenly fought, with Bassett first to go close. Martin Ohrland took the ball through midfield and found support with Nick Warren surging up from right wing back. His precise cross along the six yard line found Steve Shaw surging in at the back post, but he was aghast to see his side-foot roll the wrong side of the upright. The RAF were to break moments later and missed a similar chance in the same fashion, the striker shooting wide when it seemed easier to score.

Bassett were getting a lot of joy out wide, with Steve Lynch and Warren benefitting from Gav Cook, Ohrland and Simon Jones' snap in midfield in front of the deep-lying Dan Badman. On ten minutes Steve Lynch had a great chance one-on one with the keeper from the right, but the stopper blocked well and Ohrland's follow up was also smothered and cleared.

A corner was the RAF's next chance to threaten, keeper Paul Boys Stones' punched clearance was lifted back towards goal but just over. Bassett's back three of Davis, Jack and Cinquegrani with Jefferies also switching in, were solid, and also comfortable in possession and Bassett continued to threaten from this base. On twenty minutes they took the lead after Parker had been introduced for Steve Howse. Cook found Steve Shaw in space on the left edge of the area and he judged his lobbed chip perfectly for Parker to finish right footed on the half volley back across the keeper.

Bassett were exerting more and more control and creating the better chances, Shaw hitting the sidenetting from the best of these and Dan Badman seeing a fine effort from wide on the left palmed over. A few challenges flew in, with Cinquegrani late into one challenge, causing some ripples, but the game remained fair but competitive. In truth Bassett's line of bald heads across midfield had a good measure of their opponents.

A good half-time lead, and Bassett were pleased to have the advantage as the second half started, with changes from the RAF from their well-stocked bench proving to add impetus to their attacks. However, the Vets also looked dangerous with Badman finding space in midfield and spraying passes for the speedy Shaw and Parker. A rampaging Gav Cook took the attack to the RAF and he slipped a fine ball to Parker, who was well (Air) marshalled and pinged an effort wide.

The half continued to be closely fought, cut and thrust from both sides, and the next great chance came from a lovely ball down the right channel from Badman, which Shaw took on, elusively cut inside and unleashed a great twenty yard left footer that crashed back off the crossbar. Steve Howse then had a one-on-one saved by an accomplished keeper.

Former Bassett player-coach Mike Byrne was introduced by the RAF; a nice touch, although he seemed a lot quieter than I remember!

Bassett found the breathing space they were looking for when another well-judged ball down the right from Badman found Parker on the run and this time he accelerated on goal and finished classically to the keeper's right.

This proved the game-breaker, with RAF running out of steam and changes occurring aplenty, and Steve Lynch put over two fabulous crosses, the first saw Shaw's turn and snapshot deflected wide, and the second agonisingly missed by Dave Parker, heading wide from four yards. Parker was not to gain his hat-trick, next back heeling wide with Warren well placed and screaming blue murder alongside!

The RAF had one last chance, the robust centre forward somehow bursting between Davis and Cook's hips before squaring a simple chance that his fellow striker blazed wide.

On the final whistle, handshakes were shared and Bassett can be pleased with a turnaround from last year's 3-0 defeat. This shows the growth and strength in depth that the Vets section now brings to the club, and huge thanks have to go to Nick Warren, Paul Davis and the team for organising the three games on Super Sunday, as well as the regular Friday Footy. Also to the Club Committee for the chance to use the stadium pitch and laying on all the facilities.

Man of the match went to Dan Badman for his poise, control, and constant supply of incisive passing, and the glamorous and coveted Pink Pony Award was won by Steve Shaw for the chances missed that he would normally score in his sleep!

Credit: Junior Striker
Last modified on Tuesday 1st May 2018 at 21:07