Old hostilities were renewed for a number of players as Royal Wootton Bassett Town Veterans took on a newly formed Purton side in one of football's most hotly contested derbies!
Purton sported a young side, comparatively, with some recognisable local football faces such as Dave Toomey, Glenn "The Goal" Armstrong, Billy the Fish and Jack the Ripper, whose first scythe Dave Parker was lucky to escape.
Underneath early stormy skies it was shown that lightning really does strike twice when - (cut, paste from the RAF game) - "Nick Warren's surging run from right wing back and precise cross along the six yard line found Steve Shaw surging in at the back post, who was aghast to see his side-foot shot roll the wrong side of the upright."
An even first twenty minutes held sway and the Vets back three of Davis, Jack and Cinquegrani were solid, ably supported by Warren and Simon Jones, and always comfortable in possession, with Cinquegrani in particular showing a cavalier side! It was something of a surprise when a Purton long cross from right to left caught the defence out, drifting over the tousled blonde locks of Davis to be beautifully caught on the side-foot volley by Toomey and dispatched past Jefferies. Bassett were then indebted to a fine left handed save by their stopper, who showed up well all night between the sticks.
Game on! But the Vets responded quickly with some sustained pressure, and were soon level when a clearance dropped to Warren on the right, who slalomed into the area like a modern day Ricky Villa and finished calmly after fooling the keeper, sweet indeed for the former Purtonite.
Half time was approaching but Bassett struck again to strike a hammer-blow to the young pretenders. A through ball caused confusion and Howse was able to nip in front of the keeper before being pole axed. A penalty may have ensued, but Martin Ohrland was up in support to roll in the loose ball anyway for a 2-1 lead at the break.
Bassett's midfield trio of Ohrland, Cook and Badman had dovetailed well and when changes were made debutant Pete Wilson looked equally at home and this allowed the Vets control in the second half. Another challenge won and counter attack sent down the left saw Shaw put in a menacing cross. Howse caused the mischief in going up for the header and the keeper couldn't gather, allowing substitute Cooper to show he can goal hang even from wing back, on hand to stab home.
Bassett's vociferous away support of the Postman, the Pieman and Liam Gallagher were in full flow, encouraging their heroes(!) onwards and Bryan Wood's inspired management and control of the changes gave Bassett a solidity. 3-1 turned to 4-1 very quickly, when the ball fell kindly to the modest wing back Cooper who curled in a low shot from 20 yards.
Purton heads had sunk, finding no joy from Bassett's defence, and the visitors made hay as the skies darkened. First a Hoddle-like ball out from defence was left like a spotty teenager on the dancefloor and Ohrland was quickest to see the opportunity and rasp a left footer home. Soon after, Steve Howse grabbed a well-deserved goal, rounding off another break from Parker and Shaw to finish under the keeper.
There was time for Badman to graze the crossbar from distance, before the final whistle and a satisfactory all-round team performance.
Man of the Match goes to Martin Ohrland, a Gulliver among Lilliputians with a left foot like Lionel! Pink Pony goes to….!
Credit: Junior Striker
Last modified on Friday 25th May 2018 at 08:51
